Why Is My Teen Experiencing Back or Neck Pain?

Understanding Posture-Related Pain in Adolescents

Your teenager might seem healthy, active, and resilient — so when they start complaining of neck pain, back pain, or headaches, it can be worrying and confusing.

At BodyRight Physiotherapy Clinic in Drogheda, we are seeing an increasing number of teenagers presenting with posture-related pain. While this may seem surprising, it is becoming increasingly common due to modern lifestyle habits combined with rapid growth during adolescence.

Posture Pain in Teens: More Common Than You Think

Teenagers today spend long periods:

• Sitting at desks in school

• Studying on beds or sofas

• Using phones, tablets, or laptops

• Gaming or scrolling with poor posture

During growth spurts, bones lengthen quickly, often faster than muscles and joints can adapt. When prolonged sitting and poor posture are added, this can lead to muscle imbalance, spinal strain, and discomfort.

Common posture-related symptoms we see in teens include:

• Neck and shoulder pain

• Mid or lower back pain

• Headaches

• Muscle stiffness or fatigue

• Rounded shoulders or slouched posture

Pain should not be considered “normal” at any age, including during teenage years.

What Causes Posture-Related Pain in Adolescents?

Poor posture places extra load on the spine and surrounding muscles. Over time, this can lead to:

• Overworked neck and shoulder muscles

• Weak core and postural muscles

• Reduced spinal mobility

• Muscle tightness and joint irritation

If left untreated, these movement patterns can persist into adulthood, increasing the risk of chronic pain later in life.

How Physiotherapy Can Help Teen Posture Pain

At BodyRight Physiotherapy in Drogheda, our Chartered Physiotherapists take a calm, educational approach when working with teenagers.

A posture assessment may include:

• Postural and movement analysis

• Strength and flexibility assessment

• Spinal mobility testing

• Review of daily habits, school setup, and screen use

Treatment focuses on:

• Correcting posture safely and gradually

• Strengthening postural and core muscles

• Improving flexibility and movement control

• Teaching teens how to look after their bodies independently

Our goal is not only to relieve pain but to give teenagers the tools to move well and stay pain-free as they grow.

Will My Teen Need a Long Treatment Plan?

In many cases, posture-related pain responds very well to early physiotherapy intervention. With the right guidance and a simple, realistic exercise programme, most teenagers experience noticeable improvement.

We keep exercises practical and age-appropriate so they can be easily fitted into daily routines without adding stress.

When Should Parents Seek Physiotherapy Support?

You may wish to consider physiotherapy if your teen:

• Has ongoing back or neck pain

• Experiences headaches linked to posture

• Complains of stiffness after sitting or studying

• Has pain affecting school, sport, or sleep

• Appears consistently slouched or uncomfortable

Early assessment can help prevent minor issues from developing into long-term problems.

Supporting Teen Health at BodyRight Physiotherapy, Drogheda

At BodyRight Physiotherapy Clinic, we support teenagers through growth, change, and increasing physical demands with professional, evidence-based care.

All assessments are carried out by CORU-registered Chartered Physiotherapists, ensuring your child receives safe, effective, and appropriate treatment in a supportive environment.

Book a Teen Physiotherapy Assessment in Drogheda

If your teenager is experiencing posture-related pain, early support can make a lasting difference.

Contact BodyRight Physiotherapy Clinic in Drogheda to book an assessment and help your teen move comfortably, confidently, and pain-free.