How is back pain treated?
The majority of back injuries are related to the body’s muscles and treated conservatively. Your child’s doctor at the Spine Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado may begin with a series of x-rays to check for bone abnormality that could be causing pain.
If the bones look normal and there are no other concerning findings, your child will start a “conservative” treatment that will last between 4 and 8 weeks. This treatment typically includes rest, using ice/heat, anti-inflammatory medications and, in many cases, physical therapy. A major focus of treatment is a core fitness program.
If your child has no relief from pain with conservative therapy, or his or her symptoms are getting worse, the pain may be caused by another underlying problem. In these cases, your child’s orthopedic doctor may do some common tests like an MRI, CT scan and/or blood tests. These tests will help identify other causes of pain such as a pinched nerve, bulging disc, infection or a growth on the spine. Based on the findings of further testing, a treatment plan can then be determined.
Fortunately, it is very uncommon for a child to need surgery for back pain. Your doctor will determine if that is necessary.
Why choose our Spine Program for your child’s back pain?
The Spine Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado evaluates and treats infants, children, adolescents and young adults with all types of spinal diseases, deformities and injuries, ranging from back pain to complex neuromuscular disease and trauma. Our spine team is among the most knowledgeable pediatric spine care teams in the country. For the most basic to the most complex spinal conditions, our goal is to always provide the safest and most effective treatments.