10 signs your child may be having back or neck problems

Neck and back pain in children can have multiple reasons When a child complains of back or neck pain it is a cause of concern Long hours of sitting in school incorrect posture while using gadgets lack of physical activity are some of the key lifestyle reasons why children today are getting affected at an early age says Dr Nidhi Sanghvi Shah National Clinical Expert at QI Spine Clinic as she shares some common signs parents should watch out for that can indicate neck or back pain in children1 Constant slouchingLong hours texting sitting bent forward on a study desk and using the laptop can cause problems with the alignment of your childrsquos spine This can cause a hunchback or kyphosis eventually leading to painTip Ensure your child uses a laptop stand and sits on a high table and limit phone and sitting time Help your child stay active by encouraging himher to take up outdoor activities2 Visible swelling and tendernessSwelling or tenderness in the spine along with associated symptoms such as fever unexplained weight loss malaise and fatigue may be nonmechanical signs In all these cases such symptoms at an early stage should be a cause for concern for parentsTip Avoid suppressing the pain with painkillers Consult a spine specialist before any kind of home treatment is sought3 Tilted walking posture or asymmetrical waistNeuromuscular postural or birth defects can cause slight deformity or tilt which progress to become worse over time These are common symptoms of a condition called scoliosisTip An early consultation with a spine specialist can ensure timely diagnosis and an active spine rehabilitation programme can help reduce progression of the curve or tilt4 Pain between shoulder bladesIf your child complains of pain between shoulders it is most likely due to sports injuries inflammatory or postural stresses on the spine This should not be ignoredTip Regular checkups with a spine specialist can help identify such injuries early5 Trouble sleepingDiscomfort or pain in a certain area of your childs spine can keep them up at night Suppressing the pain with painkillers and sleep medication will only delay the treatment and make it worseTip Keep a pillow or knee spacer under your childs knees to ease the discomfort or pain If your child is a side sleeper place the pillow or knee spacer between their knees6 Fever or Unexplained weight lossIf back pain is accompanied by fever unexplained weight loss or weakness it may be a sign of an infection or a tumourTip Do not ignore these symptoms in your child These may be signs of a nonmechanical issue and help from a doctor must be sought immediately7 Tingling or prickling sensationsTingling twinges numbness or needles can be sign of an excess pressure on your childs nervesTip A multidisciplinary approach to treatment with a neurologist can help your child overcome such issues8 Loss of bladder and bowel controlBack pain accompanied by loss of bladder function is a warning sign of something more serious This should be treated as a red flagTip Sought medical attention immediately by consulting a doctor or spine specialist9 HeadachesFrequent headaches may be a sign of a neck problem If your child uses smartphones or gadgets or has wrong sitting posture while studying you should visit a spine specialistTip Neck stretches and chin tucks every 30 minutes can help reduce such tension headaches Use neck support cushions at your childrsquos study desk10 Pain that radiates to the arms or legsBack and neck pain sometimes manifests and travels to the arms legs or even knees This is usually a warning sign of something serious and needs to be investigated immediatelyTip If your child complains of arm hip or leg pain try to probe for symptoms of back pain as well Consult a spine specialist when you see any sign of radiating painByDr Nidhi Sanghvi Shah