Back Pain in Children

Many people assume that back pain is a condition that only adults deal with and that most often it is the seniors that have the problems with back pain. These are misconceptions. . Firstly, back pain is commonly experienced by adults of all ages. Secondly, eighty percent of all Americans will experience back pain at some time in their lives, not just when they get old. But, as well, many children experience back troubles that often lead to back pain. Their back pain can be caused by an injury or a genetic abnormality that effects their back’s construction.

Some back pain in children is caused by easy things to correct. For example, how the child carries a heavy backpack can have consequences that lead to back pain. A backpack must be carried in such a way as to evenly distribute the weight. Placing the heavier items closer to the surface of the back will make them easier to carry. The pack should have good padding on the shoulders to better support the distribution of the weight. As well, children should be taught early on how to hold themselves when they walk and sit. Good posture in a child will lead to less back problems as they grow. The type of activities that they participate in can cause back pain for a child. If your child complains of back pain there are things to look at to see if you can correct them and so alleviate the pain.

Young athletes can be injured during a sports game. These injuries, even minor ones, can lead to back spasms. These spasms make it hard for the muscles to relax which leads to other muscles having to work to compensate. This can lead to back pain. Sometimes a child that gets hurt during a sports activity may become concerned about being hurt again and so decide not to play with their team anymore. This leads to a lack of exercise and can actually do as much harm as good. Exercise is very important to the proper development of muscle strength and flexibility in a growing child.

The young athlete is more likely to be hurt playing football or riding horse. But they are equally likely to injure themselves in activities where they tend to use their flexibility more, like gymnastics or dance. While sports that require more strength, like weightlifting or rowing, are also prime causes of back strain. If your child is involved in any of these, or any other sports, proper stretching before and after they play or compete will go a long way to preventing injury. Be prepared for the young athlete to get hurt no matter how well they try to avoid it. Sprains or twists can happen especially to growing bodies.

In children the very act of growing can cause back problems. Those teen years when growth spurts are common can cause a teenagers back pain. Perhaps that’s why research shows that back pain is more prevalent in kids over twelve.

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