Child Back Pain on the Rise

Research results announced in October 2008 by The British Chiropractic Association, reports that nearly a third (32%) of 6-7 year olds complain of back pain, and 45% of 11 year olds experience aches and pains.

Lower back pain in children has been attributed to a number of factors: Poor posture, which include sitting in front of the TV for hours on end, carrying heavy school bags, slouching over computer games and playing little sport.

Encouraging correct posture could help to treat and prevent some back pain. We recommend the use of lumbar rolls to help treat poor posture, such as the McKenzie Original Roll and McKenzie Cervical Roll.

Correct alignment of the pelvis with the spine is essential. Most children will spend the largest part of their school day sat in plastic chairs reaching forward to their desk. Many of these chair seats slope backwards, forcing the childs' spine into a similar position to that of a soft chair or sofa.  Reaching forward to the desk from this angle causes the spine to bend awkwardly resulting in low back pain and discomfort around the mid thoracic region, under the shoulder blades. The use of seat wedges and air filled cushions such as the Flexi Sit help to encourage correct this by allowing a more natural placement of the pelvis and spine.

The survey questioned 1200 children and also discovered that 72% experience back pain from carrying heavy books and sports equipment for school around all day, despite 63% wearing their rucksacks correctly on both shoulders, indicating that their rucksacks are poorly designed.

Ensure children are not carrying unnecessary items in their school bags and encourage correct use at all times.

Above all, it is important that children get more exercise and do not adopt sedentary lifestyles, whether it is sports or simply playing with friends.

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