5% of Lleida minors have chronic pain

Jordi Miró, a health psychology professor at Universitat Rovira i Virgili, used a public event in Lleida on May 13 to put numbers on a problem that pediatric pain specialists say often goes unseen. Speaking at a Fibrolleida conference tied to World Central Sensitization Syndromes Day, Miró said about 5% of children and adolescents in the province live with severe chronic pain linked to disease or injury. (segre.com) He also said 45% report headaches or discomfort associated with growth. Segre reported the remarks from the event at Lleida's Auditori Enric Granados. The figures matter because they split pediatric pain into two different categories. One is severe, persistent pain associated with illness or lesions. The other is a much broader group of recurrent complaints — including headaches and growth-related discomfort — that affect a far larger share of children. (diputaciolleida.cat) Miró described chronic pain in children as an "invisible reality" that is becoming more frequent, according to Segre's account of the event. ### Who said this, and where did the numbers surface? Jordi Miró was identified by Segre as professor of health psychology at Universitat Rovira i Virgili and the speaker who presented the figures in Lleida. The newspaper said he spoke during a Fibrolleida-organized conference held at the Auditori Enric Granados. (segre.com) Fibrolleida is an association founded in 2005 to support people and families affected by central sensitization syndromes in the Lleida region, according to the group's website. A public agenda from the Diputació de Lleida also listed a Fibrolleida event in May 2026 at the same auditorium, with provincial vice president Sandra Castro scheduled to take part in the welcome. ### What does the 5% figure actually refer to? The 5% figure refers to children and adolescents in Lleida with severe chronic pain related to diseases and injuries, according to Miró's remarks as reported by Segre. (segre.com) That is narrower than a general complaint of occasional pain and points to cases with longer duration or greater intensity. The broader 45% figure covers headaches and discomfort associated with growth. (segre.com) Segre presented that number alongside the 5% estimate, indicating that specialists at the event were distinguishing between severe chronic cases and more common recurrent symptoms. ### How unusual is pediatric pain as a clinical issue in Spain? Spanish pediatric specialists have already described pain management in children as an area where diagnosis and treatment are often insufficient. (fibrolleida.org) A review article in Anales de Pediatría said pain in children is prevalent and that lack of professional knowledge remains a barrier to appropriate care in routine pediatric practice. International medical literature also treats chronic pain in children as a common problem with physical, psychological and social effects. A BMJ Open protocol for a systematic review described chronic pain in children and adolescents as persistent or recurring pain lasting more than three months and said it can substantially affect functioning. (segre.com) ### Why are local groups using a fibromyalgia awareness event to discuss children? (segre.com) Fibrolleida's stated mission covers central sensitization syndromes such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity, but its public programming has also been used to discuss broader pain issues. Segre said Miró used this year's event to argue that childhood chronic pain remains under-recognized. The Lleida event fits that pattern. Public listings show Fibrolleida's May programming at the Auditori Enric Granados, and local institutions including the Diputació de Lleida have promoted or participated in related awareness activities. (analesdepediatria.org) ### What happens next in Lleida? May 2026 public listings show Fibrolleida's awareness activities continuing in Lleida around World Central Sensitization Syndromes Day. (bmjopen.bmj.com) The Diputació de Lleida's agenda names Sandra Castro among the participants at the auditorium event, while Fibrolleida's website identifies the association as the local organizer. (diputaciolleida.cat) (fibrolleida.org)