HealthInfo Canterbury
Chronic pain in children & teens
Chronic pain (also called persistent pain) can affect people of all ages, including children and teenagers.
Just as with adults, pain can affect all areas of a young person's life, including home, sports, school, friendships and whānau/family relationships. Their pain might be continuous or it might come and go. But it's still called chronic pain if it has been present for three months or more.
A team approach is usually needed to help a young person with pain. This team may involve several different health professionals as well as the whānau/family. It can also help for the young person's school and any other services they use to be involved.
With the right support and treatment, the future for young people living with chronic pain can look much brighter.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Kids Health – Chronic or persistent pain
A summary of the difference between acute and chronic pain, how chronic pain can affect young people and how it's treated. It includes a video, books and apps.
- Pain Management Network – PainBytes
This series of videos is aimed specifically at young people, explaining what pain is, how we feel it, how it can affect us and how we can overcome it.
Written by senior clinical psychologist, Burwood Pain Management Centre. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed August 2021.
See also:
Review key: HICHP-79018
