Pain assessment methods in mechanical dysfunction

This paper considers the reliability and validity of pain assessment methods in mechanical dysfunction. A distinction is drawn between measures of subjective report and those of pain behaviour. The latter is observable and therefore more amenable to direct study than subjective report. Measures of subjective report include rating scales, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and diary cards. Consideration is also given to personality assessment in this context. It is concluded that measurement needs to proceed from a number of standpoints, with the importance of each of these dependent upon the context. For chronic pain, emphasis on pain behaviours is appropriate.