Comparing Quantification of Pain Severity by Verbal Rating and Numeric Rating Scales

J Spinal Cord Med, 2010 · DOI: · Published: June 1, 2010

Simple Explanation

The study examines how well two common pain scales, the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), compare when used by people with spinal cord injuries. Researchers found weak correlations between the two scales, suggesting people may interpret the scales differently. The conclusion is that both VRS and NRS data should be used cautiously by clinicians and researchers when assessing pain in SCI patients due to individual differences in how the scales are understood and used.

Study Duration

Longitudinal observational study

Participants

168 individuals with new traumatic SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study found a weak correlation (rho = 0.38) between VRS and NRS ratings across 1,114 pain ratings.
2
The correlation between VRS and NRS ratings varied widely among individuals, ranging from -0.55 to 0.76.
3
There were significant differences between individuals in how they used the NRS to rate pain described by the same VRS adjective.

Research Summary

This study compared the use of Verbal Rating Scales (VRS) and Numeric Rating Scales (NRS) for quantifying pain severity in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The results indicated a weak correlation between the two scales, with substantial individual variability in how the scales were used and interpreted. The authors conclude that caution is warranted when using VRS and NRS data in clinical and research settings for SCI patients due to these inconsistencies.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Clinicians should be cautious when interpreting pain severity scores from VRS and NRS in SCI patients and consider individual differences in scale usage.

Research

Researchers should be aware of the limitations of VRS and NRS when measuring pain in SCI populations and consider using multiple measures to confirm treatment effectiveness.

Scale Improvement

Further research is needed to modify pain severity assessment instruments to reduce bias and variability in SCI populations.

Study Limitations

1
The patient’s recent injuries distressed them.
2
Traumatic brain injuries (diagnosed or undiagnosed), medications, confusion resulting from the hustle and bustle of a busy rehabilitation program, and new bodily sensations (including pain) all may have contributed to random error in rating pain severity.
3
The weak correlation between NRS and VRS reported here may be blamed on the nature of the VRS used.

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