Managing Chronic Pain Webinar (Pain, Pain, Go Away)

Expert Speaker: Dr. Tara McGrath, Pediatric Rheumatologist & Pain Medicine Physician
Patient/Parent Speakers: Jennifer Heeley (Mom) and Devyn Nichols (JIA, age 14)
Emcee: Jennifer Heeley

Pain in children with rheumatic disease is common. It is also frustrating, stressful, and worrisome for the child and the whole family. Pain can also be tricky – and stick around even after the inflammation caused by rheumatologic disease is felt to be well controlled.

This session discusses pediatric chronic pain and will focus on short and long-term strategies to help kids and their families cope with day-to-day pain, so they can get back to doing the things they love!
More specifically, we will:

Review pediatric chronic pain in the context of rheumatic diseases
Discuss the biopsychosocial model of chronic pain
Explore evidence-based management strategies for children with chronic pain
Discuss tips and tricks for kids and families

0:00:00 - General introduction by Devyen Nichols and Jennifer Heeley (Outlines resources for those with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis)
0:04:05 - Introduces guest speakers (Devyn Nichols and Jennifer Heeley, Dr. Tara McGrath)
0:05:07 - Devyn and Jen’s JIA/Chronic Pain Journey
0:25:00 - Jennifer Heeley introduces Dr. Tara McGrath
0:25:08 - Dr. Tara McGarth thanks previous speakers and introduces her presentation
0:26:50 - Dr. Tara McGarth starts her presentation
0:30:55 - Goals of this talk
0:31:35 - Defining pain
0:35:50 - Understanding chronic pain, especially in rheumatologic diseases
0:40:25 - The current science of pediatric chronic pain and managing it
0:52:00 - Tips and tricks for parents
0:56:50 - Resources for chronic pain
0:58:30 - Questions
00:59:35 - What’s the role of physiotherapy and exercise therapy in JIA/chronic pain management?
1:01:00 - Will someone suffering from chronic pain ever be able to lead a fulfilling life?
1:05:50 - At what point is pain considered chronic?
1:05:55 - Can pain present in other joints that is not the area of diagnosis?
1:09:05 - To Devyn: Are you able to continue gymnastics with JIA/chronic pain?
1:10:20 - What role does puberty/age play in the feeling of chronic pain and chronic pain management? Do males and females feel pain differently?
1:14:35 - How to best manage pain while you are still seeking the best treatments?
1:19:45 - Are alternative therapies, like acupuncture, helpful in chronic pain management?
1:24:30 - Closing remarks (Resources, where to direct additional questions, and future events)