Korean J Pain.  2015 Apr;28(2):129-136. 10.3344/kjp.2015.28.2.129.

Evaluation of Pain and Its Effect on Quality of Life and Functioning in Men with Spinal Cord Injury

• Hassanijirdehi M
• Khak M
• Afshari-Mirak S
• Holakouie-Naieni K
• Saadat S
• Taheri T
• Rahimi-Movaghar V

• KMID: 2278276
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2015.28.2.129

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Pain is one of the most important consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI). It may affect several aspects of life, especially the quality of life (QoL). Hence, this study was conducted to establish an understanding of pain and its correlates and effects on patients with SCI in our community.
METHODS
In a cross-sectional study, 58 male veterans suffering from SCI were admitted to our center for a regular follow-up. Demographic and SCI-related descriptive information were gathered using a self-reported questionnaire. To evaluate the patients' pain quality and the effect of pain on daily life, a questionnaire in 3 parts of lumbar, cervical and shoulder pain was administered. EuroQoL questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) 12 were also used to assess the patients' QoL.
RESULTS
The mean age of the participants was 45.91 +/- 6.69 with mean injury time of 25.54 +/- 5.91. forty-four patients (75.9%) reported pain, including lumbar pain (63%), cervical pain (39%) and shoulder pain (51%). The presence of pain was associated with lower QoL. Patients with lumbar pain reported a significant amount of pain affecting their daily life and this effect was higher in patients with lower GHQ score or anxiety/depressive disorder.
CONCLUSIONS
Musculoskeletal pain, is a common complaint in veterans with SCI and is inversely associated with functioning and general health status. Lumbar and shoulder pain affects patient's daily living more than cervical pain.

Keyword

Anxiety; Back pain; Depressive disorder; Musculoskeletal pain; Neck pain; Quality of life; Questionnaires; Shoulder pain; Spinal cord injury

MeSH Terms

Anxiety
Back Pain
Cross-Sectional Studies
Depressive Disorder
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Male
Musculoskeletal Pain
Neck Pain
Quality of Life*
Surveys and Questionnaires
Shoulder Pain
Spinal Cord Injuries*
Veterans

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The demographics of the patients' quality of life assessed by EuroQoL questionnaire. EuroQoL: Euro Quality of Life.

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