Chiropractic Care Gives Teens Relief From Back Pain

Almost half of all teens have musculoskeletal pain. This is the finding of a recent scientific research study. This article will talk about teens who have musculoskeletal pain, especially neck and lower back pain.

Here in western Pennsylvania, young people are returning to school and it is wise to be aware of some of the common physical stresses that can cause problems. While we are not surprised that adults who are physically active 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 the “band camp” which forces them to practice daily for many hours. Some of them carry heavy instruments like drums and tubas. Some are on the dance team. A percentage of them will develop neck and back problems.

In addition, the cheerleaders have undergone improved preseason training. These students participate in incredibly acrobatic cheerleading routines. There are girls called “fliers” who literally jump into the air and do gymnastic maneuvers like cartwheels. Then there are the youngsters who are considered the “bases” who must catch the fliers. Cheerleaders actually have a higher injury rate than soccer players.

Speaking of footballers, we all know that they are very involved in their preseason practices and it is not difficult to imagine the physical stress they are undergoing.

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

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

Clearly, our young people are at risk for musculoskeletal neck and back conditions.

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

If a child complains of neck pain, low back pain, low back pain or headaches, it should not be ignored. Consulting a chiropractor is highly recommended.