Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS) Diagnosis

Learn more about what an AMPS diagnosis entails, along with treatment options available for those with the condition.

Author: J. Flowers Health Staff

What is Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)?

A highly severe medical disorder called Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS) can cause pain throughout the entire body. These pain episodes can come and go and can impact the entire body, a specific part of the body, or just a single limb. They can also be intermittent or persistent.

The type of AMPS diagnosis that only manifests in a single location or body part is known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). On the other hand, pain that affects the entire body is called diffuse idiopathic pain. Children with AMPS suffer pain that is more severe than one may anticipate whenever it occurs.¹

Why Does AMPS Occur?

Injury, sickness, or stress can induce AMPS, but it’s unclear what causes it in the first place. Even when there is no physical cause for pain, people with AMPS have the pain-sensing nerves in a section of their brain “turned on.” This persistent pain perception and processing may result in pain amplification, a condition in which pain gradually worsens.

Trouble at work, school, or home can all be psychological stresses that lead to magnified pain. A mental diagnosis like anxiety, nervousness, or an eating disorder may also be present in AMPS patients.²

Forms of Amplified Pain

Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome can take different forms, which include:

Diffuse Amplified Pain: Diffuse amplified pain is a form of AMPS that occurs in all body areas. It may originate from a part, but its effect is felt in all body parts.
Intermittent Amplified Pain: In this form of amplified pain, the effect is not felt steadily or continuously. It occasionally occurs with breaks.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) With Autonomic Changes: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS), formerly known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), is a disorder that results in discomfort, swelling, and changes to the color, texture, and temperature of the skin, among other symptoms. Although it may affect any body part, it often affects the extremities, such as an arm, leg, hand, or foot.
Localized Amplified Pain Without Autonomic Changes: This type of AMPS generally excludes autonomic changes, including swelling and sweating, as well as changes in temperature and color, such as the skin going cold and blue.

Symptoms of Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome

Pain, the type that is persistent or intermittent, is the primary symptom of AMPS. After an illness or accident, the symptoms may appear immediately or weeks later. Even without severe injuries, the discomfort may still manifest. Other symptoms that may occur include:

Headache
Abdominal pain
Dizziness
Joint pain
Increased sensitivity with normal contact of the skin
Decreased mobility or use of the affected area of the body
Fatigue or trouble sleeping
Anxiety, depression, or other related concerns

What Are the Causes of Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)?

Injury, disease, and psychological stress are the three main reasons for magnified pain. Age, heredity, and hormones are among other variables that may have an impact. These elements frequently coexist and end up making the pain even worse in many patients. Other causes are explained below.

Injuries

Children especially tend to have significant injuries, such as fractured bones, mild to severe musculoskeletal injuries, or postoperative discomfort. The signs of AMPS might appear abruptly or gradually over several weeks.

Illnesses

Although illness is a rare cause of AMPS by itself, inflammatory diseases including arthritis, tendonitis, myositis, or enthesitis are more frequently associated with AMPS. Other conditions, including mononucleosis, gastroenteritis, or influenza may also be the initial cause of AMPS beginning to flare up.

Psychological Stress

Stress may be a complicating factor and a cause of amplified pain as well. Stressors can be large or small and can encompass events, emotions, and personality types. There are all sorts of ways that psychological stress can begin for someone, but it’s important to know that it can lead to an AMPS diagnosis.

How is AMPS Diagnosed?

An AMPS diagnosis is often made after ruling out other options, such as infection or a musculoskeletal injury, as pain is a sign of several illnesses and ailments. When diagnosing children with magnified pain, it is essential to consider their physical and emotional histories thoroughly. An AMPS diagnosis can be made with a physical examination and a thorough review of family history by a doctor competently treating the disorder.³

How is Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome Treated in Children?

Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome can be treated in children with different approaches and a comprehensive plan. Treatment methods may include:

Exercise plans
Physical therapy and occupational therapy
Selected medications
Psychological counseling or other therapies
Music therapy to help the child relax
Wellness treatments, including biofeedback, meditation, and mind-body skills
Desensitization treatment

How to Prevent Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome?

AMPS may be prevented by attempting to avoid the main causes. This is not always possible, but attempting to avoid accidents or psychological stressors as best as one can is a good way to try to prevent the disease. However, there are no certainties of this, as more research is being carried out to determine exactly how to prevent AMPS.

The prognosis for AMPS tends to be a chronic (long-term) illness, depending on what type of stressors the child or adult went through, along with what types of therapies they are provided for treatment. Most children who receive intense treatment achieve a full recovery (up to 85% of them).⁴

Get Treatment For an AMPS Diagnosis at J. Flowers Health Institute

At J. Flower Health Institute, we are here to help you exhibit positive changes in your health. We have an experienced medical team to help you or a loved one recover from an AMPS diagnosis as soon as possible. We have recorded successful treatments for AMPS patients and are committed to ensuring your recovery as well.

Contact us today if you need assistance with dealing with amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome. We will be with you every step of the way through the process.

Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS) Diagnosis