Researchers worry that there is a lack of data for the ways and means to treat chronic pain in children. The statistics reveals that 15% of children suffer from aches and 2% have inabilities preventing them from doing normal work. The pain causes psychological distress, which has big impact on siblings and parents. Adding to agony, there are no clinical practices for this management, although some paediatric centers have chronic management programmes.
Epidemiological studies by Professor Christopher Eccleston, Director of the pain Management unit at University of Bath reports that children compared to adults suffer from chronic pain. Studies have also shown that parents of these children report that pain disorder as a major problem when compared to their other problems. One should also note that the medications for this pain stems only from the medications for the adults.Professor Eccleston added that pain management requires clinical trials focusing on efficacy and safety. Although the incidence of chronic pain is similar in both children and adults, more action in the form of data is urgently required in the case of children to minimise societal cost.
Mostly family doctors spend time and energy looking for severe conditions under lying pain, and they refer to specialists and the parents move from doctors to doctors. Ultimately the child receives only little therapy for pain.
Research by pain management unit has shown that psychological improvement was seen in children’s undergoing cognitive behaviour therapy. The unit also stresses the must role of parents in bringing out the success of the therapy.
Reference: www.eurekalert.org
