Your teenager walks off the field, hand on their lower back. You ask what’s wrong, and they just shrug. You wonder, “Could this be the injury that ends their season?”
You reassure yourself, “It’s just growing pains. They’ll feel better after some rest.”
But after a few weeks, the pain is still there. It’s getting worse when your teen bowls a cricket ball or lands a jump. What started as ‘growing pains’ now feels more serious. Waiting hasn’t helped, and the risk of a bigger injury is only increasing.
This is the moment to step in.
At A Plus Physiotherapy in Ascot Vale, we believe in acting early. We don’t just treat pain. We also work alongside you and your teen, from the first assessment to their return to sport. Our focus is on lasting results: helping them recover fully, build confidence and get back to what they love.
Is It “Growing Pains” or Something More?
Parents often ask us: Is it normal for a teenager to have lower back pain?
Common? Yes. Normal? No.
About half of teenagers will have back pain at some point, but ignoring it can be risky. A teenager’s spine is still developing and is much more sensitive than an adult’s.
While adults often get back pain from years of wear and tear, teens feel pain because their bodies are growing and changing fast.
Adolescents have open growth plates, which are softer parts of bone still developing. You might notice your teen suddenly shoot up in height over the summer. This rapid growth can make muscles tight and slow to adjust, putting extra strain on the spine.
We see many young athletes in our local clinic dealing with training overload. Sports that involve repeated bending backward put extra stress on the lower back. This is especially common in:
- Cricket (Fast bowlers)
- Gymnastics and Dance
- Tennis (Serving)
- Football/Soccer (Kicking mechanics)
The Hidden Danger: Pars Defect (Spondylolysis)
This is the injury every sporting parent should know about. A Pars Defect is a stress fracture in a small bridge of bone in the spine called the pars interarticularis. You can think of it as a safety pin holding the vertebra together. If it cracks, the spine loses some of its support.
When a teen repeatedly arches their back, the vertebrae press against each other. Over time, this stress can cause a hairline fracture.
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Pain that gets worse during sports (especially bending backward).
- Pain that feels better with rest.
The Home Test: Have your teen try a gentle backward bend at home. If they feel sharp pain or discomfort, they should seek immediate professional assessment.
Why Early Intervention Matters with Pars Defect:
If caught early, a Pars Defect can heal well with the right support and rest. If left too long, the fracture can get worse, leading to long-term problems. Untreated injuries can make it harder to return to sport and may even cause pain later in life, even with simple activities like sitting.
Red Flags: When to Seek Help Immediately
Most back pain in teenagers comes from how their bodies move (biomechanics). However, safety is our priority. If you notice any of these “Red Flags,” seek medical help immediately:
- Night Pain: Pain that wakes them up or prevents sleep.
- Constitutional Symptoms: Unexplained weight loss, high fevers, or chills.
- Neurological Changes: Numbness, pins and needles, or weakness in the legs.
- Bladder/Bowel Issues: Difficulty urinating or loss of control.
The A Plus Approach: From Diagnosis to Match-Ready
We do more than just fix the immediate problem. We care for the whole athlete, from start to finish. Our longer consultations mean we can find the real cause, not just treat the symptoms. We believe quality care should be affordable and accessible, so your teen can get back to life and sport.
1. The Assessment
We look at posture, hamstring flexibility and how well the core muscles are firing. We use specialised clinical tests to quickly distinguish between potential bone injuries and muscular strain.
2. Active Recovery (Not Just Bed Rest)
Telling a teen to “stop moving” completely can leave them frustrated and set back their progress. Instead, we use active rest. We adjust their training so they avoid painful movements but keep building strength, often with cardio or targeted core work in the gym. Recovery becomes a chance to grow, not just a break from sport.
3. Rehabilitation & Return to Sport
We help build resilience so they return to the field feeling stronger than before.
Core Control: Teaching your teen to support their spine during movement is key.
Mobility: Loosening tight hip flexors and hamstrings that pull on the back.
Sport-Specific Drills: We make sure your teen is ready for the real demands of their sport by practicing game movements in the clinic before they play a match.
FAQ: Adolescent Back Pain
Is it normal for a teenager to have lower back pain?
No. While it’s common, it usually means there’s a problem with training load or movement patterns. If pain lasts more than three days, it’s time to search for a physio near you or book a consult with us right away.
How can a 14-year-old fix lower back pain?
Stop the painful activity straight away. Use ice to help with sharp pain and reduce inflammation. Most importantly, see a physiotherapist for a plan that manages activity safely. Don’t push through the pain.
Can puberty cause lower back pain?
Indirectly, yes. When bones grow quickly during growth spurts, muscles become tight and movement patterns change, putting extra strain on the spine.
Stand Taller. Move Smarter.
Adolescence is a crucial time for healthy bone development. You can’t undo a stress fracture that didn’t heal properly, so acting early makes all the difference.
Whether your teen dreams of playing professional AFL or just enjoys school sport, they deserve to play without pain. Don’t let a small problem today turn into a bigger one tomorrow.
Ready to help your teen move stronger and get back on track?
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Book your initial consultation with us and we can help your teen achieve lasting results.
Located in Ascot Vale, serving Flemington and Kensington.