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Nowadays, back pain is becoming increasingly common among children and adolescents. This has left many parents concerned about the underlying causes, the severity of the condition, and whether a medical consultation is necessary. In this article, parents will find detailed answers to these concerns. Let’s explore more below!
1. Causes of back pain in children
Back pain and fatigue in children can arise from various causes:
1.1 Muscle Pain (Strain)
Muscle pain is the most common cause of back fatigue and pain in children and adolescents. Specifically, poor daily habits, improper exercise techniques, or carrying heavy backpacks can lead to strained muscles and ligaments in the back area.
1.2 Poor sitting posture during study
Incorrect sitting posture is another prevalent cause of back pain in school-aged children. Common improper postures include:
- Hunched over: Keeping the face too close to the desk while writing or reading.
- Leaning on the desk: Pressing the chest against the edge of the desk or lying down on the table while studying.
- Propping the head: Resting the head on one hand while writing.
- Incorrect focal distance: The distance between the child’s eyes and their books is too far.
1.3 Injuries
Any injury, typically from falls or sports-related injuries, can damage the spine or spinal cord. This not only causes back pain in children but can also lead to impaired mobility and loss of bladder or bowel control.
1.4 Infections
Spinal or disc infections often occur in toddlers or adolescents. These conditions cause intense or dull back pain, accompanied by mild fever, discomfort, loss of height, and significant weight loss.
1.5 Spinal Issues
Scoliosis and Scheuermann’s Kyphosis are two spinal deformities that can cause back pain and alter the appearance of a child’s back:
- Scoliosis: An abnormal curvature of the spine, appearing as a C or S shape instead of its natural straight alignment. This causes frequent back fatigue and may progress into a chronic condition in adulthood.
- Scheuermann’s Kyphosis: A spinal deformity that causes the child’s upper back to curve forward (a “hunched” appearance). Over time, this condition leads to persistent back pain and fatigue.
1.6 Tumors
Spinal tumors involve abnormal growths in the spine, including the spinal cord or spinal canal. Children with this condition often experience back pain at night, which may intensify with physical activity. If not treated promptly, the pain can radiate to the hips, legs, feet, and arms.
2. Back pain in children: When to see a doctor?
In general, if a child’s back pain is triggered by lifestyle factors such as sports, heavy backpacks, or improper exercise, parents do not need to be overly concerned. By correcting these habits, the pain usually subsides within 3 to 5 days.
However, if a child especially those under 5 years old complains of persistent back pain, parents should seek medical consultation for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent it from becoming chronic. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice the following signs:
- Back pain that worsens and lasts longer than 4 weeks.
- Pain that prevents the child from performing normal daily activities.
- Signs of fatigue, fever, or unexplained weight loss.
- Numbness or weakness in the legs.
- Visible spinal abnormalities (curvatures or hunching).
- Joint stiffness or difficulty moving.
3. Effective treatment methods for pediatric back pain
Treatment for back pain in children depends on various factors. After an initial assessment of the child’s pain, the following treatment options may be recommended:
Many people commonly apply traditional methods such as rest, pain medication, or hot/cold compresses:
- Cold/Hot Compresses: Parents can place a cold pack on the painful area for 15-20 minutes to alleviate acute pain. After 4-5 days, switching to a warm compress can help relax muscle spasms and reduce fatigue.
- Medication: Certain medications like paracetamol, ibuprofen, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve acute pain symptoms. However, parents must consult a doctor regarding dosage and duration. Never self-medicate, as it may lead to unwanted side effects.
In reality, these methods only provide temporary relief and do not treat the root cause of the back pain (especially in cases of scoliosis). For more effective results, parents can consider non-invasive, conservative treatments like Chiropractic care, which is widely used in the United States.
In Vietnam, ACC Clinic is the first specialized chiropractic unit to offer this “no-drug, no-surgery” approach. The treatment protocol for pediatric back pain at ACC includes:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Using gentle manual techniques, specialists adjust misaligned spinal structures, gradually returning them to their normal positions. This helps restore the spine’s natural physiological curvature and eliminates pain naturally.
- Physical Therapy: ACC doctors design specialized physical therapy exercises tailored to the child’s condition, supported by modern equipment (DTS decompression, ATM2, Shockwave therapy, etc.). This not only relieves back pain but also enhances the flexibility and strength of the child’s spine.
Parents can have complete peace of mind when choosing ACC for their child’s treatment because:
- 100% Experienced Specialists: Our doctors are not only highly skilled but also deeply understand children’s psychology, helping them feel at ease and cooperative throughout the treatment process. This ensures faster recovery and more effective results.
- Dedicated Monitoring: The team of ACC doctors and specialists closely accompanies and monitors each child’s progress to ensure the most optimal final outcome.
- Holistic Support: Children are also provided with nutritional advice and tailored home-based physical therapy exercises. This not only prevents back pain from recurring but also supports the child’s overall physical development and height growth.
>> Parents can [Book an Appointment] at ACC Clinic to receive early examination and treatment from our international specialists.
4. How to prevent back pain in children
Parents should pay close attention to their child’s spinal health by helping them avoid several harmful habits:
- Sleeping on the stomach: This position can strain the neck and back.
- Poor posture during study and daily activities: Such as hunching over a desk or lying face down while writing.
- Improper lifting and heavy backpacks: Avoid lifting objects in awkward positions and ensure the backpack’s weight does not exceed 15% of the child’s body weight.
- High-impact activities: Avoid sports or activities that intensify existing back pain.
Back pain in children can be a symptom of serious underlying medical conditions. Therefore, if you notice your child experiencing back pain accompanied by abnormal signs such as fever, weight loss, or visible spinal curvature (scoliosis/kyphosis), please take them to see a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and consultation ensure a safe and effective treatment path from the very beginning
