The American Pain Society estimates that chronic pain affects up to 20 percent of children, yet few programs exist in the country to address the issue. The Pain Management Center at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital is one program that does; it involves a team of psychologists, anesthesiologists, physical therapists, acupuncturists, and a golden retriever named Carly to offer unique pain-management therapies to kids.
Peninsula Press’ Anna Schuessler has taken an in-depth look at the program, which is headed by pain expert Elliot Krane, MD. In her article she discusses the center's approach and closely follows the care of an 8-year-old diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome, a mystifying nerve condition that causes severe pain.
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