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.

Schedule an Appointment

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 Pain Low back pain refers to a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Additionally, it can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and eminate from 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.

Developing Individualized Treatment Plans for Children

When it comes to evaluating and creating treatment plans for children, a thoughtful and thorough approach is key. The process usually starts with a detailed assessment of the child’s symptoms, medical history, and daily activities. Doctors may use physical examinations alongside imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, to get a clearer picture of what’s happening inside the body.

But diagnosis is just the beginning. Every child is unique, so treatment plans are tailored to match the individual needs of the patient. This means considering factors like age, activity level, and the specific cause of the pain. Whenever possible, minimally invasive options are prioritized. These approaches typically involve less time in the hospital, speedier recoveries, and less discomfort for children.

Families are an essential part of this process. Physicians will work closely with parents, making sure everyone understands the diagnosis and available treatment options. Open communication and the ability to address questions ensure that parents stay connected and informed every step of the way.

Ultimately, the goal is to find the safest and most effective path to recovery, geared specifically for each child.

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 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.

Low Back Pain 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.

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.

Low Back Pain 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 help to 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.

What to Expect After Surgery

After a surgical procedure such as spinal fusion or discectomy, your child will likely spend a few days in the hospital for monitoring and pain management. During this time, the medical team will help manage discomfort, monitor vital signs, and begin gentle rehabilitation exercises as appropriate. Most children gradually resume daily activities, starting with light movement and physical therapy under medical supervision.

The immediate post-surgical period may involve:

Managing pain with prescribed medications
Assistance with walking and basic movements
Learning safe ways to sit, stand, and get in and out of bed
Guidance on wound care and signs of infection

As recovery progresses, follow-up appointments are essential to track healing and ensure the spine is stabilizing as expected. Doctors may recommend Physical therapy to rebuild strength, flexibility, and mobility. Activities such as running, jumping, or contact sports are typically restricted for several months, depending on the type of surgery and your child’s progress.

Support and Resources

Many families find it helpful to watch educational videos or read materials about what to expect during the recovery period. These resources can offer valuable insights into daily routines, rehabilitation milestones, and tips for supporting your child’s return to normal activities.

Ultimately, every child’s experience is unique, and your healthcare team will provide guidance tailored to your child’s specific needs to help ensure the smoothest recovery possible.

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. Selecting a pediatric orthopedic doctor for your child is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration.

Doctors Shyam Kishan, Richard Hostin, and Kathryn Wiesman have spent years studying children’s health and have devoted their lives to treating them. Our pediatric orthopedic team is equipped to diagnose and treat a comprehensive range of conditions that can affect your child’s musculoskeletal health, from the simple to the complex. Whether your child is experiencing a sports injury, a fracture from play, or a more serious issue such as scoliosis or congenital deformities, our specialists are ready to help.

Conditions We Treat

Spinal conditions: Scoliosis, traumatic spine injuries, spina bifida, and other spinal deformities
Sports injuries: ACL and meniscus tears, sprains and strains, and injuries that occur during play or athletics
Bone and joint issues: Fractures, broken bones, hip dysplasia, leg length discrepancies, osteogenesis imperfecta, and bone and soft tissue tumors
Congenital and developmental conditions: Club foot, torticollis, polydactyly, syndactyly, knock knees, gait abnormalities, and tip-toe walking
Upper and lower limb conditions: Hand, wrist, arm, foot, and ankle issues—including camptodactyly, brachial plexus injuries, and limping
Other pediatric orthopedic concerns: Peripheral nerve conditions, neonatal brachial plexus injury, cerebral palsy, and clicking in joints

Our multidisciplinary approach means we collaborate closely with other pediatric specialists when necessary, including pediatric oncologists for cancer-related orthopedic issues. We are also prepared for urgent needs, with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon always available for emergencies or trauma-related injuries.

No matter the diagnosis, our team works with families to create individualized treatment plans that support continued bone growth and healthy development, helping your child recover and return to the activities they love most.

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 is are expert. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric orthopedic and spinal conditions, ensuring the best possible care for children.
Comprehensive care for all ages: Our pediatric orthopedic program provides care for children and young adults of all ages, from infants with congenital conditions to teenagers with sports injuries or trauma. No matter the complexity—whether it’s scoliosis, limb length discrepancies, hip dysplasia, or simple fractures—our team tailors treatment to your child’s needs.
Advanced technology and techniques: We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, minimally invasive surgical options, and the latest in clinical advancements to reduce pain, speed up recovery, and help children regain mobility. Our surgeons are skilled in procedures such as spinal fusion, limb lengthening, and the treatment of traumatic injuries, always seeking the safest and most effective solution.
Multidisciplinary approach: Each child’s care plan is developed in collaboration with a team of pediatric specialists—including orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, and your child’s pediatrician—to ensure seamless, holistic care. Whether your child needs surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing monitoring, our team works together to support every step of their recovery.

Additional Reasons

Full spectrum of services: From treating broken bones and sprains to complex spinal deformities and congenital conditions, our services cover diagnosis, surgical and non-surgical treatment, and rehabilitation. We are also experienced in managing conditions that require unique approaches, such as hand, wrist, foot, and ankle injuries, as well as providing expert oncology care for musculoskeletal tumors.
Sports medicine and injury prevention: Our dedicated team supports young athletes with both treatment and preventative care. We help children recover from sports-related injuries and offer guidance to reduce the risk of future issues, so they can keep participating in the activities they love.
Child-focused rehabilitation: Recovery doesn’t end after surgery or treatment. Our specialized pediatric physical therapists help children regain strength, flexibility, and confidence, using programs designed specifically for growing bodies.
Compassionate, family-centered care: We know that when your child is hurt, the whole family is affected. That’s why we strive to keep you informed, involved, and supported at every stage, ensuring a positive experience for both you and your child.

With a dedication to excellence, advanced care, and a deep understanding of growing bodies, our pediatric orthopedic specialists at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists are here to help your child get back to what they do best—being a kid.

Offices in Dallas, Arlington, 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.

____________________

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.