What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Back Pain (Acute, Non-specific) in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for acute, non-specific back pain in children, families usually receive guidance on managing pain at home and when to seek further care. Most back pain in children is temporary and improves with simple steps like rest, gentle movement, and over-the-counter pain relief. The healthcare provider may suggest exercises, posture tips, or ways to avoid strain. Follow-up appointments might be recommended if pain persists or worsens. It is important to watch for warning signs that need urgent attention. Telemedicine helps by providing quick access to advice, but some situations require in-person evaluation. This guide explains what to expect after a telemedicine visit and how to care for your child safely.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden weakness or numbness in the legs — seek emergency care immediately.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control — go to the emergency room right away.
• High fever with back pain — contact healthcare provider urgently.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate acute back pain symptoms in children.
• Providing guidance on home care and pain management.
• Monitoring progress through follow-up tele-visits.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluating severe or worsening neurological symptoms.
• Performing physical examinations that require hands-on assessment.
• Ordering and interpreting imaging tests or lab work requiring in-person visits.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will review your child's symptoms and may suggest home care steps such as resting, gentle stretching, or using a warm compress. They might recommend over-the-counter pain medicine appropriate for your child's age. You may receive advice on how to improve posture and avoid activities that worsen pain. Sometimes, your provider will schedule a follow-up visit to check progress.

Typical Home Care for Acute Back Pain in Children

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When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider Again

If your child's pain does not improve in a few days, gets worse, or if new symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider. They may want to see your child in person for a more thorough exam or additional tests.

Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Watch for these serious signs:

If any of these occur, seek emergency care right away.

Benefits and Limits of Telemedicine for Back Pain

Telemedicine allows quick access to healthcare advice without leaving home. It works well for initial assessments and follow-ups for mild back pain. However, it cannot replace physical exams or imaging tests needed for complex or severe problems. In such cases, in-person visits are necessary.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your child's symptoms ready, including when the pain started and what makes it better or worse.
• Prepare to describe any recent injuries or activities that might have caused the pain.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a caregiver present to assist your child during the visit if needed.
• Keep a list of any medications or supplements your child is taking.
• Be ready to show affected areas or demonstrate movements if asked by the healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the home care instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Administer pain relief medicines as directed and monitor your child's response.
• Encourage gentle activity and good posture habits.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or red flags and seek care if they occur.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up telemedicine or in-person appointments.
• Contact your healthcare provider if pain persists beyond a few days or new symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine visits diagnose the cause of my child's back pain?

Telemedicine providers can often assess symptoms and suggest likely causes, especially for common, mild back pain. However, they cannot perform physical exams or order imaging tests needed for a definitive diagnosis in some cases.

What home treatments can help my child's back pain?

Gentle movement, rest from strenuous activities, warm compresses, and age-appropriate over-the-counter pain relievers are often helpful. Good posture and avoiding heavy lifting can also reduce pain.

When should I take my child to see a doctor in person?

If your child's pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by symptoms like leg weakness, numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or fever, an in-person medical evaluation is important.

Is it safe to give my child pain medicine without seeing a doctor in person?

For mild back pain, over-the-counter pain medicines can be used as directed by your healthcare provider during the telemedicine visit. Always follow dosing instructions carefully and consult your provider if unsure.

How long does acute back pain usually last in children?

Acute, non-specific back pain in children often improves within a few days to weeks with proper care. If pain lasts longer or gets worse, further evaluation may be needed.

Sources

1. Back Pain in Children and Adolescents — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Low Back Pain: Assessment and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. Acute Low Back Pain in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Telehealth: Delivering Care Safely During COVID-19 and Beyond — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine guidance does not replace in-person examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice and seek emergency care if serious symptoms occur.