Chronic pain, defined as pain persisting beyond the typical tissue healing period, usually around three months, is intricately linked to various health and non-health factors. Studies conducted in the United States indicate that chronic pain affects 11% to 38% of children up to 18 years old.
This enduring pain significantly threatens a child’s well-being, impacting daily activities such as schooling, family interactions, and hobbies. As the child withdraws from social scenarios, relationships with family, friends, and classmates may suffer, leading to potential mood disturbances or anxiety as they internalize their pain responses.
Common Types of Chronic Pain in Children
Common pediatric chronic pain complaints comprise headaches, recurrent abdominal pain, and general musculoskeletal pain like limb and back pain. Unexplained pain is also prevalent among children. Chronic pain in children frequently leads to school absences, challenges in social interactions, reduced engagement in leisure activities, and diminished quality of life related to health.
Involve Them In Some for of Activities
Ensuring your presence at work even during periods of discomfort is vital. Studies have demonstrated that individuals tend to exhibit decreased activity levels and heightened feelings of sadness when they are not actively employed.
Being present in the workplace or school could distract from physical discomfort without exacerbating it. Should you encounter challenges in certain job aspects, consider initiating a conversation with your supervisor or manager, emphasizing your willingness to continue working if feasible.
If you have taken a four to six-week break from work, it could be beneficial to collaborate with your doctor, therapist, or employer to strategize your return. Consider a phased approach to reintegrating into work. This approach includes starting with one day weekly and gradually increasing your work hours.
Exploring adjustments to your job responsibilities or work schedule, with the guidance of a health and safety representative or occupational health department, may enhance your work experience.
Painkillers
When seeking relief from pain to enhance activity, utilizing over-the-counter painkillers is considered safe. However, exercise caution due to potential side effects associated with these medications. For adults, paracetamol stands out as a straightforward and low-risk pain relief option.
Another avenue to explore for adult pain management is anti-inflammatory tablets like ibuprofen, provided there are no underlying conditions such as a stomach ulcer that contraindicate their usage. Adhering to the recommended dosage and maintaining a regular intake every four to six hours is paramount, especially when aiming to address sudden pain flare-ups or prepare for upcoming activities.
Avoid delaying the administration of painkillers until pain intensity reaches severe levels, as their efficacy may be compromised. Should a two-week regimen of over-the-counter painkillers prove ineffective, seeking guidance from a general practitioner (GP) or pharmacist is advisable.
Alternatively, seek other pain relieving methods like CBD oil or medical marijuana. Leafy doc can help link marijuana patients with a licensed medical marijuana doctor online for consultation and treatment advice.
Physical Therapy
Pain specialists often suggest a brief course of physical therapy. This will enhance your mobility, alleviate discomfort, and facilitate everyday tasks. Physical therapy for persistent pain may incorporate techniques like manipulation, stretching exercises, and pain-relief exercises.
Typically administered by physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, or occasionally occupational therapists, physical therapy offers tailored guidance on suitable exercises and activities for improvement. Occupational therapists can also assist in implementing environmental adjustments to aid in work performance and home functionality.
Results from physical therapy sessions are often noticeable after a few initial sessions. While GPs can make referrals for hospital-based physical therapy, private options exist in certain regions, and some areas provide direct access to physiotherapy without requiring a GP referral.
Learn Biofeedback
Biofeedback enables individuals to consciously influence a range of bodily functions. While it may initially seem futuristic, substantial evidence supports the effectiveness of biofeedback, which is relatively simple to grasp.
Wearable sensors allow you to perceive specific bodily functions like pulse, digestion, body temperature, and muscle tension through auditory or visual feedback. The patterns and sounds displayed on the monitors reflect your internal physiological state. With practice, you can learn to manipulate these patterns and sounds. After a few sessions, your mind trains your biological system to acquire these self-regulation skills.
Enduring Exercise Discomfort
When experiencing intense pain, the idea of engaging in any physical activity may not be appealing. Surprisingly, persevering through the pain leads to potential relief. Exercise in moderation and be attuned to your body’s feedback.
Exercise has a significant pain-relieving effect on the body. This is because physical activity triggers the production of a chemical known as endorphins. Endorphins act as natural pain relievers by assisting in the management of pain signals among nerves. Aside from the release of endorphins, exercise also enhances blood circulation, as previously discussed, promoting relaxation that aids in pain reduction.
Addressing Depression and Anxiety Supports Well-being
Experiencing depression and anxiety can increase the likelihood of developing chronic pain. Recent research found a correlation between depression, pre-surgery pain perceptions, and enduring pain post total knee replacement surgery. Discuss any mental health issues with your healthcare provider during your recovery after an injury or surgery.
Endnote
Employing self-care techniques alongside the correct administration of over-the-counter and prescribed medications can assist in mitigating the impact of chronic pain in children. If you are struggling with pain, consult your healthcare professionals to create a holistic pain management strategy that aims to empower you to take charge of your life again.