Upper Limb Pain in Anational Sample of Veterans With Paraplegia

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this survey study was to examine the prevalence and intensity of pain and associated patient characteristics in a national sample of veterans with paraplegia. Of particular interest were upper limb (UL) pain conditions, which pose unique challenges to individuals who use a wheelchair for mobility. Because the risk for UL pain conditions appears to increase over time, the associations among age, duration of wheelchair use, and UL pain were evaluated.Methods: A group of 1 ,6 7 5 individuals between the ages of 1 8 and 65 with a lesion between T2 and L2 and a mailing address on file were selected randomly from the Veteran's Affairs Spinal Cord Dysfunction Registry and mailed a survey packet. Of the deliverable packets, -46% were completed and returned.Results: Approximately 81% of the respondents reported at least a minimal Ievei of ongoing unspecified pain and 69'7'o experienced current UL pain. Shoulder pain intensity was most severe du ring the performance of wheelchair-related mobility and transportation activities, suggesting that UL pain may have a significant impact on functional independence. Duration of wheelchair use modestly predicted shoulder pain prevalence and intensity, but age and the interaction between age and duration of wheelchair use did not.Condusion: The data of the present study suggest that the development, persistence, and exacerbation of UL pain conditions in persans with paraplegia aremultidimensional processes. A comprehensive theoretic model is needed to integrate the existing empiric Iiterature in this area.