Patterns of Pain and Nonpainful Sensations Experienced During the First 12 Months After Spinal Cord Injury

To describe the prevalence, interference, and intensity of subtypes of pain (at-level and below-level neuropathic pain [NeuP] and axial and limb musculoskeletal [MSK] pain) and the prevalence of nonpainful sensations (NPSs; unpleasant and nonunpleasant) experienced during the first 12 months after spinal cord injury (SCI).

A prospective cohort study with clinician assessment of pain and survey administration at 3 timepoints SETTING: Four academic SCI rehabilitation centers.

A total of 189 individuals (N=189), English-speaking and aged 18 years or older, with complete and incomplete acute traumatic SCI, with or without pain were included.

Not applicable.

International SCI Pain Basic Data Set.

At baseline, at-level NeuP and axial neck and upper back MSK pain were most reported, whereas at 12 months, at-level and below-level NeuP were reported, with the percentage of participants with at-level NeuP remaining stable from baseline to 12 months. During the year, the percentage of participants reporting below-level NeuP steadily increased, whereas the percentage with all types of MSK pain decreased. Electrical- and stabbing-related and thermal-related descriptors were used more frequently to describe pain than to describe NPS, whereas numbness and tingling-related descriptors were the most frequently used for both pain and NPS. Pain intensity and interference were variable throughout the year.

At-level NeuP remains consistent, and MSK pain resolves over the first year for most people. However, more people develop below-level NeuP as the first year progresses. Pain intensity and interference are variable, presenting without a clear pattern during this time period.