Getting to the Bottom of Common Pain Myths

Myth: Children can always tell you when they're in pain and how much pain they're in.

Kids might not always let you know about pain through their words, but they may do so through their actions and behaviors.

Children are more likely to express their suffering in a variety of ways, often based on their development, age and verbal abilities, Zeltzer said. They can also express pain nonverbally. Infants who are in extreme pain for long periods of time may communicate their discomfort by shutting down or seeming listless and passive.

Another telling sign is when a young child becomes quieter and more withdrawn. School-age children may express their pain behaviorally through crying, flailing, kicking or by withdrawing. Teens may clench their fists and tighten their muscles to appear stoic and strong.

Zeltzer added that there is also a difference between a child's reaction to acute and chronic pain. She said that kids tend to be very behaviorally expressive when it comes to acute pain, such as being injured, getting a shot or needing stitches. They might cry, flail or scream.

With chronic pain, she explained, kids look like they're sapped of energy. They look pale, and not interested in playing or engaging with their environment.