It's a pain

A recent study by the British Chiropractic Society found that 45 per cent of 11-year-olds surveyed have experienced back pain. Medical experts say the causes are two-fold: a sedentary lifestyle and children carrying too-heavy school bags.

Doctors say pre-teens are spending a growing number of hours slumped in front of the television and computer and are exercising less than previous generations. By limiting screen time, parents can help children ward off pain. They also warn that parents should check the weight of school bags, and invest in wheelie satchels for their children, or request that schools install lockers to reduce the number of school books youngsters need to carry back and forth to class each day.