DEFINING MILD, MODERATE, AND SEVERE PAIN IN YOUNG PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

Disabil Rehabil., 2017 · DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1185469 · Published: June 1, 2017

Simple Explanation

This study sought to define pain intensity levels (mild, moderate, severe) in young people with physical disabilities. The study found that the cutoffs for average pain and worst pain differ, indicating different interpretations are needed. These findings can help clinicians make better decisions about pain treatment for young people with disabilities.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

113 young people with physical disabilities

Evidence Level

Level 3, Survey study

Key Findings

1
The study found a non-linear association between pain intensity and pain interference.
2
Optimal cutoffs for average pain were: 0–3 for mild, 4–6 for moderate, and 7–10 for severe.
3
Optimal cutoffs for worst pain were: 0–4 for mild, 5–6 for moderate, and 7–10 for severe.

Research Summary

This study aimed to identify appropriate cutoffs for classifying average and worst pain intensity in young people with physical disabilities. The results suggest that different cutoffs are needed for average pain versus worst pain to classify pain intensity as mild, moderate, or severe. The findings highlight the need for different cutoffs for classifying pain intensity in young people with disabilities compared to adults with chronic pain.

Practical Implications

Treatment Decisions

Clinicians should interpret 0-10 pain scores differently based on whether they represent average or worst pain when making treatment decisions.

Tailored Interventions

Treatment discussions with young patients may be reasonable when pain intensity is 3 or greater, and especially important at 5 or more.

Future Research

Further research is needed to determine if cutoff values differ based on specific disability diagnoses.

Study Limitations

1
The sample included young people with five different disability diagnoses, and the number of participants in each diagnostic group differed.
2
Pain is a subjective experience influenced by physical, psychological, and social factors.
3
Additional studies with other samples of young people with disabilities and chronic pain are needed.

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