Although back pain is usually thought of as an "adult" problem - research shows that up to 80 percent of all adults worldwide will suffer low back pain at least once in their lifetime - evidence suggests that back pain is also becoming an increasing problem in children and teenagers. The results of a recent study show that schoolchildren are also susceptible to low back pain, and that a variety of factors can lead to this condition.

In this study, researchers sent a questionnaire to the teachers of more than 10,000 Israeli schoolchildren in 1st through 6th grade. The questionnaire examined factors such as average student weight, average weight of backpacks, whether there were on-campus facilities for students to store their backpacks, the relationship of the height of class chairs and desks to student height, seating arrangements, and the average amount of physical activity during recess.

Results: Between 30% and 54% of the students carried bags containing 15% or more of the student's body weight. Almost 15% of 1st graders and 20% of 6th graders sat in chairs of "inappropriate" height. In 74% of the classes, students sat with their side facing the instructor; in another 35% of classes, students sat with their backs to the teacher. Thirty percent of the schools did not have storage facilities for the students to stockpile their backpacks. In 48% of the schools, there was no organized play activity during recess; in another 6%, there was no provision for any type of physical activity during recess.

If you're a parent, this study should be a wake-up call that your child may be at risk of developing low back pain. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to maintain your child's health. Monitor your child's backpack weight to make sure it remains light. Visit your child's school and ask about the positioning of desks and the types of physical activity available. And of course, have your child examined regularly by a doctor of chiropractic - it could prevent years of unwanted back pain.

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.