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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are some potential causes for back pain in children and teens?

    Related Topics
    Back & Neck Pain Pain Parenting
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    Dr Nicholas Miller

    Chiropractor

    Special interest include; Wellnes,nutrition, physical exercise, headaches and sports injuries. My aim is to improve the wellness and health of all my clients. View Profile

    Neck and back pain in children occur for similar reasons they do in adults. As more and more kids are becoming less active and spending more and more time sitting and slumping, the prevalence of back and neck pain is likely to increase. Poor posture and large amounts of sitting causes muscle groups to become inhibited (decrease firing) and other muscle groups to become overactive (tight). These are known as upper and lower cross sydnrome. Either the pain is caused by these tight muscles or as a result of poor spinal stability, structures within the spine become overloaded causing injury and pain. 

    It is important to remember that the taking of pain medication is only a short term solution to a long term problem. Getting your child assesed, corrected and with a specific exercise program would be the ideal treatment option. 

    Although this is the most likely scenario, neck or back pain in children can come from more serious origins. If your are concerned I would recommend booking in with a primary health care practitioner, GP chiropractor or physiotherapist. 

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    Sandra McFaul

    Physiotherapist

    Do you suffer from chronic lower back pain or neck pain? Based in SYDNEY, Sandra is 1 of ONLY 15 Physiotherapists in Australia with ADVANCED … View Profile

    Unfortunately, back pain can begin in teenage years. When does your child/teenageer get the pain.  If it's when they are sitting and they are fine walking around then get them to sit up straighter. 

    Back pain in children 12 years and under is rare.  If you are concerned then get it checked out.  A McKenzie Physiotherapist is able to perform a mechanical assessment and work out if the pain is of a mechanical orgini - ie the mucles, ligaments, discs etc. 

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  • Dr Michael Black

    Chiropractor

    Located in Armadale and Doncaster, Dr Michael Black has an interest in childrens' health and pregnancy. He is passionate aout sharing the benefits of chiropractic … View Profile

    Dr Nichlas Miller has correctly acknowledged the increased prevalence of sitting and slumping in children. The fatigue that develops in the spinal and shoulder muscles from long hours of slouching without breaks is detrimental to the spinal joints, soft tissues and nerves.

    Think of the varied activities that might be at the root of this, such as TV, playing video games, using iPads and tablets on the couch, heavy school bags, increased body weight and lack of exercise and you have a minefield of potential aggravating factors. Terms like ‘text neck’ have become synonomous with one of the largest epidemics of pain and dysfunction we've ever witnessed resulting from new digital technology overused by young, developing spines.

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