What Is a Spine Disorder?
Bones called vertebrae make up your spine. Muscles and ligaments connect your vertebrae to each other. Between the vertebrae lie soft, flat discs that provide cushioning and support. Each vertebra stacks one upon the other like blocks.
Three main parts make up your spine:
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Neck (cervical spine)
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The chest and mid-back (thoracic spine)
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Lower back (lumbar spine)
This entire arrangement forms the vertebral column. Your spinal column provides protection to the spinal cord from the brain down to the base of the spine.
A spine disorder is an injury, disease, or condition that affects your spine. There are many types of spine disorders:
Back Pain in Kids
There are several reasons why your child may experience back pain. In rare cases, it can be caused by an underlying condition, like a spine disorder or an injury.
Back Pain Causes
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Musculoskeletal strain
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Poor posture
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Heavy school bags that are not worn correctly
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Underlying mood problems
A medical condition or injury can also cause back pain:
- Spondylolysis: Injury or repetitive activity like sports can cause a stress fracture.
- Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolysis can progress, causing one vertebra to slip forward over another.
- Abnormal spine curvature: Kyphosis (rounding of the upper back) or scoliosis (curving of the spine)
- Infection: An infection of the disc space can cause back pain. Infections are usually seen in children between ages 1–5.
- Tumor: Tumors rarely occur in or around the spinal column, but they can cause pain, especially at night.
Diagnosing Back Pain
If your child has one or more of the following symptoms with their back pain, you should see a pediatric specialist:
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Difficulty sleeping that lasts several days
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Pain with a fever
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Weakness or numbness
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Difficulty walking
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Bowel or bladder problems
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Pain traveling down the leg
Your child’s provider will conduct a thorough physical examination. They may order imaging tests such as X-rays, CT or MRI scans. They may also suggest further testing:
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Bone scans to identify abnormalities
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Blood tests to reveal infection or inflammation
