No parent wants to learn their child has a serious medical condition. Back pain in kids can be especially frightening. Fortunately, not every spinal issue is severe. In fact, most spinal conditions are not dangerous and don’t have major health implications.
The three primary causes of spinal disorders in children are non-specific back pain, scoliosis and spondylolisthesis.
Non-Specific Back Pain
The most prevalent pediatric spine disorder is general back pain. Just like adults, it can be caused by many reasons, but most of the time is not serious. Sometimes, pain relates to a mechanical issue like posture, physical activity or obesity.
It’s interesting to note the increase in pediatric back pain throughout the pandemic. This is likely due to kids getting less physical activity than they used to. It is important to encourage your children to be active, get outside and move more. In fact, obesity is a cause of back pain, so it is even more important for children to exercise regularly and stay fit. Less time playing video games and more time moving can make a big difference in preventing back pain in children.
For non-specific back pain, Tylenol or Advil may solve the problem. Physical therapy is another option. But most times consistent movement and exercise will help alleviate the pain.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis, a lateral curvature of the spine, is common in growing children and tends to run in families. If the condition goes untreated, it can cause pain as an adult or even serious complications down the road.
With mild scoliosis, regular x-rays and observation are often enough. But if the curvature begins to get larger and the child has a lot more growing to do, orthopedic experts recommend using a brace. A brace is effective in controlling curve growth. In severe cases, surgery may be indicated, but that is very rare.
Unfortunately, children won’t grow out of scoliosis. Once a curve has developed, they will still have a curve. A brace will help it not get larger but won’t straighten it out. However, small curves are not necessarily symptomatic, and most adults tolerate some degree of curvature without any long-term problems.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a stress fracture that occurs at the base of the spine. If you have an athlete who complains of particularly severe or persistent back pain, they should be evaluated for spondylolisthesis.
If this is the confirmed diagnosis, the first mode of treatment is to take the child or teen out of their athletic activity. To help the spine rest, a brace is often used to hold the spine still and give it a chance to heal. If it becomes severe, surgery may be needed, but that is rarely needed.
Spondylolisthesis can cause chronic recurrent back pain if the fracture fails to heal and can cause nerve compression. The nerve compression can result in sciatica, a shooting pain down the legs. People don’t usually grow out of that, but they generally aren’t terribly symptomatic for most people.
What Parents Can Do for Back Pain in Kids
First of all, parents should keep in mind that the vast majority of back pain in kids is not dangerous. Their child can be treated successfully, and almost always without surgery. And most of the time kids will go on to live a very successful, happy life without any major concerns regarding their back. However, if the parents are concerned, they should have their child evaluated by a spine expert.
Back pain that lasts a day or two, in general, is nothing to be concerned about. It is a normal occurrence for both children and adults alike.
It is important to have the child evaluated if:
- The pain is persistent
- The pain is severe
- The pain is interfering with sleep
- The child is giving up fun activities, like going to parties or the movies (this does not include too much pain to take out the trash or do the dishes)
The best thing parents can do is encourage their kids to get up and get moving and see a spine expert if they have any concerns.
More to Read
- Could Your Back Pain Be Adult Scoliosis?
- How to Relieve Back Pain Without Surgery
- Solutions to Manage Nighttime Back Pain
- Finding Relief from Neck Pain
Medically Reviewed by Daniel Gelb, MD
