How Nutrition Can Help Kids Overcome Chronic Pain in Malta
Chronic pain affects one in five children, with 877,000 young people in Australia experiencing persistent pain lasting over three months. This condition disrupts schooling, social connections, and family life, often going undiagnosed for years. The *2025 National Kids in Pain Report* reveals significant impacts, including missed classes, mental health struggles, and economic strain on families. Girls are disproportionately affected, making up 57% of cases. In Malta, where community and health are valued, addressing chronic pain requires a holistic approach. The Mediterranean diet, rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients like olive oil, fish, and fresh vegetables, offers a natural foundation for managing pain. Schools can provide flexible timetables and quiet spaces to support affected children, while families can focus on movement, sleep hygiene, and psychological therapies. Raising awareness and fostering empathy in healthcare and education are essential steps. Malta’s emphasis on health and longevity positions it to lead in creating supportive environments for children with chronic pain. Early diagnosis, holistic
The ‘Invisible’ Condition Affecting One in Five Children: More Than Just ‘Growing Pains’
Most children bounce back quickly from minor injuries or illnesses, but for one in five children, the story is different. Roughly 877,000 young people in Australia alone live with chronic or persistent pain—pain that lasts longer than three months. This condition, which often feels invisible to those around them, disrupts every aspect of their lives, from schooling to social connections and even family dynamics. While this issue is prevalent in Australia, the lessons learned can be applied worldwide, including here in Malta, where a focus on health and well-being is becoming increasingly prominent.
As we explore the connection between food, lifestyle, and managing such health challenges, it’s clear that addressing chronic pain in children requires a holistic approach—one that includes proper nutrition, exercise, and mental health support. Let’s delve into the findings of a recent report commissioned by Chronic Pain Australia and consider how the Maltese community, with its robust food culture and emphasis on longevity, can draw inspiration to better support those experiencing chronic pain.
How Chronic Pain Impacts Daily Life
A new report, the 2025 National Kids in Pain Report, surveyed 229 young people and their families about their experiences living with chronic pain. The findings reveal the profound toll this condition takes on daily life:
- Delayed Diagnoses: A staggering 64% of families waited over three years for a diagnosis. Some children never received one at all, leaving parents and carers in a state of uncertainty.
- Missed Schooling: Around 83% of children missed classes due to pain, and more than half fell behind academically.
- Mental Health Struggles: Sleep disruption (affecting 84% of children) and mental health challenges like anxiety or low mood (experienced by over 80%) are common.
- Economic Impact: Nearly half of parents reduced work hours or left their jobs entirely. One in five parents resigned, while 5% were dismissed due to the demands of caregiving.
- Gender Disparities: Girls were disproportionately affected, making up 57% of chronic pain cases.
In Malta, where education and family are pillars of society, such disruptions can have ripple effects not just on the individual but also on the broader community. The annual economic toll of chronic pain in Australia is conservatively estimated at AUD 15 billion. While similar statistics for Malta are unavailable, the impact is likely significant and warrants attention.
Nutrition, Food, and Chronic Pain: A Maltese Perspective
For families managing chronic pain, lifestyle changes, including a focus on nutrition, can be transformative. Malta’s traditional Mediterranean diet, rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients like olive oil, fresh vegetables, whole grains, and fish, offers a natural foundation for managing chronic conditions. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as Maltese lampuki (dolphin fish), can reduce inflammation and support overall health. Including magnesium-rich nuts and seeds in meals can also help alleviate muscle tension and pain.
Parents juggling the demands of caregiving can turn to quick, nutrient-dense Maltese staples like ftira bread topped with tomatoes, capers, and tuna for a balanced meal. Restaurants across Malta are increasingly offering healthier options tailored to various dietary needs, making it easier for families to dine out without compromising their nutritional goals.
The Importance of Recognition and Support
What makes chronic pain particularly challenging is its invisibility. Families in the Australian study reported feeling dismissed, with 71% of cases attributed to anxiety, 54% labeled as “growing pains,” and 35% seen as attention-seeking. This stigma creates a barrier to timely treatment, trust in healthcare systems, and overall well-being. One young person shared, “I wish someone had believed me earlier. Waiting years made everything worse—school, friends, even just believing in myself.”
This resonates far beyond Australia. In Malta, where community and connection are deeply valued, it’s crucial to foster a culture of empathy and understanding, especially in schools and healthcare settings. Recognizing chronic pain as a legitimate condition, as recommended by the World Health Organization in 2019, is the first step toward better care.
Evidence-Based Solutions: A Holistic Approach
Managing chronic pain in children requires a multi-faceted approach, and international guidelines provide a useful framework. Families in Malta can benefit from incorporating these strategies into their lifestyle:
- Movement: Age-appropriate, gradual physical activity is essential. Exploring Malta’s scenic walking trails or engaging in gentle swimming can help children stay active without overexertion.
- Sleep Support: Good sleep hygiene is crucial. Limiting screen time before bed and creating a calming bedtime routine can improve sleep quality.
- Psychological Support: Therapies that reduce fear and build confidence are key. Mindfulness practices, which are gaining popularity in Malta, can be a valuable tool.
- Nutrition: As mentioned, a Mediterranean diet can play a supportive role in managing inflammation and promoting overall health.
Schools in Malta can also play a vital role by making reasonable adjustments, such as flexible timetables, remote learning options, and designated quiet spaces for rest. These steps align with existing requirements under Malta’s Equal Opportunities Act, ensuring that children with chronic pain have equal access to education.
Moving Forward: Malta’s Role in Creating a Supportive Environment
The road to recovery for children with chronic pain is a long one, but it doesn’t have to be isolating. By fostering collaboration between families, healthcare providers, and schools, we can create a supportive network that uplifts young people and allows them to thrive. Malta’s rich culinary heritage, combined with its growing emphasis on health and well-being, positions it as a potential leader in addressing chronic conditions through a lifestyle-focused approach.
Let’s take inspiration from the findings of the 2025 National Kids in Pain Report and ensure that no child in Malta has to suffer in silence. Whether it’s through the food on our tables, the care in our schools, or the policies we advocate for, we can make a difference in the lives of those living with chronic pain.
Recognizing the Invisible
The first step to addressing chronic pain in children is to acknowledge it. By raising awareness, investing in early diagnosis, and promoting holistic care that includes nutrition, movement, and mental health support, we can help young people lead lives that are not dominated by pain. As Malta continues to champion health and longevity, let’s ensure that no child is left behind.