We know that back pain is very common among adults, but how often do children have it? Researchers in Israel surveyed 101 elementary schools to find out. Risk factors such as backpack usage, student weight, chair and desk height, and physical activity at recess were measured in 10,000 children. The children were in grades one through six.
The authors found that between one-third and one-half of all children carry more than 15 percent of their body weight in their backpacks or bags. Fifteen percent sit in chairs that are the wrong size or height. Even more common was the practice of sitting sideways to the teacher. A smaller number of students (six percent) had no physical activity at recess.
Recent studies including this one point out how common low back pain is in children and teenagers. The results show a link between having back pain early in life and experiencing it again in adulthood. Environmental risk factors are likely to blame. These risk factors include lifting and carrying too much, sitting too long, and daily smoking among teenagers with jobs requiring lifting.
The authors conclude there is an urgent need to reduce risks for back pain at school. Knowing the risk factors is the first step. The authors think that increased awareness is the next step. Reducing the risks is the final step.
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