Chronic pain in a large community sample of persons with multiple sclerosis

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 605-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn M Ehde ◽  
Laura E Gibbons ◽  
Lydia Chwastiak ◽  
Charles H Bombardier ◽  
Mark D Sullivan ◽  
...  

Introduction: This study examined the prevalence, intensity, interference, and biopsychosocial correlates of pain in a large community-based sample of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Mail surveys were returned by 442 members of the King C ounty (WA) MS Association. Average pain intensity, pain-related activity interference, depressive symptoms and severity of MS were assessed. Results: Forty-four percent reported persistent, bothersome pain in the three months prior to completing the survey. Participants with pain reported an average pain intensity rating of 5.2 (SD =2.3) on the 0 (no pain) to 10 (pain as bad as could be) scale. Twenty-seven percent reported severe pain (score of 7-10), while 51% of those with pain rated the interference of their pain with daily activities as none to minimal. Twenty percent reported severe interference in activities as a result of pain. In multivariate modeling, MS illness severity, marital status, and self-ratings of overall health were significantly associated with pain-related interference with activities. Conclusions: A pproximately a fourth of this sample described having a chronic pain problem characterized by severe pain intensity and significant pain-related interference with activities. Disability due to pain may be more important than previously recognized for the MS population.

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 3525-3525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keesha Roach ◽  
Robert E Molokie ◽  
Zaijie Jim Wang ◽  
Mariam O Ezenwa ◽  
David Shuey ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Pain in sickle cell disease (SCD) has been thought to be episodic, but more recent evidence has shown that individuals in this population also suffer from chronic pain likely resulting from central or peripheral neural damage (neuropathic pain). There is accumulating evidence from human and animal studies indicating potential neuropathic pain in SCD. A number of valid and reliable measures of neuropathic pain have been used to differentiate neuropathic from non-neuropathic types of pain. PAINReportIt, which takes about 10 to 18 minutes to complete, is a computer based self-report pain assessment tool based on the 1970 version of the McGill Pain Questionnaire. From PAINReportIt, a new subscale has been proposed as a measure of neuropathic pain that sums the number of neuropathic pain quality words selected. The PAINReportIt number of neuropathic pain (PR-NNP) scale, however, lacks validation in patients with SCD. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the construct validity for the PR-NNP by examining the associations between the PR-NNP and other valid and reliable measures of neuropathic pain (self-administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs [S-LANSS] and the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory [NPSI]) among adults with SCD. We hypothesized that the PR-NNP scores would be significantly correlated with S-LANSS and NPSI scores. Methods: This prospective instrument validation study was conducted in an ambulatory research setting with 79 adults diagnosed with SCD who had chronic pain within the prior 12 months (>3 on a 0-10 pain scale). The sample mean age was 36.0 ± 11.5 [ranged from 19-74 years], 63% were female, and 97% reported they were African American. The participants were asked to complete self-reported pain measures (PR-NNP, S-LANSS, NPSI, and PR-NNoc [number of nociceptive pain words]). Descriptive, correlational, and regression analyses were used. Results: Mean scores for average pain intensity, PR-NNP, NSPI, S-LANSS, and PR-NNoc appear in Table 1. Bivariate results indicated moderate correlation between the two validated measures of neuropathic pain (NPSI and S-LANSS; r= .57, p=.000). The NPSI was moderately correlated with PR-NNP (r= .43, p=.000), and weakly correlated with PR-NNoc (r=.35, p=.002). For S-LANSS, there was a moderate correlation with PR-NNP (r=0.41, p=.000) and a weak correlation with PR-NNoc (r=.30, p=.007). There was a weak correlation between average pain intensity and NPSI and S-LANSS, r=.37, p=.001 and r=.36, p=.001, respectively. Regression analysis including average pain intensity, PR-NNP, and PR-NNoc as predictors showed that controlling for PR-NNP and average pain, PR-NNoc was not significantly associated with either NPSI (p=.930) or S-LANSS (p=.731), while each point of increase in PR-NNP was associated with an increase of 1.9 (p=.004) in NPSI and of 0.8 (p=.003) in S-LANSS. The same analysis showed that a one point increase in the average pain intensity was associated with an increase of 2.7 (p=.001) in NPSI and of 1.0 (p=.001) in S-LANSS. Conclusions: Both average pain intensity and PR-NNP but not PR-NNoc have unique explanatory properties of both indicators of neuropathic pain (NPSI and S-LANSS). These findings support the construct validity of the PR-NNP as a potential screening tool for neuropathic pain in patients with SCD. Validation of PR-NNP is important for future neuropathic pain research in the sickle cell population, particularly in cases of multi-site trials, and in cases where the practitioner can detect the potential presence of neuropathic pain without use of expensive equipment. These findings are important because pain management in the sickle cell population often includes opioids, but easy and early detection of neuropathic pain could result in an opioid sparing pain management approach in this population. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Author(s):  
Myroslav Bozhenko ◽  
◽  
Tetyana Nehrych ◽  
Nataliya Bozhenko ◽  
◽  
...  

