LATEST government figures reveal that 45 per cent of adults suffer from lower back pain with half of them experiencing pain for more than two months.

Actually, these statistics probably underestimate the appalling prevalence of lower back pain in the UK, and the fact that much of it is preventable never ceases to amaze me.

What does concern me, however, is the growing number of children I am seeing in my practice.

The common denominator in all these cases is the unsuitability of the child's school desk and chair and the enormously heavy loads that children are regularly required to carry around these days because many do not have an individual desk or locker to house all their heavy books, sports gear and coats.

The old fashioned "sit up and beg" desk and chair has largely been replaced by chairs and tables which do not encourage good posture at a most vital time in the spine's development. The lack of somewhere to leave sports equipment, musical instruments and personal belongings means that children are forced to carry extremely heavy loads to and from school, as well as from class to class. The daily stresses exerted upon a child's spine are becoming evident in the 11 to 18-year-olds I am treating, some of whom have both spinal deformity and other conditions resulting from poor development and strain.

The static and dynamic postural habits which begin in childhood are carried though to adult life. It must therefore be expected that years of poor postural alignment and control will eventually lead to spinal pain and dysfunction.

By such time most adults have lost their ability to regain good postural control and alignment and will require intensive treatment and specific exercise regimes.

My advice, directed to all parents, PTAs, headteachers and health professionals, is to look at the conditions in schools and act to help prevent the unnecessary suffering of so many of our young people, now and in later life.

HILARY EVANS,

chartered physiotherapist,

Springside Road,

Walmersley, Bury.

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