Neuropathic Pain Post Spinal Cord Injury Part 1: Systematic Review of Physical and Behavioral Treatment

Neuropathic pain is a common and persistent problem after spinal cord injury (SCI), impacting quality of life. It is often managed with both medications and non-drug treatments. This review examines the effectiveness of physical (e.g., electrical stimulation, acupuncture) and behavioral (e.g., cognitive therapy, hypnosis) therapies for neuropathic pain in SCI. The study found varying levels of evidence for different non-drug treatments, with some showing promise in reducing pain or improving coping, but more research is needed.

• 1
  Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) shows the strongest evidence for reducing neuropathic pain after SCI, based on multiple RCTs.
• 2
  Combined osteopathic treatment and pregabalin provide greater pain relief than either treatment alone.
• 3
  Behavioral pain management programs may improve mood, coping, and sleep quality, but do not consistently reduce neuropathic pain levels.