Research has shown that children experience pain at a much higher level than previously thought. Indeed, studies estimate that nearly half of children ages 10 to 18 years old will suffer from a pain condition that lasts three months or longer.

Additionally, children have a harder time talking honestly about pain because of fear, anxiety, misunderstanding of the causes of the condition (i.e., feeling as if their pain is their fault) and poor communication skills.

The articles linked to below will teach you and your family about pediatric pain conditions, and provide useful information to help manage your (or your child's) situation.

Parenting a Child with Chronic Pain by Dr. Brenda C. McClain
An informative article for parents set up in "Q and A" format. Dr. McClain answers common questions about pediatric pain diagnosis and management, education and socialization, and outcomes.

How to Tell if Your Child is in Pain
Children frequently have a hard time talking about their pain. This article lists various behaviors to be on the lookout for if you suspect your child might be suffering.

Talking With Your Kids About Pain
This collection of tips and advice about how to get your kids to open up about pain also includes a list of words and "sad" and "happy" drawings to help them describe what they are feeling.

Pediatric Pain Management Strategies
This piece offers interesting advice about how to distract and soothe your child if he or she is experiencing pain. There is also information about alternative treatments (such as yoga, acupuncture and Reiki) as well as the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Pediatric Pain: Additional Resources
Read this article to discover more resources, associations and books to help your child and family during this time.

Children and Pain: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
A simple definition of the most common form of arthritis in children.

Pediatric Pain: Back Pain in Children
A comprehensive summary of back pain conditions in children. Topics include an overview, fast facts about pediatric pain, an explanation of how back pain occurs, disease types and treatment options.

Pediatric Pain: Children and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
A comprehensive summary of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) as it affects children. Sections include an overview, stages of CRPS, fast facts, myths and misconceptions, an explanation of how CRPS occurs, disease types and treatment options.

Pediatric Pain: Headaches in Children
A comprehensive summary of headache conditions in children. Sections include an overview, fast facts, myths and misconceptions, headache types in children, how headache pain occurs and treatment options.

Pediatric Pain: Psychological Factors Related to Chronic Pain in Children and Adolescents
A comprehensive summary addressing psychological factors related to children and adolescents with chronic pain conditions. Sections include an overview, advice on how to find a provider, insight into the importance of psychology and psychological treatment approaches for specific pain disorders.

Prevent Back and Neck Problems as Kids go Back to School
This article provides information and tips from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) to help parents choose and pack backpacks for their children. An overloaded, poorly designed pack can cause poor posture and serious back and neck strain.

Disparities in Pain – Children by Elisa Martinez
This piece is a good place to learn more about the prevalence, causes and treatment options of general pediatric pain.