PAIN IN CHILDREN AND TEENS

Pain in children and teens is complex and may be difficult to diagnose. In kids, the nervous and musculoskeletal systems are still developing. A child‚Äôs perception of pain is different from an adult. Children may be unable to differentiate or describe types of pain (I.e. sharp, dull and intense). Some types of pain are straightforward (i.e. post-injury) and other types require more analysis and research (i.e. pain from migraines, pain following a virus, pain after surgery, fibromyalgia, chronic pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). 

Pain in children and teens is broadly referred to as Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain (AMP). Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is another name for AMP. AMP can impact physical activity, mood, school performance, sleep and many other areas. It is chronic pain.

WHAT IS CHRONIC PAIN?

The simple description is pain that lasts longer than 3 months and interferes with a person‚Äôs ability to participate in activities of daily living.  

WHAT IS CRPS/AMP?  

Either is a condition of severe localized pain. It is difficult to diagnose and is usually diagnosed by ruling out other possible conditions or diseases. Its prevalence is probably under identified in children and adolescents. It occurs in girls more often than boys. It involves the lower extremities more often than upper extremities. It can move from one extremity to another.

INDICATORS OF AMP/CRPS:

• A known cause or event that starts the pain cycle, but not always in children
• Severe pain with light touch or skin, pain response which is disproportionate to injury or continuous pain
• Changes to the area affected such as swelling, blood flow, hair growth or skin color
• No other clear cause of pain or inability to move
• No obvious nerve damage 

EVIDENCE BASED TREATMENT

Elusive pain disorders can be very upsetting for families. Traditional medical care may fail when there is no designated reason for the pain, customary techniques are not beneficial or medications cannot or should not be sustained over a period of time.

A multidisciplinary approach is often recommended, including:

• physical therapy
• occupational therapy
• psychological intervention
• Physician-prescribed mild medications

Treatment strategies include:

• child and caregiver education
• relearning normal use of the affected body part
• desensitization
• strengthening of the affected body part
• coping skills to manage emotional components such as relaxation and mindfulness
• mobilizing community resources

Outcomes include:

• restoration of function
• pain relief
• reduced school absenteeism
• social inclusion, not isolation
• improved self awareness

HAVE A CONCERN?

Child and Family Development physical therapists, occupational therapists and psychologists can help your child get back to his/her healthy, happy self. You will be amazed at the ability to retrain the brain and body!  Click below to learn more about each of these services:

• occupational therapy
• physical therapy 
• psychology

Click here for a printable page about pain.