Preliminary evaluation of a multidisciplinary pain management program for children and adolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain

Purpose. To describe the outcome of a multidisciplinary pain management program for children and adolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Methods. Study design: exploratory retrospective cohort study. The study sample consisted of a cohort of 70 children and adolescents (age: 8 - 21 years) with chronic musculoskeletal pain who completed a 3-month inpatient multidisciplinary pain management program. The program consisted of graded physical exercises, graded activities and counseling of the children and their parents. Assessed were motor and social activities, pain intensity, global assessment of physical functioning and psychosocial well-being (by patient and physician), understanding of the pain process and reduction of medical consumption. Assessments were performed at pre-admission, day of admission, day of discharge and at three months after discharge. Data collection took place over a 10-year period.

Results. Compared to admission, at discharge there were significant improvements in motor performances, school attendance, reduction of pain scores, understanding of the chronic pain process and reduction of medical consumption. Results remained stable at follow-up after three months.

Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that a multidisciplinary pain management program for children and adolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain may be effective.