Understanding Pain in Children and Adolescents

Pain in children and adolescents can affect confidence, comfort, sport, school and everyday activities. Symptoms may include aching, stiffness, soreness or pain linked to activity, growth, overuse or injury. While many musculoskeletal aches and pains in young people are not serious, ongoing or unusual symptoms should always be assessed carefully. 

Because children and young people are still growing, it is especially important to look at symptoms in context and understand how pain is affecting movement, activity and day-to-day life. A careful assessment can help build a clearer picture of what is going on, support the right treatment approach and identify when further investigation or onward referral may be needed.