4 Most Common Spinal Problems in Children :

An intricate system that is made up vertebrae stacked one against other, spine provides the structure to the human body while housing the spinal cord which runs through the bone case made by the vertebrae. Serving as a strong pillar to support body weight, the spine protects the spinal cord from injury and hold the body together running from skull to the pelvis.

Bony vertebrae, strong muscles, healthy disks between the vertebrae, flexible tendons, ligaments & sensitive nerves all make up a healthy spine. And when each of these strictures gets affected by an injury, strain or disease it manifests in the form of back pain. While sudden strain or injury can cause common back pain, a persistent and nagging back pain out of nowhere is commonly caused by an inherent spinal condition which needs to be treated by Paediatric Spine Specialist in UK as soon as possible.

Being one of the most experienced Paediatric Spine Specialist in UK, Mr Jwalant S. Mehta has successfully treated a wide variety of spine problems in children. According to him, the following are the most common spine problems identifies in children today:

Scoliosis:

Paediatric Scoliosis is a neuro-muscular condition where the child’s spine abnormally curves sideways at an abnormal angle. The most common type of scoliosis affects a child during the growth spurt where the abnormality progresses with growth. This condition can be efficiently treated when it is detected at early stages. Uneven shoulders, prominent shoulder blades, elevated hips, even leg length are common symptoms of scoliosis.

Kyphosis:

Kyphosis in children is a spinal deformity where the vertebrae in the upper back curve outward, creating an abnormal hunchback posture over time. A child can be born with this condition or can develop over time due to poor posture & slouching. Forward bent head and differences in the height of the shoulder are common symptoms in this condition. Depending on the intensity of the curve the child may need a simple exercise, brace or even surgery as treatment.

Spondylolysis:

Spondylolysis is the most common stress fracture that affects children and teens whose lower back is subjected to repetitive stress due to activities like skiing, weightlifting and gymnastics. It can also occur in children who are not int sports or physical activities in case they have a genetic tendency to develop it. Persisted lower back pain, pain that spreads into legs and buttocks, and tight hamstrings are some of the common symptoms of spondylolysis.

Spondylolisthesis: When the spondylolysis is not efficiently treated, the vertebrae can slip out of the place on to the adjacent vertebrae. Spondylolisthesis can also occur due to poor formation of the spine during birth or injury. Muscle spasms in the hamstring, inability to stand for long hours, severe pain in the leg and buttocks are common symptoms of spondylolisthesis. In cases where the slippage is mild, this condition can be treated conservatively if the slippage is intensive a spine specialist may recommend surgical options.

When to see a Paediatric Spine Specialist in UK?

All the above conditions can be efficiently treated by a paediatric spine specialist in UK if they are identified in the early stages. So, we advise parents to always take the persisted back pain, cramping or any structural abnormalities seriously and seek the help of an expert paediatric spine specialist in UK as soon as possible. If your child is experiencing back pain and you are already looking for a spine specialist, we recommend Children and Adult Spinal Surgeon Mr Jwalant S. Mehta. And you can contact him here: https://www.mehtaspine.co.uk/