0330 088 7800
What is back pain in children?
Back pain in children is much less common than back pain in adults; however it is becoming more common.
What causes back pain in children?
Back pain in children can be a result of many factors. This ranges from the common sprains and strains that will get better with early physiotherapy, to more serious rarer conditions like; fractures, arthropathy, infections, disc injuries, congenital disorders and tumours.
Above: Physiotherapist using taping to help stabilise the muscles in the upper back during exerciseWhat are the symptoms of back pain in children?
Symptoms include pain in the upper, mid or lower back. Commonly this can be either a general ache, or a specific area of pain that is painful to touch. Occasionally pain can be referred from the back into the arms or legs. In more serious cases there may be problems including; weakness, numbness, problems with walking and bladder or bowel dysfunction.
What should I do if my child has back pain?
If your child has back pain associated with other symptoms such as fever, bowel or bladder dysfunction, or loss of strength/sensation of their arms or legs take your child to the doctor to be assessed immediately. If you are able to determine that your child has had an acute injury or overuse injury you should arrange an appointment with our physiotherapists.
To arrange a physiotherapy appointment with a paediatric physiotherapist call Physio.co.uk on 0330 088 7800 or book online
Above: stretches and mobilisation exercies performed through guided playWhat shouldn’t my child do if they have back pain?
They should not ignore the problem. The back pain they are experiencing will be a result of something that should be assessed. The cause of back pain can then be identified and treated. The earlier this occurs the quicker the recovery will be, and there will be less potential for complications.
Physiotherapy for children with back pain
Before treating your child’s back pain the physiotherapist will carry out a full assessment to determine the cause of the back pain. Once the cause of back pain has been established appropriate physiotherapy treatment can commence.
Treatment often involves; exercise programmes, stretches, postural and positioning advice as well as advice regarding how to carry day to day activities including those that are to be avoided. If your child need any further investigation regarding their back pain this will be advised.
Many teenagers have persistent back pain. This is commonly due to tight leg and hips muscles and / or weak abdominal muscles. Teenagers with persistent back pain children improve greatly with a physiotherapy treatment.
To arrange a physiotherapy appointment with a physiotherapist with experience at treating children with back pain call Physio.co.uk on 0330 088 7800, book online or alternatively request a free phone consultation.
Are there any long-term effects of childhood back pain?
Children get back pain often because of overloading and over stressing their immature skeleton. This can lead to long-term damage and disability. Early education and treatment will help to avoid any long term problems.
“Healthy children make healthy adults.”
To arrange a physiotherapy appointment call Physio.co.uk on 0330 088 7800, book online or alternatively request a free phone consultation.
