Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)
Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome (AMPS) is an umbrella term for chronic non-inflammatory musculoskeletal pain. Other names you might hear are juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome, chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP), chronic widespread pain (CWP), reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), reflex neurovascular dystrophy (RND) or myofascial pain. AMPS is usually seen in childhood and teen years, and most commonly affects pre-teen and teen girls, with an average age ranging from 11.5 to 15 years. The exact cause of AMPS is not well known. Current research suggests AMPS is the result of a faulty or disordered response and an increase of the pain signal by the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
What Are the Signs/Symptoms?
Common symptoms may include, but are not limited to, fatigue, trouble sleeping, headaches, abdominal pain, dizziness, joint pain, and increased heart rate. Anxiety and/or depression may be common and should be considered in all newly diagnosed patients. Some neurologic symptoms, such as cold and blue as well as swelling and sweating, may occur.
What Are Common Treatments?
The goal of AMPS treatment is to return the patient to normal daily function by reducing pain, restoring normal sleep and mood, and decreasing any negative impacts on health-related quality of life. Diagnosis of the primary and secondary causes is important and may involve other health care specialists, such as psychologists and physical and occupational therapists. Treatment of AMPS consists of pain management without medications and may involve cognitive behavioral therapy, physical and occupational therapy, regular aerobic (cardio) exercise, and focusing on stress reduction. Pain management may include gradually increasing exercise programs, regular daily activities in the form of functional aerobic training, decreasing attention to pain, and psychotherapy.
Care/Management Tips
Once a diagnosis of AMPS has been made, participating in normal activities, attending therapy sessions and gradually returning to a normal schedule is recommended. Of note, it is important to recognize that the pain that your child or teen is experiencing, while not dangerous, is very real.
Updated February 2025 by Howard Yang, MD, RhMSUS, and Laura E. Ray, MA, MLS, and reviewed by the American College of Rheumatology Communications and Marketing Committee.
This information is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition.