Spinal Conditions in Children

A child with the same symptoms as an adult does not necessarily have the same condition and this is especially true with spine conditions.

Unlike adults, prepubescent children rarely suffer from neck or back pain. However, like adults, when they do suffer from pain in their spine it can be the symptom of an underlying condition and the appropriate medical attention should be given to their pain.

This is even more true when it comes to preschool aged children. If a young child is suffering from back pain accompanied by fever, weakness, shooting pain, trouble walking, or any other symptoms, they need to seek medical attention immediately.

Causes

The causes of pediatric spinal problems can be grouped into four primary categories; Mechanical Problems, Developmental Problems, Inflammation and Infection, and Tumors.

Mechanical problems include injury, stress fractures, ruptured discs, and muscle strain.
Developmental issues include Scoliosis, Spondylolysis, or Spondylolisthesis.
Inflammation and infections can include diseases from vertebral osteomyelitis to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
The last main causes of pediatric spinal problems are tumors on or near the vertebral column.

Diagnosis

Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics knows that every child is different and offers a wide variety of diagnostic procedures as needed. These procedures will vary depending on a child’s symptoms but may include any of the following:

Physical Examination
Medical History
X – rays
MRI scans
Bone Scans
CT Scans
Blood tests

It sounds daunting but only the tests that are absolutely required for an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis will be used. Dr. Joshua Rovner will explain all of your child’s procedures in detail before any tests are performed.

Treatment

Once your child is diagnosed, Progressive Spine and Orthopaedics will work with you and your family to determine what treatment plans offer your child the best chance of success. All of the treatment programs at Progressive Spine and Orthopaedics are state of the art and based on the latest information in medicine.

As your child grows it is likely that even after they heal they will require ongoing monitoring to ensure that their ailment does not return.

Spinal Conditions in Children

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

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