Texas Orthopedics’ Dr. Ai Mukai recently discussed this in an interview with FOX-7’s Good Day Austin.
Many kids focus intensely on one sport at a young age, and that can lead to overuse or overtraining issues, especially as their muscles and bones are still developing. Additionally, kids who jump from one sport to the next, without a break, are also at risk for back pain, and other injuries, as they are not allowing their body sufficient rest and recovery.
Additionally, the study also found that adolescents who are not active enough, and perhaps too engaged in screen time, are reporting back pain as well. Poor posture often adopted when hunched over smart phone, tablet, or gaming device is equally damaging to the spine and lower back muscles.
Things that may help alleviate back pain in your adolescent include:
- anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen
- proper rest following a strenuous sporting, or other physical activity
- adequate stretching or warm-up exercises before sports
- adjusting posture, and engaging core muscles, as much as possible
Your physician or orthopedist may recommend an MRI or X-Ray to pinpoint the source of the pain and help best determine treatment.
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