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Childhood Back Pain Surges 40%: Experts Urge Early Prevention & Fitness
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News18•24-09-2026, 18:30
Childhood Back Pain Surges 40%: Experts Urge Early Prevention & Fitness
- •Physiotherapy experts report a 40% rise in musculoskeletal problems among schoolchildren, highlighting a shift from back pain being an issue primarily for adults or the elderly.
- •The Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) emphasizes the need for greater focus on prevention, movement education, and physical fitness from an early age.
- •Studies indicate a significant prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in Indian schoolchildren, with one study finding 55.9% experienced pain in the past year and 21.3% visited a doctor.
- •Experts caution against solely blaming heavy schoolbags, noting that childhood back pain is multifactorial, involving physical activity, movement habits, psychosocial factors, and prolonged sitting.
- •Physiotherapists advocate for schools to implement preventive programs focusing on movement education, early problem identification, and healthy physical activity to build a culture of fitness.
Key Questions Answered
The Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) highlighted a 40 per cent rise in musculoskeletal problems among school-going children ahead of the WPAWP Regional Conference 2026 in New Delhi.
A study in Bhopal found that 55.9 per cent of children aged 8-15 reported pain during the previous 12 months, with schoolbags averaging 16.5 per cent of body weight, while a study in Odisha's Khurda district showed an 18.8 per cent prevalence of musculoskeletal pain.
Experts caution that childhood back pain is multifactorial, involving physical activity, movement habits, previous injuries, psychosocial factors, prolonged sitting, and individual traits rather than just heavy bags.
