A Spine Surgeon Explains Why Children Can Experience Back Pain and What Can Be Done about It

WORDS DR NG BING WUI

FEATURED EXPERT
DR NG BING WUI
Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon
Prince Court Medical Centre

WHY DO CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULTS GET BACK PAIN?

Back pain in children was traditionally considered uncommon, but recent evidence has shed light on several factors associated with its occurrence.

It’s now understood that factors like being overweight, maintaining non-ergonomic postures, engaging in high-demand physical activities, and excessive screen time can contribute to the incidence of back pain in children.

PARENTS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR:

Back pain only in specific positions or during certain activities, indicating involvement of particular muscle groups or underlying conditions.
Weakness.
Night pain.
Back pain associated with fever.

WHY PARENTS SHOULD BE CONCERNED

Early examination of children experiencing back pain is crucial. The choice of treatment will depend on the specific diagnosis determined.

Back pain in this age group necessitates a comprehensive examination so as to not overlook vital diagnoses such as:

Cancer
Abnormal tissue mass inside the spine or spinal neoplasms
Infections
Injuries
Rheumatological conditions

Such examination is also necessary to rule out more benign conditions such as spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, and mechanical back pain due to muscle strain or sprain.