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Chiropractic Care Relieves Teen Back Pain

Nearly half of all adolescents have musculoskeletal pain. This is the finding of a recent scientific research study. This article will discuss adolescents who have pain in the musculoskeletal system, especially neck and lower back pain.

Here in western Pennsylvania, young people are heading back to school and it’s wise to be aware of some of the common physical stresses that can cause problems. While we are not surprised that adults who engage in vigorous physical activity can sustain neck and back injuries, some may not recognize that children are susceptible to the same harmful conditions.

For example, many of our teenagers participate in various school and sports activities.

I have patients who participate in the school marching band. They have been in “band camp”, which requires them to practice daily for many hours. Several of them carry heavy instruments like drums and tubas. Some are on the dance team. A percentage of them will develop neck and back conditions.

Similarly, the cheerleaders have undergone enhanced preseason training. These students engage in incredibly acrobatic cheerleading routines. There are girls they call “flyers” who literally launch themselves through the air and do gymnastic maneuvers like somersaults. Then there are the youngsters who are considered the “guards” who must catch the flyers. Cheerleaders actually have a higher injury rate than football players.

Speaking of footballers, we all know that they are intensely involved in their pre-season practices and it’s not hard to imagine the physical stress they are under.

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

A recent research study published in BMC Pediatrics in June 2019 reported that nearly half of adolescents have musculoskeletal pain. The study noted that surveys completed by 1,021 adolescents revealed that 46% had pain in one or more parts of the body. The data showed that adolescents with musculoskeletal pain at at least one body site had 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 sleep quality scores than those with pain in only one area.

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

Fortunately, seeing a Doctor of Chiropractic can help many of these teens. Chiropractic care has always proven to be a possible solution for children experiencing painful conditions. Chiropractic therapy is effective, safe, and does not involve the use of potentially harmful drugs and medications and does not involve the use of invasive procedures such as 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 a consultation is recommended.

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