The impact of pain on function after spinal cord injury

Pain is a common complication of spinal cord injuries (SCI). Our objective was to quantify those who had pain on discharge from rehabilitation, and the level of interference it had on their functionality.

This study used data collected prospectively from 2018 to 2019 via the New Zealand Spinal Cord Injury Registry (NZSCIR). Questionnaires completed by patients on discharge provided the necessary data. Primary outcomes were the number of patients reporting pain, and the level of interference with their activities of daily living (ADLs), mood and sleep. Level of interference was quantified via a score from zero to 10. Scores of seven and above were considered "severe" interference.

Seventy-six-point six percent of patients in this study group reported having pain on discharge. The median scores for interference with functionality were all three out of 10. Twenty-three-point eight percent of patients reported severe interference with sleep, 16.7% with ADLs and 16.2% with mood.

The number of patients being discharged with pain from SCI rehabilitation units in New Zealand is similar to figures from other literature. Although significant functional impairments were not found overall, focus remains to optimise management for patients who do report "severe" interference.