A snapshot view of the impact of chronic pain on adolescents.
This study provides a snapshot view on the impact that chronic pain has on the daily functioning of a small group of adolescents (n = 10). Chronic, severe pain in childhood and adolescence is not common, but is increasingly recognized to occur and be worthy of treatment. Referrals come from a variety of sources including paediatric orthopaedic surgeons, paediatric rheumatologists, paediatric neurologists, child psychiatrists, and GPs. Examples of the types of conditions seen are complex regional pain syndromes, low back pain, pain caused by congenital or degenerative disease and chronic headaches. Additionally, chronic pain affects the well-being of the family as well as the adolescent. Many adolescents have been unable to attend school for months or years, and their educational and social development is impaired. The aim of treatment is to rehabilitate the adolescents within the context of their families and to return them to school and to participating in normal social activities within the limits of their condition.
Matthews
Elizabeth
E
Pain Management, Withers Orthopaedic Centre, Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*