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Pain syndromes in children
1Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Rheumatology CH-73, 4800 Sand Point Way, NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA. dsherry@u.washington.edu
Current Rheumatology Reports
|December 21, 2000
Summary
Pediatric rheumatologists manage diverse causes of childhood musculoskeletal pain, including arthritis and amplified pain syndromes. Differentiating physical from psychological causes remains a challenge despite recent literature advancements.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Musculoskeletal Pain in Children
Background:
- Children present with a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal pain causes.
- Conditions range from arthritis and hypermobility to amplified pain syndromes like fibromyalgia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on pediatric musculoskeletal pain.
- To highlight challenges in differentiating physical and psychological pain origins.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on pediatric musculoskeletal pain.
- Analysis of conditions affecting children and adolescents.
Main Results:
- Progress is being made in understanding pediatric pain conditions.
- Distinguishing between somatic (physical) and psychic (mental) pain remains difficult.
- Children's pain presentations differ significantly from adults'.
Conclusions:
- Vigilance in history taking, physical examination, and investigations aids diagnosis.
- Appreciating the varied presentations of each condition is crucial for effective management.