Review for the generalist: Evaluation of low back pain in children and adolescents

Back pain is common in children and adolescents. most cases of back pain are non-specific and self-limiting. in children and adolescents,pain is usually related to the posterior elements of the spine and disc-related problems are rare. serious pathology,including malignancy and infection needs to be excluded. evaluation and management is challenging and requires a thorough history and physical exam,and understanding of the immature skeleton. diagnostic imaging is useful in the evaluation of a child or adolescent with low back pain and can help guide management. this article will review common causes of back pain in the pediatric population. © 2010 houghton; licensee biomed central ltd.