Our 15-year old has such bad back aches that he can’t sleep at night. We’ve spent money on a better bed but don’t know what else to do. What do you suggest we try next?

Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem among all age groups, including adolescents. The likelihood of LBP in children increases with age. By ages 14 to 17, almost three-fourths of all teens have had at least one episode of LBP.

Back pain at night that keeps a person from sleeping may be caused by a sudden lack of distractions. The pain is present during the day but activities and events keep the focus away from the pain. Lying down at night in a quiet room without other things to focus the attention may make it seem like it’s much worse at night.

However, anytime back pain wakes a person from a sound sleep, it’s considered a red flag warning. This is especially true if there are other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, night sweats, or coughing. A medical exam is always needed to rule out a more serious cause of symptoms.

The first step is to see a medical doctor and get a diagnosis. The plan of care will be determined by the findings. If there is no other disease or illness causing back pain at night and disturbed sleep, other care may be needed. Many patients seek out a physical therapist, chiropractor, or other health care provider.