The problem of pain in children and teenagers has become more common in recent years. Children who suffer from chronic pain miss school, develop anxiety, and tend to withdraw from social activities. Recent studies have found that girls are more apt to suffer chronic pain than boys. Teenagers experience more pain complaints than younger children.

When pain strikes most of us reach out to over-the-counter-medications like aspirin and biofreeze to reduce pain. Biofreeze is an all natural product that penetrates deep into painful areas and offers lasting relief. Yet, one therapy by itself does not usually eliminate chronic pain.

There are several psychosocial issues that may compound chronic pain in children and adolescents, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Headaches are the most common pain complaint voiced by young people. Other pain types suffered by young people are back pain, abdominal pain, and musculoskeletal pain. Pain in children is reaching higher levels than ever before, and has been increasing over the last several decades.

Stress is a factor in dealing with pain. Today’s children are bombarded with more information than ever before. Teens especially are equipped with laptops, smart phones, and IPods. Today’s young people can benefit from healthy sleep habits, and relaxation techniques. Many teens work and go to school at the same time adding to their stress levels. Fitting in at school and with friends is stressful in itself. A child who is being bullied is under tremendous stress that only contributes to physical pain.

Naturally alcohol and drug abuse among teens must be factored into chronic pain issues. If a child is routinely seeing the school nurse regarding pain, parents need to take the child to the doctor. This means the emotional state of the child needs to be accessed as a possible cause for chronic pain. Working with the school nurse and teachers is a great way to get a handle on the situation. Naturally, chronic pain can also be caused by an underlying physical cause or illness and must be explored by the doctor.

Finally, more children and teenagers than ever before are complaining about pain. Girls complain more about chronic pain than boys. Headache is the most common pain complaint voiced by young people. Today’s young people are under a lot of stress and are bombarded with information through computers and smart phones. Working with the doctor, school nurse, and teachers is the best way to find the cause of chronic pain in young people.