Children and teens

How common it is

Back and neck pain are common complaints in Australian children, particularly during adolescence, and consumer guidance notes that children aged 12 and over report significantly more back pain than younger children. ^[1]

Most of what we see in this age group is ordinary: a strain from sport, a neck that has spent too long over a screen, or a teenager who has grown quickly. If an ache is slow to settle or is getting in the way of sport, an assessment can help work out what is going on.

What can be behind it

Guidance lists minor injuries from sport and play, strains and sprains, intense training in competitive sport, and long periods of sitting among the things that can lead to back pain in young people. ^[1]

Parents often ask about school bags. Consumer guidance lists heavy bags carried on one shoulder as a factor, ^[1] although a systematic review of 69 studies found no convincing evidence that schoolbag use increases the risk of back pain in children and adolescents. ^[2] So we look at the bag, but we look at everything else too.

• Strains and sprains from sport and play
• Repetitive load in sports such as dance, gymnastics or football
• Long hours sitting at a desk or on a device
• Aches around growing bones and tendons in active children

How we assess it

A parent or guardian is present for the consultation and examination. We explain what we find and what we propose to both of you before anything is done, and consent comes from the parent or guardian and, as they mature, from the young person too. ^[3]

The examination is adapted to age and size: posture and movement, the spine, the hips and limbs, and a check for anything that does not fit an ordinary strain. Guidance advises seeing a doctor about ongoing back pain in a child, particularly pain that wakes them at night or comes with long periods of morning stiffness. ^[1] Anything of that kind, and any growth-related ache that needs medical assessment, we refer to your doctor rather than treat.

What care looks like

The Board expects care to be modified to suit a child's age, presentation and development, ^[3] and that is how we work: force and technique are adapted to the young person in front of us, and you can ask about the reasoning, alternatives and risks before deciding.

In line with the Chiropractic Board of Australia's Statement on paediatric care, we do not use spinal manipulation to treat children under two years of age. ^[3]

For teenagers, care usually comes with practical advice on training load, desk setup and movement breaks. Where your child's doctor or paediatrician is involved, we keep them informed. ^[3]

When to seek urgent care

We are not an emergency service. If you have loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the saddle area, weakness in both legs, or pain after a serious accident, call 000 or go to an emergency department.