Is Your Child’s Posture Causing Hidden Back Problems?

Preventing Back Pain in Children 

The Rising Problem of Back Pain in Children & Adolescents

Back pain in children and adolescents is a growing concern, with studies showing prevalence rates between 28% to 48% among school-aged children. Older teenagers are particularly at risk due to poor posture, excessive screen time, prolonged sitting for schoolwork and gaming, and heavy school bags.

While most cases are mild, some can indicate serious underlying conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment by a Spine Specialist are essential to prevent long-term complications.

Common Causes of Back Pain in Children

Primary Categories of Back Pain

• Muscular pain – Due to poor posture, heavy school bags, and lack of exercise.

• Bone-related pain – Scoliosis, growth-related conditions, or spinal injuries.

• Discogenic pain – Caused by disc degeneration or injury.

• Spinal nerve pain – Due to pinched nerves or spinal instability.

  
  

Risk Factors for Back Pain

• Lack of physical activity or sports-related injuries

• Obesity and poor posture from excessive computer and mobile phone use

• Family history of spinal conditions

• Psychological stress and mental health issues

• Smoking and vaping, which impact bone and nerve health

  
  

Serious Spine Conditions That Can Cause Back Pain

• Muscle strain or spasms

• Scoliosis (abnormal spine curvature)

• Scheuermann’s disease (juvenile kyphosis)

• Spondylolysis (stress fractures in the spine)

• Spinal tumors (rare but serious)

• Spinal infections (bone or disc infections)

• Spinal disc injuries (slipped or damaged discs)

  
  

How is Back Pain Diagnosed in Children?

Clinical Evaluation

A detailed medical history and physical examination assess:

• Posture and spinal symmetry

• Range of motion and gait assessment

• Leg length and movement limitations

  
  

Special Tests for Back Pain

• One-legged hyperextension test – Checks for stress fractures

• Straight leg raise (SLR) test – Assesses nerve involvement

• FABER test – Detects hip and lower spine issues

  
  

Imaging Studies

• X-rays – Initial spine assessment

• Digital Spine Movement Analysis – AI-based test to track spinal mobility

• MRI Spine – Detects soft tissue, disc, and nerve abnormalities

• CT Spine Scan – Used only for specific conditions

  
  

Laboratory Tests (For Infection or Inflammation)

• Complete blood count (CBC)

• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

• C-reactive protein (CRP)

  
  

Treatment Approaches for Childhood Back Pain

1. Conservative Management (Non-Surgical Treatment)

• Physical therapy – Focuses on active exercises and posture correction

• Ergonomic adjustments – Proper study chairs and desks, reducing mobile and computer use

• Core strengthening – To support spinal stability

  
  

2. Psychological Support

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Effective for chronic pain management

  
  

3. Medication Guidelines

• Muscle relaxers – Only prescribed when necessary

  
  

4. Physical Interventions

• Stretching and strengthening exercises

• Postural education and movement training

• Activity modification – Reducing strain from heavy school bags and prolonged sitting

  
  

Preventing Back Pain in Children & Teens

1. Set a Good Example

Children learn by copying adults, so practicing good posture and movement habits yourself is important.

2. Check Their School Bags

• Choose a well-fitted backpack

• Ensure they wear both straps to distribute weight evenly

• Keep the weight at 10-20% of body weigh

  
  

3. Watch Their Weight

Overweight children are at higher risk for back pain—encourage healthy eating and exercise.

4. Adjust Their Study Space

As children grow taller, adjust chairs, desks, and tables to maintain a comfortable and supportive posture.

Recent Advances in Pediatric Spine Care

Multimodal Pain Management

• Combines physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and psychological support

• Focuses on non-opioid treatments for pain relief

  
  

Rapid Recovery Protocols

• Structured rehabilitation programs to restore function quickly

• Early mobilisation and multimodal pain management to prevent long-term disability

  
  

When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention

• Children under 10 with back problems

• Severe or persistent pain that does not improve

• Neurological symptoms like numbness, weakness, or loss of sensation

• Fever or unexplained weight loss

• Changes in bladder or bowel function (possible nerve damage

  
  

Long-Term Outlook for Childhood Back Pain

• Most cases resolve with proper treatment

• Early diagnosis of serious conditions like scoliosis, spinal instability, or tumors leads to better outcomes

• 10-15% of children with back pain may develop chronic pain in adulthood

• Prevention, early intervention, and structured care are key to reducing long-term disability

  
  

Back pain in children and adolescents requires a structured, age-appropriate approach. While most cases respond well to conservative treatments, serious spinal conditions must be identified early for the best outcomes.

Specialist Pediatric Spine Care at Singapore Brain Spine Centre

At Singapore Brain Spine Centre, I provide:

• Expert pediatric spine evaluations

• Advanced imaging and digital spine analysis

• Minimally invasive treatments for spinal conditions

  
  

Concerned About Your Child’s Back Pain? Get Expert Help Today

If your child is experiencing persistent back pain, posture issues, or movement difficulties, early diagnosis is key. A specialist assessment can ensure the best treatment and prevention strategies for lifelong spinal health.

Book a consultation today at Singapore Brain Spine Centre and take a proactive step toward your child’s spinal well-being.