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Pain after spinal cord injury
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America
|February 19, 2000
Summary
Effective spinal cord injury (SCI) pain management requires identifying the injury level and type. Tailoring treatments to specific pain subtypes, whether nociceptive or neuropathic, offers the best relief possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently results in chronic pain, significantly impacting patient quality of life.
- Accurate pain assessment and classification are crucial for effective management following SCI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a systematic approach for evaluating and categorizing pain in individuals with SCI.
- To guide the development of evidence-based, subtype-specific treatment strategies for SCI-related pain.
Main Methods:
- Assessment begins with determining the neurologic level and completeness of the SCI.
- Pain is localized to regions relative to the injury level (above, at, or below).
- Pain is categorized as nociceptive or neuropathic and further classified into specific subtypes.
Main Results:
- A structured diagnostic process allows for precise pain localization and characterization.
- Evidence-based treatment plans can be developed based on the identified pain subtype.
- Treatment modalities include physical, pharmacologic, behavioral, and surgical interventions, often in combination.
Conclusions:
- A systematic, subtype-specific approach to SCI pain evaluation and treatment is essential.
- While complete pain relief may not always be achievable, targeted interventions can provide significant symptom management.
- Personalized treatment plans improve outcomes for individuals experiencing pain after SCI.