Use of medications with chronic pain in pediatric population can cause more problems. This can lead to substance abuse and addiction. Unmanaged pain can also affect their social skills, sleep, and development. Integrative approach to pain management should be more considered by parents in addition to their current therapy. Lifestyle modification, such as diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene, are healthy approaches to managing chronic pain. For example, allowing children to play outside can alleviate vitamin D insufficiency, obesity, fatigue, as well as pain. Increased in activity can also improve their sleep pattern. Stress due to pain can be reduced by yoga, Tai Chi, medication, deep breathing, and pet therapy. Improving their diet, increasing activities, and supplementation of vitamins can improve the overall health of a child. Although not much evidence that these integrative approaches relieve pain in pediatrics, these are some healthier approaches that complement their current pain management.
(Young & Kemper, 2013)
Reference
Young, L., & Kemper, K. J. (2013). Integrative care for pediatric patients with pain. Journal of Alternative &
Complementary Medicine, 19(7), 627–632. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csusm.edu/10.1089/acm.2012.0368