Understanding back pain in children: Signs to worry include numbness, tingling, weakness in legs

Infections such as discitis or tumours located in the spine can lead to back pain. (Image: Canva)

The good news is that back pain in children is rare compared to adults; the bad news is for parents worrying about this symptom. Back pain in kids is often due to minor strains or poor posture, but can sometimes be a symptom of more serious conditions.

Causes of back pain in children

Dr Puneet Girdhar, Principal Director & Head of Orthopaedic Spine Surgery, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, says, "Children often can have back pain from muscle strain or overuse; common causes for this are sports; physical play and carrying of heavy schoolbags sometimes lead to acute chronic stiffness in the spine." Strain, he says, has him feeling more sore than usual after a strenuous activity. Most of the time, rest, stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers should help.

• Muscle strain and overuse: A common cause of back pain in children is muscle strain or overuse while playing sports and physically engaging in carrying heavy bags on the shoulders as walking too much with weights, says Dr Puneet Girdhar, Principal Director & Head Orthopaedic Spine Surgery, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital. Strain causes soreness, he says, particularly after exercise. Typical muscle pain gets better with rest, stretching, and over-the-counter pain medications.

• Bad posture: Sitting slouched or hunched over technology can cause back pain. Dr Girdhar says, “Encourage children to sit up straight with the support of their chair and take breaks from screen time by getting up—eeven if it only means standing while looking at a book for brief periods throughout the day or walking around your home.”

• Backpack overload: Carrying an excessively heavy backpack, especially when slung over one shoulder, can result in misalignment and strain on the back muscles. It is essential to ensure that your child's backpack is appropriately weighted and worn correctly, with straps positioned over both shoulders to facilitate even weight distribution.

• Injuries: Incidents such as falls, sports-related injuries, or accidents may lead to back pain. This pain can be accompanied by symptoms such as stiffness, swelling, or restricted movement. Generally, rest and the application of ice can provide relief; however, if the pain persists, a medical assessment is advisable to exclude the possibility of fractures or ligament injuries.

• Spinal alignment issues: Conditions such as scoliosis, characterised by an abnormal curvature of the spine, can lead to discomfort or pain. Scoliosis typically becomes apparent during adolescence and can be detected through routine medical examinations. Early identification is crucial for effective management of this condition, which may involve the use of braces or physical therapy.

• Infections or tumours: Although uncommon, infections such as discitis or tumours located in the spine can lead to back pain. This discomfort is typically persistent, and the child may exhibit additional symptoms, including fever or weight loss. It is crucial to seek immediate medical evaluation if these symptoms are observed.

• Inflammatory conditions: In certain instances, children may experience inflammatory disorders like juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which can result in back pain accompanied by joint stiffness. This condition necessitates ongoing management by a paediatrician or a specialist.

When to be concerned about back pain in children

While most back pain cases in children are not severe, specific indicators require medical evaluation, as noted by the doctor

• Persistent pain: If back pain endures for more than a few weeks despite rest and care, a comprehensive medical assessment is advisable.
• Pain at night: Back pain that disrupts a child's sleep may suggest a more serious issue, such as an infection or tumour.
• Neurological symptoms: Signs such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, difficulty in walking, or issues with bladder or bowel control may indicate nerve involvement and necessitate immediate medical attention.
• Fever or unexplained weight loss: The presence of these symptoms alongside back pain could indicate an underlying infection or a more serious condition and should not be overlooked.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.