Today’s youth has lots of activities that can cause back pain, besides the dreaded growth spurts. From slouching over their game console to slouching over their phone (even while walking), to playing sports or roughhousing, young spines nowadays are under a lot of stress.
As a parent, you’re always on the lookout for your kids’ health and well-being. So, even though back pain is not a rare occurrence in anyone’s life, persistent or unexplained back pain could be a warning about future health issues.
In this article, we’ll help you recognize the early warning signs, understand the potential causes, and know when it’s time to seek expert care.
Early Warning Signs
Any health condition is easier to treat or correct if it’s caught early. Health issues that involve the spine are even more important to detect early, while the body is still developing. So don’t dismiss your teen’s back pain too easily.
Here are a few early warning signs to watch for:
- Unexplained aches or stiffness: If your teen is complaining of persistent discomfort without a clear cause, it could point to something more significant.
- Difficulty standing or sitting for long periods: Pay attention if your teen avoids certain activities or struggles with posture due to pain.
- Pain after physical activity or bad posture: This can signal that their muscles or spine are being overstressed.
- Chronic complaints: If the pain persists for weeks or gets worse, it’s time to take action.
- Numbness or tingling: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in their legs or feet, along with back pain, could be a sign of nerve involvement.
- Visible deformities: Keep an eye out for any visible changes in your teen’s back, such as a curve or hump. These could be signs of conditions like scoliosis.
When to Seek Expert Care
When it comes to healthcare, it’s important not to exaggerate every minor detail. Most teen back pain can be managed at home with rest and stretching. However, if any of the signs mentioned above persist, it’s best to talk to a doctor. Better safe than sorry!
Your family doctor may recommend that you see a spine specialist, but this is not always the case. If you’re still concerned, it’s best to take the matter into your own hands and look for a specialist yourself.
The good news is that they are not difficult to find. A simple Google search will give you a list of local specialists. Once your teen’s back pain is evaluated and treatment options are discussed, finding a spine specialist could be the next step.
A simple search for a spine surgeon near you in Wayne, NJ, will help you find a qualified expert in your area. You can also replace the location with another city to see the best options available.
Many spine specialists work in specialized clinics that also employ board-certified neurosurgeons, pain management doctors, physiatrists, physical therapists, and other professionals necessary for crafting solutions to promote rapid recovery.
This way, if your kid does need an intervention (most are minimally invasive), they will benefit from stellar recovery services afterward.
In Summary
As parents, you know when something isn’t quite right with our teens. Trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you think it’s necessary. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major ones, ensuring your teen grows up healthy and strong.
Also read:
How Sports Therapy Helps Troubled Teens
How to Tell If Your Teen is High
Image credit: Pixabay
