Reducing the Weight of Spinal Pain in Children and Adolescents

Spinal pain in adults is a significant burden, from an individual and societal perspective. According to epidemiologic data, spinal pain is commonly found in children and adolescents, where evidence emerging over the past decade has demonstrated that spinal pain in adults can, in many cases, be traced back to childhood or adolescence. Nevertheless, very little focus has been on how to best manage spinal pain in younger age groups. The purpose of this article is to put the focus on spinal pain in children and adolescents and highlight how and where these problems emerge and how they are commonly dealt with. We will draw on findings from the relevant literature from adults to highlight potential common pathways that can be used in the management of spinal pain in children and adolescents. The overall focus is on how healthcare professionals can best support children and adolescents and their caregivers in making sense of spinal pain (when present) and support them in the self-management of the condition

Musculoskeletal Pain:Current and Future Directions of Physical Therapy Practice

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is 1 of the most common problems managed by clinicians in MSK care. This article reviews current frameworks for the assessment and management of MSK pain within evidence-based physical therapy practice. Key considerations related to the biopsychosocial model of pain, evidence-based practice, assessment, treatment, physical activity/movement behavior, risk stratification, communication as well as patient education and self-management skills within physical therapy and physical and rehabilitation medicine are addressed. The future direction of MSK pain management is also discussed, including strategies to promote evidence-based practice, behavior change, social prescribing, and the use of technologies.status: Published onlin