Back Pain in Children and Teenagers
By Debra Rodzinak
Depending on the age of a child, the common causes of back pain can differ. However, since both children and teens alike are more flexible, active, and resilient than adults, serious attention to any complaints should be noted.
Young Children
Learning to walk, run, and maneuver through life is a constant reality for young children. If a child does a particular movement or activity that hurts them, they are not likely to repeat that movement. Therefore, most back pains in young children are attributed to a tumor, growing pains, or an infection. If a young child does present with back pain and there are other symptoms that suggest a more serious problem, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Older Children
Since older children are more likely to play sports and activities aggressively, they run a higher risk in injuring the delicate nerves, tissues, and bones of the spine. This group can be very hard on their bodies, testing the limits and pushing the envelope of what their body can do safely.
Fractures from compression are more prevalent in older children along with the occasional disc injury. The joints can also be injured in the back, but the nerve roots are very rarely compressed or pinched in older children.
Teenagers
Like older children, teenagers often push their bodies beyond the limit of safety. Whether playing sports or just overexerting themselves, teenagers often don’t take the time to rest and heal properly before repeating the same activity that caused the original injury. Overuse injuries are common in teenagers.
Chiropractic Treatment
If your child or teenager has a back injury, come to The Joint for a gentle spinal adjustment. With you in charge of your child’s treatment, doctors at The Joint are reinventing the way the chiropractic experience is seen. You and your child are in control. At The Joint, chiropractic treatment is on your terms, not ours.
Often less expensive than an insurance co-pay, The Joint makes helping your child or teen find pain relief and proper spinal alignment quick and easy. With no pesky insurance forms to fill out or appointment times to remember, helping your child or teen find pain relief for their back pain is as easy as learning their ABCs.
With over 350 locations nationwide, it is easy finding a location near you. The Joint is open extended hours during the week and on the weekends. Come by The Joint today and let our expert team bring your child relief without the use of drugs or surgery.