Context

Pain-related conditions affect an estimated 15–25% of children. These conditions are twice as prevalent as asthma and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with a similar prevalence to obesity. Unlike the three other conditions which are known to impose a heavy economic burden on families and society, little is known about the economic impact of paediatric pain-related conditions. The objectives of this study, therefore, are twofold: (1) to assess the impact of paediatric pain-related conditions on national healthcare expenditures and (2) to compare incremental healthcare expenditures associated with paediatric pain-related conditions relative to asthma, ADHD and obesity in children.