What is pain?
An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage.
- Pain is always a personal experience that is influenced to varying degrees by biological, psychological, and social factors.
- Pain and nociception are different phenomena. Pain cannot be inferred solely from activity in sensory neurons.
- Through their life experiences, individuals learn the concept of pain.
- A person’s report of an experience as pain should be respected.
- Although pain usually serves an adaptive role, it may have adverse effects on function and social and psychological well-being.
- Verbal description is only one of several behaviors to express pain; inability to communicate does not negate the possibility that a human or a nonhuman animal experiences pain.
References
Raja, Srinivasa N.a,*; Carr, Daniel B.b; Cohen, Miltonc; Finnerup, Nanna B.d,e; Flor, Hertaf; Gibson, Stepheng; Keefe, Francis J.h; Mogil, Jeffrey S.i; Ringkamp, Matthiasj; Sluka, Kathleen A.k; Song, Xue-Junl; Stevens, Bonniem; Sullivan, Mark D.n; Tutelman, Perri R.o; Ushida, Takahirop; Vader, Kyleq. The revised International Association for the Study of Pain definition of pain: concepts, challenges, and compromises. PAIN 161(9):p 1976-1982, September 2020. | DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001939
What to Expect
Once referred to our clinic, patients may receive a telephone call to obtain additional relevant information and background. In some cases, additional information may be requested to help the team prepare for your visit. This might involve requesting previous assessments that have been completed and are related to the pain problem (locally, and from other hospitals or clinics). We may also send questionnaires for the child/adolescent and his/her family to complete and send back prior to the visit.
Most children/adolescents will then receive an appointment to meet with the team in the Paediatric Pain Clinic. Initial assessments are typically scheduled on a Friday.
Follow-up may include:
- Providing consultation and recommendations back to the team of professionals that are already involved (and are sometimes closer to home)
- Seeing members of our clinical team for treatment
- Helping you find appropriate treatment resources in your community
- Seeing you again in our clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the more commonly asked questions about the Paediatric Chronic Pain Program at Children's Hospital
What if I have to cancel or miss my appointment?
Clinic dates may be booked weeks to months in advance. If you need to miss an appointment for unforeseen circumstances, please call as quickly as possible. This will also be an opportunity to inquire about rescheduling your appointment, or about being placed on our cancellation list.
What if my doctor does not know about the clinic? Can I refer myself/my child?
At this time, we only take referrals from physicians and nurse practitioners. You can discuss your interest in our program with your physician, and we would be happy to answer any questions they have.
I am afraid of needles and procedures. Will these happen at a Pain Clinic appointment?
Our initial appointment involves a conversation with yourself and your caregivers. There is a brief physical exam, however, it does not involve any needles and we work within your comfort zone. We try to minimize any pain or discomfort during the physical exam.
I have been seen by another Pain Clinic. Does that matter?
It is important for us to know as much about your medical history as possible in order to provide a safe and accurate opinion. We request that you let us know about any tests or opinions you have had so that we can be well informed in helping you.
I have concerns about pain medications and am unsure if I want to take them. Can I still be seen by your program?
Our goal is to provide you with the best assessment of the pain condition, and with information about what treatments are most likely to be safe and effective. Recommendations for adding or changing medications are often only one of the suggestions that we will make. We will explain all options that we believe to be suitable, and we are happy to answer questions and provide you with any additional information that you need.
What should I bring to clinic?
Please bring all your current medications in their original containers. Please also wear loose, comfortable clothing for the physical examination portion of clinic.
What should I do if I am in crisis or having severe acute pain?
If you are having a crisis (whether pain or otherwise), you should either see your family doctor or go to the emergency room. Unfortunately, our program is not able to help with urgent crisis situations.
