What are Common Causes of Back Pain in Children?

Some of the most common causes of back pain in children are sports injuries, medical conditions, or infection. When young children and teenagers suffer back pain, the cause can often be a kidney infection. Spinal defects are another common cause of recurring back pain in children. Children also experience back pain when they have tumors on the kidney or spine.

Although children are less prone to developing chronic back pain, certain circumstances may produce symptoms of back aches and pains. In some cases, children who carry heavy items such as books or laptop computers, particularly in a backpack, may be putting strain on the lower back. This constant strain may cause chronic or recurrent pain in the lower-mid region of the back. The alignment of the spine may become irregular due to carrying an extremely heavy load that is supported by the shoulders.

Sports injuries may cause back pain in children, especially contact sports such as football. Deep tissue bruising may lead to inflammation and increased pain. These injuries are more common in older children and teens.

Back pain in children that is accompanied by fever could be a sign of a serious illness. Therefore, these symptoms should be checked by a pediatrician if fever continues for more than a day or two and the pain does not subside or if it worsens. Back pain and fever may be a sign of a kidney infection, which may require immediate medical attention and medication.

Some children who develop a curvature of the spine may begin to experience mild to moderate back pain. This condition may occur in early childhood or in later teenage years. When scoliosis is diagnosed in a very young child, he may not develop physical discomfort for several years. Back pain, however, may begin to manifest in adolescence.

Although it is not a common occurrence, tumors located on the spine may be a cause of back pain in children. If a tumor is suspected, the pediatrician may perform a computerized tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan is computerized imaging of certain areas of the body to determine what damage or abnormalities are present. This may show disease or damage to tissue and cartilage surrounding joints and bones. A CT scan may also show the presence of tumors.

Children who frequently exhibit poor posture, such as slouching and sitting slumped over, may experience back pain. This may be due to pressure on the spine. This can easily be corrected by teaching the child how to properly maintain correct posture for sitting and standing.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is another cause of back pan in children. Genetic factors may play a key role in this disease, although this is not always the case. Pain in the lower back is a common symptom, and in many cases the pain may radiate to the legs, knees, and ankles.

Children suffering from back pain may be prescribed medications, or in more severe conditions, more aggressive treatment may be necessary. The most effective way of treating back pain in children is by getting a proper diagnosis. If a child has been complaining of back pain for no apparent reason, his doctor may perform tests to determine what has caused his symptoms and what course of treatment should be taken.