Managing Chronic Pain in Schools
Chronic pain affects around 1 in 4 children and young people. It can be in the form of headaches, abdominal pain, complex regional pain syndrome and musculoskeletal pain.
Chronic pain affects around 1 in 4 children and young people. It can be in the form of headaches, abdominal pain, complex regional pain syndrome and musculoskeletal pain.
South Australian children with chronic pain miss an average of 5.4 days of school in each school fortnight.
Educators, along with parents and carers, can provide crucial support to children and young people to help through school.
We heard from some students with chronic pain on the issues they face each day.
Hear what they have to say in the video below.
We shared the video with some local teachers. Watch their response to the video here.
Special thanks to the WCH Foundation for supporting the development of these videos and for the ongoing support of the ComfortAbility Program.
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is persistent pain experienced for more than three months. It can impact all aspects of a person’s life, such as relationships and school, and be a factor in poor mental health conditions.
How can educators support children with chronic pain?
There are a number of ways chronic pain can be managed in daily life which support children and young people through school.
Teachers and schools can support children and young people by developing a Pain Action Plan that highlights the steps for managing physical and environmental adjustments, academic supports, breaks, physical education and communication plans.
The Chronic Pain Service at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital can support educators in developing and implementing Pain Action Plans for a student who accesses our service.
Resources for educators
Chronic Pain Videos
Further resources and information on chronic pain:
- Meg Foundation for Pain – Chronic pain resources
- Pain Australia – Children and young people
- youngpainhealth – Youth support (WA Department of Health)
- The Comfort Ability – Learn to manage chronic pain/functional symptoms and create comfort – The Comfort Ability
- Pain Bytes – Chronic pain resources for youth (NSW Government – Pain Management Network)
Fact Sheets
Contact
Phone
Service Mobile: 0481 900 577
Health.PaediatricChronicPainService@sa.gov.au
Address
Paediatric Chronic Pain Service
Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Allied Health
72 King William Street
North Adelaide 5006
Staff
The Paediatric Chronic Pain Service consists of a multidisciplinary team including a service lead, clinical coordinators, physicians, physiotherapists, and psychologists.