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"Protecting Young Backs".
The campaign's objective is to address the high incidence of back pain in children
and young people.
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The “Protecting Young Backs" campaign was officially
launched at the Back Show, London Olympia on Saturday 15th July. The campaign addresses concern
about the growing incidence of chronic and recurrent back pain among adolescents.
Research shows that up to 30% of teenagers are affected by back pain, close to the adult level. In 8%
of students (two to three in a class) the condition is severe enough to affect school attendance,
concentration, ability to play sport, relationships and well being. There is evidence to show that
adolescent back problems persist into adult life.
Back pain is the leading cause of disability in the UK, affecting 1.1 million people. Over 2.5 million
suffer continual back pain and the overall economic cost of back pain is estimated to be well over
£5 billion annually, with £1.6 billion in direct health care costs. These figures could rise dramatically
if measures are not taken to address the rising numbers of young sufferers.
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BackCare has identified a
number of risk factors for adolescent back pain. Many are preventable and can be addressed through the
introduction of the following educational solutions, to provide a safer working environment at school
and to encourage proper back health awareness among young people.
- Ergonomic classroom chairs to fit all sizes
- Desks with slopes to reduce hunching
- Locker space for all students
- Approved backpacks on uniform lists
- Maximum loads of 15% of body weight
- 1 hour physical activity each day
- Stretch breaks during long lessons
- Back health education in school
- Health and Safety regulations for children
- Measures to reduce obesity and smoking
Children and young people should be provided with a safe and healthy environment at school in
which to learn and grow to their full potential
For more information on the campaign please click on the following links:
If you would be willing to share any of your experiences with us, please contact Dorrie Willis, Campaign
Manager on
campaigns@backcare.org.uk
Any information provided would be confidential.
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Publications relevant to "Protecting Young Backs"
File last modified 28 January 2008
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