Chronic Pain in Young People with Cerebral Palsy: Activity Limitations and Coping Strategies

Purpose: To describe the effect of chronic pain on the activities of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, to describe coping strategies, and to examine associations between effect of pain on activities, coping strategies, and level of pain. Methods: Using an online survey, 27, 8-to 18-year-olds with cerebral palsy and chronic pain or their parents reported pain intensity, distribution, activity limitations (using the Child Activity Limitations Interview-21), and coping strategies (using the Pediatric Pain Coping Inventory). Results: Pain intensity ranged from 3 to 10, and 89% reported pain in multiple areas, principally the lower limbs. Individuals reporting higher pain intensity had more activity limitations and were more likely to use catastrophizing coping strategies. Conclusions: Coping strategies may be an important mediator between pain and its effect on activities in children with cerebral palsy. Individualized pain management should be based on routine pain assessment.