title: Presentation and management of chronic pain.
abstract: Chronic pain is an important clinical problem affecting significant numbers of children and their families. The severity and impact of chronic pain on everyday function is shaped by the complex interaction of biological, psychological and social factors that determine the experience of pain for each individual, rather than a straightforward reflection of the severity of disease or extent of tissue damage. In this article we present the research findings that strongly support a biopsychosocial concept of chronic pain, describe the current best evidence for management strategies and suggest a common general pathway for all types of chronic pain. The principles of management of some of the most important or frequently encountered chronic pain problems in paediatric practice; neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), musculoskeletal pain, abdominal pain and headache are also described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Palliative Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, , London, UK.
authors.forename: Dilini
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rajapakse
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liossi
authors.forename: Richard F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Howard
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans
keywords: Paediatric Practice; Pain