How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Back Pain in Children

Audience: pediatric

Back pain in children can be caused by many things, from muscle strain to more serious conditions. A telemedicine visit can be a helpful first step to understand your child's symptoms and decide what care is needed. Preparing for the visit by gathering important information and knowing what to expect can make the appointment more effective. Telemedicine can often address common causes of back pain, provide advice on managing symptoms, and guide you on when to seek in-person care. However, some signs require urgent medical attention that cannot be handled through telemedicine. This guide will help you prepare for a telemedicine visit about your child's back pain, understand its limits, and know what to do afterward to support your child's health.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening back pain that limits movement — seek urgent medical care.
• Back pain accompanied by fever — contact healthcare immediately.
• Weakness, numbness, tingling in legs, or loss of bladder/bowel control — go to emergency care right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of mild to moderate back pain in children.
• Providing guidance on symptom management and activity modifications.
• Monitoring symptom progress and advising on when to seek further care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations such as severe pain, neurological symptoms, or signs of infection.
• Performing physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment or imaging.
• Administering treatments that require in-person procedures or urgent interventions.

What to Expect During a Telemedicine Visit for Back Pain

During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, medical history, and any recent injuries. They may ask you to show your child's back or demonstrate movements to assess pain and flexibility. The provider will use this information to suggest possible causes and recommend next steps. The visit is done through video or phone, so having a quiet, well-lit space helps the provider see and hear clearly.

Common Causes of Back Pain in Children

Back pain in children is often due to muscle strain from physical activity, poor posture, or carrying heavy backpacks. Sometimes, infections, growth-related issues, or less common conditions may cause pain. The healthcare provider will ask questions to help identify the likely cause and decide if further tests or in-person exams are needed.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can often help with:

It is a convenient way to get initial guidance without leaving home.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation, such as:

If any of these occur, seek emergency or urgent care immediately.

Preparing for Your Child's Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, gather information such as:

Ensure your device is charged and test your internet connection. Have a quiet, well-lit space ready for the visit.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the provider's advice carefully. This may include:

If your child's condition changes or you are worried, contact a healthcare provider promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when the back pain started and describe the pain (location, intensity, type).
• List any recent injuries, physical activities, or events that may have caused the pain.
• Prepare to show the affected area on camera if possible.
• Gather information about other symptoms like fever, weakness, or numbness.
• Have a list of current medications and any allergies.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space with a charged device and stable internet connection.
• Write down questions or concerns to discuss during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's recommendations for medications and activity.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if advised.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red-flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of your child's progress and any new symptoms to share with providers.

FAQs

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

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers understand your child's symptoms and suggest possible causes. However, some conditions may require physical exams or tests that need an in-person visit.

What should I do if my child's back pain gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your child's pain worsens, especially with new symptoms like weakness or fever, seek in-person medical care promptly. Contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Is it safe to show my child's back on video during a telemedicine visit?

Yes, showing the affected area helps the provider assess the situation better. Ensure you are in a private and secure environment to protect your child's privacy.

How can I help my child feel comfortable during the telemedicine visit?

Explain the process to your child in simple terms. Have them wear comfortable clothing and be ready to move or show their back if asked. Stay calm and supportive throughout the visit.

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits for back pain?

Telemedicine is useful for initial assessments and follow-ups but cannot replace all in-person visits, especially if physical exams, imaging, or urgent care are needed.

Sources

1. Back Pain in Children and Adolescents — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Low Back Pain in Children and Adolescents: Evaluation and Management — National Library of Medicine.
3. When to Seek Emergency Care for Back Pain — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Back Pain in Children and Teens — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or urgent health concerns, seek immediate medical attention.