CHILDREN AND TEEN CARE

How to Avoid Back Pain from Backpacks - Conclusion

By Katharine Paljug @kpaljug
 | 
November 15, 2017
713775741

Other causes of back pain in children

If your child is still complaining of back pain, even with a lighter backpack, there could be other causes to consider.

In an article analyzing studies on backpack pain, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service noted that the back pain children experience is only sometimes caused by too-heavy backpacks. Children can also experience back pain for the same reasons adults do, including:

  • Poor posture
  • Too much sedentary time
  • Poor muscle tone

Improving these factors can reduce how frequently your child experiences back pain.

  • Limit the time children spend on sedentary activities, such as watching TV or playing video games.
  • Have children take part in physical activity three to five times a week to build muscle, such as playing outside, taking dance classes, or joining a sport team.
  • When children do homework, provide a supportive chair and a table that is the correct height.
  • Encourage good posture rather than slouching or slumping.

If your child frequently complains of severe pain in his or her back or other parts of the body, this could be a sign of an underlying health problem. Take your child’s pain seriously, and visit a doctor to discuss possible causes and treatments.

 

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Updated:  

February 27, 2020

Reviewed By:  

Janet O’Dell, RN