Back Pain in Kids: The Ache of Children and Families
Sep 23, 2022
Many people associate back pain with the adult and elderly population. As it turns out, back pain in children and adolescents is common, and can be a real stressor to children and parents alike. Low back pain can prevent kids and teens from important daily activities such as carrying a book bag, participating in sports, and enjoying other activities that bring them joy.
While a typical response to back pain is to rest and take it easy, inactivity can actually worsen pain and discomfort. The COVID-19 pandemic unfortunately forced many children and families indoors, thus resulting in sedentary activity and inactive lifestyles. Moreover, many children are incorporating more screen time into their day—about 5-8 hours for most American kids—due to hybrid learning models. Promoting a vibrant, active, post-pandemic lifestyle for children and adolescents is a key component to help combat back pain in youth.
What most commonly causes back pain?
Most cases of back pain are due to muscle strains and imbalances, and are less likely to be caused by a serious condition. Tight hamstrings and weak core muscles may contribute to increased tension on the back muscles, ligaments, and joints. Likewise, excess weight on the body worsens this imbalance of muscle tone and alignment. While a regular exercise routine is highly recommended and beneficial for all children and teens, repetitive exercises or activities that put excess strain on the back may also contribute to pain.
How can back pain be improved?
The back is made up of a large complex of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that help hold your body upright and allow your body to move. These back muscles, like any other muscles in the body, require exercise to maintain strength and stability. Finding a physical activity that your child enjoys will promote regular exercise and strengthen back muscles. Dedicated core muscle strengthening and hamstring stretching can specifically promote improved posture, spinal mobility, and strength.
In addition, prolonged sedentary position and inappropriate posture can fatigue the core muscles, therefore transferring the stress to other spinal structures. Implementing frequent breaks, mini exercises, and stretches during the day can help prevent this. Fortunately, most overuse injuries improve with rest and physical therapy.
How can the entire family get involved?
There are many ways to get all members of the family up and moving, and allow daily physical activity to become a part of the household routine. Perhaps the best method to promote family exercise is to have fun together. Walking pets outside, visiting a local nature center, or dancing to music are a few ideas to get started. Setting devices aside and taking a family walk can be a simple first step towards improving spinal health in everyone.
Allen A. Kadado, MD, is a faculty member of the Department of Orthopaedics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He received his medical degree from Wayne State University, School of Medicine and completed his residency at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan.
Holly W. Romer, CPNP-PC
Holly Romer is on the Nurse Practitioner Team in the Orthopedics Department.
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