Self-concept: an outcome of a program for spinal pain

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Psychology
• Pain Management

Background:

• Chronic spinal pain significantly impacts patients' self-concept and quality of life.
• Multidisciplinary inpatient programs are utilized to manage chronic pain conditions.
• The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS) is a validated instrument for assessing self-concept.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of a 4-week inpatient program on the self-concept of patients with chronic spinal pain.
• To compare changes in self-concept between patients completing the program, those who did not, and a control group with rheumatoid arthritis.

Main Methods:

• Fifty patients with chronic spinal pain participated in a 4-week inpatient program.
• Interventions included increased activity/walking, patient education, reduced pain medication, and reinforcement of non-pain behaviors.
• The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS) was administered at admission, discharge, and 1, 3, and 6 months post-discharge.

Main Results:

• Patients with chronic spinal pain showed significant improvement on 8 scales of the TSCS post-program.
• Self-concept scores for the spinal pain group remained elevated at 6-month follow-up.
• A quasi-control group of rheumatoid arthritis patients exhibited stable TSCS scores over the same period.

Conclusions:

• The 4-week inpatient program demonstrated a positive and lasting effect on the self-concept of individuals with chronic spinal pain.
• This multidisciplinary approach should be considered as a valuable treatment option for patients suffering from chronic spinal pain.
• Improvements in self-concept may contribute to better long-term management and well-being in chronic pain populations.