Managing Your Pain: A Guide for Children & Young People
CAM-Pain resource:
Managing Your Pain: A Guide for Children & Young People
Having pain in your muscles, joints, or bones can feel tough, but there are things you can do to help yourself feel better and stay active. This guide gives you some simple tips to manage your pain day to day.
Keep Moving
- Try gentle stretches and activities you enjoy, like walking, swimming, or playing.
- Don’t stop everything – moving helps your body stay strong.
- Take breaks if you need to but try to get back to your activities when you can.
Set Goals
- Think about something important you want to do (like playing a sport, going out with friends, or carrying your bag at school).
- Start small and build up step by step.
- Celebrate when you achieve your goals!
Look After Your Feelings
- Pain can feel worse if you’re stressed, worried, or sad – talking to someone can help.
- Try calming activities like listening to music, drawing, or deep breathing.
- Remember: your pain is real, even if people can’t see it.
Stay Involved
- Keep going to school and spending time with friends when you can.
- Ask for help if you need to make things easier (like carrying books or joining in PE in a different way).
- Doing things you enjoy can help distract you from pain.
Get Support
- Talk to your parents, teachers, or friends if you’re finding it tricky.
- Health professionals (like doctors, physiotherapists, or psychologists) can give extra advice.
- You don’t have to manage pain on your own.
Remember: Some children and teens have told us that aches and pain can feel like ‘the ghost in the room that only you can see’, but by doing some of these small steps, you can help yourself to keep doing the things that matter to you! You are not alone.