HEALTH INSIGHTS

Pain Management and Children

May 22, 2017

Pain Management and Children

What are the causes and effects of pain?

Pain management is an important concern for a child with cancer or other pain-causing diseases. When a child has cancer, one of his or her greatest fears, and the fear of parents, is pain. Every effort should be made to ease the pain during the treatment process.

Pain is a sensation of discomfort, distress, or agony. Because pain is unique to each person, a child's pain can't be measured with a lab test or imaging study. Healthcare providers can evaluate a child's pain by observing him or her and asking about it. There are a number of tools and methods available to help assess pain in children.

Pain may be acute or chronic. Acute pain is severe and lasts a relatively short time. It is usually a sign that body tissue is being injured in some way. The pain generally disappears when the injury heals. Chronic pain may range from mild to severe, and is present to some degree for long periods of time.

Many people believe that if a person has been diagnosed with cancer, they must be in pain. This is not necessarily the case, and, when pain is present, it can be reduced or even prevented. Pain management is an important area to talk with your child's doctor as soon as a cancer diagnosis is suspected.

Pain may be from the cancer or for other reasons. Children can normally have headaches, general discomfort, pains, and muscle strains as part of being a child. Not every pain a child expresses is from the cancer, or is being caused by the cancer.

Cancer pain may depend on the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and how well your child can tolerate pain.  Cancer pain that lasts several days or longer may result from:

  • Pain from a tumor that is growing, or pain from a tumor that is pressing on body organs, nerves, or bones

  • Poor blood flow because the cancer has blocked blood vessels

  • Blockage of an organ or tube in the body

  • Cancer cells that have spread to other sites in the body (metastasis)

  • Infection or inflammation

  • Side effects from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery

  • Stiffness from inactivity

  • Psychological responses to illness, such as tension, depression, or anxiety

  • Severe developmental delay increases risk for sensory and neuropathic pain

What is pharmacological pain management?

Pediatric oncology clinics usually offer several options for any procedure that may be painful, such as a bone marrow aspiration or lumbar puncture. There are many types of medicines and several methods used in giving them, from very temporary (10 minute) mild sedation, to full general anesthesia in the operating room. Pain medicine is usually given in one of the following ways:

  • Orally (by swallowing)

  • Intravenously (IV), through a needle in a vein or marrow in a long bone

  • By a catheter in the back

  • Through a patch on the skin

Examples of pharmacological pain relief include the following:

  • Mild pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen

  • Opioid analgesics, such as morphine and oxycodone

  • Sedation (usually given by IV)

  • General anesthesia 

  • Topical anesthetics (cream or patches put on the skin to numb the area)

  • Adjuvant pain relievers such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants for nerve pain

  • Steroids for enlarged liver or swelling in the brain.

  • Radiation or bisphosphonates for bone pain

Some children build up a tolerance to sedatives and pain relievers. Over time, doses may need to increase or the choice of medicines may need to change. Fear of addiction to narcotics is common among families. It is important to understand that the ultimate goals are comfort, function, and overall quality of life, which means taking steps to assure the child is free from pain. There is no evidence of addiction to pain medicines in children being treated for cancer.

What is nonpharmacological pain management?

Nonpharmacological pain management is the management of pain without medicines. This method utilizes ways to alter thinking and focus to decrease pain. Methods include:

  • Psychological. The unexpected is always worse because of what one imagines. If the child is prepared and can anticipate what will happen to him or her, his or her stress level will be much lower. Ways to do this include:

    • Explain each step of a procedure in detail, utilizing simple pictures or diagrams when available.

    • Meet with the person who will do the procedure and allow your child to ask questions ahead of time.

    • Tour the room where the procedure will take place.

    • Teens may watch a video, which describes the procedure, while small children can "play" the procedure on a doll, or watch a "demonstration" on a doll.

  • Hypnosis. With hypnosis, a professional (such as a psychologist or doctor) guides the child into an altered state of consciousness that helps him or her to focus or narrow his or her attention, to reduce discomfort.

  • Imagery. Guiding a child through an imaginary mental image of sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and feelings can often help shift attention away from the pain.

  • Distraction. Distraction can be helpful particularly for babies by using colorful, moving objects. Singing songs, telling stories, or looking at books or videos can distract preschoolers. Older children find watching TV or listening to music helpful. Distraction should not be a substitute for explaining what to expect.

  • Relaxation. Children can be guided through relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing and stretching, to reduce discomfort.

Other nonpharmacological pain management may use alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, or biofeedback, to ease discomfort.

Each child experiences pain differently. It is important to tailor a pain treatment plan based on each child’s needs. Finding the best plan often requires testing a variety of treatments by trial and error.

Updated:  

May 22, 2017

Sources:  

Kopf, A., Guide to Pain Management in Low Resource Setting (2010), Odell, S. Pediatric pain management: the multidisciplinary approach, Journal of Pain Research (2013) 3(6); pp.785-790, Up to Date: Evaluation and Management of Pain in Children

Reviewed By:  

Adler, Liora, C., MD,Taylor, Wanda, L., RN, PhD