Wong Marlon L, Anderson Kimberly D, Roach Kathryn E, Robayo Linda, Cherup Nicholas P, Vastano Roberta, Fernandez Gabriel, Widerström-Noga Eva
Department of Physical Therapy, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States.
Institute of Functional Restoration, MetroHealth System, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States.
Front Pain Res (Lausanne). 2025 Jun 11;6:1540395. doi: 10.3389/fpain.2025.1540395. eCollection 2025.
Chronic neuropathic pain (NP) is a prevalent and debilitating condition among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Complete pain relief is often unattainable, making the concept of "manageable pain" a critical focus for improving quality of life. This study aims to elucidate the meaning of manageable pain for individuals with chronic NP post-SCI.
A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving qualitative interviews and quantitative assessments with 36 participants experiencing moderate to severe NP.
The qualitative data revealed three major themes: Manageable Pain, Unmanageable Pain, and Ways to Control Pain. Manageable pain was characterized by its moderate intensity, predictability, and minimal interference with daily activities. In contrast, unmanageable pain was associated with significant emotional distress, activity hindrance, and inability to control the pain. Participants used a variety of techniques to control pain, including cognitive/emotional coping strategies, medication, and physical activity. Most participants used a multimodal approach that was severity and situation dependent.
These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of pain management and the importance of individualized approaches that consider both pain acceptance and coping strategies. This study provides valuable insights into the personal experiences of NP in people with SCI and their perspectives on the meaning of manageable pain. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive pain management strategies that enhance daily functioning and overall well-being.
慢性神经性疼痛（NP）在脊髓损伤（SCI）患者中普遍存在且使人衰弱。完全缓解疼痛往往难以实现，因此“可控制的疼痛”概念成为改善生活质量的关键关注点。本研究旨在阐明慢性脊髓损伤后神经性疼痛患者可控制的疼痛的含义。
采用混合方法，对36名中重度神经性疼痛患者进行定性访谈和定量评估。
定性数据揭示了三个主要主题：可控制的疼痛、难以控制的疼痛和控制疼痛的方法。可控制的疼痛的特点是强度适中、可预测且对日常活动干扰最小。相比之下，难以控制的疼痛与严重的情绪困扰、活动障碍以及无法控制疼痛有关。参与者使用了多种控制疼痛的技巧，包括认知/情绪应对策略、药物治疗和体育活动。大多数参与者采用了根据疼痛严重程度和具体情况而定的多模式方法。
这些发现强调了疼痛管理的多面性以及考虑疼痛接受度和应对策略的个性化方法的重要性。本研究为脊髓损伤患者神经性疼痛的个人经历及其对可控制的疼痛含义的看法提供了有价值的见解。这些发现凸显了制定全面疼痛管理策略以提高日常功能和整体幸福感的必要性。
