As parents, noticing your child struggle with back pain can be both puzzling and worrisome. While occasional aches might seem like growing pains or the result of a playful tumble, persistent discomfort could signal something more serious. Certain signs, such as chronic pain or nighttime discomfort, should not be ignored. Knowing when to seek medical attention is key to ensuring your child’s well-being.
We spoke to our expert Dr Aravind Badiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals, who explained the warning signals that differentiate common back pain from conditions requiring professional care, helping you make informed decisions for your child’s health.
Recognising When Back Pain Is a Concern
Understanding the causes of back pain in children can be challenging. It may not simply result from muscle strains or minor injuries. While sharp discomfort and occasional pains are generally normal, consistent or severe pain should be taken seriously and might require medical attention. Parents and caregivers need to recognise when a child's back pain is typical or may signal a more serious health issue.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, it was found that children with parents or family members experiencing chronic back pain are more likely to report back pain themselves, often without a clear medical diagnosis.
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Signs That Require Medical Attention
Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain that limits a child's ability to play, learn, or sleep comfortably is concerning. Unlike adults, children do not usually experience chronic pain without an underlying medical issue," said Dr Badiger. If a child experiences back pain that persists for weeks or months, it could indicate structural or pathological problems, such as:
- Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine.
- Spondylolysis: Fractures in the vertebrae caused by stress.
These conditions aren’t always visible upon casual examination, so it's crucial to seek professional advice if the pain continues.
Neurological Symptoms
Pain accompanied by symptoms, such as numbness, prickling, muscle weakness, or difficulty walking could signal nerve involvement or spinal cord compression. Possible causes include:
- Herniated discs
- Congenital spinal anomalies
In some cases, chronic back pain could be caused by a tumour or infection, such as osteomyelitis. These conditions may present with symptoms like fever, weight loss, or a general decline in the child’s health. Urgent medical evaluation is necessary to exclude life-threatening conditions.
Also Read: These Food Items Might Be The Cause Of Your Back Pain
Pain Location Matters
Pain in certain locations may indicate a pathological issue, while pain in other areas could be a normal response. This can be a valuable indicator of the cause of the problem.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain particularly when severe or rigorously sharp may very likely be associated with disc-associated issues or joint inflammation. In children of this age and adolescents, muscle strain and ligament sprains resulting from sports activities are major causes.
However, if lower back pain is experienced in the absence of an incident or a sports event then it may be associated with other causes ranging from inflammatory conditions, such as juvenile arthritis.
Nighttime Discomfort
Nighttime discomfort is yet another sign that cannot be ignored. If a child’s back pain is sharp and worse at night or wakes the child frequently during the night, it can serve as a red flag for more complicated conditions.
"Growing pains are normal; nonetheless, persistent pain that pulls a child out of sleep can be unusual and could warrant a detailed examination. This could require radiological examinations including X-ray or MRI because failure to recognise the utility of such pain may be a fatal mistake," added Dr Badiger.
Postural Changes
Parents should pay attention to how their child sits, stands, and moves. Persistent postural dysfunction—where certain body parts are held in awkward positions may indicate that the child is experiencing discomfort due to an underlying condition. Changes in posture can result from muscle imbalances, or congenital issues, or may even signify the early stages of spinal deformity.
Preventive Measures and Initial Interventions
To maintain spinal health and prevent back pain, Dr Badiger listed some of these measures to be followed:
- Encourage proper posture during sitting, especially during schoolwork.
- Ensure school bags are evenly balanced on both shoulders. Bags worn on one side only can strain the back.
- Promote regular exercise, stretching, and core-strengthening routines.
- If pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, seek medical consultation promptly.
A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of non-invasive treatments for low back pain. The findings indicated that supervised exercise programs reduced pain intensity by about 3 points on a 0-10 numeric rating scale compared to no treatment over the previous month.
Bottomline
Dr Badiger concluded, “It is therefore important for parents and caregivers to be aware of some indications that a child’s back pain is serious even if many cases of back pain in children are not very severe. Chronic pain, neurological symptoms, pain at night or symptoms that interfere with normal daily function are signs that indicate a more comprehensive examination. When sought early, necessary action can be taken and the child’s condition diagnosed while it is still treatable, without the child losing growth and development time.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]