Introduction: Pain syndromes, anxiety, and depression are common syndromes in multiple sclerosis (MS). Comorbidity of pain and depression or pain and anxiety exists in up to one-third of MS patients. Based on the biopsychosocial model of pain, given the high prevalence of these symptoms and their frequent combination in MS, which is significantly higher than in the general population, we can hypothesize the relationship between the characteristics of pain and anxiety and depression in patients with MS. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression among MS patients with pain syndromes and analyze the relationship between anxiety and depression with pain syndromes' characteristics in patients with MS. Methods: Data were collected prospectively at Lviv Regional Multiple Sclerosis Center. 120 randomly selected patients with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis were examined. 104 of them had pain syndromes during the last month. Complaints and medical history, analysis of medical records, neurological and general medical examination of the patients were collected. Depressive symptoms and anxiety were assessed in all patients using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. In patients with pain syndromes, the Visual analogue scale (VAS), Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire 2 (SF-MPQ-2), Pain Detect were used to assess pain characteristics. Results: The levels of anxiety and depression were higher in the group of MS patients with pain. The level of anxiety was 9.0 [6,0; 12,75] in the group with pain and 7.0 [4,0; 9,25] in the group without pain (p=0.04). The level of depression was 7.0 [4,0; 10,0] in the group with pain and 4.0 [1,75; 6,0] in the group without pain (p<0,01). It was found that part of MS patients with pain syndromes with anxiety was 36.5%, and 29.8% had a subclinical level of anxiety; part of MS patients with pain syndromes with depression was 19.23%. The proportion of patients with anxiety was highest in patients with neuropathic pain: 56.3% ± 8.8% vs. 22.4% ± 6.0% with nociceptive, p<0.01. A similar situation is observed in patients with depression. The share of patients with depression was higher in the group with neuropathic pain 37.5% ± 8.6%, compared to 14.3% ± 5.0% with nociceptive, p=0.02. The proportion of patients with MS without signs of anxiety and depression is significantly higher among patients with nociceptive pain (p<0,05). Also, the correlational relationship between the level of anxiety and depression with the level of the neuropathic type of pain manifestation was found (r=0,40; p<0,01 and r=0,30; p<0,01). Levels of anxiety and depression correlated with the average pain intensity per month (r = 0,21; p=0,03) and did not have a statistically significant relationship with pain intensity at the time of examination and the strongest pain for the last month. The anxiety and depression had correlations with all components of the structure of pain syndromes (according to sfMPQ-2), but the most pronounced direct correlation was found between anxiety and the affective component of pain (r=0,57; p<0,01). It was also found that the level of anxiety was proved to be higher in patients who have 2-3 pain syndromes, than in patients with one pain syndrome: 12.0 [8,0; 14,0] points against 8.0 [5,0; 11,0] points, p<0.01. Besides, this localization of pain in the arms, shoulders and back was related to higher levels of anxiety (r=0.22; p=0.03). Conclusion: Pain syndromes, anxiety, and depression are widespread among patients with MS and there is a relationship between them. MS patients with pain have higher levels of anxiety and depression than MS patients without pain. It is also noteworthy that among MS patients with pain syndromes, high levels of anxiety are detected. Anxiety and depression also have a pronounced relationship with a neuropathic component of pain in patients with MS. Besides this, the presence of more than one pain syndrome, high average pain intensity per month is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. The localization of pain in the arms, shoulders and back is related to higher anxiety levels. These discoveries, combined with modern neuroimaging technologies used in the next step of our study, will provide a better understanding of both pain and its structure, as well as anxiety and depression


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth D Darnall ◽  
Parthasarathy Krishnamurthy ◽  
Jeannette Tsuei ◽  
Jorge D Minor

