Back pain is often associated with adults, but recent studies show that children and adolescents are increasingly affected. Around 30% of children and young people experience back pain, with girls being more prone than boys. Despite this, only a small number seek medical help.
Symptoms:
Back pain symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity. Children may experience:
- Mild to severe pain that lasts for a short or long time
- Pain that stays in one area or radiates to the arms or legs
- Difficulty sleeping or performing physical activities
- Pain that worsens with lifting or movement and improves with rest
- Changes in walking, bending, or posture
- Tender spots, back stiffness, or spinal curvature
In some cases, warning signs such as fever, weakness, numbness, tingling, or bowel issues may occur and require medical attention.
Common Causes:
Back pain in children can result from:
- Poor posture
- Obesity or extra weight
- Minor injuries during play
- Heavy or improperly packed backpacks
- Muscle strains from sports or physical activities
- Sedentary lifestyle and excessive screen time
Medical Causes:
- Disc herniation: pain with numbness or difficulty bending
- Stress fractures: common in sports involving repeated back bending
- Fibromyalgia: chronic pain with fatigue and muscle spasms
- Infections: back pain with fever—needs urgent medical attention
- Tumours (rare): night pain, weight loss, or persistent illness
- Scoliosis and Scheuermann’s kyphosis: abnormal spine curves
- Spondylosis: congenital defect causing activity-related pain
- Spondylolisthesis: vertebra slipping forward, sometimes requiring surgery