Q: My son seems to always complain of mid back pain even when he isn’t playing sports. He is fourteen, healthy and fit. Is it normal for teenagers to get back pain?

A: Back pain is prevalent among school-aged youth. A study of students in Denmark surveyed 481 children aged 8 to 10 years

325 adolescents, aged 14 to 16 years.

The findings showed 39% had thoracic (mid back) pain for at least

1 month. Thoracic pain is most common in childhood, whereas thoracic pain and lumbar pain (low back) are equally common in adolescence. Neck pain and pain in more than one area of the spine are rare in both age groups. No gender differences were found.

Although these areas of the spine are the most common to each of these age groups. It is not normal for a child or adolescent to have any back pain. Developed back pain in a youth without any predisposing factors is a strong indicator to have your child’s spine checked by a spinal expert such as a chiropractor. Back pain after an injury obviously should be examined. The fact is that a periodic check of your child’s spine is probably the best preventative measure you can take as a parent to protect your child’s health.

Quote of the week: To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. Anonymous