What is back pain in children and teens?

In most cases, there isn't a clear cause for back pain. It may be related to problems with muscles and ligaments of the back. It may also be related to problems with the nerves, discs, or bones of the back. Moving, lifting, standing, sitting, or sleeping in an awkward way can strain the back.

Although it may hurt a lot, back pain usually improves on its own within several weeks. Most people recover in 12 weeks or less. Using self-care, such as ice or heat and light activity (like walking), can help you feel better sooner.

• Sit or lie in positions that are most comfortable and reduce your pain. Try one of these positions when you lie down:
  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and supported by large pillows.
  • Lie on the floor with your legs on the seat of a sofa or chair.
  • Lie on your side with your knees and hips bent and a pillow between your legs.
  • Lie on your stomach if it does not make pain worse.
• Bed rest can help relieve pain at first, but it delays healing. Avoid bed rest after the first day.
• Change positions every 30 minutes. If you must sit for long periods of time, take breaks from sitting. Get up and walk around, or lie in a comfortable position.
• Try using a heating pad on a low or medium setting for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 or 3 hours. Try a warm shower in place of one session with the heating pad.
• You can also try an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Put a thin cloth between the ice pack and your skin.
• Be safe with medicines. Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Take short walks several times a day. You can start with 5 to 10 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day, and work up to longer walks. Stick to level surfaces and avoid hills and stairs until your back is better.
• Return to work and other activities as soon as you can. Continued rest without activity is usually not good for your back.
• To prevent future back pain, do exercises to stretch and strengthen your back and stomach. Learn how to use good posture, safe lifting techniques, and proper body mechanics.

In most cases, there isn't a clear cause for back pain. Children can have back pain after an injury or sports event. It can also be caused by an overuse injury. This type of injury can happen when a child uses one part of their body in the same way over and over again. Other health problems, like spondylolysis, can also cause back pain.

Children or their parents may not be able to remember when the back problem started or what caused it.

Back pain in a child that occurs right after an injury or an athletic event should be checked by a doctor. Back pain that is severe enough to limit a child's activity or that lasts for 2 weeks or longer needs to be checked by a doctor.