Starred review from March 15, 2015
Frequently, no specific illness underlies chronic pain. Additionally, a child's chronic pain affects the entire family. Siblings feel neglected; parents become stressed. When no cure exists, parents must help their child master skills to cope with pain and return a sense of normalcy to the family. Coauthors Palermo and Law, both professors at the University of Washington School of Medicine, call on their experiences working with pediatric pain patients to develop a practical guide to pediatric pain management. The authors do not offer medical treatments or drug therapies. Instead, they teach specific cognitive-behavioral techniques parents can use to help children manage their condition. Parents learn to set goals; practice relaxation techniques; and develop positive sleep, school, and recreation routines. In the end, parents help a child control the pain rather than allowing the pain to control the child. VERDICT The techniques described here are easy to understand and simple to follow. Every parent of a child experiencing chronic pain will surely discover techniques that will bring relief. Professionals treating pediatric patients with chronic pain will find this guide invaluable as well. For all public libraries and those serving health professionals.--Lydia Olszak, Bosler Memorial Lib., Carlisle, PA
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