We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Common Causes of Back Pain in Children?

By Patti Kate
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,984
Share

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.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-common-causes-of-back-pain-in-children.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.