Pain following Spinal Cord Injury: The Impact on Community Reintegration

Spinal Cord, 2005 · DOI: 10.1038/sj.sc.3101702 · Published: May 1, 2005

Spinal Cord Injury Pain Management Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how pain impacts people with spinal cord injuries as they transition back into their communities. The study found that a large number of individuals with SCI experience pain that affects their daily activities and their sense of community integration. Addressing pain during rehabilitation and early community transition is crucial for successful reintegration.

Study Duration

2 Years

Participants

66 individuals with traumatic spinal cord injuries

Evidence Level

Level 2; Prospective, correlational study

Key Findings

1
86% of individuals with SCI reported pain at 6 months post-discharge, with 27% reporting pain impacting many or most activities.
2
Pain intensity was a significant factor, accounting for 25% of the variance in community reintegration scores.
3
Pain impact and pain intensity were related to community re-integration (r=−0.39 and r=−0.55, p<.001).

Research Summary

The study examined how pain changes during recovery from spinal cord injury (SCI) and its relationship with community integration. A significant proportion of individuals with SCI reported pain at 6 months post-discharge, which impacted their activities and community reintegration. Pain intensity was found to be a major factor affecting community reintegration, highlighting the need to address pain management during rehabilitation and community transition.

Practical Implications

Improved Pain Management

Emphasize the need for effective pain management strategies during both rehabilitation and the transition to community living to improve community reintegration outcomes.

Targeted Support Systems

Develop and implement support systems such as outpatient support groups and early community follow-up assessments to address pain issues post-discharge.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Programs

Integrate pain management into comprehensive rehabilitation programs to address the physical and emotional dimensions of pain and improve an individual's ability to fully integrate into their community.

Study Limitations

1
Participants were from only one rehabilitation program, which may limit the generalizability.
2
The study did not examine types of pain or pain location.
3
Lack of a gold-standard in pain assessment for individuals with SCI.

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