Red flags & when to go in person for Back Pain in Children

Audience: pediatric

Back pain in children can have many causes, from simple muscle strain to more serious conditions. While telemedicine can help assess and manage many cases, it is important to recognize signs that need in-person evaluation. This guide explains when telemedicine is appropriate and when to seek urgent or routine in-person care for a child with back pain. Knowing the red flags can help protect your child's health and ensure timely treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening back pain not improving with rest — seek in-person care promptly.
• Back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats — urgent medical evaluation needed.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control, weakness, or numbness in legs — emergency care required immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate back pain.
• Guidance on home care and pain management.
• Monitoring symptom progression and recovery.
• Determining need for in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe neurological symptoms like weakness or loss of bladder control.
• Suspected spinal infections or tumors.
• Back pain following significant trauma.
• Cases requiring physical examination or imaging for diagnosis.

Common Causes of Back Pain in Children

Back pain in children is often caused by muscle strain, poor posture, or minor injuries. Sometimes, it may be related to growth spurts or physical activity. Most cases improve with rest, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain relief. However, less common causes include infections, inflammation, or structural problems in the spine.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to ask about symptoms, review medical history, and observe your child's movement and posture. It is useful for initial assessments, guidance on home care, and deciding if further tests or in-person visits are needed. Telemedicine can also help monitor progress and adjust treatments over time.

Red Flags That Require In-Person Care

Certain signs suggest a more serious problem and need prompt in-person evaluation:

If any of these occur, seek medical care immediately.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To make the most of a telemedicine visit:

After the Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine appointment, follow the provider's instructions carefully. This may include:

Keep a record of any changes and communicate with your healthcare provider as needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Gather your child's medical history and symptom details.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a caregiver assist with showing movements if needed.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns.
• Keep any recent test results or medication lists available.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's home care recommendations.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if symptoms worsen.
• Seek emergency care if red flags appear.
• Keep notes on symptom changes to report in follow-up visits.

FAQs

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

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide initial care but often cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without a physical exam or imaging tests. If needed, your provider will recommend an in-person visit.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for back pain?

Go to the emergency room if your child has back pain with weakness, numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe trauma, or very high fever. These signs may indicate serious conditions requiring urgent care.

How can I help my child manage back pain at home?

Encourage rest, gentle stretching, and use over-the-counter pain relievers as advised by your healthcare provider. Maintain good posture and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity until the pain improves.

Is back pain common in children?

Yes, back pain can occur in children and adolescents, often due to muscle strain or activity. Most cases are mild and improve with simple care, but persistent or severe pain should be evaluated.

Can poor posture cause back pain in children?

Poor posture, especially during prolonged sitting or screen time, can contribute to back pain. Encouraging regular breaks, stretching, and ergonomic seating can help reduce discomfort.

Sources

1. Back Pain in Children and Adolescents — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Low Back Pain in Children and Adolescents: A Review — National Library of Medicine.
3. When to See a Doctor for Back Pain — Mayo Clinic.
4. Pediatric Back Pain: Evaluation and Management — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has any concerning symptoms, seek in-person care promptly.