What Causes Chronic Pain in Children?

Children experience pain differently than adults. Their nervous and musculoskeletal systems are still developing, which means that their perception of pain can be heightened, and they may struggle to explain or differentiate between pain types. Depending on the age of the child, they may not even have the vocabulary necessary to express how they’re experiencing pain. Whether sharp, dull, intense, or mild, pain in children isn’t always easy to define or treat—it often requires deeper investigation.

Chronic pain in children can have many triggers, including:

• Migraines
• Pain after surgery or an injury
• Post-viral pain
• Neuropathic pain (nerve-related)
• Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndromes (AMPS)

Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS) is one such condition that presents unique challenges. Sometimes referred to other terms like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), or Regional Nerve Dysfunction (RND), Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome occurs when the body’s pain response is heightened or providing misinformation. The nervous system acts like a “stuck alarm,” sending pain signals even when no physical injury or cause is present. This leads to persistent, often debilitating pain that can affect a child’s ability to engage in school, socialize, or even perform basic everyday tasks.

Simply put, AMPS isn’t “imaginary pain,” even if there is no definitive injury causing it. It’s a genuine, neurological issue that requires a compassionate and strategic treatment approach.

How Do You Treat Chronic Pain in Children?

Chronic pain doesn’t just affect a child physically—it permeates every aspect of their life, from mental health to the family dynamic. This is where a multi-disciplinary approach comes in.

What is Multi-Disciplinary Pain Intervention?

A multi-disciplinary model recognizes that chronic pain requires more than one type of treatment—it needs a team. By combining the expertise of physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and family support specialists, this approach looks at the bigger picture.

Here are the key components of a multi-disciplinary pain intervention strategy:

• Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy: Focuses on improving mobility, strength, and restoring physical functionality. For AMPS, this often means gradually introducing movement to “retrain” the nervous system and reduce pain sensitivity.
• Psychological Support: Chronic pain can impact a child’s mental health, potentially causing anxiety or depression. Psychologists work with children to develop coping mechanisms and address the emotional toll of living with pain.
• Family Education & Support: Chronic pain affects not just the child but the entire family. Parents often feel overwhelmed, confused, or helpless. By involving families in the process, we ensure that they are equipped to support their child at home and manage stress related to the condition.
• Case Coordination: We will coordinate with all necessary medical professionals and school to maximize your child’s return to daily life.

This holistic approach ensures that every area of a child’s life affected by chronic pain is addressed, giving them the best chance to heal and thrive.

What Does Treatment at Child & Family Development Look Like?

At Child & Family Development, we specialize in personalized care tailored to the unique needs of each child. Here’s what you can expect when you trust us with your child’s care for chronic pain or AMPS.

1. Thorough Assessment

We begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your child. This involves understanding their medical history, pain patterns, and how the pain has affected their physical and emotional well-being.

2. Individualized Treatment Plans

No two children are the same, which is why their treatment shouldn’t be either. Based on the assessment, our multidisciplinary team creates a personalized plan combining physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological support, and education.

3. Physical Rehabilitation with Compassion

Our expert physical therapists and occupational therapists guide children through gentle exercises to address pain and restore function. Over time, these exercises evolve to challenge and strengthen them, helping nerve endings recalibrate and reduce hypersensitivity.

4. Psychological Counseling and Education

Chronic pain often causes stress and frustration, which can sometimes exacerbate symptoms. Our psychologists provide one-on-one sessions to help children and teens develop the emotional tools to manage their pain. These sessions also teach mindfulness techniques and relaxation strategies. Peer support sessions may also be introduced to help children feel less isolated.

5. Family Inclusion

We believe parents and caregivers are integral to a child’s healing process. Through workshops and one-on-one sessions, our team educates families on understanding pain syndromes and teaches strategies for creating a nurturing, stress-reduced environment at home.

6. Ongoing Monitoring and Support

Treatment doesn’t end with one session or one month—it’s a process. We continually monitor your child’s progress and adjust their treatment plan to ensure sustainable results.

Our ultimate goal is to help your child return to being a playful, active, and engaged individual who’s no longer defined by their pain.

Help Your Child Thrive

If your child is facing chronic pain or Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome, we want you to know you’re not alone—and neither is your child. Pain, especially the type that persists and disrupts daily life, can take a significant toll on your family, but there is hope.

Join us at Child & Family Development. Here, expert care meets compassionate understanding, and we empower children to overcome pain, step by step.