Finding Relief and Hope Through the Chronic Pain Programs at Rady Children’s
For patients like Alexia at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, life can change overnight. From carefree and active to feeling trapped in a body that no longer felt like her own, with relentless pain compounded by the fear of not knowing how to fix it.
Alexia is not alone.
Up to 1 in 4 children and adolescents experience chronic pain, and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is now one of the most common reasons for pediatric neurology admissions. For many patients, pain or neurologic symptoms significantly disrupt school, mobility, and daily life, often despite extensive diagnostic evaluations.
Alexia’s path shifted when she was referred to Pritha Dalal, MD, at Rady Children’s. After numerous physician visits, advanced imaging, nerve conduction testing, and a five-week stay in Rady Children’s Inpatient Chronic Pain Program, Alexia says the experience helped restore her independence and reframe her approach to living with chronic pain.
“Living with chronic pain has changed my life in ways I never expected,” says Alexia. “At 15, I never imagined that my “normal” would be redefined. But now, looking back, I’m grateful. Chronic pain opened my eyes to the beauty of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.”
About the Chronic Pain Programs at Rady Children’s
The Chronic Pain and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Center of Excellence at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego focuses on restoring functional independence, improving daily participation, and enhancing quality of life for children and adolescents with chronic pain and FND. Care is delivered through a nonopioid, multidisciplinary rehabilitation model that is individualized and evidence based.
The program is staffed by physicians specializing in rehabilitation and physical medicine, a psychologist, occupational therapists, physical therapists, certified therapeutic recreation specialists, and a social worker. This integrated team addresses both the physical and psychosocial contributors to pain and functional impairment.
Through structured collaboration with the care team, patients develop skills to manage symptoms, improve function, and safely return to school, physical activity, and age appropriate social participation, with an emphasis on functional restoration rather than pain elimination.
Learn more about the Rady Children’s Inpatient Chronic Pain Program.