Patient Presentations in a Community Pain Clinic after COVID-19 Infection or Vaccination: A Case-Series Approach

Early case report studies and anecdotes from patients, medical colleagues, and social media suggest that patients may present to chronic pain clinics with a number of complaints post COVID-19 infection or vaccination. The aim of this study is to systematically report on a consecutive series of chronic pain patients seen in a community-based pain clinic, who acquired symptoms after COVID-19 infection or vaccination.

This retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study identified all patients seen at the clinic over a 4-month period (January-April 2022) with persistent symptoms after COVID-19 infection, vaccination, or both. Information was collected on sex, gender, age, details of vaccination, new pains, or exacerbation of old pain plus the development of novel symptoms.

The study identified 21 community dwellers (17 females and 4 males; F/M 4.25/1; age range 22-79 years; mean age 46.3 years), with symptoms attributed to COVID-19 infection or vaccination. Several patients suffered exacerbation of previous pains or developed novel pains, as well as high levels of anxiety and mood disorders. A review of the existing literature provides support for the spectrum of symptoms displayed by the study group.

Information collected in this study will add to the body of COVID-19-related literature and assist particularly community practitioners in recognizing and managing these conditions.