Article

PURPOSE: To review and summarise the prevalence of chronic back pain (CBP),
chronic low back pain (CLBP) and chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSKP) in people
with spinal cord injury (SCI) and evaluate how pain is assessed. METHOD: A
systematic literature review between 1990 and 2012 in English language journals.
Twelve databases were searched including CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, PubMed and
Science direct. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and 95%
confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Eight studies fulfilled the inclusion
criteria. Four reported on CMSKP, four on CBP and only two on CLBP. Among people
with SCI and pain, the prevalence of CMSKP was 49% (95% CI: 44-55%), CBP was 47%
(95% CI: 43-50%) and CLBP was 49% (95% CI: 44-55%). There were variations in both
the pain classification systems used and the data collected. The type of pain
reported in the back and low back areas could not be established due to
insufficient evidence. CONCLUSION: The main finding is that the prevalence of
CMSKP, and more particularly CBP and CLBP are not sufficiently reported in SCI
literature. Implications for Rehabilitation There is sufficient evidence, though
modest in quality and quantity, to indicate that chronic musculoskeletal pain
(CMSKP), back pain (CBP) and low back pain (CLBP) are common in people with
spinal cord injury (SCI). This deserves consideration by health professionals
treating such patients. Pain assessment, including BP and LBP, for people with
SCI should become part of the overall clinical assessment and it is preferable
that standardised pain assessment tools are used. Where people with SCI suffer
from CMSKP, and particularly CBP and CLBP, further consideration should be made,
likely to include posture, strengthening and seating as is referral for pain
medication.

Langue : ANGLAIS