Possible Causes of Back Pain in Teens and Kids

Many grown-ups have a tendency to succumb to back injuries that can lead to compression, slip disc, and rupture. However, such conditions are not so common in kids. But despite that, as children start growing up and their bodies start developing; there are chances of succumbing to spinal disc injuries that may lead to back pain.

Older children can have back pain due to the following reasons

Spondylolisthesis

There are instances when there can be further injuries that are referred to as Spondylolisthesis. This is a condition where one vertebra slips upon another. This is a condition that can occur during adolescence and may lead to back pain as well as instability. If ignored, the patient may even have to undergo a surgery called spinal fusion later on.

Spondylolysis

Your child may be actively involved in competitive sports where the activities could be extremely specialized. Children in such active sports may go through a number of injuries that can cause back pain. This is a condition where the joint in between the vertebral bones may develop a defect. It can be found in anyone who has a tendency to bend their backs excessively like the gymnasts. Such an injury may lead to a stress fracture. People suffering from this condition may need to go through an extensive period of rest and recovery, which may last from one month to about six weeks.

Vertebral fractures and disc injuries

Teenagers tend to overexert their spines when they are too much into extreme sports or gymnastics. Sports like these can punish their buttocks or even feet. But no matter what, a force could hit their vertebrae. Such an impact can cause damage or fracture to their intervertebral disc.

Other reasons why back pain that may occur in older or younger kids

Tumor

Many pediatricians often encounter cases where children with back pain are brought to them. Tumor in their spines could be a cause for the back pain. However, the good news is that a spinal tumor is a cause of the back pain in kids very rarely. The treatment for this condition will depend upon the diagnosis.

Due to infection

One of the major concerns doctors go through is when children get diagnosed with the infection in their spines. A quick diagnosis is a must when there is an infection in the spine. A proper physical examination along with good laboratory data can diagnose this spinal infection. There could be symptoms in form of inflammation such as swelling and redness of the skin.

Heavy backpacks

In recent years, pediatricians have started experiencing cases where kids are suffering from back pain due to excess weight of their backpacks while commuting to and from their schools. The children's spines are strained due to these bulky backpacks. Teens and younger children should be also careful of not carrying the backpacks over only one shoulder. This may lead to an unequal load on their spines.

If you are concerned about your child's health in any way, including back pain, it helps to get a documented medical opinion to track your child's health for improvement or symptom progression. Phoenix Family Medical Clinic is here for your child through age 18 for pediatric care and until geriatric age for general medical needs. Let us help your family stay healthy and well!

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