Understanding and Treating Pain in Teenagers: How Garden State Pain & Orthopedics Can Help

At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, we understand that pain doesn't discriminate by age, and teenagers are not immune to musculoskeletal issues. In fact, pain in teenagers is becoming more common due to increased physical activity, sports injuries, and even the effects of modern sedentary lifestyles. While growing pains are often expected, persistent or acute pain should not be ignored, as it could be a sign of something more serious that requires expert care.

Let’s explore some of the most common types of pain we see in teenagers and how our team can help diagnose and treat these conditions effectively.

Common Pain Conditions in Teenagers

1. Sports Injuries Teens participating in sports are at a higher risk of developing acute and chronic injuries. Common issues include:

   • Sprains and Strains: Overstretching muscles or ligaments can cause sprains (ligament injury) or strains (muscle injury), leading to significant discomfort and reduced mobility.
   • Stress Fractures: Repetitive impact from activities like running or gymnastics can cause small cracks in bones, known as stress fractures, that result in pain and swelling.
   • Knee Pain: Conditions such as Osgood-Schlatter disease or patellar tendonitis (commonly known as "jumper’s knee") can cause knee pain in active teens.

   Our orthopedic specialists offer a range of treatments for sports-related injuries, from physical therapy to advanced pain management options, ensuring a full recovery while reducing the risk of re-injury.

2. Scoliosis and Posture Problems Adolescent scoliosis—curvature of the spine—can cause back pain and posture issues. Even mild scoliosis can result in chronic discomfort if left untreated. Teenagers today are also prone to developing poor posture due to long hours spent on computers or mobile devices, contributing to back, neck, and shoulder pain.

   At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, our team offers non-invasive treatments such as physical therapy and bracing for scoliosis, alongside posture correction strategies that help teens avoid long-term complications.

3. Growing Pains vs. Other Conditions Growing pains are typically harmless, but persistent leg, hip, or back pain could point to more severe conditions such as juvenile arthritis, tendinitis, or hip dysplasia. These require medical intervention to prevent long-term damage.

   Our specialists can differentiate between benign growing pains and more serious orthopedic issues through detailed diagnostic tests and physical assessments.

4. Overuse Injuries Teenagers often experience overuse injuries from repetitive activities, especially in sports like swimming, tennis, and basketball. Overuse injuries like tendonitis and bursitis develop gradually and can significantly impact a teen’s ability to participate in physical activities.

   Our team uses state-of-the-art technology and rehabilitation programs to treat overuse injuries, helping teens recover faster and regain strength without risking further harm.

How We Treat Pain in Teenagers

At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, we focus on comprehensive, patient-centered care. We recognize that treating pain in teenagers requires a different approach compared to adults. Not only are their bodies still growing, but teenagers also have unique emotional and psychological needs during recovery.

Our pain management and orthopedic specialists work closely with teens and their families to create tailored treatment plans that may include:

• Physical Therapy: A crucial component for strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and accelerating recovery after injury.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: For cases where conservative treatments aren’t enough, we offer advanced pain relief options like epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, and regenerative treatments.
• Customized Rehabilitation: We design rehabilitation programs to help teens return to their regular activities, whether it’s getting back to sports or simply living pain-free.

Why Choose Garden State Pain & Orthopedics?

Our multidisciplinary team of board-certified pain specialists and orthopedic doctors ensures that each patient receives the highest quality of care. We understand that no two patients are the same, especially when it comes to teenagers. That’s why we take the time to understand the specific causes of pain and work with families to develop effective treatment strategies that focus on long-term relief.

With convenient locations in Clifton, Edison, Jersey City, West Orange, and Hazlet, Garden State Pain & Orthopedics is ready to provide top-tier care for teenagers dealing with pain or injury. If your teen is experiencing ongoing discomfort, don't wait for the pain to worsen. Let us help them get back to living a pain-free, active life.

Schedule a consultation with us today!