Technology and Back Pain in Children

Children and adolescents are seeking help from chiropractors in ever increasing numbers because of back pain. Back pain is usually thought of as a problem affecting adults. Research carried out this year in which 460 parents of children aged 11-16 were questioned, found that 40% of children in this age group had experienced back pain. 15% of these parents attributed their child's pain to just one thing - the prolonged use of computers or computerised devices. The research also revealed that nearly three quarters of these children spend between 1 and 4 hours each day using computers, laptops or tablets. Nearly half the parents admitted that their children did not get enough exercise.

In recent months I've noticed a jump in the number of children coming through my door. Most have presented with back pain. Many have overly sedentary lifestyles but some also presented with sporting injuries to their backs or other parts of their bodies. I'm always happier to see children who have pain related to being active as I find that they are more likely to make a quicker and more sustained recovery.

The NHS recommends that children aged 5-18 get at least an hour of exercise a day. Although my children take part in sports teams or clubs, modern life makes it is difficult to achieve at least an hour of exercise every day. Knowing that this is difficult for many families to achieve, the British Chiropractic Association has developed a 3 minute exercise programme called 'Straighten-Up UK'. This is great for adults and children alike. Although it is short and is in no way a substitute for doing some more intense aerobic exercise, it does get most parts of the body stretching and moving on a daily basis. You can get your family to have a go at it by clicking here.

If your child is experiencing back pain or other musculoskeletal pain, then seeing a chiropractor can often help. I offer free initial consultations for children at my clinic in Crosby. Child treatment sessions are also discounted by a third, costing just £20. Treatment is hands on and is modified to make it suitable for the age of the child. When a child's inactive lifestyle is identified as being a contributing factor, advice will also be given to improve posture and address lifestyle issues. Don't let a newly acquired adolescent pain develop into a chronic adult problem. I'm here to help.