Back pain isn’t just a problem for adults; it’s increasingly common in children and teenagers. It’s unsettling to see your child suffer from back pain, especially when they should be running around and enjoying life. Let’s look into why kids might experience back pain, how it can be diagnosed, and the available treatment options.
Why Do Kids Get Back Pain?
The spine is a complex structure made up of many small bones (vertebrae), separated by cushiony discs, and held together by ligaments. It provides support and flexibility, allowing your child to twist and bend. Despite its strength, the spine can be a source of pain.
While it was once thought rare in kids, we now know that back pain is quite common as they grow. By age 15, up to 70% of kids will have experienced some back pain. Most of the time, this pain isn’t due to anything serious, but there are exceptions, especially in younger children under 5.
Common reasons for back pain in kids include muscle strains, overuse from sports, or simply from being less active. Other, less common causes might be infections, tumors, or spinal conditions like scoliosis (a curve in the spine) or spondylolisthesis (one bone sliding over another).
Symptoms to Watch For
Back pain can pop up anywhere along the spine and might vary greatly. However, it’s crucial to be vigilant if your child’s back pain is severe, gets worse, lasts several days, or is accompanied by other worrying signs like:
- Fever or weight loss
- Pain during the night or while resting
- Difficulty walking
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs
- Pain that spreads down one or both legs
- Problems with bowel or bladder control
These symptoms can signal something more serious requiring prompt medical attention.
How Is Back Pain Diagnosed?
When you visit the doctor, they’ll start with a detailed history and physical exam. They’ll want to know when and how the pain started, its exact location, and what makes it better or worse. During the physical exam, the doctor will check your child’s spine, posture, and how they walk, and perform various movements to pinpoint the pain area.
Depending on the findings, your doctor might order additional tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or even bone scans to get a clearer picture of what’s causing the pain. Blood tests can also be helpful, especially if an infection or inflammation is suspected.
Non-Surgical Options for Treating Back Pain
Most back pain in kids, like muscle strains or overuse injuries, can be managed without surgery. Here are some common approaches:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Sometimes, simply taking it easy or changing up routine activities helps.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and pain.
- Physical Therapy: A physiotherapist can teach exercises that strengthen the back and improve posture, which can be very effective, especially for persistent pain.
- Heat and Ice Therapy: Ice can reduce swelling in the first few days after an injury, followed by heat to ease muscle tension.
Conditions Needing Specific Approaches
- Kyphosis and Scoliosis: These might require braces or, in severe cases, surgery.
- Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis: These conditions often benefit from a combination of rest, physical therapy, and sometimes a back brace. Surgery may be necessary if the pain is severe or if there is significant bone movement.
- Disk Problems: Rare in kids, but if a disk herniates and affects the spine, surgery might be needed.
- Infections and Tumors: These are serious and can require antibiotics for infections or specific treatments for tumors depending on the type.
When to See a Doctor
If your child’s back pain is mild and goes away within a few days, it’s usually not a cause for concern. However, if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to get it checked out. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the pain from becoming a long-term problem.
We Can Help You Find the Right Solution
Watching your child deal with back pain can be tough, but thankfully, there are many effective treatments available. With the right care, most kids get back to their usual, active selves. If you’re concerned about your child’s back pain, don’t hesitate to consult a pediatric orthopedist who can guide you through the best options for your child’s specific needs. Remember, a proactive approach can make all the difference in ensuring your child’s health and well-being.
