Resource Library
General Information
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Fact Sheet: Chronic Pain in Children and Adolescents
Overview from the Society of Pediatric Psychology
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Benefits of Creative Art Therapy
Overview of creative arts and their therapeutic benefits, including those for chronic pain, outlined by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) -
How the Brain Causes Pain
Overview of the brain’s role in pain, and how to retrain the brain to reduce it -
Neuroplasticity and Chronic Pain
Neuroplasticity explained, and how it can be used to change chronic pain -
The Sticky Neural Loop
The sticky neural loop explained with tips and techniques to “unstick” -
What Works for Pain
Printable booklet from PainCare Labs -
Acute to Chronic Pain Handout
Explanation of the difference between acute to chronic pain, and how they are related -
How Creative Activities Help Chronic Pain and Mental Health
Overview of the use of art and music to help with anxiety, depression and overlapping chronic pain
For Parents
General info
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Pediatric Pain Clinics 2024
List of all pediatric pain clinics, current as of 2024 -
A Nurse’s Toolbox for Parenting Children With Chronic Pain
Tips and tools for parents from a nurse’s perspective -
Moving Beyond Chronic Pain Without Narcotics
Explanation why opioids are not always effective for chronic pain -
Inspirational Short Film-Finding Comfort
Real story of relief through the combination of clinical and non clinical interventions -
Benefits of Crafting
CNN article about how crafting can help the brain process pain and trauma, with links -
Helping Kids Cope With Chronic Pain
Overview of integrative techniques -
Teens and Chronic Pain
Article which reviews a physician’s observations, directly from teen patients -
Helping Kids with Chronic Pain (NYT)
New York Times article outlining the use of psychological interventions for chronic pain in kids
School Resources
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In-School Resource
Written for schools and teachers, but an excellent resource for parents to share with their child’s school -
504 and IEP Information
What is an IEP or 504 plan? Overview to help determine if one is needed -
Tips for
School Re-entry
How to design a customized, functional school re-entry plan
Videos
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Understanding Art for Chronic Pain
U.S. Pain Foundation video with explanations and testimonials about art and chronic pain -
Return to Functioning
One hour recorded webinar on the role of parents in the return to functioning of their child or teen with chronic pain -
Link to full list of CHYP Webinars
Condensed list of every CHYP Webinar published on YouTube
TED Talks
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How to Hack Your Brain When You're in Pain by Amy Baxter
Researcher and physician Amy Baxter unravels the symphony of connections that send pain from your body to your brain, explaining practical neuroscience hacks to quickly block those signals. -
The Mystery of Chronic Pain by Elliot
Krane
Pain can be a symptom, but there are cases where the nervous system develops feedback loops and pain becomes a disease in itself. -
What Chronic Pain Has Taught Me About Resilience by Trung Ngo
An interdisciplinary solution to address chronic pain and pain management -
The Mysterious Science of Pain by Joshua W. Pate
TEDed video with insights on pain and perceived pain
Books for Parents
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Conquering Your Child's Chronic Pain: A Pediatrician's Guide for Reclaiming a
Normal Childhood
This book reveals what parents can do to alleviate their child's pain on a daily basis. Dr. Zeltzer's clinic is renowned for treatment of pediatric pain stemming from headaches, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome; fibromyalgia, and more, via a multidisciplinary approach including specialists in psychiatry, hypnotherapy, yoga, acupuncture, biofeedback, and others. -
Pain in Children and Young Adults: Two Pediatricians' Mind-Body Guide for Parents
Pain in Children and Young Adults gives the reader must-have information.
• Offers specific strategies to take control of the pain—regardless of cause(s.)
• Guides you in understanding pain in general as well as specific pain conditions.
• Explores how children express pain and how to interpret what they say.
• Provides sage advice from top pain professionals in the world.
• Gives you resources to find the right professionals and tips for asking the right questions.
• Teaches you breathing, muscle relaxation, visualization exercises to help on a “bad pain day.”
