When we think of low back pain, we often picture adults with desk jobs, heavy manual labour, sports injuries or car accidents — not young children or teens. But the truth is, low back pain is surprisingly common in the 0–16 age group, especially during adolescence. If your child is complaining of back pain, you're not alone — and you're right to take it seriously.
At the same time, it's important to know that most cases of paediatric low back pain are not caused by serious spinal problems. In fact, research now shows that common explanations like "poor posture" or "heavy school bags" may not be the culprits we once thought.
This blog will help you understand what's really going on, when to seek help, and how our paediatric chronic pain service supports families facing persistent or complex cases.
Can Low Back Pain in Kids be Normal?
Yes — to a degree. Occasional low back pain is increasingly common in children and teens, particularly as they grow older. It's often mild and short-lived, linked to physical activity, stress, or even poor sleep. However, when the pain:
- Lasts more than a few weeks
- Interferes with school, sleep, or activities
- Is getting worse over time
…it’s time to dig a little deeper.
What Causes Low Back Pain in Children?
Unlike in adults, low back pain in children is rarely caused by a serious structural issue. Here’s what current evidence tells us:
✅ What it’s usually related to:
- Muscle fatigue or overuse — often from sport or sudden increases or decreases in activity levels
- Sedentary behaviour — lots of sitting and screen time without enough movement
- Sleep problems — poor quality sleep or disrupted routines
- Emotional stress — especially during busy school periods or social pressures, or in response to a traumatic event
- General deconditioning — weakness in core muscles and overall inactivity
❌ What it’s not usually caused by:
- Poor posture
- Minor spinal alignment differences
- Scoliosis (unless severe and progressing)
- Backpack weight (unless truly excessive)
In fact, many children with "poor posture" or “abnormal” imaging results (like disc bulges) have no pain at all. That’s why modern pain care is moving away from a purely biomechanical view — and focuses instead on the whole child.
Red Flags: When to Seek Medical Advice
While most low back pain in kids is benign and self-limiting, there are some red flags (signs of serious underlying medical conditions) to be aware of:
- Back pain in a child under 4 years old
- Pain that wakes them at night
- Fever, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Significant trauma
- History of cancer, immune suppression, or recent significant injury
If you notice any of these, seek medical attention promptly.
What Can Parents Do at Home?
For most children with low back pain, gentle activity, reassurance, and routine go a long way. Try the following:
- Encourage normal movement — not strict rest
- Use warmth (like a heat pack) for muscle tension
- Ensure they get enough sleep and regular balanced meals
- Limit long periods of screen time
- Encourage light stretching or movement
- Encourage social engagement, unless this is the source of stress
Avoid excessive worry or scanning for a “perfect” posture — it can increase fear and focus on pain, rather than helping recovery.
When Pain Doesn’t Go Away
If back pain lasts longer than 4–6 weeks, keeps returning, or is impacting your child’s daily function, it’s time for a more comprehensive assessment. This is where our Paediatric Chronic Pain Service can help.
How Our Service Supports Children with Persistent Back Pain
Our service offers interdisciplinary, evidence-based care for children with chronic or complex pain — including low back pain. We don’t just look at one part of the body. We look at the whole child, including their physical health, emotional wellbeing, daily routine, and goals.
Here’s how we work:
🩺 Paediatrician with a Special Interest in Chronic Pain
- Rules out serious or structural causes
- Manages medications if needed
- Ensures a clear, child-specific diagnosis
🧠 Occupational Therapists
- Provide age-appropriate pain science education
- Support function at home and school
- Help children pace their activities and return to daily routines
- Act as care coordinators, keeping communication smooth and family-centred
- Provide activity-focused physical and mental healthcare interventions
Physiotherapists
- Focus on safe movement, strength, and flexibility
- Help reduce fear of movement
- Design age-appropriate plans to rebuild physical confidence and address biomechanical factors
💬 Psychologists
- Address pain-related anxiety or fear
- Use tools like CBT and ACT to help children develop coping skills
- Provide trauma-informed support where needed
🫂 Social Workers
- Support the family’s needs as a whole
- Provide emotional and practical guidance, especially in times of stress
What to Expect from PAIN’s Services
Your child’s first appointment is a joint session with our paediatrician and occupational therapist, so we can understand their story without repetition. Then, as a team — and in partnership with your child and you — we create a personalised care plan based on what your child needs most.
Our approach is designed to:
- Identify what’s treatable
- Explain what is going to happen
- Focus on outcomes that are important to you, in realistic timeframes
- Minimise cost and disruption for your family
We accept both medical aid and privately funded patients. Parents can self-refer, and we’re always happy to talk through options with you.
Your Child Deserves to Feel Better
Low back pain doesn’t need to be a lifelong problem — and your child doesn’t have to navigate it alone. With early support, clear communication, and the right care team, children can recover well and return to full, happy participation in life.
📞 To book an appointment, contact our central booking line: [Insert Number]
💻 Or visit our website to learn more and complete a referral.
📝 Self-referrals are welcome.