Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome

Overview

Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome, sometimes called juvenile fibromyalgia or chronic widespread pain, is an umbrella term for ongoing pain in the muscles, joints and bones that isn't caused by inflammation or actual tissue damage. It shows up mostly in childhood and the teenage years, most often in preteen and teen girls roughly between ages 11 and 15. Researchers believe it happens when the nervous system's pain-processing signals become disordered and amplify pain sensations even though nothing is actually being damaged. The pain is real and can be disabling day to day, but it isn't a sign of a dangerous underlying disease.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• What tests are you running to rule out other causes of this pain before settling on this diagnosis?
• Why does gradually increasing exercise help this condition instead of making the pain worse?
• How do we find a cognitive behavioral therapist or counselor experienced with chronic pain in kids and teens?
• Should we expect sleep trouble, headaches or dizziness to improve as the pain itself improves?
• How do we build a physical or occupational therapy plan that doesn't feel overwhelming at first?

Getting Care

A pediatric rheumatologist can diagnose amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome and coordinate care with physical or occupational therapists and mental health providers trained in chronic pain. Seek care sooner if the pain pattern changes suddenly or comes with swelling, redness or fever, since those can point to a different cause that needs its own evaluation.

Source: https://rheumatology.org/patients/amplified-musculoskeletal-pain-syndrome-amps