CONDITIONS

If you are a parent or caregiver to a child, nothing is more important to you than making sure they are healthy and safe. When your child is overall healthy, you may not think much of them complaining about back pain. After all, children tend to rough house, so it could just be a product of a day of play, right? Well, the truth is that of the 30% of children who experience back pain, there are cases where your child will need to see a doctor. NJ Spine & Orthopedic knows it can be difficult to know when to worry about back pain in your children. If your child has complained of back pain, you may wonder if it is just a normal ache or something to worry about. What Can Cause Back Pain in Children? Back pain is typically associated with middle-aged and older adults, but this ailment also affects 14–24% of children and adolescents. Some common causes of back pain in children include: Higher body weight or obesity High-intensity activity like year-long sports Strained muscles in the back, sometimes caused by heavy backpacks The above causes are not likely to lead to anything more severe than some aches and pains. For these cases, some rest should suffice in alleviating your child’s pain. However, these rare causes of back pain in children are much more serious: Congenital disorders Infection Tumors of the spine (very rare) Vertebral fractures Consulting an experienced spine doctor can help you determine the cause of your child’s back pain and what can be done to alleviate it. When to See a Doctor Regarding Your Child’s Back Pain Children tend to play hard, so your child coming home with a scratch or bruise is nothing new. However, when your child complains of persistent back pain, it may be puzzling and worrisome. While most cases of back pain can be remedied with at-home care, you should seek the help of a New Jersey spine doctor as soon as possible if your child matches any of the following characteristics or displays any of these symptoms: If your child experiences pain at night, and specifically if it is waking them If the pain is constant If your child is also experiencing symptoms of general illness like fever or chills If your child is under four years old If pain persists past four weeks If they have pain in their legs If they experience numbness or difficulty moving Ways You Can Prevent Back Pain in Your Child No parent wants their child to be in pain. As an adult that may have experienced back pain yourself, you know how excruciating that type of pain can be. Of course, if there is a more serious problem at hand, it is vital to get your child to a doctor. If their back pain is more of a short-term issue, though, these tips may help prevent further pain: Teach your kids good posture Reduce your child’s stress Make sure their backpack is

Many people find themselves twisting and turning in their office chairs, trying to relieve lower back pain. For those with degenerative disc disease, sitting and standing for long periods of time may increase the irritability of the back injury. While there’s no cure for degenerative disc disease, there are many ways to treat and relieve its symptoms. One of the main symptoms that those with degenerative disc disease experience is difficulty sitting for extended periods—people sitting at desks for most of the day risk straining the muscles and tendons. Sitting in one position for too long puts tension on the spine and lower back muscles. If you’re experiencing chronic pain because of degenerative disc disease, discussing your treatment options with a medical care professional may significantly reduce the amount of pain. What Is Degenerative Disc Disease? Degenerative disc disease refers to the deterioration of the spinal discs between each vertebra as a person ages. The weakening of the discs can occur as a result of a variety of factors, including personal habits, activities, diseases, and genetics. The area most likely to be affected by this condition are the neck and lower back—two areas that endure the most movement and pressure. There are many symptoms of degenerative disc disease, including: Numbness and tingling down the arms or legs Weakness in the leg muscles Pain that is worse when sitting, bending, lifting or twisting Need to adjust seating or standing position often Periods of severe pain In most cases, the condition is managed using non-surgical treatment methods and does not result in long-term disabilities. One of the natural aspects of aging is the changing of these discs, and at some point, nearly everyone will experience some type of pain in the spine. However, if you’re experiencing extreme pain and hindering symptoms, talk with a medical professional as soon as possible. Incorporate Both Sitting and Standing for Degenerative Disc Disease For those suffering from degenerative disc disease, finding a balance between sitting and standing positions is the best way to release the tension on certain parts of the body. Most people only consider sitting to irritate the muscles, but staying in one position for an extended period causes muscles, tendons, and ligaments to become rigid. To reduce the amount of pain one experiences during work or other activities, here are some tips for integrating a more balanced and gentle movement into daily responsibilities. Adjustable Workstations Now more than ever, technology provides people with access to equipment that may help improve their work-related discomfort. For those suffering from this condition, adjustable desks can help people continue working in different positions. This option is perfect for those looking to change positions often. Take Regular Breaks and Stretch While purchasing an adjustable desk is a great option, it may not always be feasible. Whether or not you have an adjustable workstation, it’s still important to take breaks and stretch. Try gentle exercises that will slowly strengthen back muscles and help reduce back pain. Another important note