Interference due to pain following spinal cord injury: important predictors and impact on quality of life

Abstract

Two studies were designed to examine important predictors of pain following spinal cord injury (SCI), and the impact of pain on self-reported quality of life (QOL). Pain was defined as "interference in day-to-day activities secondary to pain". In order to determine risk factors associated with the development of pain interference, Study 1 examined the predictive validity of multiple demographic, medical, and QOL variables at year 1 post-SCI to self-reported pain interference 2 years post-injury. Results showed that middle age (30-59-year-olds), lower self-reported mental health, and pain interference at 1 year post-SCI were the most important unique predictors of pain interference 2 years post-SCI. In Study 2, participants were separated into four groups; (1) those pain-free at years 1 and 2, (2) those pain-free at year 1 and in pain at year 2, (3) those in pain at year 1 and pain-free at year 2, and (4) those in pain at years 1 and 2. Results showed that only those experiencing a change in pain interference status reported a change in QOL. More specifically, those developing pain interference (group 2) from year 1 to year 2 reported decreased life satisfaction, physical health, and mental health, whereas, those with resolving pain interference from year 1 to year 2 reported an increase in these same domains. Unexpectedly, change in pain interference status was unrelated to change in self-reported handicap. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Quality of sleep in individuals with spinal cord injury: a comparison between patients with and without pain

“…As one of the major consequences of SCI, pain has been found to affect quality of life, [1][2][3][4][5][6] leisure time activities, 5,7 vocational status, 7,8 and sexuality. 9 In non-SCI populations, poor sleep quality has been found in patients suffering from different health conditions such as obstructive pulmonary diseases, diabetes, rheumatic diseases, 10 and chronic pain conditions [11][12][13][14] as well as in patients suffering from affective disorders.…”

Pain following spinal cord injury: the impact on community reintegration

“…Pain has been found to negatively impact the physical and emotional health and quality of life of individuals with a SCI. [22][23][24] Although there are many definitions of community integration, each includes the idea of participation and involvement in one's roles and activities. 25 Therefore, it may be this direct influence of pain on the physical and emotional dimensions of an individual that are indirectly influencing an individual's ability to fully integrate into their community.…”

The Natural-Fit Handrim: Factors Related To Improvement In Symptoms And Function In Wheelchair Users

“…Shechtman (22) reported that shoulder pain was associated with age for a wheelchair user group compared with an able-bodied group. Putzke et al (16) noted lower pain levels in younger and older subjects, whereas Salisbury et al (24) noted just the opposite, with lower pain in middle-aged subjects. However, separating age and time spent in a wheelchair is difficult, and several studies noted no relationship between these factors and pain in the UEs.…”

“…Nearly 94% of people with SCI reported pain in the UEs at some time, (16) with 70% reporting current UE pain (17,18). The most common site is the shoulder followed by wrists and hands (2,6,19).…”