Fibromyalgia in Children

Treatment for children with juvenile fibromyalgia, which can cause chronic pain throughout the body.

Juvenile fibromyalgia is a condition that causes chronic pain in muscles and soft tissues all over the body. It is most common in adolescent girls, with most pediatric patients diagnosed between ages 13 and 15.

While the cause is unknown, fibromyalgia tends to run in families. Juvenile fibromyalgia sometimes develops in children who have experienced a physical trauma, surgery, infection or major psychological stress, though it can begin gradually over time despite no single obvious trigger.

The combination of genetics and physical or emotional stressors (also called a "stress response") can result in a process called central sensitization of the central nervous system. In central sensitization, the nerves that signal pain become hypersensitive, and changes occur in the receptors, neurotrasmitters, and signaling pathways that make up the central nervous system.

This often causes exaggerated responses to pain. Sensations that normally do not cause pain are perceived as painful, while sensations that are typically painful are perceived as even more painful, long-lasting, and widespread.

This means that in juvenile fibromyalgia, the nervous system becomes stuck in a persistent state of heightened reactivity. The threshold for pain signals is lowered, and the patient continues to feel pain even after the initial injury or trauma has healed. While this can be a frustrating condition, it is important to remember that your child’s pain is real and can get better.

Symptoms

Patients with juvenile fibromyalgia experience pain, often throughout the body, that is sometimes described as a constant dull ache. The pain typically occurs on both sides of the body, above and below the waist, and several areas of the body will usually feel tender if touched.

Other symptoms include:

• Frequent headaches
• Fatigue and sleep problems
• Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen
• Swelling or numbness
• Cognitive impairment, or feeling “foggy”
• Depression or anxiety

Treatment

Because juvenile fibromyalgia can affect children physically, mentally and emotionally, we take a team approach to treat every aspect of your child’s condition. Depending on your child’s needs, he or she may be cared for by a pain specialist, psychologist, rehabilitation physician, and physical therapists.

Treatment focuses on assisting children in their return to normal daily functioning, reducing pain, and improving sleep. While we avoid the use of opioids or narcotics in treating juvenile fibromyalgia, certain medications may be recommended as needed. This could include over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or medication for depression depending on your child’s needs.

Our physical therapists will work with your child on exercises to stretch their muscles and improve cardiovascular health and fitness. It is important to complete daily exercises even when having pain, soreness, or discomfort in affected areas. Physical therapy will assist in creating a plan to engage in regular aerobic exercise to improve blood flow, improve circulatory symptoms, and improve physical function, including strength, endurance, conditioning, balance, and flexibility.

Our psychologist works with your child to treat related conditions like anxiety or depression that your child may be experiencing as a result of their pain. We also work with your child to help them develop skills to reduce their fear of pain and help them develop coping strategies to manage pain.