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Back Pain in Children and Teenagers

Table of Contents


Overview

In most cases, there isn't a clear cause for back pain. Children can have back pain after an injury or sports event. It can also be caused by an overuse injury. An overuse injury can happen when a child uses one part of their body in the same way over and over again. This may cause pain, swelling, or tenderness in that part of the body.

Children or their parents may not be able to remember when the back problem started or to recall an injury or change in activity that triggered the back problem.

Back pain in a child that occurs right after an injury or an athletic event should be checked by a doctor. Back pain that is severe enough to limit a child's activity or that lasts for 2 weeks or longer needs to be checked by a doctor.

Certain back conditions can also affect children and teens and cause back pain. These include:


Credits for Back Pain in Children and Teenagers

Current as of: July 17, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
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