Back pain in children

Abstract

Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in the adult population. However, its relevance in children and adolescents is somewhat controversial.A recent article has pointed out a very high incidence of the pathology in this young age group which in fact brings this condition to the attention of the public health physicians. In the adult population the main causes of back pain are usually related either to degenerative conditions or to other less common sources like psychological disturbances and other psychosomatic illnesses. In children the most common etiologies are definitely organic based and not related to the wear and tear of the anatomic structures or to underlying psychological pathologies. In the presence of a child with back pain the algorithm for treatment should be based on the child's presentation, on the severity of symptoms, neurologic complications or other extra spinal signs. In the absence of these symptoms and signs, patients should be followed up adequately before initiating investigations that are often time consuming, and expensive, causing pain and distress with low probability of success.