Investigating the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Events and Chronic Pain in Pediatric and Adult Populations

Abstract

Chronic pain is a highly prevalent condition in pediatric and adult populations, with epidemiological rates increasing over time. Literature has highlighted a correlation between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and chronic pain conditions, with a great focus on adult populations. This paper explored this existing research, while diving deeper into studies pertaining to children and adolescents with chronic pain. This review also examined proposed models that can explain this correlation to explore conceptual understandings, alongside the underlying biological mechanisms that facilitate this relationship to investigate physical processes. Adverse childhood events, and trauma is correlated with chronic pain and other pain conditions in both child, adolescent and adult populations, with differences in prevalence and intensity present depending on the adverse experience, and the number of experiences. A need for further research in pediatric populations is highlighted.