Overweight Children At Risk For Spinal Disease

Most tend to believe spinal related disease such as disc herniation and degenerative disc disease are diseases reserved for adults and the elderly. However, a new research study now finds these diseases are also present in young children, especially those with weight/obesity issues. "Back pain and degenerative disc disease are yet another problem associated with obesity in children, along with type 2 diabetes," Dr. Judah G. Burns, of The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in New York City reported at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA 2009). "Disc herniation and spinal disease are generally thought of as a problem of older people, but we’re seeing it in obese youngsters, too. This is the first study to show an association between increased body mass index and disc abnormalities in children," Burns noted.

If you have a child, overweight or not, and he or she is suffering from back and/or neck discomfort, don’t assume it’s a minor sprain/strain. Contact our office today!