Recent research by BackCare, a charity based in the UK, (www.backcare.org.uk) has found that whilst back pain is the world’s leading cause of human disability, it is not just an adult issue.
This year, Backcare surveyed 900 secondary school pupils aged between 11 and 16 revealed that two thirds of them had suffered back pain, and one in four of them suffer from back pain regularly or every day. It affected girls more than boys (27%; 19%). Neck and shoulder pain affected similar numbers.
Heavy school bags were found to be common and – perhaps unsurprisingly – linked to
back pain. Half of those surveyed said that their school bag often or always felt tiring or too heavy for them, and back pain was ten times more common amongst pupils with heavy or tiring school bags.
Prolonged sitting was also found to be an issue. The survey revealed that UK secondary pupils spend an average of 9 hours per day sitting (at home, school and whilst travelling). Back pain was almost doubled amongst pupils who sat for longer than average. Studies also linked sitting for more than four hours per day with increased risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer and depression.
Whilst this is a UK based survey, there is no reason to believe that New Zealand would be hugely different. If you are concerned that any of your relatives or friends may be affected by the above, then give us a call or book an appointment online.