Back Pain in Children- How Sinister?
Pankaj Kandwal1, G Vijayaraghavan2, Ankur Goswami2
1Department of Orthopedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249201, India. pankajkandwal27@gmail.com.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|September 29, 2015
Summary
Pediatric back pain is rising, often without a clear diagnosis. A thorough history and physical exam are key to distinguishing non-specific pain from serious causes in children and adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric medicine
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Childhood back pain incidence is increasing.
- Extensive diagnostics often yield non-specific findings.
- Differentiating pain causes is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common causes of pediatric back pain.
- To outline clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches.
- To discuss management strategies for back pain in children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pediatric back pain.
- Analysis of clinical presentations.
- Summary of diagnostic investigations and treatments.
Main Results:
- History and physical examination are vital for diagnosis.
- Diagnostic workup is indicated for severe or persistent symptoms.
- Common causes, presentations, and management are detailed.
Conclusions:
- Effective differentiation of back pain causes is possible with clinical assessment.
- Timely and appropriate investigations guide management.
- Understanding common pediatric back pain etiologies improves patient outcomes.
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