Pain Location and Functioning in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Identifier:  PC:528

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/PC528

Authors:  Miró, J.; Gertz, K.J.; Carter, G.T.; Jensen, M.P.

Abstract:
Background: The influence of pain location and extent on functioning in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and chronic pain is not well understood. Objective: To investigate the correlations between pain location and extent to determine which pain domains may be important to assess and potentially target in treating chronic pain in SCI populations. Design: Prospective, observational study. Setting: University medical center. Participants: A total of 259 persons with an SCI and chronic pain. Methods: Postal mail survey questionnaire. Main Outcome Measurements: Pain sites, pain extent (number of sites), pain intensity in specific body locations, pain interference, and physical and psychological functioning. Results: A positive association between pain extent and intensity with pain interference (r= 0.33, P< .01) and a negative association with psychological functioning were noted in the study sample (r=-0.21, P< .01). Pain intensity in the lower back and legs (r= 0.55, P< .01) and a number of other sites showed strong associations with patient functioning. Correlation with psychological functioning was significant but weaker (r=-0.22, P< .01 for the lower back and legs). Ambulatory status had only a small moderating effect on the associations between pain intensity in specific sites and pain interference and no effect on psychological functioning. Conclusions: The findings support the importance of assessing pain intensity at specific locations as a part of a thorough evaluation of chronic pain, as well as the importance of addressing pain at multiple sites, when managing pain in persons with an SCI.