{"id":72880,"date":"2025-01-10T09:06:52","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T16:06:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=72880"},"modified":"2026-02-10T11:07:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T18:07:35","slug":"increased-use-of-screen-time-causing-back-pain-in-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/increased-use-of-screen-time-causing-back-pain-in-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Increased use of screen time causing back pain in kids"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>
\"On
On average, American children ages 8 to 18 spend seven and a half hours a day watching or using screens. Most of that time is spent sitting in a slouched position and looking down, which can cause increased back pain. Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While low back pain may frequently be a complaint of older adults, it\u2019s been less common in kids and teens \u2013 until now.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack pain in kids and teens is a growing concern due to the increased use of screens,\u201d said Erika Barger, a physical therapist at UCHealth SportsMed Pediatric Therapy Clinic<\/a> in Steamboat Springs. \u201cAlong with increased eye strain, sleep disruption, headaches and mental health problems, increased screen time can lead to an increase in low back pain.\u201d<\/p>\n

A child’s poor posture with screens<\/strong><\/h2>\n

On average<\/a>, American children ages 8 to 18 spend seven and a half hours a day watching or using screens. Most of that time is spent sitting in a slouched position and looking down.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis posture is often referred to as \u2018text neck\u2019 or \u2018tech neck,\u2019\u201d Barger said. \u201cWhen we have a poor seated posture for an extended period of time, we put more stress and strain on our neck and back muscles, ligaments and joints, especially with sitting in an awkward position for multiple hours at a time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even sitting with good posture puts 40% more compressive force on these discs than standing, while also restricting the movement of much-needed nutrients and fluids.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur intervertebral discs are the largest \u2018avascular\u2019 structure in our body, meaning most of it has no direct blood supply,\u201d Barger said. \u201cIn order for our discs to get nutrients pumped in and waste products pumped out, we must move.\u201d<\/p>\n

Other factors contributing to back pain in children and teens<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Screens aren\u2019t the only culprit for low back pain in children and adolescents. The issue can also result from overuse injuries. For instance, sports that involve repeatedly arching the lower back, such as gymnastics, dancing, ski jumping, wrestling or hockey, can cause issues.<\/p>\n

Other common contributors to back pain in youth include leg-length discrepancy, gait impairments, high BMI and recent growth spurts.<\/p>\n

And not to be ignored is the impact of wearing a heavy backpack.<\/p>\n

\u201cA heavy backpack can cause a backward pull,\u201d Barger said. \u201cKids tend to overcompensate and fix this by leaning forward. However, this slouched forward posture creates increased load and force on the spine, which can cause more strain on the shoulders, neck and back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Most cases of low back pain in youth are due to muscle strain and other musculoskeletal impairments, but other sources of back pain in youth can include scoliosis, stress fractures, Scheuermann\u2019s disease, constipation or a herniated disc.<\/p>\n

Signs your child has an issue with back pain<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Symptoms of low back pain include stiffness, achiness, increased pain with movement, increased pain with prolonged sitting or standing, radiating pain and pain after playing sports.<\/p>\n

Reach out to your medical provider if the pain lasts more than a few weeks or impacts your child\u2019s participation in activities. It\u2019s important to seek immediate help if low back pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, disrupted sleep, unexplained weight loss and nerve pain, as these may signal a more serious underlying issue.<\/p>\n

While low back pain can seem mild in kids and teens, it\u2019s important to address it early.<\/p>\n

\u201cSlouching for a few minutes or leaning to one side while playing, studying or watching TV does not cause a permanent spinal deformity. However, this continuous slouching posture can lead to increased risk for constant neck and back pain,\u201d Barger said. \u201cHaving low back pain as a child or adolescent is also a significant risk factor for having low back pain as an adult.\u201d<\/p>\n

This story first appeared in the Steamboat Pilot.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

While low back pain may frequently be a complaint of older adults, it\u2019s been less common in kids and teens \u2013 until now. \u201cBack pain in kids and teens is a growing concern due to the increased use of screens,\u201d said Erika Barger, a physical therapist at UCHealth SportsMed Pediatric Therapy Clinic in Steamboat Springs. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2163,"featured_media":73012,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[202,4577],"class_list":["post-72880","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthy-living","tag-pediatric-care","tag-steamboat"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nIncreased use of screen time causing back pain in kids - UCHealth Today<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Increased screen time, heavy backpacks and even some sports can cause back pain in kids. 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