BACKGROUND Patients with chronic pain often have limited access to comprehensive care that includes behavioral pain management strategies. Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive technology and emerging digital behavioral pain therapy with analgesic efficacy for acute pain. We found no scientific literature on skills-based VR behavioral programs for chronic pain populations. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a self-administered VR program that included content and skills informed by evidence-based behavioral treatment for chronic pain. The secondary aim is to determine the preliminary efficacy of the VR program in terms of average pain intensity and pain-related interference with activity, stress, mood, and sleep, and its impact on pain-related cognition and self-efficacy. The tertiary aim was to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and compare the VR treatment with an audio-only treatment. This comparison isolated the immersive effects of the VR program, thereby informing potential mechanisms of effect. METHODS We conducted an RCT involving a web-based convenience sample of adults (N=97) aged 18-75 years with self-reported chronic nonmalignant low back pain or fibromyalgia, with an average pain intensity &gt;4 over the past month and chronic pain duration &gt;6 months. Enrolled participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 unblinded treatments: (1) VR: a 21-day, skills-based VR program for chronic pain; and (2) audio: an audio-only version of the 21-day VR program. The analytic data set included participants who completed at least 1 of 8 surveys administered during the intervention period: VR (n=39) and audio (n=35). RESULTS The VR and audio groups launched a total of 1067 and 1048 sessions, respectively. The majority of VR participants (n=19/25, 76%) reported no nausea or motion sickness. High satisfaction ratings were reported for VR (n=24/29, 83%) and audio (n=26/33, 72%). For VR efficacy, symptom improvement over time was found for each pain variable (all <i>P</i>&lt;.001), with results strengthening after 2 weeks. Importantly, significant time×group effects were found in favor of the VR group for average pain intensity (<i>P</i>=.04), pain-related inference with activity (<i>P</i>=.005), sleep (<i>P</i>&lt;.001), mood (<i>P</i>&lt;.001), and stress (<i>P</i>=.003). For pain catastrophizing and pain self-efficacy, we found a significant declining trend for both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS High engagement and satisfaction combined with low levels of adverse effects support the feasibility and acceptability of at-home skills-based VR for chronic pain. A significant reduction in pain outcomes over the course of the 21-day treatment both within the VR group and compared with an audio-only version suggests that VR has the potential to provide enhanced treatment and greater improvement across a range of pain outcomes. These findings provide a foundation for future research on VR behavioral interventions for chronic pain.


10.2196/17293 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (7) ◽  
pp. e17293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth D Darnall ◽  
Parthasarathy Krishnamurthy ◽  
Jeannette Tsuei ◽  
Jorge D Minor

Background Patients with chronic pain often have limited access to comprehensive care that includes behavioral pain management strategies. Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive technology and emerging digital behavioral pain therapy with analgesic efficacy for acute pain. We found no scientific literature on skills-based VR behavioral programs for chronic pain populations. Objective The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a self-administered VR program that included content and skills informed by evidence-based behavioral treatment for chronic pain. The secondary aim is to determine the preliminary efficacy of the VR program in terms of average pain intensity and pain-related interference with activity, stress, mood, and sleep, and its impact on pain-related cognition and self-efficacy. The tertiary aim was to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and compare the VR treatment with an audio-only treatment. This comparison isolated the immersive effects of the VR program, thereby informing potential mechanisms of effect. Methods We conducted an RCT involving a web-based convenience sample of adults (N=97) aged 18-75 years with self-reported chronic nonmalignant low back pain or fibromyalgia, with an average pain intensity >4 over the past month and chronic pain duration >6 months. Enrolled participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 unblinded treatments: (1) VR: a 21-day, skills-based VR program for chronic pain; and (2) audio: an audio-only version of the 21-day VR program. The analytic data set included participants who completed at least 1 of 8 surveys administered during the intervention period: VR (n=39) and audio (n=35). Results The VR and audio groups launched a total of 1067 and 1048 sessions, respectively. The majority of VR participants (n=19/25, 76%) reported no nausea or motion sickness. High satisfaction ratings were reported for VR (n=24/29, 83%) and audio (n=26/33, 72%). For VR efficacy, symptom improvement over time was found for each pain variable (all P<.001), with results strengthening after 2 weeks. Importantly, significant time×group effects were found in favor of the VR group for average pain intensity (P=.04), pain-related inference with activity (P=.005), sleep (P<.001), mood (P<.001), and stress (P=.003). For pain catastrophizing and pain self-efficacy, we found a significant declining trend for both treatment groups. Conclusions High engagement and satisfaction combined with low levels of adverse effects support the feasibility and acceptability of at-home skills-based VR for chronic pain. A significant reduction in pain outcomes over the course of the 21-day treatment both within the VR group and compared with an audio-only version suggests that VR has the potential to provide enhanced treatment and greater improvement across a range of pain outcomes. These findings provide a foundation for future research on VR behavioral interventions for chronic pain.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 204-205
Author(s):  
Dagmar Dräger ◽  
Reinhold Kreutz ◽  
Adelheid Kuhlmey ◽  
Andrea Budnick ◽  
Dagmar Draeger

