Back Pain in Children

Back pain commonly occurs in adults. The incidence of this pain occurring in adults is as high as 60%-80% among the adult population. The incidence of back pain in children on the other hand, is still unknown. The common reasons why back pain occurs in adults are brought about by stress on the back muscles. If back pain occurs in children, it would warrant further investigation and assessment because it is very rare for a child to be affected by this type of pain.

There are many suspected reasons why a child may have back pain. One obvious reason is that their backpacks to school may cause a lot of strain on their back muscles that it produces pain gradually. This is also the reason why schools have discouraged the use of backpacks for children and advised them to use or store their school supplies in lockers instead. This cause may be seen in some children but those with presenting symptoms that are beyond the cause of strain or trauma might require medical attention.

The time during the pre-school and schooler age is a time when the bones of children are being developed. They are not as strong as what adults have and any single strain placed on it will cause adverse effects while growing. The muscles on these children are also in the development stage which is why when back pain occurs in children, it is usually musculoskeletal in nature.

The vertebrae during the early years of life are still developing and sometimes these discs deviate from the normal pattern. This phenomenon is called disc herniation. This condition may occur gradually in children and may be worst when the child reaches the adult stage. The pain may occur from lifting heavy objects or from participating in contact sports. It is very important that parents do not neglect any back pain the child experiences.

Another reason why back pain occurs in children is the kidney disorder. Blood work needs to be done in order to detect infections or changes in the renal functions because back pain in children may be caused by a kidney problem. When a child has excessive amounts of salt in the diet, the child may experience pain and discomfort in the lower back. This should not be treated with any pain medications as this would mask the symptoms of the disease and it will cause the diagnosis to be unclear. Necessary interventions need to be done when a child is diagnosed with a kidney problem.

Asides from musculoskeletal disorders and renal disorders, back pain may also be a symptom of another grave disease which is cancer. Some children with primary tumors on their spine may exhibit back pain. Sometimes these tumors may cause no symptoms to occur but when they do appear, it would sometimes mean that the disease has progressed to incurable stages.

Our children should live a good life without any worries at all. They should be happy with their lives and part of maintaining this happiness is through making sure that they are kept healthy and strong. Children with back pains should not be taken lightly by parents. Contacting or visiting your paediatrician will keep your child safe from anything that might potentially harm them.