Back pain in children | 5 common causes
Back pain is one of the most common reasons parents bring their children to see us at The Physios. There can be many reasons a child may experience back pain. Some can be more concerning than others so it’s always worth getting a child reporting back pain checked. Read on to find out more about some of the most common causes for back pain in children.
Back pain in children | 5 common causes
1. Posture related/muscle strain
Muscle strain due to relative overuse is a common cause of back pain in kids. Activities involving heavy backpacks, poor postures, or sudden increases in physical activity can lead to pain and discomfort. Education on posture, ergonomics and regular exercise can mitigate these risks.
2. Bone stress injuries (including Spondylolysis ‘pars fractures’ and Spondylolisthesis)
Bone stress injuries are on a continuum with ‘bony bruising’ (bone marrow oedema) being at the mild end and full stress fracture and spondylolythesis at the severe end.
You may have heard of the term ‘pars fracture’. The medical name for this is spondylolysis. This refers to a bone stress injury in the pars interarticularis of the vertebra, usually in the lower back (lumbar spine). Other parts of the vertebra can be affected but the pars is the most common. Often, these fractures are one sided (usually the one opposite to the dominant hand), however both sides can be affected. If severe, this can lead to a one vertebra slipping forward relative to the ones above and below. This is termed spondylolisthesis. We typically see these injuries in young athletes engaged in sports requiring repetitive hyperextension, such as gymnastics, cricket and football.
Affected individuals often report lower back pain that worsens with activity. Early recognition of these injuries can result in appropriate rest, rehab and a full recovery. This in turn leads to a quicker return to sport and less chance of long term pain. Delayed diagnosis can result in a more severe injury, the risk of a stress fracture which can’t heal, months out of sport and the potential for long-term pain. Read more detail on lumbar bone stress injuries here.
3. Scheuermann’s Disease
This condition is characterised by abnormal vertebral growth, leading to a pronounced curvature of the mid back (thoracic spine). This condition occurs during adolescence and can cause mid to lower back pain, fatigue, and noticeable postural changes. It is often exacerbated by prolonged periods of sitting or activity.
4. Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways, often in an “S” or “C” shape. It can be mild or really quite noticeable, sometimes causing uneven shoulders or hips. While many cases don’t cause pain or need treatment it’s always worth getting it checked out as sometimes treatment such as bracing or even surgery is necessary to prevent deterioration. You can read more about scoliosis here.
5. Infections and Inflammatory Conditions
Infections such as discitis or osteomyelitis, though rare, can lead to back pain in kids. In cases of infection, the child will usually be generally unwell with symptoms such as fever and fatigue.
Just like adults, children too can develop joint pain due to arthritis. Specifically, juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Often children with this condition will present with pain in multiple joints which may be accompanied by swelling.
These conditions require prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
Conclusion
Listed above are some of the most common causes of back pain in children. This list in by no means exhaustive and we would recommend getting all children reporting back pain looked at to eliminate cause for concern. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of the underlying cause are essential to ensure the child’s well-being and prevent long-term complications.
We would also recommend seeking the opinion of someone who specialises in paediatric conditions, as skeletally, they are very different to adults. They shouldn’t just be treated as mini-adults!
To arrange an assessment, or if you have any questions, call our friendly reception team on 0114 267 8181. They will arrange for your child to be booked in with the most appropriate member of our team. To read more about other paediatric conditions that we treat, click here.