Abstract Chronic pain is a common symptom among older people. The international prevalence rate reaches 50% for older home-care recipients (aged ≥60). The most common causes of pain among older people are degenerative arthropathy and musculoskeletal diseases. Care recipients (81% aged ≥65) constitute a specific sub-group among pain patients, due to the restrictions they experience. In Germany, the prevalence rate in this group is 70%. Currently, no comprehensive information on the pain situation of older home-care recipients exists in Germany. The findings presented are based on a cross-sectional study of older (aged ≥65) home-care recipients (SGB XI) in Berlin, with chronic pain (n=225), capable of self-report (MMST≥18). Structured interviews comprised the primary data source. The pain situation was determined using the German Brief Pain Inventory (BPI-NH). Multiple regression analysis was applied to test how the most severe pain (dependent variable) was influenced by socio-demographic and medical parameters, mental and physical restrictions and pain medication. Analyses of the pain situation show a value of M=4.81 (SD±1.88) on the BPI intensity index, and a BPI pain interference index of M=5.47 (SD±2.15). The most intense pain averaged 6.96 (SD±2.15). On average, respondents reported 16.20 (SD±13.25) pain locations (range: 0-65). The number of pain locations, alongside other factors, had a significant influence, R²=0.038 (corrected R²=0.034), F (1.219) = 8.760, p&lt;0.01), on pain intensity. The findings show severe pain intensity among older home-care recipients not reported in previous findings (e.g. in long-term in-patient care). Action in medical care, nursing care and educational aspects is urgently needed.


2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilario Froehner Junior ◽  
Paulo Gustavo Kotze ◽  
Juliana Gonçalves Rocha ◽  
Eron Fábio Miranda ◽  
Maria Cristina Sartor ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of topical policresulen and cinchocaine in the postoperative pain behavior of open hemorrhoidectomy.METHODS: We conducted a prospective, double-blinded, controlled study. The control group received the usual guidelines with oral medications. The topical treatment group received, in addition, the application of the ointment and was comprised of two subgroups (policresulen + cinchocaine, and placebo). Pain intensity was recorded with the visual analogue scale.RESULTS: 43 patients were operated on: control group - n = 13, one excluded; placebo - n = 15; and policresulen + cinchocaine - n = 15. The mean age was 45.98 years and 37.2% were men. The average pain intensity was 4.09 (immediate postoperative), 3.22 (hospital discharge), 5.73 (day 1) , 5.77 (day 2), 5.74 (day 3), 5.65 (day 7), 5.11 (day 10), 2.75 (day 15) and 7.70 (first bowel movement), with no difference between groups in all periods.CONCLUSION: This study showed no reduction in pain after hemorrhoidectomy with the use of topical policresulen and cinchocaine.


2004 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 610-615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Britton W. Brewer ◽  
Allen E. Cornelius ◽  
Judy Van Raalte ◽  
John C. Brickner ◽  
Howard Tennen ◽  
...  

The accuracy of retrospective ratings of pain intensity was examined in a sample of 72 men and 36 women undergoing rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery. Participants completed daily ratings of current, worst, and average pain intensity for the first 42 days of rehabilitation. Participants provided retrospective ratings of worst and average pain intensity twice for a 7-day period (on Days 7 and 21) and once for a 30-day period (on Day 30). Correlations between concurrent and retrospective pain ranged from .74 to .88. Retrospective pain ratings consistently overestimated concurrent pain ratings, but were generally not biased by current pain. The results suggest that retrospective pain ratings can substitute for concurrent pain ratings if the tendency toward overestimation is taken into account.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 204-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Miclescu ◽  
Stephen Butler ◽  
Rolf Karlsten

