"Madeline is a 15-year-old girl with abdominal pain and headaches that occur most days of the week. Because of her pain, she has missed 99 days of school this year and is no longer able to play volleyball. Her parents have taken her to see a number of specialists and she has tried many different medications but she has not experienced any improvement in her pain..." Studies suggest that as many as four out of ten children and adolescents suffer from chronic pain. The causes of chronic pain in young people vary, from illness-related causes to pain following medical procedures. In fact, in some children the cause of chronic pain is never explained. Managing Your Child's Chronic Pain is an invaluable resource for parents who wish to learn how to help their children and families cope with persisting pain using cutting-edge, scientifically proven treatment tools and techniques. The easy-to-implement strategies in this book provide parents with practical instructions for pain management that will enable children to return to school, participate in sports and other activities, and pursue healthy and active social lives. With guidance on how to prevent relapse, maintain improvements, and prevent future problems with pain and disability, Managing Your Child's Chronic Pain will empower parents to take a hands-on approach to relieving their child's pain.

Tonya M. Palermo, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at University of Washington School of Medicine and is an internationally recognized researcher in pediatric chronic pain. Emily F. Law, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at University of Washington School of Medicine and provides clinical service through the Pain Medicine Service at Seattle Children's Hospital.

Preface Introduction Chapter 1. How Pain Affects Children and Families Chapter 2. Getting Help and Setting Goals Chapter 3. Relaxation Methods for Children and Teenagers Chapter 4. Praise, Attention and Reward Systems Chapter 5. Lifestyle Factors Chapter 6. Sleep Interventions Chapter 7. School and Social Life Chapter 8. Coping with Pain, Stress and Other Problems Chapter 9. Special Topics by Age and Development Level: Issues for Young Children and Older Adolescents Chapter 10. Reflection, Maintenance, and Prevention Resources Appendices Appendix A. Instructions for Progressive Muscle Relaxation (for young children ages 5-9) Appendix B. Instructions for Progressive Muscle Relaxation (for older children who are over age 10) Appendix C. Instructions for Muscle Relaxation with Imagery Appendix D. Instructions for Mini-Relaxation Appendix E. Point System Worksheet Appendix F. Privilege System Worksheet Appendix G. Brainstorming Solutions Worksheet Index