Embracing Our Role in the Prevention of Chronic Pain

Abstract

This perspective article advocates for pediatric physical therapists to increase their role and visibility in the primary and secondary prevention of chronic pain during 2 critical developmental periods: infancy and early adolescence. The opioid epidemic and the disabling aspects of chronic pain are adversely affecting children and their families. Health care disciplines are adopting measures that address risk factors for the development of chronic pain in children, including strategies to minimize acute procedural pain and parental education to reinforce healthy pain-coping behaviors. Pediatric physical therapists are uniquely positioned to develop and adopt strategies to aid in this effort. They routinely screen and evaluate children for developmental delays and work with children who are at increased risk for developing chronic pain as a sequela of their health condition or as a consequence of painful medical procedures.

Pain Neuroscience Education in Elementary and Middle Schools

“…31 It is our opinion that a positive shift in attitudes and beliefs at a young age may foster more active behavior in the presence of pain. Swiggum et al 26 argued that individual, familial, and societal factors place many participants at risk of developing chronic pain, and pediatric physical therapists play an important role in primary and secondary prevention of chronic pain through advocacy, education, and screening. The pediatric physical therapist is in a unique position to screen for chronic pain risk factors in pediatric patients and their caregivers and to educate all stakeholders about appropriate pain paradigms and coping strategies.…”

“…25 In a recent perspective article, Swiggum et al 26 stated that pediatric physical therapists should advocate for the inclusion of educational programs regarding pain neuroscience and healthy pain-coping strategies in all middle and high school age-appropriate health education programs. Swiggum et al 26 argued that as part of a multidisciplinary team, pediatric physical therapists have a professional responsibility in the prevention of chronic pain. The pediatric physical therapist is in a unique position to screen for chronic pain risk factors in pediatric patients and their caregivers and to educate all stakeholders about appropriate pain paradigms and coping strategies.…”

“…24 Adolescence is a critical time for the development of healthy pain prevention strategies. 25 In a recent perspective article, Swiggum et al 26 stated that pediatric physical therapists should advocate for the inclusion of educational programs regarding pain neuroscience and healthy pain-coping strategies in all middle and high school age-appropriate health education programs. Swiggum et al 26 argued that as part of a multidisciplinary team, pediatric physical therapists have a professional responsibility in the prevention of chronic pain.…”

Chronic pain in pediatric patients: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and mitigation strategies

“…Evidence-based therapies can include psychological interventions, physical therapies, and medical interventions. Timely access to treatment is essential since untreated chronic pain may persist or worsen over time and impact children's physical, emotional, and social development [5], as well as educational and vocational success [6]. In addition to the physical and emotional costs to patients and families, the estimated economic burden of pediatric chronic pain is substantial.…”

Pain Assessment and Management of Neurologic Impairments by Pediatric Physical Therapists; A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…5 The age of a child, communication and cognitive skills, former pain experiences, emotional state, ethnicity, culture, and sensorimotor capabilities must all be taken into consideration throughout the pain examination to produce an accurate diagnosis. 6,7 Methods for evaluating pain must meet various requirements, including their psychometric qualities, target population, availability, and convenience of administration. In therapeutic settings, a range of pain and distress assessments are available, including self-report, physiological, and behavioral measures.…”