Back Pain in Children and Adolescents
Micah Lamb1, Joel S Brenner2,3,4
1Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.
Pediatrics in Review
|November 3, 2020
Summary
Pediatric back pain is more common than previously believed and can often be benign. This review guides pediatricians in assessing and managing childhood back pain effectively.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Pain Management
Background:
- Childhood back pain was historically considered rare and indicative of serious pathology.
- Emerging evidence suggests increased prevalence and a higher proportion of benign, idiopathic cases in pediatric populations.
- Accurate assessment and management by pediatricians are increasingly crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of current literature on pediatric back pain.
- To equip pediatricians with knowledge for evaluating and managing pediatric back pain.
- To offer guidance on differential diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing medical literature on pediatric back pain.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and anatomical considerations.
- Synthesis of diagnostic approaches, including history taking and physical examination.
Main Results:
- Pediatric back pain is more prevalent than previously recognized.
- A significant subset of pediatric back pain cases are benign and idiopathic.
- Key elements for effective history and physical examination in pediatric back pain are identified.
Conclusions:
- Pediatricians require updated knowledge to manage the spectrum of back pain in children.
- A structured approach to differential diagnosis aids in appropriate patient management.
- This review serves as a guide for clinical decision-making in pediatric back pain.
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