Adolescent back pain is a relatively common complaint and can arise from various causes—ranging from benign, posture-related issues to more serious medical conditions. Here's an overview:
🔍 Common Causes of Adolescent Back Pain
-
Postural issues:
-
Prolonged sitting with poor posture (e.g., slouching at school, gaming).
-
Heavy school backpacks (especially if carried on one shoulder).
-
-
Muscle strain or overuse:
-
From sports, gym workouts, or sudden increase in physical activity.
-
-
Growth-related conditions:
-
Scheuermann's disease: A structural deformity of the thoracic spine causing kyphosis.
-
Scoliosis: Lateral curvature of the spine, sometimes painful.
-
Apophyseal ring fractures: Especially in very active teens.
-
-
Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis:
-
Common in athletes (e.g., gymnasts, cricketers).
-
A stress fracture (spondylolysis) that can progress to vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis).
-
-
Inflammatory conditions:
-
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
-
Ankylosing spondylitis (particularly if pain is worse at night or early morning).
-
-
Infections or tumors (rare but serious):
-
Vertebral osteomyelitis, discitis, or spinal tumors should be considered if pain is constant, worsening, or associated with systemic symptoms (fever, weight loss).
-
⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For
Immediate medical evaluation is needed if:
-
Pain is constant, worsening, or severe.
-
Night pain or pain that wakes them up.
-
Neurological symptoms (numbness, weakness, bowel/bladder changes).
-
Fever, weight loss, fatigue.
-
History of trauma or malignancy.
🧘♂️ Management Strategies
-
Physiotherapy: Core strengthening, posture correction, flexibility training.
-
Lifestyle changes: Ergonomic furniture, backpack modifications.
-
Pain management: Ice/heat packs, NSAIDs (as advised by a doctor).
-
Medical evaluation: For persistent or unexplained cases.
Comments