Back Spasm, No Trauma (Toddler)
Anything that puts stress on the muscles, ligaments, and bones can cause back pain and spasm. A muscle spasm is an involuntarily muscle contraction. The muscles cramp up and become very tight. They may feel hard. Muscle spasms can be very painful. They may occur in the upper or lower back, and on one or both sides of the spine. This condition is called a back spasm.
Back spasms in toddlers can be caused by injury, too much activity, or very tired muscles.
Illnesses can also cause back pain. Because children have trouble describing things, it may be hard for you to tell if an illness is causing your child's pain, rather than injury. Other causes include dehydration, bladder infections, appendicitis, or abdominal infections. If your child has any of these symptoms, follow up with your health care provider:
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Fever, chills, or weight loss
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Weakness or numbness
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Trouble walking
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Pain that spreads down one or both legs
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Bowel or bladder problems
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Pain that keeps the child from sleeping
The earlier the cause of a problem is found, the better. Make sure to see a health care provider if the back pain lasts for more than a few days or gets worse over time. Depending on what your provider finds after talking to you and examining your child, tests may be done.
Treatment depends on the cause of the spasm. If an underlying condition is found, treatment for that condition will likely relieve the spasm. For muscle spasms due to overexercise or tired muscles, gently massaging the muscles may help.
Home care
The health care provider may prescribe medicines to relieve pain or inflammation. Follow the provider's instructions for giving these to your child.
General care
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Massage can help relax the back muscles. Try rubbing the area that hurts to see if it helps. Stop if it's too painful.
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During the first 24 to 72 hours after an injury, put an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel on the painful area for 20 minutes and then remove it for 20 minutes. Do this over a period of 60 to 90 minutes, or as often as your child will tolerate it.
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Allow your child to continue most normal activities. Resting in bed is not necessary.
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Don't use a heating pad at bedtime. Sleeping with a heating pad can lead to skin burns or tissue damage.
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You can alternate using ice and heat.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's health care provider as advised.
Call 911
Call 911 if any of the following occur:
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Trouble breathing
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Confusion
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Very drowsy or trouble waking up
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Fainting or loss of consciousness
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Rapid or very slow heart rate
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Loss of bowel or bladder control
When to get medical care
Contact your child's health care provider right away if your child has:
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A fever.
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Chills.
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Severe cramping. Cramping that lasts a long time, doesn't go away with stretching, or keeps coming back.
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Pain, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
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Pain that wakes your child up at night.
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Weight loss.