I’ve heard that girls are more likely to have back pain these days than boys. Is this true? I have three girls and so far no one has complained of back pain. What should I watch for?

Studies around the world are starting to report an increased prevalance of low back pain among school-aged children. For example, there is a 22 per cent prevalence rate of low back pain in British children, 30 per cent in American children, and 50 per cent in Danish children. Japanese children have a much lower point prevalence reported of 10 per cent but a 29 per cent lifetime prevalence.

Prevalence refers to the number of people who report low back pain at one specific point (day) in time or over a short period of time (e.g., three weeks or three months). As the name suggests, lifetime prevalence refers to how often this condition develops anytime in your entire life.

Girls do consistently report low back pain more often than boys though the girls are less likely to seek medical assistance for their painful symptoms. The reasons for the differences between boys and girls remain unknown. Some experts suggest theories that include the effect of earlier puberty among girls, greater spinal flexibility in girls, and different activity levels.

If activity is a preventive factor and girls are less active, then perhaps increased activity among girls will help. One other factor of potential importance is the tendency among girls to worry. According to one study, comparing back pain between boys and girls, girls tend to worry more about their back pain. Worry may actually increase the perception of pain.

Efforts are underway to research the increasing problem of low back pain among school-aged children. Differences based on gender, age, body-mass index, and any other factors will be examined carefully. You may see more information and explanations in the near future to answer your questions.

In the meantime, if any of your children tells you they are experiencing back pain, pay attention and report concerns to their primary care physician. The presence of fever may suggest infection. A report of recent trauma or injury along with severe or debilitating pain should be investigated and the possibility of fracture ruled out. General, mild low back pain may go away without further problems with a little time and TLC (tender loving care).