Blog post from our board member Dr. Robert Bacci: Back Pain in Adolescents: When to Worry and When to Wait – Courtesy of Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy
As students head back to school and fall sports ramp up, it’s not uncommon for parents to hear complaints about backaches. While sometimes dismissed as growth-related pain or temporary soreness, teen back pain can be worrying. How do you know if it’s just a minor strain from a heavy backpack or something needing closer attention for your adolescent spine health?
Understanding the common causes and recognizing potential warning signs can help you know when it’s okay to wait and see, and when it’s time to seek a professional evaluation.
Common Culprits: Why Teen Backs Might Ache
Adolescence is a time of significant physical change and activity, making teens susceptible to various types of back discomfort. Many instances are not serious and can be linked to:
- Muscle Strain: Overdoing it in sports, improper lifting (like heavy backpacks), or even just sitting with poor posture for long periods can strain back muscles.
- Poor Posture: Slouching over desks, phones, or computers is incredibly common and puts extra stress on the spine and supporting muscles.
- Activity Levels: Both too much intense activity (especially repetitive motions in sports like gymnastics, football, or dancing) and too little activity (leading to weak core muscles) can contribute to pain.
Many parents wonder about teen back pain. A 2023 review written for doctors highlights how common it is, affecting about 40% of adolescents (Givner et al., 2023). While often due to simple muscle strain or posture, the article stresses that pain in teens needs careful evaluation because specific issues related to growth and activity (like stress fractures or disc problems) are also frequent causes that shouldn’t be missed.
Red Flags: Signs It’s Time for an Evaluation
While most back pain in teens is temporary and resolves with rest or simple changes, certain symptoms act as “red flags.” These suggest a potentially more serious underlying issue that requires prompt medical attention. Be watchful for: Read more..