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Pain management in children: developmental considerations and mind-body therapies

Susan M Gerik1

  • 1Pediatrics and Family Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0340, USA. sgerik@utmb.edu

Southern Medical Journal
|April 9, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Accurately assessing and treating pediatric pain is crucial. This review explores pain management in children, integrating mind-body therapies for common pain types.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pain Management
  • Clinical Assessment
  • Mind-Body Therapies

Background:

  • Pain is frequently misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and undertreated in children.
  • Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) regulations designate pain as the "fifth vital sign."
  • Effective pain management requires regular assessment and intervention by healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical assessment of pediatric pain using a developmental model.
  • To address common misconceptions influencing pediatric pain management.
  • To explore the integration of mind-body therapies for procedure-related pain, headaches, and recurrent abdominal pain in children.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on pediatric pain assessment and management.
  • Analysis of developmental models for pain assessment.
  • Examination of mind-body therapy integration in pain treatment protocols.

Main Results:

  • Developmental considerations are key to accurate pediatric pain assessment.
  • Debunking myths can improve pain management strategies.
  • Mind-body therapies show promise in managing procedure-related pain, headaches, and abdominal pain.

Conclusions:

  • Improved understanding and assessment are vital for effective pediatric pain care.
  • Addressing myths and integrating mind-body therapies can enhance treatment outcomes.
  • A developmental approach combined with innovative therapies offers a path to better pain relief for children.

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