World · India Bureau
Joint pain in Indian schoolchildren surges; lifestyle factors blamed
A significant rise in back, waist, and knee pain among Indian school-age children has emerged as a growing health concern, with lifestyle factors rather than heavy school bags identified as the primary culprit. According to the Indian Association of Physiotherapists, the prevalence of such pain has increased to 40 percent among the student population.
LSN India ·
Joint and spinal pain, long considered a condition primarily affecting the elderly, is now becoming increasingly common among Indian schoolchildren, raising concerns among health professionals about emerging lifestyle trends.
The Indian Association of Physiotherapists has reported a notable 40 percent increase in cases of back, lower back, and knee pain among students. While heavy school bags have traditionally been blamed for such issues, medical experts now point to other factors as the primary drivers of this trend.
Physiotherapists attribute the rise in joint pain to sedentary behavior, prolonged use of digital devices, poor posture during online classes, and reduced physical activity among children. The shift to screen-based learning, both during and after the pandemic, has significantly contributed to postural problems and musculoskeletal strain in young people.
Health professionals warn that early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term complications. They recommend increased physical activity, ergonomic awareness, regular breaks from screens, and proper posture training to address the issue at its root.
Parents and educators are being advised to encourage outdoor play, strengthen core muscles through appropriate exercises, and ensure children maintain healthy habits to mitigate the growing problem.