Pediatric Pain Syndromes and Noninflammatory Musculoskeletal Pain

Abstract

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is one of the main reasons for referral to a pediatric rheumatologist and is the third most common cause of chronic pain in children and adolescents. Causes of CMP include amplified musculoskeletal pain, benign limb pain of childhood, hypermobility, overuse syndromes, and back pain. CMP can negatively affect physical, social, academic, and psychological function so it is essential that clinicians know how to diagnose and treat these conditions. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology and impact of CMP, the steps in a comprehensive pain assessment, and the management of the most common CMPs.

Keywords: Hypermobility syndrome; Juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome; Musculoskeletal pain; Overuse syndromes; Pain amplification syndrome.