Pain Management for Children

Presented by Susan Stralka

Children with persistent pain beyond the time frame of acute injury are often not diagnosed immediately and research has reported at times it is as long as one year before diagnosis is made. Persistent pain shows a female preponderance and this incidents of pain increases during puberty. This lecture will discuss pain types and mechanisms to identify the symptoms. A review of scientific advances in identifying brain changes or reorganization that occur with persistent pain will be presented. In children with persistent pain there are similar patterns of symptoms, behaviors, and cognitive changes which must be addressed for an effective treatment. Because persistent pain is complex an interaction of physical, affective, sociocultural, behavioral and cognitive factors are involved. Due to the above interaction recent studies strongly support using a biopsychosocial approach for treatment so that the components involved can all be addressed.

Meet your instructor

A person with short blond hair, wearing a blue collared shirt and earrings, smiles against a plain blue background, embodying the seamless integration of medbridge into daily life.

Susan Stralka

Susan W. Stralka, PT, DPT, MS, is a licensed physical therapist with many years of experience treating both musculoskeletal and neurovascular consequences of injury. She earned her bachelor's degree, master's degree, and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center in Memphis,…

Read full bio

Chapters & learning objectives

1. Overview of Pediatric/Children’s Pain

This chapter will discuss the impact that pain has on children as well as the misconceptions about pain in this population. The developmental differences and age related pain expressions will be reviewed.

2. Pain Responses

Understanding and differentiating musculoskeletal and neuropathic symptoms in children will be discussed. Children with persistent pain are often not diagnosed early on and then central nervous system changes or central sensitization develop. The importance of addressing the biopsychosocial side of pain will be emphasized.

3. Update On Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

The similarities and differences of amplified musculoskeletal pain and idiopathic musculoskeletal pain compared to CRPS will be presented. Understanding the guidelines for treatment of children with CRPS and the importance of early identification of brain changes to improve outcomes will be reviewed.

4. Using Neuroplasticity To Treat Pain

Research has shown that training the brain and the use of multidisciplinary service produce the best outcomes. The role of mirror therapy and graded motor imagery will be presented. Advancement in using Ketamine (medication) to shut down receptors will be discussed. A summary of treating children and the importance of educating for discharge will be included.

More courses in this series

Pain Management for Adults

Susan Stralka