Quick answer
Back discomfort in children and teens may follow sport, rapid training changes, prolonged sitting or carrying loads, but persistent pain should not be dismissed as “growing pains.” Reduce the aggravating activity, review backpack fit and arrange paediatric assessment when pain is severe, recurrent, worsening, present at night or accompanied by fever, weight loss, weakness, numbness or bowel or bladder changes.
Questions to ask before guessing
- Did pain begin after a fall, collision, lifting or change in training?
- Is it local, or does it travel into a leg?
- Does it improve with rest, or wake the child at night?
- Are there fever, fatigue, weight change, weakness, numbness or bladder symptoms?
- How heavy is the backpack and how is it carried?
- Has sport volume, dance, gymnastics, weight training or screen time changed?
A short record of timing, activity and symptoms can help the pediatrician decide whether examination, imaging or referral is appropriate.
Backpack and school-day basics
Use both shoulder straps, adjust them so the bag sits close to the back, and remove items that are not needed. Choose a bag that fits the child rather than an oversized one. Backpack changes may improve comfort, but a backpack should not be blamed for persistent or unusual symptoms without assessment.
Activity without fear
After a minor strain, temporary modification may be more useful than complete inactivity. Return should be gradual and based on comfort and function. A child who cannot participate normally, has repeated pain or changes the way they walk or move should be evaluated. Coaches and school staff can help identify training or equipment factors.
Who can help
The pediatrician is the appropriate starting point for persistent, unexplained or medically concerning pain. Depending on the findings, care may involve sports medicine, orthopedics, physical therapy or another specialist. Musculoskeletal or chiropractic assessment may be considered for selected mechanical complaints after medical red flags are excluded; it does not replace paediatric diagnosis or care for infection, inflammatory disease, fracture or neurological problems.
Related Kinetic Chiropractic information
You do not need to be a Kinetic Chiropractic patient to use this guide or the external resources below.