If your young teenager complains of lower back pain, there are any number of causes. A chiropractor would first advise you to figure out if your teen has had any recent, body-jarring experiences or accidents. If the answer to those questions is "no," then it is time to look at some of the other possible causes and treat those causes first. Here are a few things that might be causing your young (13-15) teenager's lower back pain.

Cramps

Cramps typically only apply to girls, but it could be gastrointestinal cramps for boys. Cramps can be felt in the lower back, just like back labor during the birthing process. If the pain is related to a menstrual cycle, it will go away after a few days. If it is related to gastrointestinal issues, it will relieve itself after the intestines have settled and returned to normal functioning. If the pain continues, increases in intensity, or is definitely not related to a period or intestinal issues, then it is time to look at growth and development issues.

Scoliosis

Most schools begin screening girls for scoliosis prior to age twelve and boys prior to age fourteen. This is a period of growth and development for kids where they are growing rapidly, and their backs and muscle groups might not respond to growth bilaterally and uniformly. As a result, an S-curvature of the spine develops, along with lower back pain. As long as your child is diagnosed and begins seeing a chiropractor at this age, he or she will be able to straighten out the spine with the chiropractor's help. Ongoing treatment is needed to correct the curvature until your teen is mostly grown, or until the S-curvature has straightened out and pain has lessened. 

Poor Footwear

Proper footwear is critical when your child is going through his or her last major phase of growth. The foot has to be fully supported so that the legs, hips, back, and spine are all growing nice and straight. Poor footwear can cause mild deformities to develop, as well as the lower back pain your teen is currently experiencing. A chiropractor and an orthopedist can recommend better footwear for your teen so that pain is decreased and proper alignment and growth is increased. It may also be that your teen just needs an orthopedic lift or support device in his/her shoes, in which case, the orthopedist will provide that.

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