Understanding muscular skeletal pain in children
Content in partnership with
Melinda & Cooper’s story
When nine-year-old Cooper came home with a sore knee after a simple playground accident, his mum Melinda thought it was just a typical knock.
But days later, Cooper was in severe pain. He couldn’t bear to be touched, couldn’t walk, and was eventually diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)—a rare and debilitating chronic pain condition that left his family searching for answers.
“Watching your child in pain and not being able to help—it breaks your heart. I just wanted someone to believe us.” – Melinda, Cooper’s mum
Over time, Cooper missed months of school and everyday life became a challenge. Simple things like putting on socks or being hugged became sources of intense pain.
Now 15, Cooper is an advocate. He finds relief in fishing and uses social media to raise awareness for other kids living with pain.
“Chronic pain doesn’t always have a visible cause, but that doesn’t make it any less real.”
Spotting pain in kids: what to look for
Chronic pain in children is often invisible and misunderstood. If your child shows the following signs, it may be time to seek help:
- Unexplained pain that doesn’t improve over time or persists longer than 3 months
- Avoiding physical touch or activities they previously enjoyed
- Mood changes, fatigue, or trouble sleeping
- Difficulty attending school or socialising
When pain is passed off as 'just growing pains'
Many children live with ongoing pain that lasts longer than three months—a clinical definition of chronic pain.
Too often, this pain is dismissed as something temporary, like 'just growing pains', especially when there’s no visible injury. But for 1 in 5 children, the pain is persistent, complex, and life-disrupting.
If pain interferes with your child’s daily life—school, friendships, sleep, or movement—it’s worth investigating further.
Early support and understanding can make all the difference in helping your child feel seen, safe, and supported.
How your Pharmacist can help
Pharmacists are often the first trusted health professional families turn to when something isn’t right.
If you’re unsure where to begin, your local pharmacist can:
- Help you understand pain relief options, including over-the-counter medications
- Advise when it’s time to speak to a GP or pain specialist
- Offer practical support for managing side effects like poor sleep, anxiety or fatigue
- Recommend child-appropriate products for symptom relief (e.g. heat packs, gentle pain gels, or sleep supports)
- Label over-the-counter medications to comply with school requirements
- Connect you with local or national pain resources and services
“We know how overwhelming it can be for parents. You’re not alone—we’re here to help you take the next step.” – Community Pharmacist
What you can do as a parent
- Listen and validate: Believe your child. Let them know their pain is real.
- Seek early help: Ask your pharmacist or GP about the right next steps.
- Connect with support: Contact Chronic Pain Australia or visit kidsinpain.org.au for more information.
Kids are not “mini adults” and experience pain differently—it’s important we help them feel seen, heard, and supported.
This story is shared as part of Kids in Pain Week, a national campaign by Chronic Pain Australia to raise awareness about childhood chronic pain, amplify the voices of young people and their families, and improve access to care.
Kids in Pain Week brings attention to the 1 in 5 children living with chronic pain in Australia. Throughout the week, families, clinicians and advocates share insights, stories, and resources to help turn pain into change.
Learn more on the Kids in Pain website, HERE.