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Back pain in children and teens
Children and teens tend to be more flexible however if your child is experiencing persistent back pain, at HCA UK we can help.
What do I do if my child is experiencing back pain?
Children and teens are more flexible than adults, so they tend not to experience much back pain. If it does happen, it could be a sign of something more serious, so it's worth getting it checked out. At HCA UK, our orthopaedic, neurological and paediatric specialists can help get to the root of the problem.
Types of back pain in children and teens
Acute back pain
Acute back pain can last three to six months and is usually the result of damaged tissues.
Chronic back pain
Chronic back pain is pain that lasts beyond three to six months or beyond the tissue-healing period.
Neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain happens when your body continues to feel pain even though there is no tissue damage.
Need to know
Back pain in children can be developmental or acquired. Examples of developmental conditions include spondylolysis where the bridge between two adjacent vertebrae in the spine may have a defect. This is usually seen in children who take part in activities like gymnastics or cricket.
If a child with scoliosis complains of back pain it may be indicative of other problems so consult your doctor as soon as possible. Aquired back pain can be due to trauma or infection and the presentation is more acute.
Your child's back pain symptoms will depend on the type and cause of their back pain. Paediatric spinal infections and tumours are rare. However, they can be quite serious and have their own set of symptoms.
Your consultant will discuss your child's symptoms with you. They may also carry out a number of tests to make a diagnosis, such as an X-ray or MRI scan.
Your consultant will discuss your child's back pain treatment options, which are likely to vary depending on the nature and extent of your child's symptoms. They might include back pain medication or physiotherapy.
Our Paediatric back pain locations
Urgent Care Centre for Children at The Portland Hospital
234 Great Portland Street W1W 5QT London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.