Although pain can be common in young children with CP, it is important to remember that all children can experience pain for a number of reasons. New teeth coming in, sore throats, earaches and tummy pains are very common as children grow and develop.

Pain is unpleasant, and it may be difficult for young children, especially those with communication difficulties, to explain their pain, where it is and how it is impacting them.

If you know or suspect your child is in pain, talk to your GP, maternal and child health nurse or paediatrician.

It’s very common for young children with CP to experience pain. It may be caused by:

• contracture – shortening and tightening of muscles
• abnormal posture
• dystonia – which causes muscles to contract or spasm uncontrollably
• partial dislocation of the hip ball-and-socket joint (also called subluxation)
• gastro-oesophageal reflux – where acid from the stomach leaks into the food pipe and causes inflammation.

Understanding your child’s physical development and how their CP may be affecting them is the first step in understanding why they are in pain and how to best treat them.

Your child’s healthcare team will carry out a medical assessment so they can work out what is causing your child’s pain. Then they can design a therapeutic plan to manage the pain and allow your young child to get back to playing and learning.

There are many therapies and strategies available to eliminate, reduce or relieve your child’s pain - immediately and in the longer term. These may include medications such as Botulinum toxin-A to assist with muscle spasticity, massage, cognitive behaviour therapy, and sleep-positioning equipment to increase comfort, as well as other therapies.

The treatment your child needs to manage their pain may change over time.

In the below section, you will find information related to the causes of pain and how to manage it.