Low back pain in school-aged children is a common occurrence, and the prevalence of low back pain increases once children reach school age — one percent at age seven years; six percent at age 10 years; and 18 percent at ages 14-16 years, yet only seven percent of adolescents with lower back pain will seek medical care.

According to a review of published studies led by Nationwide Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine, most causes of low back pain in this population are benign; however, the effect of low back pain can be significant, affecting daily activities such as school attendance and participation in gym class or other athletic activities. Development of low back pain in adolescents is a substantial risk factor for the possibility of low back pain as an adult.

The literature review demonstrates that there are no single risk factor or factors for lower back pain, as previously thought. For school-aged children, most cases are because of musculoskeletal overuse or trauma. One possible cause for the prevalence in adolescents is participation in athletic activities. Studies have shown there is a correlation between the level of competition and low back pain, as well as there being an increased risk of low back pain with both high and low levels of physical activity. Other possible risk factors include a quickening of growth, adverse psychosocial factors, increase in age, a previous back injury, and family history of low back pain. Females are also at a greater risk for low back pain.

Our next column will discuss chiropractic treatment of low back pain in children.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com