Integrative Pain Management Series V: Introduction to Pain in Pediatrics

We now know that children feel pain as acutely and in some cases more acutely than adults. In neonates the pain pathways are well established, while the inhibitory pathways are still developing. Treatment of pediatric pain differs as well ? the WHO guidelines for treatment of mild to severe pain differs with regards to the role of adjuvant and opiate therapies, Further, accurate pediatric pain assessment is complex as it requires using physiologic and behavioral indicators and caregiver assessments.

Addressing chronic pain in childhood is critical because it can continue throughout adulthood if not adequately addressed (APS Position Statement, Assessment and Management of Children with Chronic Pain). As chronic pain is managed optimally with an Integrative approach, this is now utilized in many pediatric pain clinics. Encouraging data from a recent U.S. survey found that 50% of pediatric pain clinics offer some form of Integrative Medicine (Bodner, 2018).

Educational Purpose:

This course offers an in-depth look at the current state of pediatric pain management, including assessment of pediatric pain, conventional treatments, and the role of sleep. It will review the evidence and safety for Integrative therapies including acupuncture, mind-body medicine, herbal therapies, dietary supplements, aromatherapy, breathing techniques and manual medicine.

Course Objectives

  • Recognize the importance of pain scales in pediatric pain and which scales are validated.
  • Review the difference in treating pediatric pain and adult pain with opioid therapy.
  • Differentiate techniques to stimulate the vagus nerve for different age groups in pediatrics.
  • Review the data for aromatherapy in pediatric pain.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the evidence for herbal therapies, dietary supplements, manual medicine and acupuncture for pediatric pain.
  • Review the role of sleep in pediatric pain.

Curriculum

  • Pediatric Pain Assessment
  • Conventional Care
  • Integrative Pain Approach
  • The role of the Vagus nerve in pediatric pain
  • Breathing techniques
  • Aromatherapy
  • Nutrition and Supplements
  • Botanicals
  • Acupuncture
  • Mind-Body Therapies
  • Sleep
  • Physical therapy and massage

Integrative Pain Management: Introduction to Pain in Pediatrics
Disclosure & Education Credit Info

COM CME

ACCME/AMA PRA Accreditation and CME Designation Statement

The University of Arizona College of Medicine — Tucson is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine — Tucson designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This course includes an assessment of 6 questions that you must answer 70% correctly or above in order to receive credit for participation. You are allowed unlimited re-attempts.

Current CME Approval Period: 2/28/2022 to 2/27/2024

Most Recent Review by Author: 2/20/2022

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

All Faculty, CME Planning Committee Members, and the CME Office Reviewers have disclosed that they do not have any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests that would constitute a conflict of interest concerning this CME activity.

Commercial Support

There is no commercial support for this activity.

Faculty / Authors

Melanie Brown, MD. Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Medical Director, Pediatric Comfort Team, Associate Program Director, Pediatric Residency Program The University of Chicago Medicine, Comer Children's Hospital

Ann Marie Chiasson, MD, Co-Director of the Fellowship, Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson.