Aches & Pains

Common Questions

Q : When should I take my child to the doctor?

A : You should take your child to the doctor if an injury is causing excessive or long-lasting bleeding, swelling or pain. If you suspect that your child's pain is caused by illness, or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, vomiting, a stiff neck or severe diarrhea you should also see your doctor.

Q : Do children ever lie about not being in pain?

A : Sometimes children will try to hide pain or are simply unable to express that they are in pain. However, when children do admit to being in pain, they aren't lying. A child's pain should always be taken seriously. Pain is subjective and what you may not think is painful, your child might.

Q : What if my child's pain is left untreated?

A : Untreated pain is thought to lead to changes in the brain that make future pain perceptions worse. It is always best to consult a doctor if the pain is severe and treat it with either medication or non-medicinal techniques.

Q : How do I talk to my child about his or her pain?

A : Break down information into small parts. Explain things slowly and repeat facts as often as necessary. Validating your child's pain is important.