Why Your 8-Year-Old Has Back Pain: The Postural Cost of Online Learning

Back pain is something most people associate with adults — long hours at a desk job, heavy lifting, or age-related changes in the spine. However, in recent years, more parents have been surprised to find their children, some as young as seven or eight, complaining of persistent backaches. What was once rare in primary school children has become a common clinic conversation. The pandemic-driven shift to online learning, followed by longer hours of screen use, is at the heart of this problem.

We spoke to Dr Kiran Lingutla, Senior Consultant - Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, who explained chronic back pain in children, its causes, and how to cope with it.

Why Posture Matters In Children

The spine of a child is not a miniature version of an adult spine. It is still developing, with soft bones, growing muscles, and flexible ligaments. “Good posture during these years ensures proper alignment and even growth. However, when a child spends 5-6 hours slouched on a bed with a tablet, or hunched over a dining chair with no back support, small imbalances creep in. Over time, these add up, leading to strain in the muscles and ligaments around the spine,” said Dr Lingutla.

Also Read: Tired Of Back And Neck Pain? Here's How Your Commute Habits Could Be Causing It

Online Learning and its Hidden Load on the Body

During online classes, children are expected to stay in one place, often in setups that were never designed for study. Unlike a school desk and chair, home arrangements vary. Some children sit on the floor, others on couches, and many shift between bed and sofa. “Without realising it, they bend the spine forward, tilt the neck downwards, and keep their muscles under continuous tension. This is similar to adults experiencing neck or back pain after hours of laptop use — only in kids, the effect is faster and potentially more damaging because their tissues are still growing,” added Dr Lingutla.

Another overlooked factor is the lack of movement. In a school setting, children naturally move between classes, play in breaks, and carry out small activities that keep the muscles active. Online learning removed much of this incidental activity. Hours of stillness weaken the core and back muscles, leaving the spine with less support.

What Parents Should Watch For

Back pain in children does not always look the same as in adults. Instead of clearly describing “pain,” many children say their back feels tired, or they may avoid sitting for long. Warning signs parents should take seriously include:

• Complaints of back or neck ache after classes.
• Slouching or lying down frequently during study time.
• Trouble carrying a school bag or avoiding physical play.
• Poor sleep due to discomfort.

Most back pain in children comes from posture, but if the pain is strong or doesn’t settle, it is best to have a doctor examine the child. This helps ensure that less common causes, such as spinal infections, deformities, or other illnesses, are not missed.

Though physical activity levels didn’t always correlate with pain in every study, screen time showed a clearer pattern: higher screen engagement meant more reports of neck or shoulder discomfort in school-aged kids, according to a 2022 study.

Correcting Posture at Home

The good news is that posture-related back pain in children is highly reversible. Some practical steps include:

• Ergonomic seating: A straight-backed chair with a cushion for support is better than a sofa or bed. The child’s feet should touch the floor or rest on a small stool.
• Screen height: Laptops or tablets should be at eye level, so the neck does not bend down for hours.
• Breaks every 30–40 minutes: Encourage children to stand, stretch, or walk around briefly between classes.
• Daily physical activity: Cycling, skipping, yoga, and even basic stretches help build stronger back and core muscles, which serve as the spine’s natural support.
• Bag weight check: Once schools resume, ensure backpacks are not overloaded — the total weight should not exceed 10–15% of the child’s body weight.

Also Read: Back Pain In Young Working Professionals: A Growing Epidemic In IT Cities Like Bangalore

Beyond the Body: The Emotional Impact

Back pain in children is not only a physical issue. “An 8-year-old in discomfort may become restless, lose interest in studies, or show irritability. Some may even avoid games and sports, which are essential for both body and mind. Parents may mistake these signs as excuses, but recognising them and taking steps early helps build trust and encourages healthier routines,” added Dr Lingutla.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If back pain persists beyond a few weeks despite posture correction and exercise, or if it's accompanied by symptoms like fever, weight loss, weakness, or difficulty walking, immediate medical evaluation is crucial. Early consultation enables doctors to distinguish between simple muscle strain and conditions that require treatment.

Bottomline

Dr Lingutla concluded, “Children today are growing up in a world very different from the one their parents knew. Online classes, screens, and sedentary routines are shaping not just their minds, but their bodies too. Because the spine plays such a central role in posture and movement, it is also more prone to strain. Simple changes in daily habits, along with keeping children active, can go a long way in protecting their backs and allowing them to grow without pain or restrictions.”

Back pain in an 8-year-old is not ‘normal.’ It is the body’s way of asking for change, and with timely attention, that change is within every parent’s reach.