Assessment of pain symptoms and quality of life using the International Spinal Cord Injury Data Sets in persons with chronic spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-019-0178-8 · Published: March 17, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Pain Management

Simple Explanation

This study investigated pain and quality of life (QoL) in people with long-term spinal cord injury (SCI) using standardized data sets. The study found that most participants with SCI experienced multiple types of pain, even while receiving treatment. Nociceptive pain was most common, but neuropathic pain was often more intense. Individuals with SCI reported significantly lower QoL compared to able-bodied individuals, with pain potentially contributing to this reduction.

Study Duration

6 months

Participants

31 participants with chronic SCI and 28 able-bodied persons

Evidence Level

Prospective observational pilot study

Key Findings

1
Most participants with SCI reported having multiple types and locations of pain, despite receiving treatment for pain.
2
Nociceptive pain was the most commonly reported type, but neuropathic pain was typically rated as more intense.
3
QoL scores were significantly lower across all domains for individuals with SCI compared to able-bodied individuals.

Research Summary

This study used International SCI Data Sets to assess pain and quality of life (QoL) in adults with chronic SCI. The study found a high prevalence of complex and persistent pain symptoms in individuals with SCI, often refractory to treatment. Nociceptive pain was the most common type, while neuropathic pain tended to be more intense. Individuals with SCI reported significantly lower QoL compared to able-bodied individuals. There was a trend toward lower QoL scores in those with pain, though not statistically significant.

Practical Implications

Improved Pain Management Strategies

Develop more effective and targeted pain management strategies for individuals with chronic SCI, considering the complexity and persistence of pain symptoms.

Enhanced QoL Interventions

Implement interventions to improve QoL in individuals with SCI, addressing physical, psychological, and social factors that contribute to lower QoL.

Standardized Data Collection

Promote the use of standardized data sets like the International SCI Data Sets to facilitate comparable data collection and improve understanding of pain and QoL in SCI.

Assessment of pain symptoms and quality of life using the International Spinal Cord Injury Data Sets in persons with chronic spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Pain Management Strategies

Enhanced QoL Interventions

Standardized Data Collection

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Assessment of pain symptoms and quality of life using the International Spinal Cord Injury Data Sets in persons with chronic spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Pain Management Strategies

Enhanced QoL Interventions

Standardized Data Collection

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?