Chiropractic Care Relieves Teenage Back Pain

Almost half of all adolescents have musculoskeletal pain. This is the finding of a recent scientific research study. This article will discuss adolescents who have pain in the musculoskeletal system, especially neck and lower back pain.

Here in western Pennsylvania, young people are going back to school and it’s wise to be aware of some of the common physical stresses that can cause problems. While it’s not surprising that adults who engage in vigorous physical activity can sustain neck and back injuries, some may not recognize that children are susceptible to the same harmful conditions.

For example, many of our teens participate in various school and sports activities.

I have patients who participate in the school marching band. They have been in “band camp”, which requires them to practice daily for many hours. Several of them carry heavy instruments such as drums and tubas. Some are on the dance team. A percentage of them will develop neck and back conditions.

Similarly, the cheerleaders have undergone enhanced pre-season training. These students participate in incredibly acrobatic cheerleading routines. There are girls who are called “flyers” who literally launch themselves into the air and do gymnastic maneuvers like somersaults. Then there are the youngsters who are considered the “point guards” who must catch the flyers. Cheerleaders actually have a higher injury rate than football players.

Speaking of footballers, we all know that they are intensely involved in their pre-season practices and it is not difficult to imagine the physical stress they are subjected to.

At the local level, boys and girls practice soccer. It is common for soccer players to use their heads to propel and direct or “head the ball” to the desired location. I have seen numerous footballers who have injured their necks performing this maneuver.

A recent research study published in BMC Pediatrics in June 2019 reported that almost half of adolescents have musculoskeletal pain. The study noted that surveys completed by 1,021 adolescents revealed that 46% had pain in one or more parts of the body. The data showed that adolescents with musculoskeletal pain in at least one body site had lower quality of life scores and lower sleep quality than their pain-free peers. In addition, participants with pain at multiple sites reported lower quality of life and sleep quality scores than those with pain in just one area.

Clearly, our youth are at risk for musculoskeletal conditions in the neck and back.

Fortunately, seeing a Doctor of Chiropractic can help many of these teens. Chiropractic care has always proven to be a possible solution for children experiencing painful conditions. Chiropractic therapy is effective, safe, and does not involve the use of potentially harmful drugs and medications and does not involve the use of invasive procedures such as surgery.

If a child complains of neck pain, upper back pain, lower back pain, or headaches, it should not be ignored. Seeing a chiropractor for a consultation is recommended.