Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital Pediatric Pain Management

The pain management program is part of the Division of Anesthesia at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. 

Pain is complex and is as unique as each child we treat. Whether it is the result of an injury, a chronic illness or another cause, pain can affect all areas of life including school, mood, sleep, family life and everyday activities.

Some of the most common conditions we treat include:

  • Headache
  • Joint and back pain
  • Acute pain from surgery or injury
  • Abdominal pain
  • Neuropathic pain

We bring together a team of board-certified anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners and psychologists to meet the needs of each child or adolescent with pain issues or chronic illness. Together with families, our specialists will create a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include medications or procedures along with complementary therapies such as psychotherapy, biofeedback, occupational and physical therapy solely dedicated to the management of pain.

Our acute pain management service treats patients during their stay at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, while our chronic pain management service evaluates patients in our Outpatient Care Center

Caring for patients in pain often involves specialists from different departments. If needed, we consult with: 

  • Chronic Pain - Outpatient

    Our pain management clinic team cares for for children and adolescents who experience long lasting pain. Learn more about our Chronic Pain services.

  • Acute Pain - Inpatient

    Our team provides pain management services to children and adolescents who have experienced acute pain after an operation or due to trauma. Learn more about our Acute Pain services.

Read inspiring stories about what we do

A (Virtual) World of Relief from Pain

With comprehensive care from medical experts with the hospital’s Sickle Cell Disease Program, Abihannah has made progress. Pain medications and a range of therapies have been helpful to her, but the challenge to control her pain has remained a difficult one. During a recent hospital stay, her care team decided to try something different. She was guided into a virtual artistic world — one that took her away from the reality of her hospital bed, away from her persistent pain.

Read More

Young patient trying a new virtual pain management device.

Pediatric Acupuncture - Treatments Discovered in 2500 BC Helping Kids Feel Better Today

Known as a viable form of treatment for adults, acupuncture for children is not as common or available. This proven ancient Chinese medical technique for relieving pain, curing disease and improving general health has been used dating to 2500 BC.

Read More

Female patient receiving an acupuncture treatment.

After a Long Journey of Pain, Brielle Dives into Life

Brielle experienced a two-year journey with pain that dramatically altered her life, and ultimately led her more than a thousand miles from home to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for answers. An intensive week-long in-patient program helped get Brielle, a swimmer, back in the water.

Read More

Female swimmer in starting position on her stand for a race.