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Treatment of Unspecific Back Pain in Children and Adolescents: Results of an Evidence-Based Interdisciplinary
Michael Frosch1,2, Stina Leinwather1,2, Stefan Bielack3
1German Paediatric Pain Centre, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital, 45711 Datteln, Germany.
Insights
This guideline recommends physical therapy and psychotherapy for pediatric non-specific back pain, advising against medication. More research is needed for this common childhood condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric medicine
- Musculoskeletal health
- Evidence-based guidelines
Background:
- Non-specific back pain is a prevalent issue in children and adolescents.
- There is a significant gap in research activity compared to the high burden of this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an evidence-based guideline for the treatment and prevention of non-specific back pain in pediatric populations.
- To provide expert consensus on effective management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a systematic literature search for relevant guidelines and studies.
- Formulated recommendations based on literature findings.
- Utilized a structured consensus-building process with expert voting.
Main Results:
- Physical therapy, emphasizing physical activity, is recommended for treatment.
- Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is also recommended.
- Intensive interdisciplinary programs are advised for chronic or severe cases.
- Drug therapy is not recommended for pediatric non-specific back pain.
Conclusions:
- The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for managing pediatric non-specific back pain.
- There is a critical need for increased research in this under-researched area.
- Focus on non-pharmacological interventions like physical activity and CBT is crucial.
Abstract:
Using a structured approach and expert consensus, we developed an evidence-based guideline on the treatment and prevention of non-specific back pain in children and adolescents. A comprehensive and systematic literature search identified relevant guidelines and studies. Based on the findings of this literature search, recommendations on treatment and prevention were formulated and voted on by experts in a structured consensus-building process. Physical therapy (particularly physical activity) and psychotherapy (particularly cognitive behavioral therapy) are recommended for treating pediatric non-specific back pain. Intensive interdisciplinary treatment programs should be provided for chronic and severe pain. Drug therapy should not be applied in children and adolescents. Further research on non-specific back pain in childhood and adolescence is strongly needed to reduce the imbalance between the high burden of non-specific back pain in childhood and adolescence and the low research activity in this field.