• Helps you get the best care with tips to fight insurance denials -
When Your Child Hurts: Effective Strategies to Increase Comfort, Reduce Stress, and Break the Cycle of Chronic Pain
This essential guide, written by an expert in pediatric pain management, is the practical, accessible, and comprehensive resource that families and caregivers have been awaiting. It offers in-the-moment strategies for managing a child’s pain along with expert advice for fostering long-term comfort. - Soothing and Stress
Topics related to the nature of the stress response, the role of environment in individual differences in stress, and the different strategies used for coping with stressful events. -
Managing Your Child's Chronic Pain 1st Edition
Resource for parents who wish to learn how to help their children and families cope with persisting pain using cutting-edge, scientifically proven treatment tools and techniques. The easy-to-implement strategies in this book provide parents with practical instructions for pain management that will enable children to return to school, participate in sports and other activities, and pursue healthy and active social lives.
For Teens and Young Adults
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Understanding Your Chronic Pain
A poorly understood experience, explained -
How Flexing Your Creativity Can Benefit Your Health
How creativity works, and its many unexpected benefits -
Peer to Peer: Talking to Friends about Pain
Gain insights and advice on discussing chronic pain or functional symptoms, especially for teens and young adults. -
Rewire your Brain!
6 ways to rewire your brain, including playing video games! -
Here’s How Creativity Actually Improves Your
Health!
It might sound too good to be true, but simply engaging in creative behaviors improves brain function, mental health, and physical health
Websites and Apps for Creativity
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SPLASH
ArtThread Foundation's online artmaking tool with free 24/7 access for CHYP youth to create, share and collaborate with digital art -
Shadows Edge
Free gaming app with creativity and journaling for mental health -
This is Sand
Free calming art play with virtual sand, app and website -
Create your own mandalas by Staedtler
Create your own mandalas online for free. Also available to print for coloring. -
Weavesilk
Free interactive generative art as mindfulness
Books for Teens
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The Smart Brain Pain Syndrome: The Primer for Teens & Young Adults in Pain
This book provides a new approach to chronic pain in children and young adults. Longtime pain sufferers are guided through a clear and unexpected explanation of how pain can come from the brain.
Helpful Videos
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Understanding pain – and what’s to be done about it in 10 minutes
Short animated video explaining everything you need to know about the basics of pain -
Understanding pain -and what to do about it in 5 minutes
Even shorter animated video with the basics of pain -
Learning How To Manage Pain During Medical Procedures
An entertaining video guide for families to learn about how pain works and how to have more control over your pain, your body and your experiences, both medical and regular. -
ADHD and Chronic Pain
Video for older teens and young adults- a good overview of chronic pain, challenges, and solutions with additional info on ADHD and chronic pain. -
How Does Your Brain Respond to Pain? by Karen D. Davis
Karen D. Davis walks you through your brain on pain, illuminating why the "pain experience" differs from person to person
Organizations
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ArtThread
Nonprofit collaborating with CHYP to provide 24/7 access to creative tools -
MEG Foundation for Pain
Nonprofit and CHYP partner with many engaging resources about all types of pain -
Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP)
Canadian resource with lots of infographics and information to share with schools and physicians, relevant to the U.S.A. and Canada -
Children's Music Fund
Nonprofit geared toward helping children heal through music. Resources and research specific to music-based interventions. -
U.S. Pain Foundation
Organization created by people with pain for people with pain. Includes resources for all ages and all types of pain. -
The Comfort Ability
In addition to online resources, The Comfort Ability® Program offers workshops, health chats, newsletters, and other resources for teens and parents/caregivers which take place at many sites throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Podcasts
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One Thing Pain Podcast - Episode 14 with Tonya Palermo
An insightful discussion with Dr. Tonya Palermo on behavioral, psychosocial, and family factors affecting pain experiences. -
Supporting Children with Chronic Pain with Dr. Anya Griffin
Dr. Anya Griffin and Dr. Tamara Soles discuss therapeutic interventions and the role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in supporting children with chronic pain. -
Ask Dr. Jessica-Episode 126
How to treat children in pain with Drs. Lonnie and Paul Zeltzer
Articles on Creativity & Pain Management
