Are Poor Posture Habits Causing Back Pain in Teenagers? What New Research Reveals

Written by Dr Julian Simpson — Chiropractor with 15+ years of experience, Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation, and author/reviewer of 800+ health articles.

Are Poor Posture Habits Causing Back Pain in Teenagers? What New Research Reveals

Health Wise Chiropractic | Sunbury & Melton

Back pain is no longer just an adult problem.

A recent study investigating adolescents aged 10–20 years found that nearly two-thirds of participants reported back pain within the previous three months, highlighting a growing concern for parents, schools, and healthcare professionals.

With teenagers spending more time studying, using smartphones, gaming, and sitting in classrooms than ever before, researchers are increasingly looking at how everyday postural habits influence spinal health.

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we regularly assess posture-related concerns in children, teenagers, and young adults across Sunbury and Melton. This latest research provides valuable insight into how daily habits may contribute to spinal discomfort during important developmental years.

Key Statistics From The Study

The study examined 70 adolescents aged between 10 and 20 years and found:

• 63% reported back pain within the previous three months.

56% reported neck pain.

• Average back pain severity was 4.1 out of 10.

• Average neck pain severity was 3.9 out of 10.

• 51% used smartphones or tablets for more than four hours per day.

• Only 24% achieved 8–9 hours of sleep per night.

• Girls reported significantly more back pain than boys.

• Flexed and asymmetrical sitting postures were strongly associated with increased back pain.

These findings suggest that musculoskeletal discomfort is becoming increasingly common during adolescence.

What Is a "Flexed" Sitting Posture?

A flexed posture occurs when a person slouches forward while sitting.

Examples include:

• Hunching over a laptop

• Leaning forward while studying

• Looking down at a phone for extended periods

• Slumping on a couch

• Sitting with rounded shoulders and a forward head posture

Researchers found that adolescents who regularly adopted these postures were significantly more likely to report back pain.

The Biggest Risk Factor Wasn't Screen Time

One surprising finding was that:

Screen Time Alone Was Not Significantly Associated With Back Pain

Although more than half the participants used phones and tablets for over four hours daily, researchers found no direct relationship between total screen time and pain levels.

Instead, the way adolescents positioned their bodies while using devices appeared to be far more important.

This aligns with what chiropractors frequently observe in clinical practice.

Two teenagers may spend the same amount of time on a device:

• One maintains regular movement and good posture.

• The other spends hours in a slouched position.

The second teenager is far more likely to experience spinal discomfort.

Poor Sitting Posture During School Work Increased Back Pain

The strongest association in the study was between posture while writing at a desk and the presence of back pain.

Researchers found:

Students Using a Flexed Sitting Posture Were More Likely To Experience Back Pain

Those who sat upright reported substantially lower rates of discomfort.

This is particularly relevant because Australian students spend many hours each day:

• Sitting in classrooms

• Completing homework

• Studying for exams

• Using computers

Over time, prolonged slouched sitting can place additional stress on muscles, joints, ligaments, and spinal discs.

Social Sitting Habits Matter Too

The study identified another interesting finding.

Teenagers who adopted slouched or asymmetrical postures while talking with friends also reported more back pain.

This suggests that posture isn't only important during study or screen use.

Every day habits matter.

Repeatedly:

• Leaning on one side

• Sitting with a curved spine

• Crossing legs for prolonged periods

• Resting weight unevenly

may increase spinal loading over time.

Why Are More Teenagers Experiencing Back and Neck Pain?

Researchers believe several factors may contribute:

1. Increased Sedentary Behaviour

Modern adolescents spend more time sitting than previous generations.

2. Device Use

Phones and tablets encourage prolonged neck flexion and rounded shoulder postures.

3. Reduced Movement Variety

The body thrives on movement.

Remaining in one position for extended periods may increase muscle fatigue and joint stiffness.

4. Rapid Growth

Teenagers experience significant skeletal and muscular changes during adolescence, making posture particularly important during growth spurts.

Girls Reported More Back Pain Than Boys

The study found that female participants were significantly more likely to experience back pain.

Researchers suggest several possible reasons:

• Differences in spinal shape and biomechanics

• Hormonal influences

• Higher rates of sedentary behaviour reported in some studies

• Different pain perception and reporting patterns

While the exact cause remains unclear, the finding highlights the importance of early spinal health assessment for both boys and girls.

What This Means for Parents

The good news is that posture-related behaviours are modifiable.

Simple changes can often reduce unnecessary spinal stress.

Encourage Regular Movement

Aim for movement breaks every 30–45 minutes during:

• Homework

• Gaming

• Screen use

• Study sessions

Optimise Study Spaces

Ensure:

• Feet are supported

• Screen height is appropriate

• Shoulders remain relaxed

• The desk height suits the child

Limit Continuous Device Use

Encourage frequent position changes and avoid prolonged neck bending.

Promote Physical Activity

Regular exercise helps develop strength, coordination, mobility, and postural endurance.

How Chiropractic Care May Help

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we commonly assess:

• Forward head posture

• Rounded shoulders

• Postural strain

• Growth-related spinal changes

• Neck pain

• Mid-back pain

• Lower back discomfort

Our chiropractors provide individualised assessments and recommendations aimed at supporting healthy movement patterns and spinal function during growth and development.

While no single posture is "perfect," identifying habits that place excessive stress on the body can help young people maintain comfort and mobility as they grow.

The Bottom Line

This new research highlights an important message:

It may not be how long teenagers sit that matters most—it may be how they sit.

The study found:

• 63% of adolescents experienced back pain.

• 56% experienced neck pain.

• Flexed and asymmetrical sitting postures were strongly associated with symptoms.

• Girls reported higher rates of back pain.

• Postural habits appeared more important than total screen time.

As children and teenagers spend increasing amounts of time studying and using digital devices, encouraging healthy movement and postural awareness may play an important role in supporting long-term spinal health.

If your child is experiencing ongoing back pain, neck pain, or posture concerns, the team at Health Wise Chiropractic in Sunbury and Melton can help assess their spinal health and provide appropriate guidance.

How Chiropractic Care May Help

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive approach to posture-related care.

Treatment may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments

• Postural assessment

• Soft tissue therapy

• Corrective exercises

• Ergonomic advice

• Laser therapy

• Shockwave therapy

• Spinal decompression therapy

We focus on addressing both the symptoms and the underlying biomechanical stress contributing to neck dysfunction.

About the Author

Dr Julian Simpson is an Australian chiropractor with over 15 years of experience in musculoskeletal healthcare and rehabilitation.

He is a Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation and has reviewed and written more than 800 evidence-based health articles focused on spinal health, rehabilitation, sports injuries and conservative care approaches.

His treatment focus includes:

• Chiropractic adjustments

• Sports chiropractic

• Massage therapy

• Shockwave therapy

• Laser therapy

• Non-surgical spinal decompression

Dr Simpson provides patient care through Healthwise Chiropractic, serving communities including Sunbury, Melton, Diggers Rest and surrounding regions.

Reference

D'Elia F, Ceruso R, Giardullo G, Picone AD, Simoes V, D'Isanto T, Esposito G. Physical Development and Postural Behaviors in Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study. Children (Basel). 2026 May 19;13(5):698. doi: 10.3390/children13050698. PMID: 42194224; PMCID: PMC13204528.