Ep. 220: How to Support Children and Teens with Chronic Pain with Dr. Samantha Levy

Dr. Samantha Levy joins us this week to discuss the challenges of supporting kids with chronic pain. Samantha is a clinical psychologist specializing in youth with chronic pain disorders, using a biopsychosocial approach to address both physical and emotional challenges. She also supports parents through individual sessions, group facilitation, and a parenting blog for Creative Healing for Youth in Pain, while working with Whole Child LA.

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of chronic pain and explore its neurological nature and the effects that it has on one's body, mind, and family dynamics.  Dr. Levy explains the difference between acute and chronic pain, highlighting how the latter often persists even after healed injuries, creating a cycle of anxiety and misunderstood suffering.

Our conversation goes into common causes of chronic pain in children and teens, including the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. We talk about how these can contribute to the development of pain around puberty, and Dr. Levy highlights the emotional and social burden that this puts on kids, with children often withdrawing from school, friends, and activities which, of course, only worsens their pain and mental health.

With practical advice, Dr. Levy shares how treatment can address the root causes via a more holistic approach, including psychotherapy and mindfulness. She also discusses the importance of family support, the idea of "backward parenting," and strategies to reintegrate children into daily activities such as modified school accommodations.

Finally, Dr. Samantha Levy offers insights for caregivers, encouraging them to prioritize their own well-being via self-care and support networks!

Show Notes:

[2:19] - Dr. Levy explains how acute pain alerts us to harm, while chronic pain creates anxiety and misunderstood distress.
[4:51] - Chronic pain is a neurological condition that causes changes in the brain, often making it invisible.
[6:06] Chronic pain is typically viewed holistically and includes biological, psychological, and social factors.
[8:43] - Things like puberty, stress, and social complexities can make it even more difficult for kids to manage chronic pain.
[11:16] - Kids with chronic pain are often perfectionists, emotionally sensitive, and/or tend to internalize stress.
[14:47] - Chronic pain leads to isolation which then affects daily life, school, and relationships.
[15:20] - Chronic pain ultimately impacts every aspect of a child's life, worsening mental health and often resulting in isolation.
[18:54] - Isolation, anxiety, and chronic pain often create a vicious cycle that's further affected by family dynamics and support.
[19:30] - Samantha explains how medical trauma from misdiagnosis or mistreatment leaves many kids feeling hopeless and resistant to new treatments.
[21:02] - Strategies such as a team approach, psychotherapy, and/or mindfulness can help break the chronic pain cycle.
[24:23] - Recovery from chronic pain involves re-engaging in activities and a shift in the approaches that parents are used to taking,
[27:02] - Dr. Levy discusses how backward parenting encourages connection and avoids pressuring progress.
[29:17] - Dr. Levy feels that parents must acknowledge discomfort and anxieties to support their child's recovery.
[32:09] - Samantha argues that advocating for accommodations such as extra time and modified schedules helps kids with chronic pain.
[35:19] - Physical accommodations, such as flexible bathroom breaks or desk signals, ultimately support kids with chronic pain!
[36:57] - Dr. Levy points out how caregivers of children with chronic pain need self-care, therapy, and activities that offer healing.

Links and Related Resources:

• CHYP’s Website

• CHYP’s YouTube Channel

• Fact Sheet: Chronic Pain in Children and Adolescents

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