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Sedentary Lifestyle Linked To Rise In Back Pain Among Indian Schoolchildren, Say Experts

Musculoskeletal problems such as <span>back pain</span>, once more commonly associated with adulthood and old age, are increasingly being reported among schoolchildren, experts at the <span>Indian Association of Physiotherapists</span> (IAP) have warned.

Ahead of the <span>World Physiotherapy Asia</span> Western Pacific (WPAWP) Regional Conference 2026, IAP experts flagged a reported 40% rise in musculoskeletal problems among schoolchildren, citing sedentary lifestyles and poor movement habits as key concerns.

The experts called for greater focus on prevention, movement education and physical fitness from an early age.

“Back pain does not start in old age. We are seeing a concerning 40% rise in musculoskeletal problems among schoolchildren, and this should make us rethink how we approach preventive healthcare in schools,” Prof. Dr. Sanjiv K. Jha, President of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP), said.

He flagged concerns that long hours of studying and prolonged screen use are making children increasingly physically inactive. Reduced movement, along with inadequate strength, flexibility and fitness, may contribute to musculoskeletal problems and could have long-term consequences if not addressed.

“We need to shift from treating musculoskeletal problems after they appear to preventing them through early education, fitness and appropriate physiotherapy interventions,” Dr. Jha said.

<h2>Childhood Back Pain Is Already A Concern</h2>

Indian research indicates that musculoskeletal symptoms are a significant concern among school-going children.

A study of 934 children aged 8–15 years from four schools in Bhopal found that 55.9% reported pain during the previous 12 months, while 41.6% reported pain during the preceding 10 days and 21.3% had visited a doctor for the problem. The study also found that the average schoolbag weighed 16.5% of the students’ body weight.

Another study among schoolchildren aged 10–16 years in urban and rural areas of Khurda district, Odisha, found an 18.8% prevalence of musculoskeletal pain during the preceding year. The research examined factors including backpack weight, age, gender and body measurements.

<h2>Heavy Schoolbags Are Not The Whole Story</h2>

Experts caution against attributing childhood back pain solely to heavy schoolbags.

Scientific evidence suggests that musculoskeletal pain can have multiple contributing factors, including physical activity, movement habits, previous injuries, psychosocial factors, prolonged sitting and individual characteristics.

This points to the need for a broader approach to childhood musculoskeletal health rather than focusing exclusively on schoolbag weight.

“We should not totally link childhood back pain to a heavy-school-bag problem. Children need regular movement, physical fitness, strength, flexibility, good movement habits and awareness about how they use their bodies,” Dr. Ruchi Varshney, part of the IAP, said.

She added that physiotherapy can help schools introduce preventive programmes focused on movement education, early identification of problems and healthy physical activity rather than waiting until pain becomes persistent.

Physiotherapists believe schools can become important platforms for movement education, exercise, postural awareness, physical fitness, injury prevention, ergonomics, early screening and health promotion.

The larger message is that back pain should not be viewed as an inevitable problem of growing older. Musculoskeletal health begins in childhood, and prevention should begin before pain becomes persistent.

Regular movement, physical fitness, strength and flexibility can help children develop healthy movement habits and support their musculoskeletal health as they grow.

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Musculoskeletal problems such as back pain, once more commonly associated with adulthood and old age, are increasingly being reported among schoolchildren, experts at the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) have warned.Ahead of the World Physiotherapy Asia Western Pacific (WPAWP) Regional Conference 2026, IAP experts flagged a reported 40% rise in musculoskeletal problems among schoolchildren, citing sedentary lifestyles and poor movement habits as key concerns.The experts called for greater focus on prevention, movement education and physical fitness from an early age.“Back pain does not start in old age. We are seeing a concerning 40% rise in musculoskeletal problems among schoolchildren, and this should make us rethink how we approach preventive healthcare in schools,” Prof. Dr. Sanjiv K. Jha, President of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP), said.He flagged concerns that long hours of studying and prolonged screen use are making children increasingly physically inactive. Reduced movement, along with inadequate strength, flexibility and fitness, may contribute to musculoskeletal problems and could have long-term consequences if not addressed.“We need to shift from treating musculoskeletal problems after they appear to preventing them through early education, fitness and appropriate physiotherapy interventions,” Dr. Jha said.Childhood Back Pain Is Already A ConcernIndian research indicates that musculoskeletal symptoms are a significant concern among school-going children.A study of 934 children aged 8–15 years from four schools in Bhopal found that 55.9% reported pain during the previous 12 months, while 41.6% reported pain during the preceding 10 days and 21.3% had visited a doctor for the problem. The study also found that the average schoolbag weighed 16.5% of the students’ body weight.Another study among schoolchildren aged 10–16 years in urban and rural areas of Khurda district, Odisha, found an 18.8% prevalence of musculoskeletal pain during the preceding year. The research examined factors including backpack weight, age, gender and body measurements.Heavy Schoolbags Are Not The Whole StoryExperts caution against attributing childhood back pain solely to heavy schoolbags.Scientific evidence suggests that musculoskeletal pain can have multiple contributing factors, including physical activity, movement habits, previous injuries, psychosocial factors, prolonged sitting and individual characteristics.This points to the need for a broader approach to childhood musculoskeletal health rather than focusing exclusively on schoolbag weight.“We should not totally link childhood back pain to a heavy-school-bag problem. Children need regular movement, physical fitness, strength, flexibility, good movement habits and awareness about how they use their bodies,” Dr. Ruchi Varshney, part of the IAP, said.She added that physiotherapy can help schools introduce preventive programmes focused on movement education, early identification of problems and healthy physical activity rather than waiting until pain becomes persistent.Schools Can Play A Bigger RolePhysiotherapists believe schools can become important platforms for movement education, exercise, postural awareness, physical fitness, injury prevention, ergonomics, early screening and health promotion.The larger message is that back pain should not be viewed as an inevitable problem of growing older. Musculoskeletal health begins in childhood, and prevention should begin before pain becomes persistent.Regular movement, physical fitness, strength and flexibility can help children develop healthy movement habits and support their musculoskeletal health as they grow.

sedentary lifestyle linked to rise in back pain among indian schoolchildren, say experts

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