Diagnosing chronic pain in children can be challenging due to the subjective nature of pain. Physicians often rely on a combination of patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Important tools include:
- Pain Scales and Questionnaires: These help quantify the pain intensity and impact on daily life. - Imaging Studies: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be used to identify underlying causes. - Laboratory Tests: Blood tests might be needed to rule out infections or inflammatory conditions.