Study design: A survey of chronic pain experience after spinal cord injury. Objective: To investigate the prevalence, severity and impact of chronic pain amongst spinal cord injury (SCI) patients in our region, and assess the need for additional resources to address the problem. Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to 216 spinal cord injury patients (10% of the Yorkshire regional spinal injury database). Setting: Yorkshire region, UK. Results: A response was received from 67% of the patients. Seventy-nine per cent of patients said they presently suered with pain, with 39% describing it as severe. Comparison of pain and non-pain groups using chi-squared analysis showed that complete injury was signi®cantly more likely than incomplete injury to result in chronic pain (P50.05), and increased severity of pain (P50.05). 43% of patients with pain said they required further treatment for it. Chronic pain had a signi®cant impact on daily activities and was a major factor in causing unemployment (18%) and depression (39%). Conclusion: The study con®rms that pain is a major problem in SCI patients which is not currently being adequately addressed. A multidisciplinary approach to management and prospective studies of treatments are required in order to reduce the prevalence and severity of pain in these patients. Spinal Cord (2000) 38, 611 ± 614
Nearly one-quarter of participants had pressure sores at the time of the survey. Periodic weight lifts and daily inspection of skin for pressure damage were not associated with decreased prevalence of pressure sores in this sample. However, those who inspected skin daily tended to detect pressure damage early.
Our survey has demonstrated the uncertainty that exists amongst specialists dealing with pain after SCI, and emphasised the need for more research into the problem.
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