How is amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome in children treated?
How is amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome in children treated?
Depending on the child’s level of pain and ability to function, the treatment is usually a team approach. The team has several specialists, including:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Child psychologists
- Music therapists
- Recreational therapists
Treatment can last several weeks and involve the following interventions:
- Exercise (strengthening and aerobic) to keep the body moving and improve the child’s flexibility and functioning
- Physical therapy and occupational therapy
- Selected medications
- Psychological counseling to address any stresses or emotional problems the child may be having, such as anxiety, depression or an eating disorder, in addition to learning to function with pain
- Music therapy to help the child relax
- Wellness treatments, including biofeedback, meditation, mind-body skills
- Desensitization (applying pressure to sensitive areas on the body to allow the patient to “break through” the pain and get used to stronger and stronger pressure)