Barb
Hello, I am very sorry to hear of your daughter having such pain at a young age. However, do not go for the "growing pains" adage! I am a 47 year old woman who has just been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. This is a connective-tissue and muscle condition. It does not show up on blood tests, but by process of elimnation, it is diagnosed. Another diagnostic tool that a doctor uses is the "trigger points". These are areas of the body, when pressed will be very painful! There are 18 of these "trigger points" and the criteria to being diagnosed is to have at least 11 of the 18 cause a lot of pain when pressed. It is primarily a condition (syndrome) found in women (about 90%) in their 40's but can be as young as your daughter's age! To date, there is no known cause, or cure. Treatments are many though. Much more is being researched on fibromyalgia syndrome than ever before. I would take your daughter to see a Rheumatologist. This is where MOST diagnoses for Fibromyalgia is done. Is she fatigued a lot? There are many symptoms but the major ones are pain and fatigue. Please email me if any other questions, and best of luck finding a diagnosis for your daughter. Perhaps discuss this with her doctor (does she see a pediatrician)? If so, bring up this particular syndrome to him/her.