Nearly half of all teenagers have musculoskeletal pain. This is the finding of recent scientific research study. This article will discuss teens having pain of the musculoskeletal system, especially neck and lower back pain.
Here in Western Pennsylvania youngsters are returning to school and it is prudent to be aware of some of the common physical stresses that can cause problems. While we’re not surprised that adults engaging in vigorous physical activity may undergo injury to their neck and back some may fail to recognize that children are susceptible to the same deleterious conditions.
For instance, many of our teenagers are participating in various school activities and sports.
I have patients that are involved in the school marching band. They have been in “band camp” which requires them to be practicing daily for many hours. A number of them are carrying heavy instruments like drums and tubas. Some are on the dance team. A percentage of them will develop neck and back conditions.
Likewise, cheerleaders have been undergoing enhanced, preseason training. These students are involved in incredibly acrobatic cheerleading routines. There are girls who are called “flyers” who are literally launched into the air and do gymnastic maneuvers like flips. Then there are the youngsters who are considered the “bases” that must catch the flyers. Cheerleaders actually have a higher injury rate than football players.
Speaking of football players, we all know that they are intensely involved in their preseason practices and it’s not difficult to imagine the physical stresses they are undergoing.
Locally, boys and girls are practicing for soccer. It is common for soccer players to use their head to propel and direct or “head the ball” to a desired location. I’ve seen numerous soccer players who have injured their neck while performing this maneuver.
A recent research study published in BMC Pediatrics, June 2019 reported that nearly half of teens have musculoskeletal pain. The study noted that surveys completed by 1021 teenagers revealed that 46% had pain in one or more body sites. The data showed that teens with musculoskeletal pain in at least one body site and lower quality of life scores and lower sleep quality than their pain free peers. Additionally, participants with pain in multiple sites reported lower quality of life and sleep quality 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 to children experiencing painful conditions. Chiropractic therapy is effective, safe and does not involve the use of possibly harmful drugs and medications and it does not involve the use of invasive procedures like surgery.
If a child complains of neck pain, upper back pain, lower back pain or headaches it should not be ignored. Seeing a chiropractor for consultation is highly recommended.