Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS) is a chronic pain condition most commonly seen in children and teens (especially pre-teen girls), where the nervous system amplifies normal sensations into intense, often debilitating pain—without any ongoing injury, inflammation, or tissue damage.

The pain can be localized (e.g., one limb) or diffuse (widespread, sometimes called juvenile fibromyalgia), intermittent or constant, and may include extreme sensitivity to touch (allodynia), where even light contact feels excruciating. Other common symptoms include fatigue, sleep issues, headaches, abdominal pain, and sometimes skin changes like swelling, temperature differences, or color shifts.

Early recognition is crucial! —many kids suffer prolonged misdiagnosis (often dismissed as "growing pains" or psychological), leading to missed school, activities, and emotional distress. Prompt referral to a pediatric rheumatologist can dramatically shorten diagnosis time and help restore normal function through intensive physical/occupational therapy, exercise, and psychological support (not medications as primary treatment).