Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome

Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome
AMPS, pain amplification syndrome, juvenile fibromyalgia, childhood fibromyalgia
Image showing hyperalgesia and allodynia, two common symptoms of AMPS, compared to normal pain levels in response to stimuli.
SpecialtyRheumatology, Pediatrics, Psychology
SymptomsChronic pain, allodynia, abdominal pain, anxiety, depression, dysphagia, dizziness, fatigue, headache, joint pain, movement issues, such as stiffness, shakiness, or coordination difficulty, swelling, fast heart rate, skin texture, color, or temperature changes, paresthesia, changes in nail or hair growth[1][2][3][4]
ComplicationsMajor depressive disorder, anxiety, psychological stress, osteoporosis, muscle atrophy[1]
Usual onsetChildhood and adolescence.[1] Some evidence shows 14 years of age to be an average.[5]
TypesComplex regional pain syndrome, Diffuse idiopathic pain (Also known as juvenile fibromyalgia), Intermittent amplified pain, Localized amplified pain[1][2]
CausesPsychological trauma, physical injury, illness[1][6]
Risk factorsAsthma, autoimmune diseases,[1] arthritis, myositis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, rheumatologic diseases, being female[3]
Diagnostic methodFull overview of patient history and out rule of potential physical causes[1][7]
Differential diagnosisMyofascial pain syndrome, idiopathic chronic pain, degenerative disc disease, lordosis,[1] Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
ManagementAerobic exercise, message therapy to desensitize physical contact, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychotherapy, medication (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors),[8] procedures and injections
MedicationSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors[8]
PrognosisGood[citation needed]
Frequency2-6% of children have a mild case of AMPS.[6]

Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome (AMPS) is an illness characterized by notable pain intensity without an identifiable physical cause.[1][6]

Characteristic symptoms include skin sensitivity to light touch, also known as allodynia. Associated symptoms may include changes associated with disuse including changes in skin texture, color, and temperature, and changes in hair and nail growth. In up to 80% of cases, symptoms are associated with psychological trauma or psychological stress.[3] AMPS may also follow physical injury or illness.[2] Other associations with AMPS include Ehlers-danlos syndrome, myositis, arthritis, and other rheumatologic diseases.[3]

Treatment for notable pain intensity without identifiable pathophysiology can include psychotherapy to alleviate psychological stress. Physical therapists, psychologically informed physical therapists in particular, can coach people on exercises they can do everyday at home. Clinicians who use this diagnosis sometimes apply it to children and adolescents. To date, this diagnosis is used more in women.[3][1]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Cite error: The named reference ClevelandClinic was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference JohnsHopkins was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b c d e Cite error: The named reference ChildrensHealth was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)". American College of Rheumatology.
  5. ^ Monica L. Friedman, DO. "When Your Child Hurts: What Is Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome?". Orlando Health.
  6. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference CongressAMPSMonth was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference HSSedu was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ a b Pain Res Manag (2016). "SSRIs for Chronic Pain: What do we know?". Pain Research & Management. 2016. National Institutes of Health. doi:10.1155/2016/2020915. PMC 4947493. PMID 27445601.