Adolescent Back Pain

Back pain in children of all ages, including adolescents, is uncommon and should be treated seriously. It is likely that the pain is a symptom of bigger problem, whether that problem be an injury or an illness. Adolescents and older children are more likely to trace back pain to an injury than younger children because they are often more involved in athletics. Older children are also more likely to push the limits of their bodies when pursuing a sport or other athletic activity.

Seeing a Doctor

• While adults experience common aches and pains in their backs often, kids and young adults do not, so any sign of pain is not normal and should be looked at by a doctor. In the beginning the doctor will be looking for a variety of causes for the back pain and will likely begin with a routine physical exam. After that exam is complete most doctors will run x-rays and MRIs. These tests allow the doctor to see that everything is in place and help rule out the possibility of an injury. If no injury is found then the doctor will proceed by searching for clues of an illness.

Disc and Vertebrae Injuries

• Some of the most common types of back injuries in teenagers that cause back pain are fractured vertebrae and damaged spinal discs. While these injuries are more common in adults, they are often the source of back pain in kids who are involved in certain types of sports. Gymnastics and extreme sports are most commonly associated with this type of injury, but it can be caused by any activity which requires a lot of harsh landings on the feet or bottom. Treatment for disk injuries generally involve physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation and medications, but some cases require surgery. For vertebrae fractures the most common treatment is simple rest until the body heals itself.

Spondylolysis

• Spondylolysis is a common cause of back pain among adolescents who are involved in gymnastics, dance and other activities which require a large amount of backwards bending. Spondylolysis is a defect between vertebrae joints, and is sometimes accompanied by a vertebrae fracture. Treatment for this type of injury involved a long rest period that is difficult for many active adolescents. The rest period can last up to six weeks. If the condition persists or is not allowed to heal properly it can progress to spondylolisthesis, a condition where one vertebrae has slipped on top of another. This condition may lead to a need for back surgery in later life.

Illness

• There are two primary types of illness which typically cause back pain in adolescents; infection and tumors. The latter is much less common. Infections of the spine are to be taken seriously and must be diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent further complications. Having medical records and any other pertinent information available for the doctor can help with a speedy diagnosis. Treatment for spinal infections generally involves a resting period and is often combined with antibiotics. When a doctor finds that a tumor is the cause of a teenager's back pain the discovery tends to open more questions than it answers. Treatment will depend on a host of things, and the actual diagnosis will depend on exactly what has caused the tumor.

Backpacks

• A growing concern among pediatricians and parents is the alarming trend of back pain associated with heavy backpack usage. Studies show that many kids are carrying around up to 20 percent of their body weight in their backpacks five days a week. The American Chiropractic Association suggests to limit backpack weight to 5 to 10 percent of body weight. Unfortunately, parents do not always have the final say as to how much their child needs to transport to and from school, but there are other measures that can be taken to reduce stress on a child's back. Parents can try to steer their teen towards a backpack with a hip strap or one with wheels. Teens who refuse to sacrifice fashion for one of these practical trades can learn to wear and pack their bags properly. Backpacks should be packed with the heaviest items on the bottom and worn close to the body.