Dear Parent,
Let me speak to you with all honesty — as a family tech guru and as someone who cares deeply about the health of Nigerian families, I understand the challenges of back pain and am committed to sharing practical solutions that can bring relief and improve overall well-being.
Today’s children are growing up in a world filled with screens. Whether it’s for online learning, school assignments, or just playing games, they spend hours sitting — often on bad chairs, beds, or even the floor.
And while we’re proud of how smart and tech-savvy our kids have become, there’s something quietly hurting them behind the scenes:
Lower back pain — yes, even in children as young as 10.
You may not notice it at first. Maybe they complain of a small ache after school. Or maybe they just seem more tired than usual. But over time, if not resolved can turn into something serious.
And let’s be honest — many of us parents are also suffering silently. After helping your child with homework, answering work emails from home, or scrolling on your phone, your lower back starts to hurt too.
But you keep quiet. You keep pushing through.
The truth is, if we don’t act now, we are setting our children up for long-term pain — and we ourselves will keep paying the price every day.
But I’m here to tell you:
There is something you can do — starting today.
And it doesn’t take a lot of money or fancy tools. Just love, care, and a few simple changes.
Steps To Relief/Stop Back Pain
Step 1: Replace That Broken Chair – Get a Good One
That old chair your child uses for studying? The one that wobbles or has no back support?
It’s doing more harm than good.
Instead, invest in a flexible relax chair — a special kind of chair designed to support the spine, encourage movement, and reduce pressure on the lower back. This is not luxury. It’s protection.
Ensure you look out the following:
- Adjustable height (so feet can touch the ground)
- Lumbar support (to cushion the lower back)
- Breathable fabric (to keep your child cool)
- A base that allows gentle rocking or balancing (to keep muscles active)
Even if you think your child is too young for such a chair, believe me — their back will thank you later.
Step 2: Set Up a Proper Study Corner – Not Just Anywhere
Your child deserves a real space to study — not the edge of the bed or a dining table that’s too high or low.
Help them set up a small corner in your home where they can sit comfortably.
Make sure:
- The screen (laptop or tablet) is at eye level
- Their arms are bent at 90 degrees when typing or writing
- Their back is supported by the chair
- Their feet are flat on the floor or a footrest
Just like you wouldn’t send them to school without a uniform, don’t let them study without a proper place to sit.
Step 3: Remind Them to Move – Because They Won’t Do It Alone
Once your child gets deep into classwork, a game, or a video, they can sit for hours without moving.
That’s normal — but dangerous.
So set up reminders using your phone. Every hour, make them get up for just 2 minutes .
Walk around the room. Shake their body. Stretch together.
You can even turn it into a fun challenge! Whoever stretches the best wins a point. Make it part of your daily routine.
Step 4: Teach Them Simple Stretches – And Join In!
Stretching doesn’t take much time — but it makes a big difference.
Try these easy ones together:
- Seated Cat-Cow Stretch
Sit tall, hands on knees. Arch your back forward like a cat, then lean back gently like a cow. Repeat 5 times. - Shoulder Rolls
Roll your shoulders backward 10 times, then forward 10 times. - Side Stretch
Raise one arm and bend to the side. Hold for 10 seconds. Switch sides.
For example: When you stretch with your child, you teach them that taking care of their body is important — and you both feel better after.
Step 5: Help Them Eat Well and Sleep Enough
Back pain isn’t only about sitting. It also comes from what’s happening inside the body.
Encourage your child to:
- Drink enough water every day
- Eat healthy foods like green vegetables, fruits, beans, and fish
- Sleep early and get enough rest
- Take breaks from screens to play outside or help with chores
A strong body handles sitting better — and grows up healthier.
Final Thought: You’re Not Just Buying a Chair — You’re Showing Love
Buying a flexible relax chair might seem small — but to your child, it means a lot.
It tells them:
“I care about your health.”
“I want you to grow up strong.”
“You deserve to feel good.”
And when you start stretching, moving, and eating well together as a family, you’re not just fighting back pain — you’re building a healthier, happier home.
Because the truth is:
Health is wealth.
And your child’s future starts today — in your hands.
Here is a journal on A Systematic Review on the Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Nigeria
Got questions about which chair to buy or how to create a good study corner at home? Leave a comment below or send us a message. We’re here to help you and your family stay healthy, Nigerian-style.
