
What Causes Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)?
Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition. With specialized treatment, it is possible to manage and overcome pain symptoms.
Table of Contents
What Is Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)?
Symptoms of Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome
Common AMPS Symptoms
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue or sleeping difficulties
- Joint pain
- Anxiety, depression, and similar mental health concerns
- Decreased mobility
- Problems using the affected body part
- Allodynia (increased sensitivity in the painful area)
Causes of Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)
What Types of Injuries Cause AMPS?
- Tendonitis
- Abdominal strains
- Back sprains and strains
- Broken bones and other traumatic injuries
- Tendinosis
What Types of Infections Cause AMPS?
- The common cold or the flu
- Lyme disease
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Malaria
- Trichinosis (a food-borne illness caused by the parasite Trichinella)
What Medications Cause AMPS?
Certain medications used to treat chronic conditions may lead to amplified pain syndrome in adults and children. Many of these medications are vital to overcoming chronic medical conditions, such as:
- Medications used to treat cancer, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy drugs
- High blood pressure medications, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Statins-drugs used to lower cholesterol levels
Diagnosing Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome
Medical History
Physical Examination
Imaging Tests

How Is Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome Managed or Treated?
AMPS treatment takes several possible forms. The best treatment will depend on the pain level and how much it affects the ability to function. Typically, AMPS treatment employs a team approach with several doctors and specialists working together to help the patient learn about their pain and how to manage their symptoms.
AMPS Treatment Methods
AMPS treatment can last for several weeks and involves several types of intervention:
- Exercise, including strength training and aerobic exercises to improve flexibility and function
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Selected medications to control pain
- Psychological counseling to help address the emotional challenges, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, that occur when living with chronic pain
- Music therapy to help induce relaxation
- Wellness treatments, such as meditation, mind-body skills, and biofeedback
- Desensitization, the process of applying pressure to painful areas that encourages the patient to “breakthrough” their pain and grow accustomed to growing levels of pressure
Get Treatment for Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome at J. Flowers Health Institute
If your child experiences chronic pain and you wonder if their symptoms could be due to amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome, do not wait to seek help. With treatment, your child’s symptoms can improve. To learn more about how we can help, contact us at J. Flowers Health Institute today.
Resources
- https://www.columbiadoctors.org/childrens-health/pediatric-specialties/rheumatology/treatments-conditions/amplified-musculoskeletal-pain-syndrome-amps
- https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Amplified-Musculoskeletal-Pain-Syndrome-AMPS
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25010441/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10782856/