Not all spine conditions cause back pain — and not all back pain means there’s a serious spine condition. Norton Children’s Leatherman Spine 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 care for babies, children and teens with a wide range of spine conditions and back pain concerns. Our pediatric spine specialists offer compassionate, age-appropriate care that supports your child’s long-term health and development.

Because our providers are spine surgeons, they have the experience to understand when surgery can help a condition and when it isn’t necessary. If your child does need surgery, they’ll continue working with the same spine specialist without having to see another doctor.

Most children who experience back pain heal quickly and continue to lead healthy, active 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 such as 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.

The spine has three sections: the neck (cervical spine), chest (thoracic spine) and lower back (lumbar spine).

Pediatric cervical spine conditions can include congenital anomalies, such as Klippel-Feil syndrome, where vertebrae may be fused, and atlantoaxial instability, often associated with Down syndrome or spine injuries. Falls or accidents can lead to cervical spine trauma such as fractured vertebrae or nerve root and spinal cord injury. Symptoms can range from neck pain and stiffness to numbness or weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. 

Thoracic spine conditions include congenital deformities like scoliosis, kyphosis and Scheuermann’s disease, which involve abnormal curvatures or growth of the vertebrae. Trauma can affect the spinal column in the middle of the back. Thoracic spine disorders can cause pain, limited mobility and respiratory issues. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent complications and support healthy spinal development.

Lumbar spine conditions include congenital deformities, such as spina bifida and scoliosis. Trauma and impact to the lumbar spine can cause spinal cord injuries. Degenerative conditions are more common in adults, but can affect children with a higher risk due to genetics. 

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Spine Conditions We Treat

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

• Scoliosis (abnormal side-to-side curve)
• Kyphosis (excessive forward rounding of the back)
• Spondylolysis (stress fracture in the lower spine)
• Adolescent disc herniation (disc rupture causing nerve compression)
• Genetic spine conditions such as:
  • Hemivertebrae
  • Klippel Feil Syndrome
• Spinal infection
• Spinal cord tumor

Back Pain in Children and Teens

While back pain is common in 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 ruptures (herniates), 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 issues or back pain, your child’s physician may use advanced imaging such as:

• X-rays
• CT scan
• MRI
• EOS imaging
• Bone scan

Pediatric Spine and Back Pain Treatment Options

Our team provides 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:

• Observation and monitoring
• Bracing or casting
• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Spinal fusion surgery
• Stress fracture repair
• Growing rods or VEPTR (vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib) device
• VerteGlide, a revolutionary scoliosis treatment pioneered at Norton Children’s Leatherman Spine that allows straightening rods to move as your child grows, reducing the need for follow-up surgery.

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 Leatherman Spine

• Children need spine care that’s unique to their growing bodies. We use a team approach to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate spine and spinal cord conditions in children.
• As surgeons, our specialists have the experience to know when surgery can help your child and when more conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and bracing, can help. Most of our patients don’t need surgery.
• Locations in Hikes Point and downtown Louisville are staffed by five physicians and three physician assistants.
• The EOS Imaging system uses extremely low-dose radiation for monitoring spinal conditions, including scoliosis, kyphosis and deformities.
• We’re home to the world’s first implantation of VerteGlide, a system of straightening rods that moves with your child’s growth, reducing the need for follow-up surgical adjustments.
• Our physicians are internationally recognized leaders in clinical research of spinal disease, injury and deformity, opioid management, spine surgical innovations, scoliosis and more.
• Recognized for expertise in pediatric orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report.
• Several of our providers are leaders in the Scoliosis Research Society, the most prestigious organization for scoliosis surgeons around the world.
• 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.
• Medicaid and most major commercial insurance are accepted. Financial assistance also is available.
• Use your free Norton MyChart account to communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions and more.