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Back pain in children: causes and misconceptions
One in three children “suffers” from their back. Half of these children experience one episode of pain, the other half have several painful episodes, and a small percentage suffer from frequent back pain. Pain is subjective and some children in pain do not complain. Despite everything, it is important to don’t take your child’s complaints lightly. There is a correlation between the child’s age and pain, that is, the older the child the more pain there is. “These are surely caused by the pubertal thrust” indicates Dr. Canavese, orthopedist at Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital. Doctors also noticed that lower back pain was twice as common in girls.
Back pain has several possible causes : contracture, infection, tumor, hypercyphosis (round back), spolylolisthesis, spondylolysis (sliding of the 5th lumbar vertebra). Scoliosis is not one of the causes because it is very rarely painful. Forget all the misconceptions about back pain: there is no correlation between pain and wearing a satchel (even heavy), nor with the means of transport used and not with the socio-educational environment. On the other hand, certain sports practiced in high doses such as rugby or gymnastics can be the cause of back pain. Tobacco use and a sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of having pain in adolescence.
Treating back pain in children
Dr Canavese reminds parents that “we should not underestimate the back pain of children”. Do not hesitate to go to the pediatrician so that he will redirect you if necessary to an orthopedist. The specialist will gradually eliminate the serious causes until he finds where the pain is coming from in order to treat it correctly. The treatments depend of course on the pathology which affects the child. If contractures are the cause of the pain, the doctor will recommend relaxation, muscular gymnastics and / or physiotherapy sessions. If it is an infection, medication will be necessary, see the wearing of a corset. The treatment can in some serious cases go up to surgery. An untreated back pain can, depending on the pathology, lead to a complete cessation of sport, the wearing of a corset, a back aspect that is not harmonious …
Prevent back pain in children
We can’t repeat it enough, but it is imperative to monitor your lifestyle : sport, diet, sleep. Indeed, your child is growing and his lifestyle is of paramount importance in his development. Make sure he sleeps well and long enough. At 6 years old, a child needs about 11 hours of sleep, it takes 8 to 9 hours in the arms of Morpheus for a teenager. Also remember to check the bedding, a bad mattress can be the cause of repeated fatigue.
Exercise is essential during growth : athletics, swimming, cycling or, quite simply, brisk walking, there is a choice! If your child is addicted to television, video games and / or social media, try to limit the time he devotes to them. Sedentary lifestyle is not just for adults …
“The problem is that there is no screening policy,” explains Dr Canavese. Gold, protecting children’s backs should be taken seriously by parents. Adopt simple measures: balanced diet, sports activities, weight control of the child and pain monitoring if necessary.
How to recognize scoliosis?
Anyone can see scoliosis. All you have to do is put the child barefoot and torso, look at him from the back and ask him to put his hands together and bend over. When there is an asymmetry on either side of the axis of the spine, we speak of gibbosity and the child must be shown to the specialist for a more in-depth assessment. Usually, it is the school nurse who detects scoliosis and informs parents.