When It Feels Like It Came Out of Nowhere — And What to Do Next
Hello, fellow kids (and caregivers).
We’re here with the confidence of someone who definitely knows what “6–7” means.
(We do not.)
Teen pain is one of the most confusing things families deal with because it can show up fast — seemingly out of nowhere — and it’s still 100% real.
When a child or teen struggles, our instinct is to swoop in, problem-solve, and protect. But with chronic pain, that instinct can unintentionally make things worse.
Protecting a child from the damage you fear sends the message that they are in danger — which can trigger the brain to send more pain.
Chronic pain is often not a sign of damage. It’s a measure of protection — the brain warning of perceived threat. And like a siren going off with no fire, that warning can be a false alarm.
This leads to the most common question families ask: Why does this happen at all?
“It should be the first book any teen with chronic pain reads!”
— Howard Schubiner, MD
Why Teen Pain Can Start Suddenly
Teen chronic pain can feel like a switch flipped overnight. A teen can go from living normally to feeling trapped by symptoms.
Sometimes pain begins after injury, illness, or stress. Sometimes there’s no obvious trigger. Regardless of how it starts, all pain is an output of the brain.
Common contributing factors include:
- An injury that healed but the brain continues to fire danger signals
- Health anxiety or fear of pain
- Stressful life events (moves, separation, social rejection)
- Perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety
- Difficulty communicating needs
- Fears of failing, conflict, or lack of control
When the nervous system stays on high alert, the brain can trigger pain, anxiety, or depression — even without physical damage.
“Are They Just Looking for Attention?”
Needing attention does not mean faking pain.
Pain is real because all pain is generated by the brain. When danger is perceived, pain can activate — even when the body is safe.
Unmet needs can make the nervous system hypervigilant, scanning for threat everywhere, including inside the body.
New Resource: PRT Workbook for Teens
We’re excited to share our new:
📘 The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook for Teens
Out February 1, 2026 — available for preorder
This interactive workbook uses neuroscience-based PRT tools to help teens interrupt the pain-fear cycle and build lasting relief.
👉 Order the PRT Workbook for Teens
Research
About 1 in 5 youth experience chronic pain. Among them:
- 1 in 3 meet criteria for anxiety disorders
- 1 in 8 meet criteria for depression
Early intervention protects academic progress, identity development, and long-term wellbeing.
Tips to Support Your Teen
- Make recovery engaging and fun
- Celebrate small wins
- Set achievable goals together
- Create flexible plans for hard days
- Encourage self-advocacy and choice
- Normalize frustration and setbacks
PRT in Media
Dr. Tova Goldfine interviews Daniella Deutsch and Paulina Soble on supporting teens with chronic pain.
Adults & Caregivers: Want More Support?
- Understand symptoms without fear
- Learn real-time pain-safety tools
- Build confidence through evidence
- Create a plan for flare days
PRT is evidence-based — and meaningful, lasting improvement is possible.