<strong>Causes of Back Pain in Kids, When to Worry?</strong>
Back pain is a common problem that can be seen in children as well. There could be several reasons for back pain in children. But in most cases, back pain in children is not a serious problem. But if your child’s back pain is severe and persistent, then you should consider visiting a pediatric doctor. The doctor will determine the right treatment option for your child.
Common Signs of Back Pain in Children
The following are some of the common signs of back pain in children:
- The pain can be for a short time or it can last for a long time
- The pain keeps your child awake at night
- The pain keeps your child away from games
- Lifting and carrying things can worsen the back pain
- The way your child walks, move, and bend get affected
- A tender spot at the centre of the back
- The back may look twisted or curved
What Causes Back Pain in Children?
There can be several causes for your child’s back pain. Even small regular activities such as carrying heavy backpacks, playing sports, etc. can also cause back pain. But if the pain is persistent and occurs suddenly, then you may need to worry about your child’s back pain.
The following are some of the common causes of back pain in children:
- Poor body posture
- Being obese or overweight
- Females have higher chances of back pain than males
- Sitting on computers and watching tv for a long time
- Playing sports that require intense training
- Sprains and strains
Along with the above causes, the following can also lead to back pain in kids:
- Muscular back pain: This kind of pain is caused by muscle strains and overuse. It is one of the common reasons for back pain in children. If your child is overweight, stress from a heavy weight on the back muscles can also lead to back pain.
- Stress fractures: During adolescents, stress fractures in the back can lead to back pain. It takes time to show up signs and your child may not know that he/she got injured. Your child may experience a dull ache at the site of the fracture. The pain becomes even worse with movements.
- Disc issues: In kids, the disc is very elastic and the spine can handle any force. But the child’s disc can also get ruptured if the disc structure is abnormal. A disc herniation occurs when the soft tissues between the vertebrae get ruptured.
- Infections: Your child may experience any infections related to the spine and disc such as diskitis. It is commonly seen in children between the age group of 1 and 5 years. However, it can be seen in children and teenagers as well. Meningitis is also a serious infection of the spine. This can show signs such as back pain, fever, and feeling of sickness.
- Abnormal spinal alignment: If your child’s spine is abnormally aligned, it can lead to back pain and the back looks different than usual. Scoliosis and Scheuermann’s kyphosis are common spine deformities.
- Tumors: Both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors can also occur in the spinal columns. In very rare cases, back pain may also be due to these tumors. The pain caused by these tumors can be constant and can increase without any reason.
When Should I Worry About My Child’s Back Pain?
There are certain situations where you should immediately visit a doctor for your child’s back pain. The following are some of them:
- Your child is younger than 4 years and has back pain
- If pain awakes your child at night
- Has persistent pain that lasts for more than four weeks
- If the back pain restricts your child from doing activities
- If your child has weakness or numbness, and pins and needles
- If the back pain makes your child’s mobility difficult
- High fever
- Weight loss without any reason
- If the pain becomes worse over time
Diagnosis and Treatment for Your Child’s Back Pain
The doctor will first conduct a physical examination. During a physical examination, the doctor will check the area of pain, tenderness, how the back looks, how your child walks, etc. The doctor will also ask questions to know the cause and location of the pain. The doctor may also conduct tests such as:
- X-ray
- CT scans
- MRI
- Blood test
- Bone scans
In most cases, back pain in children gets cleared without any treatment. But if the back pain is severe and persistent, then the treatment is based on its cause. The doctor prescribes painkillers to relieve the pain. Your child may also be referred to a physical therapist to reduce the pain.
If the medications do not help and the back pain lasts for more than 4 weeks, along with other signs, then you will be referred to a specialist. Surgery is considered the last choice of treatment for your child.
Is Your Child Suffering from Back Pain? Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy Can Help You
Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy is the best neurosurgeon in Hyderabad with over 12 years of experience. He believes in developing a patient-centric treatment plan. He carefully listens to your concerns and suggests the best solution for your child. To book an appointment, call us today.