Children and adults who are currently experiencing pain can take some small comfort in knowing that we have a much greater understanding about pain today than we did decades ago. In the past, little was known about pain, especially pain in children. There were few methods available to assess or relieve it, and in many cases, pain in children was not taken seriously.
Research into pain in infants and children has improved the ways in which pain is understood and treated. For the most part, pain relief is now an important and immediate consideration in medical situations, emergency or otherwise. Assessment and treatment practices have also improved greatly with the development of new measurement tools, medicines, and comforting techniques. More and more, we are learning that pain can be detrimental to a child’s health. As a result, the importance of ensuring effective pain relief is accepted in most situations.
Research into pain and pain management continues. However, there is still much that remains unknown and there are still situations in which pain cannot be completely relieved. For example, researchers are investigating whether children with chronic pain grow to be adults with chronic pain. Despite our incomplete knowledge, given the proper information and encouragement, coping with chronic pain at any stage of life can be made easier.