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American Academy of Pediatrics
Article

Back Pain in Children and Adolescents

Micah Lamb and Joel S. Brenner
Pediatrics in Review November 2020, 41 (11) 557-569; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.2019-0051
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Micah Lamb
*Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
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Joel S. Brenner
†Children’s Specialty Group PLLC, Norfolk, VA
‡Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, Norfolk, VA
§Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
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  1. Micah Lamb, DO*
  2. Joel S. Brenner, MD, MPH†,‡,§
  1. *Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
  2. †Children’s Specialty Group PLLC, Norfolk, VA
  3. ‡Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, Norfolk, VA
  4. §Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA

Abstract

Back pain has long been considered an uncommon complaint in the pediatric population. When present, teaching had been that pediatric back pain almost always has a diagnosable cause, many of which are progressive and potentially debilitating. Recent evidence has suggested that pediatric back pain is not only more common than once thought but also, within certain populations, benign and idiopathic. This, in turn, places an increasing amount of pressure on pediatricians to accurately assess and manage their patients presenting with complaints of back pain. The aim of this article is to serve as a review of the current literature on pediatric back pain. The article reviews the epidemiology, basic anatomy, and important elements of a history and examination, which should be considered when a child presents complaining of back pain. Last, a common differential diagnosis with evaluation and management is also given to help guide pediatricians through their medical decision making.

  • © American Academy of Pediatrics, 2020. All rights reserved.

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In this issue

Pediatrics in Review: 41 (11)
Pediatrics in Review
Vol. 41, Issue 11
1 Nov 2020
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Back Pain in Children and Adolescents
Micah Lamb, Joel S. Brenner
Pediatrics in Review Nov 2020, 41 (11) 557-569; DOI: 10.1542/pir.2019-0051

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Back Pain in Children and Adolescents
Micah Lamb, Joel S. Brenner
Pediatrics in Review Nov 2020, 41 (11) 557-569; DOI: 10.1542/pir.2019-0051
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  • Article
    • Abstract
    • Education Gap
    • Objectives
    • Introduction
    • Epidemiology
    • Anatomy
    • History
    • Examination
    • Differential Diagnosis
    • Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
    • Neoplasms
    • Discitis
    • Scheuermann Kyphosis
    • Lumbar Disc Herniation
    • Apophyseal Ring Fracture
    • Sacroiliitis/Ankylosing Spondylitis
    • Unspecified Low Back Pain (Mechanical Back Pain)
    • Conclusions
    • Suggested Quality Improvement Projects:
    • Footnotes
    • References
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