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:

• Fever, chills, or weight loss

• Weakness or numbness

• Trouble walking

• Pain that spreads down one or both legs

• Bowel or bladder problems

• 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.