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“Protecting Young Backs"
Background to the campaign
BackCare is a national charity (registered as the
National Back Pain Association), which, for the last 40 years has been aiming to significantly reduce the
number of people affected by back pain. Last year, as a result of increasing concern about the incidence
of back pain in young people, we set up a School Back Pain Group, comprising health professionals, leading
ergonomists and educators. After critical evaluation of the relevant research in this field, the group has
produced a review document and other materials in support of the campaign “Protecting Young Backs”. The
campaign aims to:
- raise awareness to the problem of back pain in young people;
- lobby for legislation to protect children’s backs;
- introduce better practices in schools and in the home;
- encourage children to look after their backs.
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Research shows that nearly half of school children questioned say that they suffer back pain at some time. In the
later stages of their schooling around 30% say they are affected by back pain with 8%, that is between 2 and 3
children in every class, suffering chronic or recurrent back pain sufficiently bad to compromise sport, attendance,
self esteem, relationships and their future quality of life. There is evidence to show that adolescent back problems
persist into adult life.
There are a number of reasons why back pain is such a problem for children today and most of them preventable.
Our recommendations are:
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Seating - ergonomically designed adjustable chairs to encourage good posture.
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Desks – height-adjustable and with slopes for reading, writing and computer work
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School Lockers - every child should have access to a locker to prevent them having to carry huge weights to and
from school and between classes.
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Backpacks - appropriately designed
school bags to be worn over both shoulders. Maximum carrying weight limit
of around 10% of body weight.
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Physical Activity - at least one hour of physical activity each day within or outside of school, to improve
muscle strength and flexibility, support and strengthen the back. A 30:30 wriggle and stretch rule (every 30
minutes for 30 seconds) during long lessons to allow for movement and change in body position.
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Education - health and safety education to be introduced in schools, both for children and staff to teach
correct posture and back safety and the importance of exercise. Good habits started in school can be taken
home and will stay with children into their adult life.
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Other Health Factors - obesity and smoking are also risk factors for back pain and should be addressed
hrough health education and practical measures in school.
We are currently
lobbying the government, and those agencies responsible, to address the problems of inappropriate
classroom furniture, lack of lockers, insufficient PE and the lack of back health and safety education in schools.
BackCare
is encouraging schools to take part in a "Watch Your Back educational initiative, The
“Watch Your Back“ resource pack,
provides comprehensive materials and fun activities relating to back
health and safety awareness.
We continue to raise public awareness through a media campaign.
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Publications relevant to "Protecting Young Backs"
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