Back pain in children and adolescents is far more common than most parents realise, and it becomes more likely as a child gets older. A landmark study from the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City surveyed 3,669 kids and teens across the U.S. to find out how common back pain is between ages 10 and 18, and what’s driving it.
How Common Is Back Pain in Children and Adolescents?
The numbers are eye-opening. Among the children and adolescents surveyed:
- 29% of boys had experienced back pain in the previous year.
- 38% of girls reported back pain, a notably higher rate than boys.
- The odds of having back pain climbed steadily with age, meaning older teens carried the greatest risk.
If your teenager has mentioned a sore back once or twice, they’re far from alone.
Sports, Backpacks, and Back Pain: What’s the Real Connection?
Nearly 80% of the kids in the study played sports or stayed active in some way, and the research turned up a clear pattern: the more intense the training, the more back pain showed up.
Recreational athletes had less back pain. Kids on travel teams and those training at a high intensity had more, which points to overuse and repetitive strain as a real driver of spinal problems in young athletes.
Backpacks mattered too, and the differences were bigger than you’d expect:
- Two-strap backpacks led to the fewest reports of back pain.
- Rolling bags with two straps and a waist strap fastened caused more discomfort than researchers predicted.
- Single-strap bags were linked to the highest rates of back pain, likely from carrying all that weight on one shoulder.
Why This Matters for Aussie Kids Too
This particular study was done in the U.S., but the same pressures apply to kids here in Melbourne. Long school days, heavy sport schedules, and hours hunched over a phone or laptop are just as common on this side of the Pacific. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare tracks a similar trend, with musculoskeletal problems, including back pain, becoming more common as Australian kids move from childhood into their teenage years.
In clinic, we see it play out the same way. A growth spurt hits, training ramps up for footy or netball season, and suddenly a kid who never complained about their back is wincing every time they pick up their school bag. It’s rarely one single cause. It’s usually a mix of a growing spine, a demanding schedule, and gear that isn’t doing them any favours.
Warning Signs Worth Getting Checked
Most adolescent back pain settles down with a bit of rest and some smarter habits. But a few signs mean it’s worth booking an appointment rather than waiting it out:
- Pain that sticks around for more than two or three weeks.
- Pain that wakes your child up at night.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.
- Pain that started right after a fall or a hard knock during sport.
Chiropractic Care: A Safe and Effective Option
This is exactly why the study’s findings matter. Left unaddressed, back pain that starts young can carry straight through into adulthood, setting up spinal problems that stick around for decades.
The encouraging part is that chiropractic care is already a go-to option for a lot of families. Not every child with back pain in the study sought treatment, but among those who did, chiropractic care was a top choice, right alongside physical therapy and massage.
How a Chiropractor Actually Helps a Child With Back Pain
A first visit for a young patient looks different to an adult appointment. We take time to understand their posture, how they move, their sport and training load, and what’s actually going on with their spine before touching anything. Adjustments for kids and teens are gentle, and they’re matched to a growing body rather than an adult one.
At our Richmond clinic, we use the Gonstead method, a precise, hands-on approach that lets us pinpoint exactly where a young spine needs attention instead of guessing. We also have in-house X-ray on site, so if imaging is needed, your child gets answers on the same visit instead of a referral and a long wait. And for families managing an ongoing condition, a GP-issued Chronic Condition Management Plan can help cover part of the cost of allied health visits, including chiropractic care.
Simple Ways to Lower Your Child’s Risk
A couple of small changes go a long way:
- Pick a two-strap backpack, and skip the single-strap style entirely. Encourage your child to actually use both straps.
- Watch training loads, especially during a growth spurt. A bit of extra rest between high-intensity sessions matters more than people think.
Related Resources: Kids Are Healthier When Families Eat Together
FAQs About Back Pain in Children and Adolescents
Is it normal for a teenager to have back pain?
It’s common, especially as kids move through their teenage years, but “common” doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Pain that lasts more than a couple of weeks deserves a proper look.
Can a chiropractor help a child with back pain?
Yes. Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat spinal issues in children and teens, using techniques suited to a growing body.
What’s the best backpack to prevent back pain in kids?
A two-strap backpack, worn on both shoulders, causes the fewest problems. Single-strap and unbalanced loads are the biggest culprits.
When should I take my child to a chiropractor for back pain?
If pain lasts beyond two to three weeks, wakes them at night, or comes with numbness or weakness, it’s time to get it checked.
Is Your Child Struggling With Back Pain?
Chiropractors spend years training to identify and treat spinal issues in both kids and adults. Whether your child’s back pain comes from sport, a heavy backpack, posture, or something else, getting it looked at early can save a lot of trouble down the track.
If your child or teenager has been dealing with back pain, book a no-commitment consultation with our Richmond clinic today, and let’s make sure their spine stays strong through every growth spurt ahead.
Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, March 12, 2019
