Tele-triage for Back Pain in Children

Audience: pediatric

Back pain in children is common and can often be managed with guidance from a healthcare provider. Tele-triage allows parents and caregivers to consult healthcare professionals remotely to assess symptoms and decide on the best next steps. While many cases of back pain in children are mild and improve with simple care, some symptoms require in-person evaluation. Telemedicine can help identify when urgent care is needed and provide advice on pain relief, activity, and monitoring. This approach supports timely and safe care while reducing unnecessary travel and exposure. However, tele-triage cannot replace a full physical exam or imaging when needed. Understanding the signs that require urgent attention is important to keep your child safe.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe back pain that worsens or persists despite rest
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs or difficulty walking
• Loss of bladder or bowel control or fever with back pain

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking
• Advice on home care and pain management
• Determining urgency and need for in-person evaluation
• Providing reassurance and education

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring hands-on assessment
• Imaging or diagnostic tests
• Emergency care for severe neurological symptoms
• Procedures or interventions

Common Causes of Back Pain in Children

Back pain in children is often due to muscle strain, poor posture, or minor injuries from play or sports. Growth-related issues or carrying heavy backpacks may also contribute. Less commonly, infections, inflammation, or structural problems can cause pain. Most back pain in children is not serious and improves with rest and simple care.

When to Use Tele-triage for Back Pain

Tele-triage is useful for initial assessment of your child's back pain. A healthcare provider can ask about symptoms, medical history, and any recent injuries. They can advise on home care, pain management, and whether your child needs to see a doctor in person. Tele-triage helps decide if urgent evaluation is necessary or if watchful waiting is appropriate.

Red Flags Requiring In-Person Evaluation

Seek immediate in-person care if your child has:

These signs may indicate serious conditions needing urgent attention.

How to Prepare for a Tele-triage Visit

Before the tele-visit, gather information such as:

Having this ready helps the provider assess your child effectively.

After the Tele-triage Visit

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

If symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the exact symptoms and when they began
• List any recent injuries or illnesses
• Prepare a list of current medications and allergies
• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the tele-visit
• Have a caregiver present to assist if needed

After your tele-visit

• Follow provider's recommendations for pain relief and activity
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised
• Keep a symptom diary if recommended
• Contact healthcare provider if concerns arise

FAQs

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

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide you on next steps, but it cannot replace a physical exam or tests needed to diagnose the exact cause of back pain.

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

If your child has severe pain that worsens, weakness or numbness in the legs, trouble walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or fever with back pain, seek emergency care immediately.

What treatments can be recommended through tele-triage?

Providers can suggest safe pain relief methods, advice on rest and activity, and when to use heat or cold. They can also recommend follow-up care if needed.

Is back pain common in children?

Yes, back pain is relatively common in children and often related to muscle strain, poor posture, or minor injuries. Most cases improve with simple care.

Sources

1. Back Pain in Children and Adolescents — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Low Back Pain in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Back Pain Fact Sheet — World Health Organization (WHO).
4. Pediatric Back Pain: Clinical Features and Diagnosis — Mayo Clinic.

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