Pain intensity, pain interference and characteristics of spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord, 2008 · DOI: 10.1038/sc.2008.5 · Published: June 1, 2008

Spinal Cord Injury Pain Management Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to understand pain experiences in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), focusing on pain intensity, location, and how pain interferes with daily life. It investigated whether the location of pain varied depending on the injury site and other patient characteristics. The researchers conducted a postal survey involving 238 adults with SCI, collecting data on pain intensity, interference, demographic factors, and medical history. The study sought to identify connections between these factors and pain experiences. The results showed that pain intensity was generally moderate, and pain was common across various body locations. While some associations were found between injury level and pain location, demographic and other medical variables were not strongly linked to pain intensity or interference.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

238 adults with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Persons with higher level injuries were more likely to report upper extremity pain than persons with paraplegic injuries.
2
The lower body was the location of the highest pain ratings, regardless of the level of injury.
3
Demographic and medical variables, including SCI level, were generally not associated with pain prevalence, intensity and interference.

Research Summary

This study examined the prevalence, intensity, and interference of pain in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). It investigated the relationship between pain characteristics and patient demographics, SCI level, and other medical variables. The findings indicated that pain is common and of moderate intensity across various body locations in persons with SCI. SCI level was associated with pain location, specifically upper extremity pain in higher-level injuries. The lower body reported highest pain ratings. Demographic and medical variables were generally not associated with pain prevalence, intensity, and interference. The study suggests the importance of identifying and treating the most severe and interfering pains in individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Targeted Pain Management

Clinicians should consider the level of SCI when assessing and managing pain, particularly focusing on upper extremity pain in individuals with higher level injuries.

Comprehensive Pain Assessment

Pain assessment should include evaluation of pain across multiple body locations, with specific attention to lower body pain, regardless of the level of injury.

Psychological Factors Consideration

Given the limited association between medical variables and pain, psychological factors should be considered in the management of pain in SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The restricted ethnic diversity of the sample limits generalizability of results.
2
The study was also limited by the low number of persons with higher level cervical injuries.
3
Data and methods allowing for systematic classification of SCI pain were not available.

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