Managing low back pain in active adolescents

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pain Management
• Adolescent Health
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Adolescent low back pain (ALBP) is under-researched despite significant quality of life impacts.
• Current diagnostic triage and investigation protocols for ALBP are considered.
• Contemporary pain mechanisms and risk factors for persistent ALBP are reviewed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of diagnostic and treatment approaches for adolescent low back pain.
• To highlight the need for comprehensive, personalized treatment strategies.
• To introduce Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) as a promising approach for ALBP.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of diagnostic triage, pain mechanisms, and risk factors for ALBP.
• Overview of current treatment cornerstones: education and exercise within a biopsychosocial framework.
• Description and case study illustration of Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) for ALBP.

Main Results:

• Limited research exists on comprehensive, personalized ALBP treatments.
• CFT has shown promise in adults and active adolescents with low back pain.
• Viewing ALBP as an indicator of general adolescent health offers promising research and practice avenues.

Conclusions:

• Adolescent low back pain management requires a shift from purely structural concerns.
• Cognitive Functional Therapy presents a viable, personalized treatment option for ALBP.
• Future research and practice should consider ALBP within the broader context of adolescent well-being.