Guidelines for chronic pain in adult spinal cord injury population: Scoping review

South African Journal of Physiotherapy, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v80i1.1931 · Published: May 6, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Pain Management Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to identify existing clinical practice guidelines for chronic pain in the spinal cord injury (SCI) population. A scoping review was conducted across various databases available at the University of the Western Cape, in addition to guideline clearing houses. Five articles were included in the data extraction, analysis and appraisal. Two guidelines were rated as high quality, according to the AGREE II tool.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Adults with SCI

Evidence Level

Scoping review

Key Findings

1
One guideline met all the objectives of this scoping review.
2
Most guidelines focused on neuropathic pain (NeuP) and only one guideline included nociceptive pain and NeuP.
3
Two guidelines were rated as high quality, according to the AGREE II tool.

Research Summary

This scoping review aimed to identify and critically appraise existing clinical practice guidelines for chronic pain management in the spinal cord injury (SCI) population. The review found that most guidelines focused on neuropathic pain, with only one addressing both nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. Two guidelines were identified as high quality based on the AGREE II tool. The study suggests future research directions, including assessing pain mechanisms, implementing quantitative sensory testing, differentiating peripheral from central neuropathic pain, including chronic nociceptive pain treatment, and evaluating multimodal and psychotherapy treatments.

Practical Implications

Comprehensive Pain Management

Future guidelines should incorporate both neuropathic and nociceptive pain management strategies to address the full spectrum of chronic pain experienced by SCI patients.

Differential Diagnosis

Guidelines should emphasize the importance of differentiating between central and peripheral neuropathic pain to tailor treatments effectively, considering the different underlying mechanisms.

Personalized Treatment Approaches

Future research should focus on assessing multimodal and psychotherapy treatments in conjunction with pharmacological interventions to improve chronic pain management outcomes in SCI survivors.

Guidelines for chronic pain in adult spinal cord injury population: Scoping review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Comprehensive Pain Management

Differential Diagnosis

Personalized Treatment Approaches

Study Limitations

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Was this summary helpful?

Guidelines for chronic pain in adult spinal cord injury population: Scoping review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Comprehensive Pain Management

Differential Diagnosis

Personalized Treatment Approaches

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?