What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is a pain system disorder involving persistent or recurrent pain that lasts for at least three months. The most common types of chronic pain in youth are headaches, musculoskeletal pain, and abdominal pain (1).
Relief Begins with Belief
Chronic pain is invisible to others. Many youths with chronic pain experience pain disbelief. Recovery starts with believing youth in pain.
Understanding Chronic Pain
What is it?
Chronic pain is a pain system disorder that persists for months, or even years. It can affect all parts of someone's life, including physically, emotionally, socially, and academically.
Chronic pain is officially defined as pain lasting 3 months or more (1).
How common is it?
Chronic pain affects every 1 in 4-5 children or adolescents (2).
What are the most common causes of chronic pain in youth?
Common causes of chronic pain include:
- Migraines or chronic headaches
- Juvenile Fibromyalgia (also called chronic primary widespread musculoskeletal pain)
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Musculoskeletal or nerve pain
- Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., IBS)
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
- Post-viral syndromes (e.g., post-COVID conditions, Lyme Disease)
- Juvenile arthritis or autoimmune conditions
- Sickle cell disease (SCD)
What other symptoms might someone with chronic pain have?
People with chronic pain may also experience:
- Fatigue
- Concentration or memory problems (sometimes called "brain fog")
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness/tingling
- Tenderness to touch
- Easy bruising
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Dizziness/light headedness
Chronic Pain Treatment
How does it work?
Treatment usually involves a team of professionals--doctors, physical therapists, behavioral therapists, and sometimes occupational therapists.
It's called a multidisciplinary approach, and it works because chronic pain involves both the body and the brain.
Treatment focuses on empowering the child by helping them get back to normal activities, enjoy life, and feel confident in managing their pain.