Back Pain in Older Children and Adolescents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Back pain may occur in your child's upper, middle, or lower back. Back pain may be caused by problems with muscles or bones, such as muscle strain or a herniated disc. Pain can also be caused by other conditions, such as swelling or an infection between spinal discs. The cause of your child's back pain may not be known.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- Your child has trouble walking.
- Your child has abdominal pain.
- Your child has severe back pain that does not get better with medicine.
- Your child has trouble urinating or having a bowel movement.
- Your child has a fever, decreased appetite, or weight loss.
Call your child's doctor if:
- Your child's back pain gets worse or continues for longer than 3 weeks.
- Your child has back pain that is worse at night or wakes him or her.
- You notice a change in the shape of your child's spine.
- Your child has pain that radiates down one or both of his or her legs.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Medicines:
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him or her. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
- Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Physical therapy:
A physical therapist teaches your child exercises to help improve movement and strength, improve posture, and to decrease pain.
Manage your child's back pain:
- Limit activities that cause pain, such as sports, until his or her back pain gets better.
- Apply ice for back pain caused by muscle strain for the first 3 days. Apply ice on your child's back for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you apply it to your child's skin. Ice helps decrease swelling and pain.
- Apply heat for muscle strain after 3 days. Apply heat on your child's back for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed. Heat helps decrease pain and muscle spasms.
Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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