In children and adolescents (teenagers) thoracic (mid-back) pain is a common problem. And acute (sudden and severe) pain that is rather localized could be from trauma or an accident. But most pain described as diffuse (not localized) and aching in the mid back is generally a postural problem. Certainly, a stooped forward posture and wearing of heavy backpacks are common causes in children for mid back pain. Read on to find out 3 Causes of Mid Back Pain in Children a Chiropractor Can Help.
1) Kyphosis and Scheuremann’s disease
A kyphosis (rounding of back) is often seen in the adolescent (teenager). It is a curvature of the spine that causes the top of the mid back to appear more rounded than normal. This may simply represent a postural syndrome with a psychologic cause in children such as low self-confidence (e.g. shy). Nevertheless, whether the child’s hyperkyphosis is structural or functional or both has to be determined.
The most common cause of structural kyphosis is Scheuremann’s disease. The incidence is estimated at between 1 % and 8%. With a stooped posture, Scheuremann’s disease should be included as a possibility. The cause of Scheuermann’s disease has been studied and discussed for years. Nevertheless, scientists don’t know exactly why some kids get it. The disease does run in families. And Scheuermann’s disease is believed to be the result of vertebral (spinal bones) growth plate trauma. It occurs during the adolescent period with interruption or cessation (stopping) of further growth. Scheuermann’s is a structural problem/deformity and not caused by a functional problem (e.g. poor habitual posture).
2) Scoliosis
Firstly, painful scoliosis in children would certainly necessitate a radiographic (x-ray) search for the possibility of cancer (e.g. osteoid osteoma) or infection.
Secondly, Scoliosis can be part of a disorder (e.g. poliomyelitis). This includes neurologic, muscular, congenital (born with it) bone anomalies, developmental (e.g., due to abnormal collagen), and several other disorders.
Thirdly, the majority of scoliosis, however, are idiopathic. “Idiopathic” means there is no known definite cause. It can affect people of any age, from babies to adults, but most often starts in children aged 10 to 15 (idiopathic). When it begins or is found after puberty (after complete skeletal growth), it is called adult scoliosis.
3) Straight Back
Straight Back and Spondylolisthesis
Does your child have a flattened appearance to the mid-back? So this may be a secondary effect to a severe spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a vertebra (bone) in the spine moves forward out of the proper position onto the bone below it. There are several types of spondylolisthesis. However, the most common are isthmic, occurring in children.
90% of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis occurs at the lumbar spinal vertebral level 5. The spondylolysis type is more likely to become symptomatic in children more than 5 years old. Spondylolisthesis is more common in girls. Sports such as gymnastics, which require repetitive hyperextension (extensive arching of the back), are more likely to cause problems.
Straight Back and “straight back syndrome”
Finally, more often Straight Back is due to a condition referred to as “straight back syndrome” (AKA cobbler’s chest). Straight back syndrome is characterized by loss of the normal upper thoracic spinal kyphosis. Pectus excavatum, a congenital chest wall deformity is also seen with Straight Back Syndrome. Growth abnormality of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone (sternum) is the cause. Moreover, with a narrowed chest dimension, problems tolerating exercise, tiredness, a rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations, coughing and chest pain can occur.
Chiropractic Treatment
For Pediatric Chiropractic Care in 2009, a survey found that there were about 68 million pediatric visits to chiropractors. The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners’ most recent practice analysis, issued in 2010, found that about 17 percent of chiropractic patients were under age 18 — approximately 7.7 percent aged five years or younger and some 9.4 percent between ages six and 17. In deed, the American Chiropractic Association cites a study done in 2014 confirming that chiropractic adjustments are overwhelmingly safe in infants and children.
The fact is Chiropractors receive training to adjust all people, from babies to the elderly. Many children have benefited from chiropractic care, including babies.
So conventional (allopathic) medical care is great for saving our lives, but doesn’t do a lot for everyday quality-of-life issues that plague us. Similarly, there’s a lot more anxiety and stress in kids’ lives today. Chiropractic adjustments are great and powerful.
In conclusion, along with adequate nutrition, sleep and physical activity, adjustments can be life changing for children. For parents who are looking for answers besides putting their kids on more drugs, Chiropractic is a great solution.
Meiri Chiropractic in West Palm Beach
Children have the same joints that adults do, but not fully formed yet. They are still developing and adjustments get the spine back in alignment to keep the body balanced and to prevent further problems. Additionally, kids joints are still more cartilaginous than truly bony. Therefore, the adjustments have to be a little bit faster but with less force. This is due to the increased flexibility within the joint and the smaller surface area targeted.
Dr. Natalie Meiri delivers fast adjustments that are low intensity (low force) and low amplitude (low displacement). She also has helped babies and kids utilizing soft tissue techniques, cranial sacral therapy, and homeopathy. Dr. Natalie Meiri has treated babies with ear infections, kids with ADHD, autism, scoliosis, sports injuries and various growing problems. Contact her at 561-253-8984 for further information on 3 Causes of Mid Back Pain in Children a Chiropractor Can Help or to make an appointment.