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1. Trouble walking. 2. Nighttime pain (that wakes or prevents the child from going to sleep).
3. Constant pain. 4. Pain that spreads to the bottom or legs. 5. Spine pain. 6. Leg weakness or pain. 7. Bladder problems (unexpected leaking of urine).
8. Bowel problems. 9. Fever or weight loss. Any child with back pain and any of the symptoms listed should see a provider without delay. The history of back pain is the most important part of the visit, includ- ing when it started, what makes it better or worse and any other symptoms. The next part of the visit will involve a careful examination of the whole body with a focus on the nervous and muscle-skeletal systems. Once the provider has com- pleted the history and physical, other tests may need to be done. Simple X-rays will show the general condition of the bones and spine. More advanced radiologic studies such as a CT scan or MRI may be necessary to diagnose certain abnormali- ties. A bone scan may help identify infec- tion in the spine or muscles of the back. Blood tests will help identify infections or inflammatory conditions.
Treatment for back pain can begin once there diagnosis
Up to 70 percent of kids will have back pain
Once there is a diagnosis of either nonspecific or specific back pain, treat- ment can begin. Many types of back pain will be better with a combination of rest, warm or cold compresses, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and suggestions for prevention. Back pain associated with stress or depression may require help from a psychological therapist to provide the child with support as needed. Splint- ing the spine may be necessary and sur- gery may also be a possibility. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. When children complain of back pain,
parents are often concerned about the possibility of scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition in which side-to-side curves cause an S or C curve in the spine. Some curvature in the spine is normal, but too much curve can cause the shoulders and waist to appear uneven and may cause an abnormal walking pattern. In more than 80 percent of cases, the changes in the spine don’t have a specific cause and are called idiopathic. Other types of scoliosis may be associated with health problems,
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