You expect to hear about back pain in adults. Maybe weekend warriors or people with desk jobs. But it’s showing up more in kids and teens, especially the ones who are always on the move. Young athletes train hard. They play year-round. They push through pain to keep up. Sometimes it’s nothing. Other times, that tight, aching feeling in their lower back doesn’t go away. And that’s when it becomes something more.
Why It Happens in Young Athletes
The source of the pain isn’t always obvious. It’s not usually about one bad lift or fall. In growing athletes, the pain often comes from movement patterns that gradually wear down the body. Growth spurts don’t help, and bones grow fast. Muscles and control take time to catch up.
Common reasons this shows up:
- Weak or underactive core muscles
- Tight hips and hamstrings from overuse
- Poor lifting or landing form
- Too much arching in the back, especially in sports like gymnastics or football
- Stress injuries like spondylolysis
The earlier someone spots the issue, the easier it is to treat and avoid lasting problems.
What Sports Medicine Does Differently
Sports medicine starts by asking better questions. Not just “where does it hurt?” but “how does this athlete move?” It looks at the habits behind the pain.
A movement screen comes first. That might reveal that they’re compensating somewhere else, maybe their glutes aren’t doing enough, or their core isn’t kicking in when it should. From there, treatment gets specific.
What that looks like in real life:
- Exercises that build deep core stability
- Glute and hamstring strength work
- Stretching to reduce tension in key areas
- Fixing how the athlete jumps, runs, and lifts
- Return-to-sport training that rebuilds trust and function
Each session targets the cause, not just the symptom.
When It’s Time to Get Checked at Modern Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine of Surprise, AZ
Some soreness is normal after games or tough training. The trouble is when back pain sticks around, gets worse, or changes how an athlete moves. Should this ever happen, it’s time to take a closer look. Waiting can turn something small into something harder to fix and a quick screen can make a big difference, especially for athletes still growing. Even one session can reveal what needs to change and give the athlete tools to protect their spine going forward.
Give us a call at Modern Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine of Surprise, AZ, and get your young ones back in shape for the future.
