Many people have misconceptions or misbeliefs about pain in children. These myths have lasted even though there is now evidence to support that they are not true. The most common myths on pain in children include the following:
Myth: Pain cannot be accurately assessed
Fact: While it is true that an absolute measure of pain is impossible because pain is personal, in the majority of cases an accurate pain assessment is possible, even in children. Depending on the situation and the age and health condition of the child, a pain assessment is possible using a number of valid and reliable self-reports, behavioural and composite measurement tools.
Myth: Pain cannot be accurately assessed in babies
Fact: While it is true that some children may not express their pain in the same way as adults, especially if they have not yet learned to speak, in most cases children are capable of expressing and identifying pain. A young child’s or baby's behaviour provides clues to the amount of pain he has. These behavioural changes, including facial expressions, crying, and body movements, can also be used to determine the level of pain intensity in adults.
Myth: If a child says he is in pain but does not appear to be in pain, there is no need for pain relief
Fact: Because children cope in different ways, their behaviour is not necessarily an indication of their pain intensity. A child who has pain may be behaving normally. For example, a school age child may spend hours playing video games as a way to distract himself from the pain rather than lying in bed complaining.
Myth: Children will tell you if they are in pain
Fact: Children may not report pain due to fear or a desire to please those around them. A child who does not report pain may do so in an attempt to avoid a further painful experience such as a needle. In addition, children may not report pain because they fear that if they do they may have to stay in the hospital or be separated from their parents. As well, children may not report their pain if they believe that it will displease their parents, siblings and friends. Older children may not wish to appear “weak” by showing their pain, especially in front of their peers.
Myth: Pain which has no known physical cause is a symptom of some kind of “mental or psychological problem”
Fact: Despite the continuing research, there is still a lot of work to be done before we fully understand what causes pain. Therefore, because we may not be able to identify a physical cause for pain, we cannot automatically assume that it is a “mental or psychological problem.” It is not particularly helpful to imagine pain as being a physical or a psychological phenomenon; pain is both a mind and body experience.