New research has revealed that most treatments being offered to teenagers with persistent back pain are ‘outdated’ and ignore ‘big picture’ issues. The study has shown that new approaches to tackling back pain are not being tested among teenagers.

The research reveals that there is a lack of treatments addressing the needs of teenagers with persistent nonspecific back pain. It shows specifically that treatments for adolescents with persistent back pain have primarily relied upon an outdated, biomechanical explanation of persisting pain. Rather, treatment should align with current recommendations that both mind and body be addressed when back pain is present.

Back pain is the biggest cause of disability in the world, and it starts for many people when they are teenagers. In fact, teenagers can suffer considerably with back pain, missing out on school, sports, and social engagement.

There was a time when it was assumed that back pain in teenagers was caused mostly by physical factors such as posture and heavy schoolbags. However, it is now accepted that back pain is also influenced by factors such as sleep, physical activity, mood, and stress. This more holistic understanding of back pain has led to a range of innovative treatments being offered to adults with low back pain, treatments which consider not just the back, but also the person’s overall health and well-being.

If your teenager is experiencing back pain, you should consider the services of a chiropractor, an expert trained in a holistic approach to back pain issues for both adults and younger patients.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com