Not all spine conditions cause back pain — and not all back pain means there’s a serious spine condition. Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville physicians have the experience and the expertise to know the difference and provide a precise diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your child’s growing body.

Our orthopedic surgeons and non-surgical specialists care for babies, children and teens with a wide range of spine conditions and back pain concerns. Our fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic specialists offer compassionate, age-appropriate care that supports your child’s long-term health and development.

Most children who experience back pain heal quickly and continue to lead healthy lives after treatment. Children with spine conditions such as scoliosis, spondylolysis or disc herniation may require ongoing follow-up care, especially if surgery is needed.

Understanding a Child’s Developing Spine

The spine is made up of vertebrae cushioned by discs, held together by muscles and ligaments. A healthy spine has natural curves that help absorb pressure from everyday activities like walking and running.

Certain conditions can cause the spine to curve, twist or weaken more than it should. These may be present at birth, develop over time or result from injury or stress.

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Spine Conditions We Treat

We care for children with both structural and genetic spine disorders, including:

• Scoliosis (abnormal side-to-side curve)
• Kyphosis (excessive forward rounding of the back)
• Spondylolysis (stress fractures in the lower spine)
• Adolescent disc herniation (disc rupture causing nerve compression)
• Genetic spine conditions such as:
  • Hemivertebrae
  • Klippel-Feil syndrome
• Infections affecting the spine or pelvis

Back Pain in Children and Teens

While back pain is often associated with adults, it’s a valid concern in children and teens too. Pain may improve with rest and physical therapy, but in some cases it could signal a more serious condition that needs evaluation and treatment.

Common causes of back pain in children include:

• Scoliosis: While uncommon, back pain can be caused by scoliosis.
• Spondylolysis: For children experiencing back pain with spondylolysis, it usually is associated with a stress fracture.
• Adolescent intervertebral disc herniation: A child can experience back pain when a disc that cushions the vertebrae herniates (ruptures), causing pressure on the spinal nerves or spinal cord.
• Infection: Back pain can be caused by an infection in the disc, vertebra or back part of the pelvis.

If your child’s back pain is ongoing, severe or limiting their daily activities, a pediatric orthopedic evaluation may be recommended.

Diagnostic Tools

To identify the cause of spine problems or back pain, your child’s physician may use advanced imaging such as:

Pediatric Spine and Back Pain Treatment Options

Our team provides both surgical and nonsurgical options tailored to your child’s diagnosis and needs. Our goal is always to start with the least invasive, most effective treatment possible.

Treatment options may include:

We provide ongoing follow-up care to support recovery, especially for children who undergo surgery for scoliosis, spondylolysis or disc herniation.

Why Choose Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville

• Dedicated appointment times in our fracture clinic mean patients with stabilized fractures often see an orthopedist within a few days, even during the busy summer months.
• Offices in Hikes Point and on Westport Road provide easy access to advanced pediatric orthopedic care.
• Advanced multidisciplinary clinics are available. Our pediatric orthopedists work side by side with specialists in neurosciences, urology and other specialties to provide easier scheduling and coordinated care.
• Extremely low-dose imaging for kids with scoliosis and other conditions that require frequent imaging provides high-quality diagnostics at a fraction of the radiation emitted by traditional X-rays.
• Norton Mobility Lab, located on the Norton Healthcare – St. Matthews campus, provides rehabilitation for kids with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, incomplete spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.
• While most kids with orthopedic conditions don’t need surgery, Norton Children’s Hospital is verified as a Level I Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons Children’s Surgery Verification (ACS CSV) Quality Improvement Program.
• Medicare, Medicaid and most major commercial insurance plans are accepted.
• Book appointments, get alerts when an earlier appointment becomes available, communicate with your medical provider, refill prescriptions and more through your free Norton MyChart account.