Experiences of Living with Pain after a Spinal Cord Injury
Abstract
Persistent chronic pain is prevalent after a spinal cord injury (SCI), with about two-thirds of persons with SCI reporting persistent pain despite available treatments. There is a risk for a significant psychosocial impact and a substantially reduced quality of life. The primary goal of the study is to identify barriers and facilitators to coping and management of persistent pain and its impact on activities and participation after SCI. We have successfully completed administrative and other study-related tasks (e.g., database setup, training), and recruited participants consistent with our recruitment goals. The interim analysis has identified 8 overarching areas consistent with our aims and the biopsychosocial perspective of pain (i.e., pain aggravation, coping, self-remedies, experiences/attitudes to treatments & clinical trials, access to pain management, education, social environment, and pain impact). The impact that pain has on an individual's life is determined by a combination of biological factors, including injury and pain types, coping strategies and self-remedies, experiences and attitudes to treatments, access to pain treatment and information, and social environment. We are making progress towards an integrated model for living with SCI and chronic pain that considers the diversity of this population and the perceived barriers and facilitators to successful living.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA622250
Entities
People
- Eva G. Widerstrom-noga
Organizations
- University of Miami