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Back Pain May Keep Active Teens from Walking Tall |
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 Back pain in children and adolescents is different than back pain in
adults. This is because their bodies are going through continuous
changes as they grow.
Back pain in children over age 10 is commonly caused by mechanical or
developmental problems. Developing muscles are often weak and provide
poor support as a result. It is not uncommon for teenagers to
experience low back pain as the result of tight hamstrings and weak
abdominal muscles.
"Teens like anyone active in sports can have lower back pain because of
a simple sprain or strain," said Dr. Jason Thompson, a spine surgeon at
Valley Orthopedic Associates (VOA) in Renton.
Treating with rest, heat, rehabilitation and pain medication typically returns injured teens to their game, Dr. Thompson said.
However, persistent back pain may be the sign of a more serious condition.
Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in a vertebra, or bone, of the lower
spine. Spondylolysis is more common in teen athletes, especially those
participating in sports requiring repeated hyperextension of the lower
back - like football, wrestling and gymnastics. If the fracture
continues to develop, it may cause the vertebra to weaken to the point
of slipping out of place. This condition is called spondylolisthesis.
In many cases, a teenager could have spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis
but with no apparent symptoms. More commonly, though, pain that feels
like a muscle strain is felt across the lower back. Spondylolisthesis
can cause spasms that may stiffen the back and cause the hamstring
muscles to tighten.
"Treating spondylolysis usually involves having the teen take a break
from their sports activity," said Dr. Mark Remington, a spine
specialist also at VOA.
The rest is usually combined with pain medications and the treatment plan could also include a back brace or physical therapy.
"Most of the time, the teen can return to sports gradually with little
complications or recurrences of pain," Dr. Remington said.
Teens experiencing persistent back pain are encouraged to have it
checked out by an orthopedic specialist. VOA's full medical and
surgical services ensure complete care, from diagnosis to treatment and
rehabilitation, and thorough follow-up after treatment. Call VOA at
425-656-5060 to learn more.
For additional information about spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, click here.
To read more about back pain in children and teens, click here.
10/04/2005
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VOA Renton Clinic  4011 Talbot Road S
Suite 300
Renton, WA 98055
Phone: 425.656.5060
Fax: 425.656.5047
VOA Covington Clinic  27005 168th Pl SE
Suite 201
Covington, WA 98042
Phone: 253.630.3660
Fax: 253.631.1591 |
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