From time to time, growing children might have aches and pains. Sometimes it's a sports injury, or sometimes it is growing pains.
Occasionally though, there are times that the pain could result from something else.
We are used to hearing adults complain about backache, making groaning noises as they get up out of bed or from a sitting position. But you don't typically hear children complain about backache.
So what are the causes of backache in children, and when should you consider a pediatric chiropractor?
Photo by Bonnie Kittle on Unsplash
Pulled Muscle
Most children spend their free time playing and playing hard. Gym classes, climbing frames, and learning to cartwheel and backflip.
All of these things have the potential to cause muscle strain in the back. While most of the time, children play enough to be well warmed up, from time to time, they overextend themselves.
Muscular back pain is becoming more common in teenagers who have access to technology as they are likely to bend and slouch into awkward positions to stare at a screen.
Usually, this type of pain will ease in a matter of hours or days, but if it seems to cause excessive pain - head to the doctor.
Disc Issues
It can be challenging to spot this one, but it comes with a range of other symptoms that will let you know it is time to get an expert opinion.
A disc herniation happens when the soft cushion between the spine is shunted out of place. These are common in children, but they do happen. Here are some of the symptoms that come with a disc herniation:
- Numbness and tingling in legs
- Weakness in the legs
- Leg pains
- Trouble standing upright or bending
A disc herniation can be quickly diagnosed with an MRI, but an X-ray will often show the dr what they need to know.
Infections
Spinal infection most commonly appears in teenagers and toddlers, and one of the signs of a spinal infection is a general feeling of unwellness, backache, and a fever.
Usually, any infection within the spine will need several lab tests where inflammation and signs of infection will be present in the bloody work.
Most often, these types of infections aren't serious unless there is damage to the spinal cord. Antibiotics will usually be administered by IV, but it depends on the severity of the infection.
Alignment
Sometimes alignment abnormalities aren't noticeable until the child is a little bigger. These alignment issues will cause back pain, and often, it is the back pain complaint that uncovers minor abnormalities.
Often, the alignment can be aided by a back brace or regular checkups to measure the spine's curves. Only severe deformities will require surgery, but medication can manage any pain.
When a child has back pain, it is nothing serious, but if the pain persists or gets worse, then it is vital that you make an appointment at your doctor's.
Parenting can be stressful enough, but it can be difficult for first-time parents to tell the difference between what is serious and what isn't. It's natural to worry about your children, but here are 5 Common Baby Ailments And How To Treat Them | A Very Sweet Blog.
