Pain is an unpleasant sensation and emotional experience that is linked to or represents a perceived threat or actual injury.

Pain management for children and young people

Children, even young children can tell us about pain if we ask them in a way that they understand. It is normal for children and young people to have leg, tummy pain or headaches that comes and goes. Just like adults, sometimes children can sometimes experience pain without there being an injury. Pain can be experienced or made worse by stress or anxiety.

Step 2 provides further information on the factors that can affect muscle, joint and bone concerns and Step 3 provides ideas on what could help you.

If you are unsure about what might be causing pain, you can seek further help. You should consider asking for help if:

  • The pain means that the child is unable to go to school or the pain means that they are regularly missing school
  • The pain means that the child is at risk of hurting themselves
  • You are worried that the child may have caused an injury to themselves
  • There is burning or shooting pains linked to changes in temperature or colour of the body. This might include changes in skin colour or excess sweating or dry skin/rashes
  • The child or young person is unable to move a part of their body because they cannot make their muscles work. This is different to not wanting to move a body part because of pain
  • New pain in a child who has a life limiting illness

Helping children and young people with pain

It is important that you keep your body moving to stop joints and ligaments feeling stiff and painful and muscles from losing strength.

Pain Medication (tablets)

Consider taking simple over the counter pain medications made specifically for children such as ibuprofen  or paracetamolwithin the first few days to weeks of a new onset of symptoms or injury.  Take the medication consistently as directed by the information on the box or medicine leaflet.  This is the best way to stay safe and get the full benefit of over the counter pain medication. This can help you move more comfortably, which can help your recovery.

NHS information on giving children painkillers

Speak to a pharmacist – If you experiencing side-effects or you can’t take simple over the counter pain medications or they are not seeming to help, even though you have taken them regularly and consistently as the box and instructions describe, consult with your local pharmacist.

For further information on Pharmacy Services:

In some cases, it may be necessary to consider prescribed pain medication. This should usually be after you have tried the simplest and safest options first, and only for the shortest required time. Consult with your local pharmacist or GP practice if you require more advice on prescribed pain medication.

Hot/Cold

Some people report benefit from the use of hot or cold compression packs for short-term relief.  There is no evidence that one is better than another, and it can come down to the person’s preference.  It is common to apply a cold pack after an injury or if symptoms are increased following activity or exercise.  But this does not work for everyone.  You can buy hot/cold packs from a pharmacy, or a hot water bottle or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth or towel will work just as well.

Movement & Exercise

An appropriate amount of movement and exercise has been shown to help manage pain.  You may need to modify some movements and exercise dependent on your situation.  For example, in the early days following a new onset of symptoms or injury you may want to practice the movements that feel more comfortable at first and gradually build up to normal movements.

Other methods can be used to help manage pain. You can try these depending on the type of pain and what you or your child prefers:

  • Distract from the pain – talking, story telling, singing, colouring, reading books, blowing bubbles, video games are really useful to take your mind off the pain
  • Play – people relax when engaged in play
  • Have someone special present – this might be a parent, special friend or special cuddly toy to make a child feel more secure
  • Comforting touch – cuddling has been shown to help with pain but this can also include stroking, massage, or rocking
  • Deep, controlled breathing and relaxation or meditation can be very useful for older children

Things that don’t help children and young people with their pain:

  • False reassurance – try to be honest that a procedure or an injury might be painful or sore and talk about things that could help
  • Having high expectations about how brave a child should be – pain is difficult for a young person to deal with but this can be made worse if they feel that they are not being “brave enough” or are told that “only babies cry”
  • Too much focus on the pain – you need to acknowledge that pain is real but it is better to focus on where pain is improving or how a child is able to move better or be more independent despite any pain

Additional Information

Understanding Pain Kids Health

What is Pain – for kids 5-8 years old

Healthier Together – ABUHB website for information on children and family health

Tame the Beast – a short, animated video explaining persistent pain

For older children, here you will find more information on mindfulness

and pacing

to help manage pain

Live Well With Pain | Living Well Despite Your Pain is a website for people who are living with pain. It contains useful information, resources, and printable booklets. The ‘10 Footsteps’ help you learn skills to get you back on track to living well, despite pain.

NHS – Bedtime meditation video

ABUHB – Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Cosmic Kids Yoga

If you are a Carer – There is support for carers of people with long term conditions through Carer Friendly

Pain Concern – Parenting a child with chronic pain

Pain areas

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