Back pain is usually thought of as a problem in adults.  Research shows up to 80% of all adults will suffer low back pain at least once in their life.

Back pain is becoming more prevalent and an increasing problem for children and teenagers.  Many factors are leading to the increase in the symptoms.

A study done in Israel questioned more than 10,000 Israeli schoolchildren in grades 1 thru 6 regarding their average weight, average weight of backpacks, if there were on-campus facilities to store backpacks, the height of chairs and desks in relation to student height, seating arrangements, and physical activity during recess.

The results showed that between 30 percent and 54 percent of the students carried bags containing 15 percent or more of their body weight; almost 15 percent of the 1st graders and 20 percent of 6th graders sat in chairs of “inappropriate” height; in 74 percent of the classes, students sat with their sides facing the instructor and in another 35 percent, students sat with their backs to the teacher; 30 percent of the schools did not have storage facilities for backpacks; in 48 percent of the schools, there was no organized play activity during recess and in another 6 percent there was no provision for any type of physical activity during recess.

Parents, your children are at serious risk of developing low back pain.  Not only the above risks mentioned in the research, but from the time of birth when the doctors twist the neck and shoulders to deliver a baby, the amount of times a baby falls when learning to walk, playing sports and other activities, children rough housing …just to name a few,  accumulate and cause the spine to misalign. There are  several steps you can take to maintain your child’s health:  Monitor the weight of your child’s back pack; talk to school administrators about repositioning desks and physical activity; and of course, have your child examined regularly by a doctor of chiropractic – it could prevent years of unnecessary back pain and spinal degeneration or arthritis.  Chiropractors will not put your child on harmful medications that have many side effects and can cause other health issues.  A chiropractor that works with children, does a thorough examination and use gentle techniques to correct the cause of the pain.

Our office in Freehold, NJ, Hometown Family Wellness Center has been helping children and adults get out of pain, but also to help them prevent and maintain a healthy spine and optimally functioning nervous system for natural health and wellness without drugs or surgery.  For more information on Dr. Russell Brokstein, DC go to www.chiropractorfreehold.com and check out our current specials, blogs and patient testimonials.

Reference: Limon S, Valinsky LJ, Ben-Shalom Y. Children at risk. Risk factors for low back pain in the elementary school environment. Spine, March 15, 2004;29(6):697-702.