Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons treating Low Back Pain

LOW BACK PAIN

Lower back pain is very common and it can result from a strain to muscles or tendons in the back. Furthermore, other causes include arthritis, structural problems and disk injuries. Nevertheless, pain often gets better with rest, physical therapy and medication.

If your child needs surgery or casting, our Fracture Care Clinic opens every day and you do not need an appointment. Surgery rooms get scheduled every morning, so your child receives the care and attention they need right away.

Low Back Pain

Lower Back PainLow back pain refers to a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Additionally, it can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and can be caused by a variety of factors. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention measures for low back pain.

Low back pain is pain that is felt in the lower region of the back, below the ribcage, and above the hips. Certainly, it can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, poor posture, muscle strain, and spinal abnormalities.

Low Back Pain Causes:

There are many different causes of low back pain, including:

  • Muscle strain: This is a common cause of lower back pain and occurs when the muscles in the lower back are stretched or torn.
  • Herniated disc: This is a condition where the soft tissue between the vertebrae in the spine ruptures, causing the disc to bulge or break open.
  • Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints and can cause inflammation and pain.
  • Spinal stenosis: This refers to a condition where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves in the lower back.
  • Juvenile Osteoporosis: This refers to a condition where the bones become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of low back pain can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

  • Dull, aching pain in the lower back.
  • Stiffness in the lower back.
  • Pain that radiates down the leg.
  • Numbness or tingling in the leg.
  • Weakness in the leg.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What causes low back pain in children, and when should parents get concerned?
  • Common Causes: Low back pain in children can result from a variety of factors, including muscle strains, poor posture, sports injuries, or carrying heavy backpacks. In some cases, underlying medical conditions, such as scoliosis, spondylolysis, or spondylolisthesis, can cause back pain.
  • Parental Concern: Parents should become concerned if the pain gets severe, persistent, or associated with other symptoms like leg weakness, numbness, or bowel/bladder dysfunction. If the pain doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relief, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
How do doctors treat and diagnose low back pain in children?
  • Diagnosis: Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and sometimes imaging studies like X-rays or MRI to assess the spine’s structure and identify any underlying issues.
  • Treatment: The treatment for low back pain in children depends on its cause. Common approaches include rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications (such as avoiding heavy backpacks or improving posture). In cases where doctors identify an underlying condition, doctors may recommend specific treatments, which could include bracing, casting, or even surgery for severe conditions like scoliosis.
Can low back pain in children be prevented, and what can parents do to help their child manage it?
  • Prevention: To help prevent low back pain, parents can encourage their children to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and following guidelines for carrying backpacks. Additionally, parents should promote good posture for their children and constantly remind them to keep their backs straight.
  • Management: If a child experiences low back pain, parents can help by ensuring their child gets adequate rest and avoids activities that worsen the pain. Next, doctors will recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help with reducing pain. If the pain persists or worsens, parents should consult a pediatric orthopedist for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

Low back pain in children can occur, but it’s important for parents to take it seriously, especially if pain continues with concerning symptoms. So, early diagnosis and appropriate management can help alleviate pain and address any underlying causes to ensure the child’s well-being.

Schedule an Appointment with one of our doctors for your child’s Low back pain

Low Back Pain Diagnosis:

To diagnose low back pain, a healthcare professional will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI. In addition, doctors may also ask questions about the patient’s medical history and lifestyle to help identify any underlying causes.

Treatment:

Treatment for low back pain depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.

Non-surgical treatment options include:

  • Physical therapy: This involves exercises and stretches that can help improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion.
  • Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be recommended to help manage pain.
  • Hot or cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  • Chiropractic care: This involves manual manipulation of the spine to help relieve pain and improve function.

Surgical treatment options include:

  • Spinal fusion: This involves fusing together two or more vertebrae to provide stability and reduce pain.
  • Discectomy: This involves removing the damaged portion of a herniated disc to relieve pressure on the nerves.

Low Back Pain Prevention:

There are several ways to prevent low back pain, including:

  • Maintaining a good posture: This involves sitting and standing with a straight back and avoiding slouching or hunching over.
  • Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve muscle strength and flexibility, which can help prevent low back pain.
  • Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of developing low back pain.
  • Lifting and bending properly: When lifting heavy objects, children should use the proper technique to avoid straining the muscles in the lower back.

Time to Recuperate:

The time it takes to recover from low back pain depends on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment. Certainly, mild cases of low back pain may resolve on their own within a few weeks, while more severe cases may require several months of treatment and rehabilitation. Also, it is important to note that recovery time for low back pain is not always predictable and can vary from person to person. Consequently, factors that may influence recovery time include age, overall health, and the severity of the condition.

It is important to work with a healthcare professional to develop an individualized treatment plan that takes into account the previously named factors. Altogether, recovery time for surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure and the individual’s overall health. It can take several weeks to several months to fully recover from surgery.

Why Choose Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists

Pediatric orthopedics is a specialty of our doctors and surgeons at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists. Overall, they understand your concerns, can answer your questions, and know how to use their specialized knowledge to assist your child’s condition. Dr. Shyam Kishan, MD, and Dr. Kathryn Wiesman, MD, have years of training and experience. Specifically, they specialize in bone, joint, and muscle care for children and young adults.  Therefore, they will help your child get back to living the life they want.

The following are just a few of the many reasons why patients might choose Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists.

  • Expertise in pediatric orthopedics and spine: The team of specialists at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists are experts.  They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric orthopedic and spinal conditions, ensuring the best possible care for children.
  • Cutting-edge technology: Our practice uses the latest technology and techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions.  In addition, we use minimally invasive procedures that reduce pain and promote faster recovery.
  • Comprehensive care: Our practice offers a full range of services, from diagnostic imaging and physical therapy to surgery.  We ensure that patients receive complete, seamless care for their orthopedic and spinal conditions.
  • Dedicated pediatric facilities: Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists are dedicated to providing children with a safe and comfortable environment.
  • Offices in Arlington, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, and McKinney, TX.

Finally, our board-certified physicians and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons use the full range of treatments to treat low back pain and return kids to the activities they enjoy. Get in touch with us today at 214-556-0590 to schedule an appointment.

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Footnote:

WebMD: A Visual Guide to Low Back Pain

 

Call 214-556-0590 to make an appointment.

Comprehensive services for children from birth through adolescence at five convenient locations: Arlington, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco and McKinney.