Children with back pain: doctors warn – watch the video

The orthopedic doctor warns that growing patients should not complain of pain so early

Back pain in children and adolescents is rare and must be treated carefully, as this is a growing group of patients. According to Cleber Furlan, orthopedic doctor and member of the Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SBOT), “when it comes to this pain-scoliosis duo, one is associated with the other, but scoliosis should never be considered a causal factor for patients.” in the growth phase, such as young people and adolescents”.

The doctor warns that, in this age group, the disorder is to be considered significant when it arrives at the clinic. To achieve this objective, physical and neurological exams, combined with additional tests (such as magnetic resonance imaging, for example), are essential for a correct diagnosis of possible traumas, fractures or bruises.

“There may be minimal symptoms and signs in which the appearance of a serious disease is hidden behind these pains,” explains the specialist.

Systemic problems

In case of pain or systemic problems, for example, the patient experiences changes in circulation, presents symptoms of fever, tremor and weight loss, especially in growing skeletons. As for neurological problems, it is possible to observe changes in sensitivity, weakness, sensitivity and even loss of sphincter control, that is, the patient loses urinary and fecal control.

The physical examination corresponds to an orthopedic and neurological analysis to check if you suffer from scoliosis, which is a deformity of the spine. Within this, kyphosis is also considered, especially thoracic, a back deformity commonly associated with the shape of a “C”; in addition to lordosis, more pronounced curvature in the lumbar and cervical region; and possible contractures, sore or tense muscles, and painful spots on the skin.

The neurological examination, in turn, analyzes coordination of movements, strength and sensitivity, motor function, as well as other specific tests. In the case of a growing patient, under the age of four, who presents continuous or progressive back pain, with symptoms of fever, malaise, weight loss, urinary leakage and neurological signs, and scoliosis, the situation is already worrying – for these cases, there are some more decisive diagnoses.

Children who spend a lot of time sitting

Mechanical injuries, for example, are most commonly seen in children who sit for ten to twelve hours or more, which causes a muscle strain that could be a hidden fracture or overuse syndrome, when the child constantly participates in different types of impact exercises.

For diagnosis, Furlan recommends MRI exams or a scan to check for fractures, slipped vertebrae, or even a change in the patient’s development.

“We need to pay attention to people who don’t feel pain, but start to acquire it as their skeleton grows. Scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, Scheuermann’s disease (thoracic kyphosis associated with various muscular and postural changes), discitis, as inflammation of the spinal disc is known, osteomyelitis – a bone infection, or even a simple spinal infection of the throat or upper respiratory tract, which triggers a chronic inflammatory and/or rheumatological disease. Endocrine diseases, genetic diseases, infections, inflammations, rheumatic diseases and even tumors, therefore, are part of the evaluation and study of the causes, to be analysed”, warns Cleber Furlan.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.