As summer comes to an end, parents and students prepare for the upcoming school year.
But for some, the thought of returning to school brings significant anxiety. Perhaps about dealing with back pain, being scared of embarrassment in class, or struggling to participate in activities.
School can be a difficult time for every teen, with bullying and the added pressures of growing up. Dealing with back pain can make you or your child an easy target for unwanted attention.
It's no secret that back pain affects around 80 percent of people in their lifetime, and a significant number of teenagers are among them.
Struggling with back pain as a teenager can be uncomfortable and shameful, but the good news is, there are ways to prevent it.
This blog will give you information on why your child may be suffering from back pain in school and how to avoid it.
It is essential to know the causes of back pain so that you can prevent them from happening to your child. It may be that you've made a common mistake that has led to your child's back pain.
One mistake teenagers make is carrying heavy backpacks. Many students overpack their bags, making them disproportionately heavy and straining their back muscles.
Encourage your child to carry a backpack with sturdy straps, evenly distribute weight between both straps, and limit the number of items they carry in the bag.
You should also consider a rolling backpack to limit the strain on their back.
Another mistake teenagers make that leads to back pain is poor posture. Sitting for hours in class or hunching over a computer can cause rounded shoulders, and forward head posture, all of which put significant stress on the muscles of the neck and upper back.
Encourage your child to sit up straight with their shoulders back and chin pulled in.
Teenagers also experience back pain from sports injuries. Participating in sports is beneficial for physical health, but it can also cause back strain and stress.
Encourage your child to warm up before activity, stretch before and after play, and take breaks if necessary.
It is crucial to ensure they have proper shoes and equipment to avoid back injuries.
Lastly, inactivity can cause back pain. Sitting for long periods, not getting enough exercise, and not stretching enough can lead to back pain.
Encourage your child to stay active and engage in exercises that strengthen your core muscles and improve flexibility.
Back pain can make attending school miserable and embarrassing, but it is preventable.
Carrying light backpacks, having good posture, engaging in safe sports play, and staying active is the best way to avoid back pain. Implementing healthy habits can alleviate discomfort and improve your child's quality of life.
However if you are looking for a permanent solution without having to put limits on your child's lifestyle at such an early age. Physical therapy is a great way to identify the root cause of your pain instead of just treating the symptoms. Allowing our expert team to develop a personalized treatment plan to get your child back to a life free from worry and embarrassment as soon as possible.
The earlier you start physical therapy the easier your recovery will be. This is especially true for treating people from a young age, as their body grows it is essential to address the issues before they become more rigid.
The best way for your child to get started is with our free Back To School Readiness Assessment, and let an expert physical therapist evaluate ways to prevent and manage back pain.
Our team of experts are here to support you on your journey to a pain-free school year.
We appreciate how scary it can be for your child to start a new treatment and discuss their issues with a stranger, but our team have experience making our sessions a fun and safe space for youngsters.
Click below to book or call us on 408-358-1460 to get started.
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