Fibromyalgia in Children

Fibromyalgia in Children

When your child experiences ongoing (chronic) pain in muscles and soft tissue, it may be caused by fibromyalgia. This condition causes several seemingly unrelated symptoms, which means you and your child may have visited several physicians to rule out other conditions before arriving at this diagnosis. In addition to fibromyalgia, doctors may call this condition juvenile fibromyalgia (JFM) or amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome (AMPS).

Overview

The cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown. It is possible that genetic factors play a role, or an injury or illness may trigger the onset of the condition. Whatever the cause, children with fibromyalgia experience widespread pain, which may get worse with physical activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety or stress.

Each child may feel symptoms a bit differently. The most common symptom is widespread pain, which can be described as sharp, stabbing, tingling, sore, aching or burning. Pain may start in one area of the body—such as the back, neck and shoulders—and over time, spread throughout the body.

Fibromyalgia can cause other symptoms that may seem unrelated to one another, such as:

​How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed

There are no tests to confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. A diagnosis is made based on your child’s symptoms and physical exam. Your child may have had blood tests, X-rays or other tests done to rule out other causes of your child’s symptoms. This is often a challenging and frustrating process for families who may spend years searching for a cause of their child’s pain and fatigue.

Your child’s care team may ask you and your child questions about symptoms in order to score them on the Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and determine a Symptom Severity Score. This helps determine if your child meets the clinical criteria for a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

How is Fibromyalgia Treated

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms. Without a known cause for fibromyalgia, there is no cure for this condition. However, pain management strategies can help your child lessen his or her symptoms, improve physical activity levels and return to their typical activities. The Pediatric Pain Management Program at Riley Children’s Health offers many different therapies, such as physical therapy and psychology to increase functioning and learn pain coping strategies. Your child’s treatment plan may include:

  • Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to develop active coping skills to manage pain
  • Physical therapy to increase strength and stretch muscles
  • Medications to treat chronic pain, such as anti-inflammatory medicines, muscle relaxers and medicines to treat chronic nerve pain
  • Nutrition education for dietary concerns
  • Hypnosis to help with sleep and pain
  • Acupuncture

Staying active is very important for patients with fibromyalgia. While pain or fatigue may cause your child to want to avoid exercise, inactivity can worsen the health of your child’s muscles. The pain, inactivity and frustration can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Our care team works with you and your child to find the right medications and/or therapies to improve your child’s activity levels and help them move with less pain.

Will My Child Manage Fibromyalgia for the Rest of Their Life

Not always. Many children may see improvement in their symptoms over time, and some can stop taking medications. Fibromyalgia in children is often diagnosed during their teen years while your child’s body is developing. As their bodies continue to develop, some children see their symptoms lessen or disappear, while others continue to use pain management strategies for the rest of their lives.

It is also possible that fibromyalgia comes and goes throughout your child’s life. This is why teaching your child pain management skills while learning to balance stress, sleep, healthy nutrition and an active lifestyle helps prepare your child to manage fibromyalgia in the future.

Key Points to Remember

  • There is no single treatment to correct or cure fibromyalgia. Treatment involves actively managing your child’s symptoms so that they can continue to live their life fully.
  • It’s very important for your child to be physically active on a daily basis.
  • Your care team partners with you and your child to manage fibromyalgia now and in the future. While your child’s needs may change, your care team is here to help your child manage this condition however it evolves.

Departments Treating This Condition