Most kids will feel pain, for example, when they scrape a knee or break a bone, where others will experience other types of pain. This can include abdominal (stomach) pain, headaches, back pain, limb pain, chronic widespread pain or a condition called complex regional pain syndrome (long-term severe “burning” or “pins and needles” pain, usually in an arm, leg, hand or foot).
When pain starts to interfere with a child’s home and school life as well as participation in physical and social activities, the term complex pain can be used. When pain continues longer than the expected time of healing, the term chronic pain may be used. When the pain is chronic, your child should be referred to the pain clinic at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. The team at the pain clinic that can help your child might include a doctor, nurse, psychologist, and physical therapist.
Children ages 6-16 years who meet these criteria may be qualified to visit the clinic:
- Chronic or complex pain resulting in missed school
- Willing and able to benefit from medical, physical and psychological therapies
- Not currently a candidate for Palliative Care
Talk to your doctor, pediatrician, or subspecialist about referring your child to the pain clinic. The referral does not require a specific form and should include:
- Results of the consultation with the physician or nurse practitioner
- Summary of relevant medical history, physical findings, investigations, diagnosis, response to previous treatment and ongoing concerns
Referral letters can be forwarded to:
Interdisciplinary Pediatric Complex Pain Clinic
Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital
Fax: 306-844-1531
At times, Pain Clinic physicians and staff conduct research studies to improve health and services for patients and families. Should you be interested in receiving information on research opportunities, please email stoppain@usask.ca for more information.