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Art Therapy:Another way to manage pain
Information from the Harvard University blog -
The Link Between Creativity and Mental Health
Information specific to the adolescent brain and development of divergent thinking -
Using Creative Outlets to Deal With Chronic Pain | PainScale
Article with testimonials -
Teen turns chronic pain journey into award-winning art : Inside
Children's Blog
Example of one teen’s journey -
Chronic Pain and Mindfulness-based Art Activities | Alongside You
Rebooting the nervous system with mindfulness based art techniques
Other Online Resources
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Sleep and Pain
Understand the relationship between pain and sleep with guidance for maintaining good sleep health. -
Guided Exercises: Mindfulness
Access mindfulness exercises courtesy of The Comfort Ability to help manage pain and stress. -
Therapeutic Art Activity for Physical Pain
Popular YouTube video from Erica Pang Art -
Pain Apps and Resources from SKIP
Excellent compilation of websites, apps and general resources
Research Studies and Academic Articles
Specific to CHYP
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Photovoice study
Photography as a tool for teens with chronic pain -
Songs of Love and Chronic Pain
Benefits of music for pain management
Creative Therapies and Arts
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Effectiveness of art therapy with pediatric populations affected by medical health conditions: a systematic
review
Review of art therapy for multiple conditions -
Music as therapy
Explores music as a low cost intervention with direct physiologic effects through the autonomic nervous system as well as indirect effects by modifying caregiver behavior. Research supporting that music effectively reduces anxiety and improves mood. -
Comparing Three Music Therapy Interventions for Anxiety and Relaxation in Youth With Amplified Pain
Study to examine the effects of 3 specific music therapy interventions (active music engagement, live patient-selected music, and music-assisted relaxation) on anxiety and relaxation levels in youth in an interdisciplinary program dealing with chronic pain -
Connecting parents of children with chronic pain through art therapy
Art therapy as a benefit for parents -
Vocal Music Therapy for Chronic Pain
Vocal music as a tool for better self-management of pain, enhanced psychological well-being, and stronger social and spiritual connections -
Creative Art: Connection to Health and Well-Being
Discussion of : 1) Creative Art Activities and Health; 2) Receptive and Participatory Engagement: Well-Being and Social Connectedness; 3) Health and Well-being in Later Stages of Life; 4) Art therapy and Children; 5) Creativity and Well-Being during COVID-19; 6) Specific Art Therapies and Their Beneficial Effects. -
Transdiagnostic Treatment for teens with chronic pain and overlapping depression and anxiety
Study of unified treatment approaches, based on emotion regulation skills, applicable to a broad range of emotional disorders and the possibility of extending these interventions to chronic pain and pain-related dysfunction -
Creating Mandalas for the Management of Acute Pain Symptoms in Pediatric Patients
Positive results implementing a fast-acting mandala intervention to reduce physical pain and psychological anxiety in children -
Art Therapy and the Visual Voice
Published thesis focusing on the visual voice with pediatric palliative care -
Art therapy techniques to improve coping strategies in children 7-18 years old with a chronic disease
Published thesis in french, with english translation available -
A case study on the effects of the creative art therapy with stretching and walking
meditation—Focusing on the improvement of emotional expression and alleviation of somatisation symptoms in a neurasthenic adolescent - ScienceDirect
Single case study combining art and mindfulness activities for symptom relief
General studies, pediatric and adolescent chronic pain
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Chronic pain in children: structural and resting-state functional brain imaging within a developmental perspective
The potential impact of chronic pain on brain development -
Parental Bonding in Adolescents With and Without Chronic Pain
The importance of considering parental bonding and adolescent depression in pediatric chronic pain -
Sleep Quality, Affect, Pain, and Disability in Children With Chronic Pain: Is Affect a Mediator or Moderator?
The relationship between poor sleep quality and chronic pain -
Mother-child concordance for pain location in a pediatric chronic pain sample
Study that found parent assessments of children's pain do not necessarily mimic their child's report -
Treatment of chronic pain in children and adolescents
Highlights include: Combinations of medication along with nonpharmacologic treatments, such as physical therapy, psychological interventions and complementary therapies, are often the most effective ways of treating chronic pain rather than medication alone
Economics of Pain
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The Price of Pain: The Economics of Chronic Adolescent Pain
Explores the economic burden of chronic adolescent pain on society.