Research: NORRBRINK BUDH and co-workers,

Listed in Issue 134

Abstract

NORRBRINK BUDH and co-workers, Spinalis SCI Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, have assessed a comprehensive pain management programme for neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury.

Background

The aim of this study was to assess whether a comprehensive multidisciplinary pain management programme could contribute to improvement regarding sleep quality, mood, life satisfaction, health-related quality of life, sense of coherence and pain for patients with a spinal cord injury and neuropathic pain.

Methodology

In this prospective intervention study, 27 patients with spinal cord injury and neuropathic pain participated in a pain management programme in parallel with 11 patients in a control group. A comprehensive pain management programme was created for patients with spinal cord injury and neuropathic pain. The pain management programme consisted of 20 sessions over a 10-week period and included educational sessions, behavioural therapy, relaxation, stretching, light exercise and body awareness training. All patients were followed-up 3, 6 and 12 months after completion of the programme.

Results

At the 12-month follow-up, levels of anxiety and depression in the treatment group decreased compared with baseline values, and a tendency towards better quality of sleep was seen. In comparison with the control group, patients in the treatment group improved in their sense of coherence and depression.

Conclusion

A multidimensional pain management programme can be a valuable complement in the treatment of spinal cord injured patients with neuropathic pain.

References

Norrbrink Budh C, Kowalski J, Lundeberg T. A comprehensive pain management programme comprising educational, cognitive and behavioural interventions for neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 38 (3): 172-180, May 2006.

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