Frequently Asked Questions

Pain Clinic:

Q: Why is there a Physical Therapist on the team?
A: We have a physical therapist on our team because most kids who have had pain for a while are no longer using their muscles and bones normally. Some kids have areas that are too tight, some have areas that are too weak, and some have both. It is the physical therapist's job to look at all of your muscles and bones and make sure they are moving right, and to see what we can do and help you work on exercises to make your pain better.

Q: Why is there a social worker on the team?
A: When a child has chronic pain it affects everyone in the family. The social work provides education and coaching to parents and siblings around how to interact with the child in a way that supports the child’s coping. The social worker also offers support to the parents as they deal with the stress of seeing their child in pain.

Q: How do I know an infant or child is in pain?
A: Infants cannot tell us about their pain in words but they do demonstrate signs of pain. We can watch infants for common signs of pain. For further information about signs of pain in infants see the “Pain in Infants” patient/family education sheet. (Hmong), (Somali), (Spanish)

Children and teens may be able to tell us where they hurt and how it feels. If they cannot tell us, or they are reluctant to tell us, we can watch for signs of pain. Children and teens can rate their pain using specially designed tools such as number scales or FACES scales. For further information about signs of pain in children and teens see the “Pain in Children and Teens” patient/family education sheet. (Hmong), (Somali), (Spanish)

Q: What can we do to reduce pain?
A: Children, parents, friends and the health care team have an important role in the management of pain. Children and parents should discuss their observations about the comfort of their child and options for pain control with the health care team.

Use of a combination of strategies such as the use of medications, play, distraction, relaxation skills, massage and stress management can provide pain relief. For specific ideas for non-medicine methods and medications for pain relief refer to the “Pain in Children and Teens” and “Pain in Infants” patient/family education sheets.

Q: What should I do if my child is in pain?
A: If you believe that your child is in pain or wonder if the behaviors you are observing could be signs of pain, first talk with your nurse or doctor. Ask what more can be done to control you child’s pain. Your nurse or doctor may suggest simple changes such as re-positioning and other non-drug options. They may also suggest medication administration. You and your health care team should be partners in the development of a plan of action. If you are still concerned about your child’s pain, you can ask the nurse or doctor to consult a specialist in pain management, such as the pain team.

Q: Why is there a psychologist on the team, do you think my child’s pain is all in their head?
A: Your child's pain is a real physical experience, and he or she can learn skills from the psychologist that decrease the physical experience of pain, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, etc. We know that chronic pain ends up affecting children's moods and stress levels, and we want to make sure that your child has effective coping for those aspects of pain as well. Finally, we want your child to get back to normal life, including friends, fun, and regular physical activity, and the psychologist can assist you and your child in returning to normal life.

Q: Why is the first appointment so long?
A: In order to manage your child’s pain, we need to fully evaluate their pain, and it’s effect on their life. Spending this time at the first appointment helps us provide a more comprehensive plan.

Q: What can we do while we wait to get into clinic?
A: Read the book, Conquering Your Child’s chronic Pain, by Lonnie Zeltzer. It is very helpful in understanding the mechanics of chronic pain and the treatments.