What Causes Lower Back Pain And Dizziness In Children?

Posted on Thu, 9 Jun 2016

Question: My son is 13 years old male complaining when I picked him up of lower back pain dizziness and seem warm to touch.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Some information:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

If your son has a fever, headache, and stiff neck, especially if there is pain when trying to flex his head forward to his chest, then please take him in to the ER.

If the dizziness is quite bad, take him in for this also.

He may have a virus that is causing these symptoms and it will pass. Take his temperature if you have a thermometer. Make sure he has some food in his stomach when giving Motrin to prevent stomach irritation too.

His symptoms may change in the next few hours so you will likely know more of what you are dealing with.

In the meantime, a heating pad or hot water bottle for his lower back, rest, and plenty of fluids.

I hope this information helps. Regarding how long to wait for a response, it can take up to 24 hrs, but usually one of us will be able to get to a question within an hour or two. It is best not to post emergency questions for this reason.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 minutes later)

Thanks. He has no stiff neck and dizziness is ok. I will check his temperature He hardly get sick but later with sinus issues . I appreciate it.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your welcome

Detailed Answer:
Sinus congestion and pressure can cause dizziness sometimes. If sinus symptoms are starting, and if he gets infections when this happens, you may want to have him start a nasal steroid such as Flonase. This helps nasal/sinus swelling and by doing so, can sometimes decrease the risk of sinus infections in people prone to these.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (14 hours later)

GM Doctor:

My son still complains of back pain He had a fever. Woke up at 330am gave him some motrin. He appears cooler but haven't really checked his temperature. He has a sore throat and nasal No complains of neck pain. He still had a headche at 330am when he woke up. He hasn't eaten since 5pm yesterday. I have a PCP and wanted to take him in today to be checked. Just to be on the same side.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Good idea

Detailed Answer:
I hope your appointment with your primary care doctor provided some answers. It is good to get checked out and a throat swab when there is the combination of sore throat plus fever. Important to check for strep.

Even though it isn't the "season" for it, influenza can cause back pain, fever, and sinus symptoms. There is also a cough though, and you didn't mention a cough, so this is less likely.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (5 hours later)

Hello Dr:

I just got back from CVS , PCP performed a strep and flu test both negative. Then ordered a mono and then called me and said negative but noticed my sons white cell elevated so put him on an anbiotics for 10 day 10ml. His tonsil a little swollen- maybe tonsillitis or a another bacterial virus. Will follow-up in 2 weeks to check blood count. She did tell me 2 cases of week in XXXXXXX at her office for mono She didn't think it was that awful disease of a stiff neck. He will go back to school on Thursday . Thanks for your help.

XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Some information:

Detailed Answer:
I'm glad his doctor did a strep, flu, and mono test. The swab tests for strep and flu are pretty accurate. But tests for mono can be negative initially. I've had patients who's initial tests for mono were negative but were positive around 10 days later. Most people who get Epstein Barre Virus (the cause of mono) do not get a bad debilitating case of it though.

I hope he feels better rapidly.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (23 hours later)

Hi Doctor:

My son is complaining still of a headache since Monday. Of course we just started the medication last night of 10 ml twice a day. What could be causing this? The weather has changed in XXXXXXX since Sunday. He never had a headache this long. Could it be a sinus headache. I gave him Tylenol but not working. I too had a headache but it went away with Tylenol. Do you recommend Morin instead. The doctor said he could take it for pain. I did give him motrin on Monday and didn't work . Should I go back. His back pain went away.

Thanks
XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Headache

Detailed Answer:
If his sinuses are congested and he feels pressure in them, then this could be the cause of his headache. You can try Motrin. If it is from sinus pressure, he can also use a nasal steroid such as Flonase (sold without prescription) to decrease swelling. It can take a day or two to work. Or an oral decongestant such as pseudo ephedrine can help (if it is a problem with sinus congestion). You can purchase this by asking the pharmacist.

If he is not having sinus pressure, then this is a long time for him to have headaches. Do they ever go away? Are they severe?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (36 minutes later)

This is the first time he ever had a headache like this I am a little worried . Usually with medications it is gone one time. in 8 ours This is taking too long. He just told me it doesn't go away. I will alert the PCP and see. Really baffled.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Headache

Detailed Answer:
If the headache is severe and doesn't go away and isn't related to sinus congestion, then you should take him in to be seen.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 minute later)

Should I take him to ER or PCP

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Depends on severity

Detailed Answer:
If the pain is quite severe and not going away with Motrin or Tylenol, then take him to the ER.

If it is mild pain and he can get comfortable enough for the night, then take him to his doctor tomorrow.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (0 minute later)

Ok I will monitor. He slept alright last night Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Make sure he is well hydrated too.

Detailed Answer:
Make sure he is drinking enough too.

I hope he (and you) have a good night.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 minutes later)

Thanks I am a mom and worry. You too :)

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I hope your son is starting to feel better

Detailed Answer:
Is your son's headache starting to get better? If not, do touch base with his doctor.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar