Pain management following new and long-standing spinal cord injury

a pilot study of changes in pain intensity experienced during the day

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine variations in pain intensity during the day experienced by patients with spinal cord injury. Fourteen consecutive patients had clinical and demographic data recorded. Pain intensity was recorded using a Graphic Rating Scale (GRS) at 2–3-h intervals. Patients were grouped according to maximum GRS into mild and severe groups at assessment (T0). Changes of one-third in GRS were deemed clinically significant. Eight men and six women (mean age 53.1; SD 16.5; range 28–75) were studied. Seven patients with mild pain tended to deteriorate and those with severe pain to improve. Eight patients demonstrated clinically significant changes. These findings suggest inadequate pain control early morning for one group and increasing pain during the day for another. Use of such simple scores over time would enhance pain rehabilitation for all spinal cord injury patients. Usual GRS reporting may mask clinically significant, treatable, changes in pain.