
5 As the condition progresses, the spine gets involved and some combination of the following symptoms and signs may be experienced 5: The onset of this condition causes pain and stiffness in the lower limbs, including the knees, ankles, and feet. 5 Symptoms of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis in children and adolescents A genetic predisposition is thought to be the primary cause of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis, and some researchers have also noted bacterial infections and developmental factors to contribute to its evolution. The condition manifests around 6 years to 12 years of age and usually affects boys before puberty and girls after puberty. The thoracolumbar junction, where the upper back connects with the lower back, and the cervical spine (neck) are the commonly involved parts of the spine. Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation of the spine and large joints, resulting in stiffness and pain in the affected areas. See Types of Spinal Tumors Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal tumors and cancers also cause generalized, unexplained weight loss loss of appetite and a general feeling of malaise. Night-time back pain is especially rare in children below 5 years of age, and this symptom warrants immediate medical attention. It must, however, be understood that not all children who wake up from sleep due to pain have a spinal tumor. 1 Symptoms of spinal tumors and cancer in children and adolescentsīack pain at night that wakes the child from sleep is the hallmark of a spinal tumor. 1 Spinal Tumors and Cancerīenign and malignant tumors of the spine may develop within the spinal cord, from the vertebral bone, due to infiltration of cancer cells in the bone marrow, or from the surrounding nervous tissue. Other rare spinal infections that may affect children include vertebral osteomyelitis, spinal TB (Pott’s disease), and epidural abscess. The child may demonstrate relief of symptoms upon lifting under the armpits, thereby relieving pressure on the affected disc. 1 Symptoms of discitis in children and adolescentsĭiscitis often occurs insidiously and can cause the following symptoms and signs 1: The cause of discitis remains unclear, and researchers believe it may be caused by bacterial or viral infections. 1ĭiscitis predominantly affects younger children between 3 years and 5 years of age.

Infections affecting the spine are uncommon in children but are serious problems and must be evaluated and treated promptly. Potential Causes of Back Pain in Children and Teensĭiscitis is a type of infection that affects the spinal disc.

Muscular back pain that develops over time can become chronic and worsen, and may affect the harmony of the surrounding spinal structures if the muscles become weak.

There may be a history of precipitating trauma, but more often, muscular back pain in children may develop gradually over time and flare insidiously, occurring due to one or a combination of the following factors 1: Possible causes of muscular back pain in children and adolescents Muscular back pain may be acute, sharp, and stabbing or chronic, dull, and achy depending on the degree of muscle injury. Pain and tenderness in the muscles on the right and/or left sides of the spine–and not the spine itself.Pain exacerbated by prolonged sitting or standing.Pain exacerbated by activity or movement.Symptoms of muscular back pain in children and adolescentsĬlassic symptoms and signs of muscular back pain in children and teens typically include 1:
