The first part of this article reviews the evolution of diagnostic issues regarding low back pain (LBP) in children and adolescents in recent years. The attitude recommended in the literature has been adapted to current epidemiological data showing that non specific LBP is largely prevalent in these age groups, much like in adult populations. Thus, it seems reasonable to avoid an overly aggressive therapeutic attitude, especially in the adolescent population. The second part of the article is devoted to non specific LBP and summarizes recent studies. These data show that the impact of LBP on the quality of life in children and adolescents is very low, with the exception, however, of a small subgroup of adolescents suffering generalized pain in conjunction with LBP.