Risk factors associated with the development and persistence of pain in adolescents
- Julian Simpson
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Risk factors associated with the development and persistence of pain in adolescents
Musculoskeletal pain is present in adolescents at rates that vary between 4% and 40%
Chronic pain (CP) has a negative impact on the development and emotional, psychological, and social functioning of these children. It may be associated with anxiety and depression, sleep difficulties, and poor school performance
Let's discuss the risk factors for muscle pain in adolescents, as understanding these factors is crucial for both prevention and management of pain in this age group. Adolescents are at a unique stage of development where physical, emotional, and psychological changes can significantly influence their overall health and well-being. Muscle pain, often referred to as myalgia, can stem from various sources, and identifying the risk factors can help in addressing the underlying issues effectively.
Low Quality of Sleep: Sleep plays a vital role in the recovery and repair of muscles. Adolescents often experience irregular sleep patterns due to academic pressures, social activities, and screen time. Poor sleep quality can lead to increased muscle tension and fatigue, making them more susceptible to pain. Studies have shown that inadequate sleep can exacerbate the perception of pain, leading to a vicious cycle where pain disrupts sleep, and poor sleep increases pain sensitivity.
Anxiety: Anxiety is a common issue among adolescents, often manifesting as excessive worry about academic performance, social acceptance, and future uncertainties. This heightened state of anxiety can contribute to muscle tension and discomfort, as the body remains in a state of heightened alertness. Additionally, anxiety can amplify the perception of pain, making even minor discomfort feel more intense.
Depression: Depression is another significant risk factor that can influence physical health. Adolescents suffering from depression may experience a range of physical symptoms, including muscle pain. The emotional toll of depression can lead to decreased physical activity, which in turn can weaken muscles and increase the likelihood of pain. Moreover, the biochemical changes associated with depression can alter pain pathways in the brain, leading to an increased sensitivity to pain.
Stress: Chronic stress, whether from academic demands, family issues, or social pressures, can have a profound impact on an adolescent’s physical health. When under stress, the body releases hormones like cortisol that can lead to muscle tension and pain. Furthermore, stress can lead to poor posture and increased physical strain, contributing to the development of muscular discomfort.
Catastrophising Beliefs About Pain: Catastrophising refers to an exaggerated negative mindset regarding pain experiences. Adolescents who tend to catastrophise may fear that their pain will worsen or lead to serious consequences, which can increase their emotional distress and amplify the pain experience. This cognitive distortion can hinder their ability to cope with pain effectively, leading to a cycle of increased pain and anxiety.
Maladaptive Pain Coping Skills: The strategies that adolescents use to cope with pain can significantly influence their pain experience. Maladaptive coping skills, such as avoidance, withdrawal, or reliance on medication, can prevent them from engaging in healthy activities that promote healing and recovery. Teaching effective coping strategies is essential for helping adolescents manage their pain more constructively.
High Current Pain Intensity: The intensity of pain currently experienced by an adolescent can be a strong predictor of future pain issues. Higher levels of pain intensity can lead to increased anxiety and stress, creating a feedback loop that exacerbates the situation. Addressing high pain intensity through appropriate medical intervention and therapy is crucial for breaking this cycle.
High Number of Pain Sites: The presence of pain in multiple areas of the body can indicate a more complex underlying issue. Adolescents with widespread pain may have conditions such as fibromyalgia or other musculoskeletal disorders. The more areas affected by pain, the greater the impact on their daily activities and quality of life, making it essential to explore the reasons behind this widespread discomfort.
High Pain Frequency: Frequent episodes of pain can significantly affect an adolescent’s physical and emotional well-being. High pain frequency can lead to increased disability and limit participation in sports, social activities, and other essential aspects of adolescent life. Understanding the triggers and patterns of this pain can help in developing effective management strategies.
Long-Lasting Pain: Chronic pain that persists over an extended period can have debilitating effects on adolescents. Long-lasting pain can hinder their ability to engage in physical activities, affect their academic performance, and negatively impact their social interactions. Identifying the cause of persistent pain is vital for implementing an effective treatment plan.
Previous Pain Episodes: A history of previous pain episodes can increase the likelihood of future pain. Adolescents who have experienced pain in the past may develop a heightened sensitivity to pain or fear of re-injury, which can lead to avoidance behaviors that further exacerbate their condition. Understanding their pain history is crucial for providing tailored interventions that address both physical and psychological aspects of their pain experience.
For more information about how we can help YOU with your pain and improve your underlying dysfunction so the problem doesn’t come back .
Please call Health Wise Chiropractic 03 9467 7889 or book online to see one of our Chiropractors in Sunbury or Melton/Strathtulloh Today!
We are also really proud to offer our patients an APP for their Mobile- iPad. With access to your rehab exercises and our health tip blogs with over 600 articles.
Chiropractic has moved online. We offer our online program -STAND CORRECTED- To help you through the day.
We have over 30 programs on different health conditions
Each program contains
- Information about the conditions
- things to do and things to avoid
- nutrition advice
- all the stretches that are needed to help
Folli A, Falla D, Miró J, Ickmans K, Barbero M. Risk factors associated with the development and persistence of pain in adolescents: an international Delphi study. Pain Rep. 2025 Mar 18;10(2):e1260. doi: 10.1097/PR9.0000000000001260. PMID: 40109371; PMCID: PMC11922455.
Comments