Backache is increasingly becoming a significant issue among children and teenagers, with nearly half reporting discomfort before reaching adulthood. Experts in the UAE link this trend to the excessive time young people spend on laptops and mobile devices, which results in poor posture and contributes to back pain.
According to recent research by the National Spine Health Foundation in the US, low back pain becomes prevalent by the age of 14, affecting 30% of girls and 26% of boys with acute or subacute pain. Notably, 11% report chronic backache lasting over three months. By age 17, 13% of girls and 26% of boys experience chronic low back pain. UAE doctors have observed similar trends in their practices.
Dr. Khaldoun Osman, a consultant neurosurgeon specializing in spinal microsurgery in Dubai, noted, “In our daily practice, we see an increasing number of children suffering from back pain in school, especially when considering the number of scoliosis cases or spine twisting, which affects two to three percent of the population.”
Medical professionals have raised concerns about the growing number of children spending excessive time on laptops and mobile devices. This habit promotes a sedentary lifestyle and poor posture, leading to the formation of trigger points that cause discomfort and pain. Dr. Bachar Aboubaker, an orthopaedic surgeon at the International Modern Hospital in Dubai, explained, “This puts pressure on the facet joints of the spine and causes muscular spasms, leading to muscle weakness and secondary osteomalacia (bone softening).”
Doctors also emphasized obesity among children and teenagers as another factor contributing to persistent pain. They explained that weight and obesity issues are increasing due to poor dietary habits. “Obesity creates mechanical stress on weight-bearing joints, including the lumbar spine, making sports activities more difficult. Some children avoid active games and sports due to this,” added Aboubaker.
Healthcare professionals have observed that many children spend most of their time indoors, even when engaging in active games or sports, often choosing indoor playgrounds and sports halls due to the hot weather. “This lifestyle prevents exposure to sunlight, leading to low vitamin D levels and diminished calcium and bone mineral absorption, resulting in osteomalacia,” said Aboubaker.
Heavy backpacks and incorrect exercise methods are also attributed to back pain in children. Dr. Gopalakrishnan C V, a consultant in neurosurgery and spine surgery at Medcare Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital, noted, “Many schools have large campuses requiring students to climb stairs or walk long distances, which can be challenging when carrying heavy backpacks. Other factors include tilting the head forward to view screens, causing a forward head posture that strains the neck and upper back.”
Prevention strategies include encouraging regular ‘walking and stretching’ breaks, limiting time spent slouching on devices, teaching correct sitting posture, and ensuring children get enough exercise. “Parents should encourage their children to sit up straight with their bottom flat against the seat instead of slouching,” added Gopalakrishnan.
