Importance of spinal health in children: The role of nutrition, exercise and early intervention

The vertebral column is more than just a bones stack upon each other, it supports and protects vital neural elements in our spinal cord which is essential for transferring electrochemical signals from our brain to various part in our body. It also supports various skeletal and musculoskeletal tissues which helps us maintain proper posture of our body.

Spinal health in children includes pain & deformity to the spinal area including lower back, upper back, neck, and neck-shoulder. Traditionally, back pain in children was considered uncommon, and thought to be associated with a definable cause. Current data show that back pain is a frequent complaint in the pediatric population and that the probability of identifying a specific cause is low. Spinal pain in adolescence is considered to be a risk factor for spinal pain as an adult.

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy spine. Various nutritional elements such as calcium , Vitamin D3, B complex, vitamin C and magnesium etc plays very critical role in building health of spinal column and neural tissue.
Calcium not only helps to build strong bones but also helps in neural signal transmission and efficient muscle contraction. Vitamin D is essential for absorption of calcium from intestine, it also has receptors on muscles and brain which helps in intracellular calcium signaling and neurotransmitter synthesis. So, in presence of vitamin D deficiency even if one consumes enough calcium supplements its absorption from the intestine will be below par.

Physical activities also play a paramount role in strengthening bones and musculoskeletal tissue in children, it helps to builds strong bones as any stress on bones during physical activities helps to activate osteoblasts which are the bone forming cell thus it eventually aids to build up enough calcium pool in our body which may eventually prevent early osteoporosis. Sports also catalyze in development of efficient neural motor skills.



Early detection of problem can prevent long-term complications. Screening of children by teacher, Parents or school nurse helps in detecting spinal condition ahead of time so that adequate action can be taken to prevent future spine related snag. One should look for uneven shoulder (one shoulder higher than the other). Uneven hips with one higher than other, visible abnormal spinal curve which are the signs of scoliosis/ kyphosis (curved or humped back).

Continuous pain in neck or back, struggling with day-to-day routine activities can be sign of infection, inflammatory disorder or tumour associated with spine. If any of the above symptoms or signs are preset than it’s important to see your doctor promptly.

Prevention is better than cure, let’s take the proverb seriously and pledge that on this spine day every one of us will take our spinal health earnestly as our Children are the future of our country.

(By Dr. Sunny Kamat, Consultant - Spine Orthopedics Surgery, Manipal Hospital Goa)