Children With Chronic Pain

When you think of chronic pain, you probably think of adults with injuries or age related problems.  Maybe with an unpleasant condition that they’re forced to live with.   However, how often do we think of chronic pain in terms of children?


It is a sad fact that there are children who do suffer from chronic pain.   Some have sustained injuries, others have ailments that cause them pain.  Children can have a very difficult time dealing with chronic pain, especially when it interferes with school, sleep cycles and time with friends.  


These links will provide some information of children with chronic pain.

• Talk Therapy for Kids’ Pain: Better Than Pills?
  This Time magazine article talks about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and how it can be used to help kids deal with their chronic pain.

• Conquering Chronic Pain In Children
  This article discusses the book ‘Conquering Your Child’s Chronic Pain’ and discusses how adults can help children with chronic pain.
  
• Managing Chronic Pain in Children and Adolescents
  This article discusses child and adolescent pain in a medical light.

These article discuss the three most common types of chronic pain in children and teens; headaches, abdominal pain and musculoskeletal pain.  


Perhaps the most important thing to remember when you are interacting with a child with chronic pain is patience and empathy.  Anyone who has ever been in pain knows how frustrating it can be.  It is even more so for kids and teens who or of an age that is rarely associated with this type of pain.  Being supportive is vital to helping a child cope!