Understanding Teenage Back Pain

Q: My 15-year-old son has been complaining of backaches. He’s had a big growth spurt this year, so my husband thinks it’s just growing pains. I believe it might be due to a lack of exercise. What’s your perspective?

A: You’re both touching on something important, and it’s likely a combination of factors. Back pain among teens is becoming more common, and while some discomfort during growth spurts can be expected, a lot of teenage back pain can actually be prevented with healthier habits.

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology looked into this very topic. Researchers followed 502 adolescents over the course of a year and found that 17% of them experienced low back pain. They explored several possible risk factors, such as rapid growth, flexibility, core strength, physical activity levels, mental well-being, and even smoking.

What they discovered was quite eye-opening. Teens who had grown more than two inches in just six months were significantly more likely to develop back pain. But other key contributors also played a major role. Lack of exercise, tight leg muscles, and smoking all increased the risk of chronic discomfort. In fact, smoking more than doubled the chance of experiencing long-term back pain.

As parents, we naturally want to protect our kids from pain. While we can’t control every aspect of their behavior, we can help them understand the importance of taking care of their bodies. Encouraging regular movement, teaching simple stretches, and making time for core-strengthening activities can all go a long way.

It’s also important to have open conversations with teens about the choices they make. Instead of just telling them what not to do, help them see the connection between healthy habits and feeling good in their bodies. Support and encouragement can make all the difference as they learn to care for themselves—especially during these years of rapid change and growth.