Chronic pain is often associated with aging, but doctors have found that increasing and alarming numbers of adolescents and even younger children suffer from it as well. Kids with chronic pain miss more school; have lower graduation and college attendance rates; can be socially withdrawn and isolated; and suffer physical and cognitive developmental disabilities that limit their potential.

Pediatric Chronic Pain is Real

Babies can express pain by crying excessively, not eating and even by grimmacing or clenching their fists. Since many of these behaviors are experienced by any newborn, parents can't be blamed for missing these signs.

Tragically, toddlers with chronic pain have sometimes lived with it since birth. As a result, they don’t know that their constant discomfort is not normal and for very, very young children, they lack a vocabulary for describing their discomfort. In their version of normal, they don't even know that they should talk to parents, teachers or doctors about it why they don't want to play or participate in activities with other kids. 

They can express their pain by acting out, becoming angry and antisocial, or by becoming withdrawn and isolated. They often suffer from depression and anxiety. Even the most experienced professionals can mistake these symptoms for behavioral issues, prolonging diagnosis and treatment.

Parents and Siblings Suffer Too

While children suffer, so do their parents, siblings and extended families. Parents are sometimes told that their children are ill behaved, have anger issues or don't get along well with other children. At home, family members can become the target of frustration and anger from children whose pain is real and debilitating.

Possible Signs of Pediatric Pain

Here are some signs that a child may be in pain:

●       not engaging in physical play or participating in sports
●       unusually sedentary behavior or excessive exhaustion
●       withdrawal and depression
●       poor appetite
●       irritability
●       difficulty concentrating
●       vision problems (from headaches or migraines)

Signs can be mistaken for normal “growing pains” or personality differences – and they can be. But if you suspect these signs may indicate that your child needs help, talk to your doctor.

Pediatric pain is very real and there are resources to help you and your child. 

*NOTE:  Nápreva has not yet been tested in children. We do not recommend it for people under the age of 18 without consulting your pain management specialist.

Learn More:

Signs a Child Is in Pain  https://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/education/signs-a-child-is-in-pain

Pediatric Pain  https://www.emra.org/books/pain-management/pediatric-pain

Long-term Impact of Adolescent Chronic Pain  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7001863/