Chronic pain is a common concern faced by many people worldwide. According to the British Pain Society, 28 million adults in England alone suffer from chronic pain. That’s around 43% of the total population. It is a quiet challenge many parents carry with them every day. From school drop-offs to bath time, every task can feel heavier when discomfort lingers in the background.
Unlike a passing headache or a sore back after a stormy night’s sleep, chronic pain doesn’t always fade. For parents, this means learning to cope with moments that demand constant presence, patience, and physical effort. In this article, we will discuss how parents can manage chronic pain when raising a young family.
When Pain Becomes a Daily Companion
At first, you might assume the discomfort will pass. Maybe you’ve told yourself it’s from not sleeping well or overexertion. But when the pain doesn’t go away, it starts changing how you move through life.
As an NCBI study notes, chronic pain can significantly impact your quality of life. It can result in physical limitations, social isolation, emotional distress, etc. You begin avoiding certain tasks or adjusting your posture without even realising it. You adapt because that’s what you’ve always done as a parent; you keep going.
However, over time, the weight of constant discomfort becomes hard to ignore. It affects your mood, your energy, and sometimes even your patience. You might feel guilty for needing more rest or frustrated that your body can’t do what it used to. And when you’re parenting young children, it’s not easy to find space for rest or recovery.
It is important to find time for yourself to avoid burnout. Here are some ways you can do this:
- Try changing your schedule
- Increase unscheduled time
- Don’t commit to multiple things outside your daily routine
- Prioritise what’s truly important
- Give yourself grace
Learning About Treatment and the Risks Involved
Once you begin exploring ways to manage the pain, you’ll likely come across all kinds of treatment options. Some people suggest stretches, core strengthening, or lifestyle changes. Others recommend medications or injections. Then there are the more invasive approaches, which are recommended as the last course of action when nothing else works.
For instance, one of the most common forms of chronic pain people face is in the spinal cord. A JAMA Network meta-review found that spinal cord stimulations, which are invasive, offer better relief compared to conventional medical management.
The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) states that this is done by sending mild electrical stimulation through the spinal cord. However, there are some times when it is best not to use such treatments. When discussing Abbott spinal cord stimulation, the FDA advises that it should not be used by patients who cannot operate it.
As you read more, you may come across serious concerns that people have raised about this device. The FDA has received 186 complaints about the device, with 73 documented injuries. Some individuals who have faced health problems have also filed an Abbott spinal cord stimulator lawsuit. They seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as lost wages, medical expenses, and loss of quality of life.
Adjusting Your Approach to Relief
When you’re managing a household and young kids, there’s pressure to bounce back quickly. But living with chronic pain means you’ll need to adjust, not just physically, but mentally. You start paying attention to the small things: how you sit, how you lift, how long you stand in one spot. You notice which days are better and which movements cause a setback.
Your routines may shift. You might include more rest breaks, delegate tasks, or rethink how you plan your day. At first, this can feel like you’re losing control or doing less than you “should.” But over time, these adjustments become part of how you care for yourself, just as much as you care for your family.
As you make these changes, you may find it helpful to have open conversations with your partner, kids, or friends who can support you. Letting others know what you’re going through can lighten the emotional side of pain.
The National Health Service has listed some ways to manage mental health when you have chronic pain, such as:
- Understanding how pain affects your thoughts and feelings
- Avoiding and coping with pain when possible
- Pacing activities gradually
- Avoiding unhelpful thinking about pain
- Making an action plan
- Managing stress and relaxing
Slowing Down Without Feeling Left Behind
Everything about parenting seems to happen at full speed: school schedules, meal prep, bedtime routines. So, slowing down can feel like you’re falling behind. But pushing through the pain just to keep up isn’t always sustainable. Your body needs care, too, and listening to it doesn’t make you any less of a parent.
You might start measuring your days differently, not by how much you got done but by how well you balanced your needs and responsibilities. Some days will be more productive. Others may require you to take a step back. That’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re not showing up. It means you’re choosing a pace that allows you to keep going.
You’ll probably still feel that tug of guilt now and then. That sense that you should be doing more. But your kids don’t need perfection. They need presence. They need a parent who’s there, even if you’re sitting on the couch instead of running beside them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chronic pain affect your emotional connection with your children?
Yes, chronic pain can influence how you interact emotionally. When you’re dealing with pain, it’s common to feel irritable, withdrawn, or fatigued, which can affect how present and responsive you are. Recognising this early helps you take small steps to stay connected, like setting aside quiet bonding moments, even on difficult days.
How can you explain chronic pain to young children without worrying them?
You don’t need to go into medical details. Simple, honest language works best. You might say something like, “Mummy’s body hurts sometimes, so I need to rest more today.” Children are often more understanding than we expect, especially when they feel included rather than confused by changes in routine.
What support systems can help parents with chronic pain?
You might benefit from local parenting groups, online forums, or pain support networks. Some parents also find value in working with therapists who understand chronic illness and family dynamics. You can also consider speaking to your GP about occupational therapy services, which focus on making everyday tasks easier.
Pain changes your relationship with parenting. But it doesn’t take away your love or your ability to connect. You may find new ways to show up that aren’t as physically demanding, such as quiet story times, long conversations, and more. These small shifts can become meaningful parts of your family life.
Managing chronic pain while raising young kids is a daily balancing act. You won’t get it perfect, and you don’t have to. What matters is that you’re still showing up with care, with effort, and with honesty. And some days, that’s more than enough.
