Management of Pain After Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Chronic pain affects most people with spinal cord injury (SCI). It often impedes performance of activities of daily living and negatively impacts quality of life. Pain after SCI can be classified into subtypes through use of the International SCI Pain Classification with key attributes of the pain necessary for effective monitoring and treatment collected within the International SCI Pain Basic Data Set. Many nociceptive causes of pain seen after SCI are potentially treatable and preventable through the implementation of strategies for preventing overuse injuries. Neuropathic pain, in contrast, has been historically difficult to treat. Options for the treatment of neuropathic pain types which have demonstrated some effectiveness include various adjuvant pharmacological agents, neuromodulatory techniques, and psychological approaches.

Secondary conditions in a community sample of people with spinal cord damage

“…In the S-FAS questions participants were asked to self-report their functioning in the above domains, with their responses corresponding to a numerical rating from 1 to 3, 4 or 5 (1=highest functioning). A total S-FAS score (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19) was calculated by summing the responses (higher the total the lower the functioning) as explained in the appendix. A full copy of the survey is available for the author upon request.…”

“…The most common secondary conditions reported following SCD are pressure ulcers, 5,6 pain, 7,8 spasticity, 9,10 urinary tract infections and other bladder problems, 11 bowel functioning (including incontinence), 12,13 and problems with musculoskeletal, 14 respiratory (e.g. pneumonia), 15 and cardiovascular systems.…”