Causes Of Back Pain In Children

Back pain in babies is rare. But, if your little one complains of backache, you should take it seriously and consult your doctor at the earliest. Backache in children could be a sign of some serious health problems and therefore, should be treated well in time.

Here Are Some Of The Main Causes Of Back Pain In Babies.

Bad Posture

Some children develop backaches due to poor posture while sitting. If your child slouches or does not support his or her spine properly while sitting, he or she might develop backache. Therefore, you should make sure that your child maintains a correct posture while sitting.

Sports Injuries

An injury caused due to a fall can cause back pain in babies. In such cases, it is best to consult a doctor to know the extent of injury. Such injuries can be treated with anti-inflammatory medicines and application of hot and cold packs.

Spondylolysis

Spondylolysis occurs when the lower vertebrae of spine develop cracks due to high stress. Backache due to spondylolysis usually, sets in after an activity and reduces after rest. Such type of back pain is more common in children who are active in sports like gymnastics.

Spondylolisthesis

The main cause of spondylolisthesis is spondylolysis. In spondylolisthesis, one of the bones of spine slips and slides down. Physical therapy and lumbrosacral support may help to treat this problem, if diagnosed early. In complicated cases, surgery may be required.

Tumor

Tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue, which could be a cause of back pain in children. Those tumors that do not spread to other body parts are known as benign and those that spread to other body parts are known as malignant. Depending upon the type of tumor and how advanced it is, the treatment is decided.

Diskitis

Diskitis is a type of infection of spine, which causes back pain in babies. Some back pain symptoms of diskitis include high fever, backache, decreased mobility, irritability, and muscle spasms. A course of antibiotics along with bed rest helps to treat this problem.

Pyelonephritis

An infection of kidney could result in backache. In pyelonephritis, a child suffers from backache on one side, which is usually, very sharp, accompanied with fever and nausea. Some children also experience burning sensation while urinating.

Pott’s disease

It is a serious infection of spinal cord caused due to tuberculosis. Normally, this infection spreads from the lungs to the spine. Along with backache, the child shows symptoms like high fever, loss of appetite and weight loss. Drugs, like ceftriaxone, are used to treat this disease. In a few cases, surgery may be required.

Back pain in babies was unheard of a few decades back, but now it has become quite common. Children back pain is a serious issue and it should be addressed as soon as possible.