Chronic pain can be debilitating for patients of any age, yet there is a common misconception that the conditions that cause chronic pain only affect older adults. In reality, researchers estimate that at least 15% of children also suffer from chronic headaches, abdominal pain, musculoskeletal pain, and other conditions. It’s important for parents to find a specializing pediatrician who can offer Chronic Pain Treatment in Columbus MS, as pain management tends to be a little bit more complex when the patient is young.
Recognizing Symptoms
One of the reasons that chronic pain in children sometimes goes untreated is that kids tend to express their signs of discomfort and pain differently than adults. Common symptoms for parents to look out for include lethargy, decreased appetite, sleep problems, irritability, and physical cues such as dull eyes, excessive sweating, and rapid breathing. Children suffering from certain kinds of pain may also favor one arm or leg over another in daily activities.
Causes of Chronic Pain in Children
There are a wide variety of conditions that can lead to chronic pain in pediatric patients. These include multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, sickle cell disease, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and chronic regional pain syndrome among others. Though many of these diseases and disorders are treatable, it’s often necessary to seek out dedicated chronic pain treatment in Columbus MS to tackle their symptoms as well.
Treatment Options
Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and various NSAIDs are often recommended for short-term use, but no clinical trials have been performed to prove their long-term effects on growing bodies. When over-the-counter medications fail to provide adequate relief, doctors may also prescribe additional medications. These vary depending on the child’s underlying condition.
It’s important to keep in mind that many prescription medications available to adults are either not appropriate for pediatric use or they have not been tested. In fact, many doctors recommend non-pharmaceutical treatments such as CBT, biofeedback, and even hypnosis as well as physical therapy and other multi-disciplinary approaches.
Get Help Now
Need to find a pediatrician’s office that has experience helping young patients manage their chronic pain conditions? Business Name and check out what services they have to offer or call to schedule an appointment today.
