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Expert Q&A

	By Michael F. Wasserman General Pediatrician

My 2 1/2-year-old son has been complaining about his back hurting, especially when sleeping. I've ask my family physician and a pediatrician and all they have said that it is nothing to worry about. It has been going on for at least six months and I'm beginning to get worried there is an underlying problem. Do you have any suggestions or other symptoms to look out for?

Back pain awakening a child from sleep is again an uncommon scenario. You may wish to discuss with your pediatrician the possible causes of pain that could show up as back pain. Included in this group would be inflammation and other conditions of many of the organs of the abdomen/pelvis, such as colitis and pancreatitis. Also, diseases of the kidneys and bladder could cause back pain.

Then, of course, there is the bony structures of the spine and the discs between the spine that could be causing pain. A fairly quick medical evaluation could be accomplished with blood work and imaging studies of the parts of the body that I have suggested.

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