Chronic pain among Lebanese individuals with spinal cord injury: Pain interference and impact on quality of life

Curr J Neurol, 2023 · DOI: 10.18502/cjn.v22i4.14529 · Published: August 14, 2023

Neurology Pain Management Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores chronic pain in Lebanese individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and its effect on their quality of life (QOL). It investigates the prevalence of chronic pain, the factors that worsen pain, and the relationship between pain and QOL in this specific population. The research involved surveying 81 Lebanese individuals with SCI, collecting data on their sociodemographic characteristics, SCI-related information, pain experiences, and QOL using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). The study found that chronic pain is common among Lebanese individuals with SCI and is significantly linked to employment status and the type of pain experienced. Specifically, being unemployed and having neuropathic pain were associated with lower QOL.

Study Duration

3 months

Participants

81 Lebanese individuals with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Chronic pain is highly prevalent (81.5%) among Lebanese individuals with SCI, with neuropathic pain being the most common type.
2
Employment status, type of pain (neuropathic/non-neuropathic), and pain severity are significantly associated with pain interference.
3
Unemployed participants and those with severe chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain, reported lower quality of life.

Research Summary

This study assessed chronic pain and its associated factors among Lebanese individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) to determine the impact of pain on their quality of life (QOL). The results indicated that chronic pain is highly prevalent among this population, with a significant portion experiencing neuropathic pain. Factors such as employment status and pain type significantly affected pain interference and QOL. The study concludes that managing chronic pain and addressing its associated factors are essential for improving the QOL of Lebanese individuals with SCI, emphasizing the need for targeted rehabilitation practices.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Programs

Targeted rehabilitation programs should be developed to address chronic pain and its associated factors in individuals with SCI.

Employment Support

Efforts should be made to support the employment of individuals with SCI to improve their quality of life and reduce pain interference.

Pain Management

Pain management strategies should be tailored to address the specific type of pain experienced by individuals with SCI, particularly neuropathic pain.

Study Limitations

1
Potential underestimation of important variables such as coping and pain adaptation.
2
Sample size inadequately similar to SCI-pain studies.
3
Findings based on self-reported data, potentially influenced by personal and psychological factors.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Neurology