Did you know that 80 percent of American will experience back pain during some point of their lives, and that an increase in extreme sports is resulting in injuries occurring at a younger age than ever before?

While certain high-risk sports like football and gymnastics have been around for a long time, other relatively-new sports like all-star cheerleading, skateboarding and trick bikes are creating a new wave of back injuries and pain for children and teens. Potentially high-impact and "jarring" activities like intensive tumbling and stunting and highly-reactive body movements can create back and neck aches and injuries -- some of which can become sources for chronic pain later.

These activities for children and teens are considered a good news/bad news scenario, because there is growing concern about sedentary and overweight youngsters and the push for increased physical activity is being promoted more and more. At the same time, however, the activities that draw in a growing percentage of youth are ones that have the greatest potential for excitement and intensive exercise -- coupled with increased likelihood of muscle and bone injuries.

Each year, back pain costs Americans about 0 billion in medical bills, disability and lost productivity, according to recent health insurance reports. Those figures typically do not include injuries from children and teenagers.

If you or your child is participating in a so-called extreme or high-risk sport or activity, ask about potential for back and neck injuries and what safety precautions are put into place to help minimize the risk. You'll also want to know what medical plan is in place in the event a back or neck injury occurs -- and whether the instructor or coach possesses training to help deal with a potentially-catastrophic injury. Know your risks and understand what safeguards may or may not be in place before choosing to participate -- or allowing your child to do the same.