How do you manage chronic pain in children?

Chloe_Scope

On the community between Monday 29th July and Friday 9th August we are discussing chronic pain and fatigue. We are aware that these conditions not only affect adults, but that children can also experience chronic pain.

Seeing your child in pain cannot be nice at all, yet how often do these things get discussed?

How do you know if you child is in pain?

A good first step can be to ask your child if they have any pain. Depending on the age or disability of your child, this may have different levels of success.

It is also possible to use a pain scale. The Faces Pain Scale has been designed for children aged 3 or above, yet it is now commonly used within adults as well.

Helping my child who is in pain

Supporting a child in pain can be done in numerous ways. An article on helping your child cope with pain highlighted the following ways:

• Breathing
• Imagination
• Relaxation
• Distraction
• Redirection

Here is a very comprehensive journal article about helping children who are in pain.

How do you support your child when they are in pain? Is there a method you use to gauge your child’s pain levels? Let us know in the comments below.

April2018mom

My son has leg pain. I listen to him tell me. There are many pain scales for pediatric doctors to use. I use this one 

Chloe_Scope

Thank you for this @April2018mom, very helpful! Do you find it helps your son explain his pain?

April2018mom

SorryChloe_Scope said:

Thank you for this @April2018mom, very helpful! Do you find it helps your son explain his pain?

Sorry I’ve been at work. Yes it does. 

Chloe_Scope

That's okay @April2018mom

I'm glad it helps!

himanshu5

The treatment used for children with chronic pain should be evidence-based (see Resources). Physical interventions can include exercise, thermal stimulation, desensitisation, physiotherapy, massage, occupational therapy, acupuncture, and nerve blockade.

Chloe_Scope

Thank you for this @himanshu5, and welcome to the community!