AbstractBackground and AimsAcute Pain Services have been implemented initially to treat inadequate postoperative pain. This study was undertaken to prospectively review the current challenges of the APS team in an academic hospital assessing the effects of its activity on both surgical and medical pain intensity. It also define the characteristics of the patients and the risk factors influencing the multiple visits from the APS team.MethodThis prospective cohort study was conducted at Uppsala University Hospital (a Swedish tertiary and quaternary care hospital) during one year. All the patients referred to the APS team were enrolled. A standardized data collection template of demographic data, medical history, pain diagnosis, associated diseases, duration of treatment, number of visits by the APS team and type of treatment was employed. The primary outcomes were pain scores before, after treatment and the number of follow-ups. The patients were visited by APS at regular intervals and divided by the number of visits by APS team into several groups: group 1 (one visit and up to 2 follow ups); group 2 (3 to 4 follow-ups); group 3 (5 to 9 follow-ups); group 4 (10 to 19 follow-ups); group 5 (>20 followups). The difference between groups were analyzed with ordinal logistic regression analyses.ResultsPatients (n = 730) (mean age 56±4, female 58%, men 42%) were distributed by service to medical (41%) and surgical (58%). Of these, 48% of patients reported a pain score of moderate to severe pain and 27% reported severe pain on the first assessment. On the last examination before discharge, they reported 25–30% less pain (P = 0.002). The median NRS (numerical rating scores) decreased significantly from 9.6 (95% confidence interval, 8.7–9.9) to 6.3 (6.1–7.4) for the severe pain (P < 0.0001), from 3.8 (3.2–4.3) to 2.4 (1.8–2.9) for the moderate pain. The odds ratio for frequent follow-ups of the patients between 18 and 85 years (n = 609) was 2.33 (95% CI: 1.35–4.02) if the patient had a history of chronic neuropathic pain, 1.80(1.25–2.60) in case the patient had a history of chronic nociceptive pain, 2.06(1.30–3.26) if he had mental diseases, and 3.35(2.21–5.08) if he had opioid dependency at the time of consultation from APS. Strong predictors of frequent visits included female gender (P = 0.04).ConclusionsBeside the benefits of APS in reducing pain intensity, this study demonstrates that the focus of APS has been shifted from the traditional treatment of acute surgical pain to the clinical challenges of treating hospitalized patients with a high comorbidity of psychiatric diseases, opioid dependency and chronic pain.ImplicationsThe concept of an APS will ultimately be redefined according to the new clinical variables. In the light of the increasing number of patients with complex pain states and chronic pain, opioid dependency and psychiatric comorbidities it is mandatory that the interdisciplinary APS team should include other specialties besides the “classical interdisciplinary APS team”, as psychiatry, psychology, rehabilitation and physiotherapy with experience in treating chronic pain patients.


Trials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn M. Ehde ◽  
Kevin N. Alschuler ◽  
Melissa A. Day ◽  
Marcia A. Ciol ◽  
Makena L. Kaylor ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent and disabling symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Individuals with MS are interested in nonpharmacologic pain management approaches. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is efficacious in improving MS-related pain outcomes. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a promising, alternative approach. Little is known about moderators of these treatments’ outcomes, however. This article describes the study protocol for the first randomized controlled trial comparing MBCT, CBT, and usual care and examining treatment effect moderators in individuals with chronic pain and MS. Methods We will conduct a single-center, randomized, single blind, parallel-group trial comparing MBCT, CBT, and usual care in adults with MS and chronic pain. Both interventions will be delivered via eight group sessions using videoconferencing technology. Primary (average pain intensity) and secondary outcomes (including pain interference, depressive symptoms, fatigue, and sleep) will be assessed pre-treatment, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and at 6-month follow up. Potential treatment moderators will be assessed pre-treatment. We hypothesize that participants randomly assigned to MBCT or CBT will report significantly greater reductions in average pain intensity than participants assigned to usual care at post-treatment (primary study endpoint) and 6-month follow up. We also hypothesize that mindfulness, pain catastrophizing, and behavioral activation pre-treatment will moderate response to both active treatments, but not response to usual care. Discussion Findings will provide important new information about the efficacy and moderators of two nonpharmacologic pain management approaches delivered using technology to overcome common barriers to treatment access. The knowledge gained may lead to better patient-treatment matching and, ultimately, better pain treatment outcomes in MS. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03782246. Registered on 20 December 2018.


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