Back pain is generally considered a problem during middle and older age, but a 2020 study found that more than 1/3rd of children and adolescents reported experiencing back pain in the previous year, and around 9% reported severe back pain in the previous year. Some reasons that kids and teens get back pain include obesity, intense year-round sports activities, and carrying a heavy backpack at school.
This article from Gurugram’s top physiotherapist for back pain Dr Saed Varis will go over the possible causes of back pain in your children. You will also learn the warning signs that would mean it is time to call your child’s doctor or a physiotherapist.
Does your child need to see a doctor or a physiotherapist for back pain?
There are several reasons a child can experience back pain. While it could be something minor like a pulled muscle, back pain can also have a more serious cause. Back pain is more possible to point to a serious problem in kids compared to what it is in adults. This is particularly, true if a child’s back pain does not get better in a few days or begins to get worse. See a doctor for your child:
- Child has back pain and is age 4 or younger
- Has pain during the night (particularly if it wakes them up)
- Has constant pain or pain that lasts for more than multiple weeks
- Has pain that shoots down to one or both legs
Factors that might lead to back pain in your child
There are numerous factors that can be the reason for back pain in your child. They are:
- Muscular pain
- Stress fractures
- Disc problems
- Infections (spinal meningitis)
- Alignment issues
- Tumors
When you should worry about your child’s back pain?
You should look for the following:
- If your child is feeling leg pain, numbness, or weakness
- Your child is quite young
- The pain is not letting them sleep at night
- The symptoms persist for multiple weeks
- Feeling symptoms of generalized illness
- Their pain is constant
If your child has back pain, it is natural to be concerned. As their parents, you do not want to see them be uncomfortable or have to miss out on their favourite activities. That said, several causes of back pain in kids and teens will get better if they take it easy and rest. However, if your child’s back pain is not getting better, is getting worse, it is time to call their doctor and subsequently consult a physiotherapist when needed.