Back pain is a condition we usually associate with growing older. However, lifestyle changes mean back trouble is no longer confined to the adult population; more and more children are also reporting discomfort.

The car culture and a passion among children for computer games, crisps and fizzy drinks has limited physical activity and created a situation where inactive lifestyles and bad diets are the norm. Such habits encourage poor posture and weight gain and this can lead to joints and muscles which are not worked through their full range and normal length. As we take a lot of our childhood habits into adult life so our chances of maintaining a healthy back are also greatly reduced.

To help your children to lead a healthy lifestyle try and lead by example:

• Try to eat a well balanced diet and take regular exercise as a family.
• Try to limit the use of a car by walking to the shops. Encourage your children to walk or cycle along safe routes to and from school.
• Encourage your children to play outside and discover the outdoors rather than sitting behind a TV or computer screen increasing their risk of juvenile obesity which places extra stress on the spinal joints, the hips and the knees.

What if pain strikes in an adolescent?

• Some children find relief from a hot water bottle or an ice pack applied to the affected area.
• Give your child some pain relief as recommended by you local Pharmacist, but don’t exceed the recommended dose.
• Don’t send your child to bed! Inactivity is not the correct treatment for a bad back. Gentle exercise and stretches will help reduce pain and prevent reoccurrence. A Physiotherapist will be able to suggest suitable exercises along with other helpful advice.
• If pain lasts more than a week consult your GP who may recommend your child sees a Physiotherapist.

If a younger child experiences backache, you are advised to consult a GP as soon as possible.

For more information and a leaflet on ‘Backs for the Future’ please contact Judith Crawford on 282204.