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Back Pain in Children

Back pain is discomfort in the muscles, bones, joints or nerves of the back. Children may feel pain in the upper, middle or lower back.

Muscle strain, sports, heavy lifting, poor posture and injury are common causes. Infection, inflammation, spine problems and other medical conditions are less common causes.

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AAP Guide to Back Pain in Children

The AAP guide below explains common causes of back pain and which symptoms need an evaluation.

AAP Symptom CheckerBack pain

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Symptom CheckerBack pain New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Back pain persists or keeps returning.
  • Pain wakes your child from sleep.
  • Your child has fever, weight loss or appears ill.
  • Your child develops weakness, numbness or problems with bladder or bowel control.
  • Pain follows a significant injury.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • A major injury caused the back pain.
  • Your child develops new weakness, paralysis or loss of bladder or bowel control with neurologic symptoms.
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on knocks, pain and injuries

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms