Information
Back pain is becoming increasingly common in adolescence and can be caused by rapid growth and reduced activity levels.
In most cases back pain is muscular in nature but it is important to rule out red flags.
Advise patients to
- Keep moving
- Heat packs, ice packs, simple analgesia
- Stretching and regular exercise
Refer to Paediatric Orthopaedics if any red flags
- Night or rest pain
- Pain on hyperextension
- Neck pain
- Lower limb neurology, or bladder or bowel disturbance
- Systemically unwell
- Abnormal blood results Are we asking GPs to do bloods? Best to refer to us if red flags?
Refer to physiotherapy if no red flags but symptoms not settling with exercise and advice after 4-6 weeks.
P.S. there is no need to send bloods before referral, but if you are concerned please send FBC, U+E, LFT, Ca , P , Mg , PTh, TFT , Vit D , ESR
Back pain leaflet http://www.ergonomics4kids.co.uk
