Changes in pain and quality of life in depressed individuals with spinal cord injury: does type of pain matter?

This study looked at how different types of pain (neuropathic and nociceptive) affect the quality of life in people with spinal cord injuries who are also depressed. The study also looked at whether changes in pain affected mobility and independence. The study found that lower levels of nociceptive pain interference at the start of the study were linked to higher satisfaction with life and better mental health at the end of the 12-week study period. Lower levels of neuropathic pain interference were linked to changes in physical independence. The researchers concluded that the type of pain experienced after a spinal cord injury might affect how pain interference relates to quality of life. However, they found no strong links between pain and quality of life in this group of depressed individuals with spinal cord injuries.

• 1
  Lower baseline nociceptive pain interference was associated with higher satisfaction with life and mental health-related QoL at 12 weeks.
• 2
  Lower neuropathic pain interference was associated with change in physical independence, but unrelated to mobility.
• 3
  Overall, there were no extensive relationships between pain and QoL in this sample of depressed persons with SCI.