Back Pain in Kids and Spine Damage with Weightlifting

Specializing in sports increases risk of injury for kids

Two recent studies noted surprising levels of back pain in kids and the quick damage that occurs with heavy weightlifting when performed before teenagers are fully grown.

On one hand, some find it odd that kids would require any kind of treatment for back or other musculoskeletal pains. On the other hand, a significant number of adults report childhood injuries as the starting point for their chronic or periodic episodes of back pain. These issues are becoming more frequent due to a greater focus on specialization in sports at a younger age. Two studies help provide a closer look at how common these problems are.

Back Pain Common in Kids

An analysis of American kids between the ages of 10 and 18 noted one in three had experienced back pain in just the past year. Back pain episodes were more likely for older teens, heavier teens, and those more active with competitive sports. Another factor noted was heavy backpacks, especially when worn with only one strap instead of two.

Weightlifting in Teens Linked to Spine Damage

Another study looked at the effects of heavy weightlifting in adolescents over a period of three years. At the start of the study, none had low back pain and only two had abnormal lumbar spine findings show on MRI testing. After three years of weightlifting, three athletes had low back pain and abnormal lumbar spine findings were found in 11 of 12 athletes. These findings included low back disc injuries, disc degeneration, and spondylolysis (a crack or stress fracture in part of the vertebra). These are significant problems that greatly increase the risk of future back problems.

These studies don't tell us kids must avoid sports, but they should be smart about them. One major key to staying healthy, is adequate rest. A lack of restful periods between intense activity interferes with healing and risks further injury. Avoiding sports specialization at a young age is also likely to help. Kids are generally better off with a mix of activities through the year, rather than intensely focusing on one. It's important to consider other lifestyle factors: good posture, anti-inflammation eating, and stress reduction. These all help maintain better health and lower the risk of injuries.

When an injury occurs, start with non-pharmacologic conservative treatment like chiropractic first. In most cases, this will be enough to bounce back quickly from an injury and avoid the risk of opioid medications or other higher risk treatments.

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