Musculoskeletal pain in children is often underestimated and misunderstood

Three out of every ten Brazilian children and adolescents complain of musculoskeletal pain (affecting bones, ligaments, and muscles). This common problem impacts the lives of this population and should not be underestimated. The condition, known as disabling musculoskeletal pain, causes children and adolescents to miss school and give up routine and leisure activities, despite having no connection to trauma, repetitive strain, or any other specific cause.

Tiê Parma Yamato, associate researcher, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID) in Brazil and University of Sydney in AustraliaIt's a type of pain that's still greatly underestimated and understudied, despite being common. As a result, children and adolescents often receive inadequate treatment or their complaints are dismissed by their families or the healthcare system. It isn't something you can simply wait to go away. In our study, we showed that although the pain usually disappears as suddenly as it appeared, it can persist in 14% of cases."

Yamato coordinated the research.

A problem for the future

Yamato explains that recurrent or disabling pain during childhood and adolescence is a known risk factor for developing chronic conditions in adulthood. "Understanding the course of that pain in childhood allows us to identify those who need early attention to potentially prevent persistent health problems in adulthood," she states.

She points out that chronic pain, such as lower back pain, is one of the major health issues worldwide and generates enormous financial costs for public health systems. "Addressing the root of the problem may be a way to reduce that economic and social impact in the future," she says.

An underestimated condition

The researcher explains that musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents is poorly studied and often misunderstood. As a result, it is frequently associated with a myth that has never been proven. "Often, that pain is understood and referred to as 'growing pains.' The problem is that currently, growing pains are more a matter of common sense than a proven diagnosis. There's no scientific evidence that the growth process or common growth spurts in childhood and adolescence cause pain," the researcher states.

Importance of the emotional environment

"Since we found that pain may be connected to other issues, such as sleep quality, psychosomatic symptoms, and family relationship harmony, the emotional environment also emerges as a possible predictor of recovery. Therefore, we suggest that healthcare professionals pay special attention to the quality of life of children and adolescents, moving beyond a purely physical analysis of pain to understand these children's and adolescents' life contexts," she says.

Source:

São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

Journal reference: