Dr. Allan Horowitz, published newspaper article, The Liberal, Copyright May 22, 1991

Back pain is an exceptionally common condition and one which will affect most adults at some time in their lives. Back pain in children is a different situation and one which deserves attention from those to whom the child may complain.

Unlike adult back pain which can sometimes be diagnosed, sometimes treated, and sometimes ‘cured’, childhood or adolescent back pain is often due to a specific cause, and very often suitable treatment can and should be offered. The first person a child will complain to is the parent, teacher or older sibling.

It is a mistake to assume that the child has ‘’just pulled a muscle” or walked too much, and is feeling the effects of that. Children should not have back pain. They should be able to walk and run and play and not have any trouble with their back. They might become fatigued after certain activities, but they should not have pain.

The parent might think back pain is ‘’normal” and that ‘’everyone has it.” Maybe many adults do have back pain, and maybe it is common for adults to have a sore back after a long car ride, or after a hard game of squash, but children should not have this. If your child complains of a pain in the back you should immediately ask some questions.

EXPERIMENT

What makes it worse-better? If the child only has the back pain after he sleeps and the pain is gone within minutes of waking, it may be related to the bed, or the child’s sleeping habits. Experiment with different beds, pillows and observe the way the child sleeps to see if you can deduce anything yourself.

Is there a fever associated with the pain? If there is, immediate medical attention is required as the child may have an infection. Sometimes back pain can result if the child has a bladder or other urinary infection.

SERIOUS CONDITIONS

If the child’s frequency of urination has increased, bed wetting has occurred or there is pain or hesitation when urinating, medical attention is required immediately. Serious conditions such as meningitis and various tumors can be present with back pain as their only symptoms.

If a child wakes at night with back pain, he/she may have an osteoid osteoma which is a benign type of bone tumor. This type of tumor produces a localized aching pain which is usually relieved by taking aspirin. Immediate medical attention is required to fully investigate this tumor, usually with excision and biopsy.

Osteomyelitis is rare, but does occur. A fever and a rigid back with pain that does not get any better with rest might indicate this condition which can do great damage. Urgent attention, which includes intravenous antibiotics will usually cure this condition.

Next weeks column will cover some other conditions which are common in young children and adolescents.

Allan Horowitz, D.C., it a chiropractor practising in Richmond Hill and writes this public service column. He will attempt to answer questions on a variety of topics including headaches, bach pain, sports injuries and preventive medicine.

Address your questions to Allan Horowitz, in care of The Liberal, Bos 390, Richmond Hill, L4C4Y6.