Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain
Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome (AMPS) is an
umbrella term for non inflammatory musculoskeletal pain.
Other names you might hear are: juvenile fibromyalgia
syndrome, chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP), chronic
widespread pain (CWP), reflex sympathetic dystrophy
(RSD), reflex neurovascular dystrophy (RND) or myofascial pain.
AMPS is most commonly seen in childhood and
adolescence, and most commonly affects pre-
adolescent and adolescent girls, with an average age ranging from 11.5 to 15 years.
What Causes It?
The exact cause of AMPS is not well understood;
however, the most current research suggests that this
chronic noninflammatory pain condition is the result of
malfunction or disordered response and over
amplification of the pain signal by the central nervous
system and peripheral nervous system.
What Are Common Signs and Symptoms?
Common symptoms may include, but are not limited to,
fatigue, sleep difficulties, headaches, abdominal pain,
dizziness, arthralgias and tachycardia. Anxiety and/or
depression may be common and should be considered
in all newly diagnosed patients. Some neurologic symptoms may occur.
What Are Common Treatments?
The goal of AMPS treatment is to return the child to
normal daily function by minimizing pain, restoring
normal sleep and mood, and decreasing any negative
impacts on health-related quality of life.
Diagnosis of the primary and secondary causes is
important and may involve other specialists, such as
psychologists, and physical and occupational therapists.
Treatment of AMPS consists of pain management
without medications and may involve cognitive
behavioral therapy, physical and occupational therapy,
regular aerobic (cardio) exercise and focusing on stress reduction.
Pain management recommendations may include
gradually increasing exercise programs, regular daily
activities in the form of functional aerobic training,
desensitization for allodynia and psychotherapy.
Care/Management Tips
Once a diagnosis of AMPS has been made, participating
in normal activities, attending therapy sessions and
gradually returning to a normal schedule is recommended.
Of note, it is important to recognize that the pain that
your child is experiencing, while not dangerous, is very real.