Pain Management
Chronic pain is a large problem in children, with up 20% of them experiencing ongoing, chronic pain. This can create significant emotional and social costs to the child and his family. Pain can also be a major stressor, and interfere with a child’s ability to heal or get well.
Why Children's Health?
The Pediatric Pain Management Center assesses and treats children with ongoing chronic muscle, bone and nerve pain. Common conditions to be treated include recurrent abdominal pain, headaches, and arm or leg pain. Patients with chest pain, back pain and pain from nerve injury, rheumatologic conditions and cancer can also be seen. Children most fitting for the Center are those children who are having a hard time coping with their pain and may feel their lives are out of control due to the effects of chronic pain.
Services
The services are offered on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Our physicians are certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology–Pain Management. The entire program has been awarded a disease specific certification by the Joint Commission, which is the nation’s standard-setting and certifying body in health care.
Treatment
Treating pain in children can be very challenging. Many, especially when they are younger, can’t tell us how much pain they are having. They also may find it hard to communicate where it is located and whether it is sharp or dull. In addition, adults may ignore or dismiss the child’s complaints as making excuses, or as an attempt to get attention.
How We Can Help
The Pediatric Pain Management Center at Children’s Health℠ offers children and parents a specially trained team that evaluates, and then treats, both chronic and acute pain. Their interdisciplinary approach works closely with the other specialties to not only address the pain, but also its source.
The Center can help lessen the pain associated with a variety of diseases and disorders. Children with chest and back conditions, nerve injury, rheumatologic conditions, sports injuries and cancer may benefit. We also work to relieve the discomfort of headaches.