Back Strain in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Back strain happens when your child overstretches, or pulls, a muscle in the back. Your child may hurt their back in an accident or when exercising or lifting something.

Most back strains will get better with time. You can take care of your child at home to help their back heal.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Try to keep your child as active as you can, but stop or reduce any activity that causes pain.

• You can try using heat or ice to see if that helps.

  • Try using a heating pad on your child's back on a low or medium setting for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 or 3 hours. Try a warm shower in place of one session with the heating pad. You can also buy single-use heat wraps that last up to 8 hours.

  • You can also put an ice pack on your child's back for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Put a thin cloth between the ice pack and your child's skin.

• Be safe with medicines. Give pain medicines exactly as directed.

  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.

  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.

• Have your child try sleeping on the side with a pillow between the legs. Or put a pillow under your child's knees when your child lies on their back. These measures can ease pain in the lower back.

• Have your child return to their usual level of activity slowly.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

Current as of: July 17, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.