Chronic pain experience and pain management in persons with spinal cord injury in Nepal

Background and aims: Chronic pain is the frequent and significantly challenging complications in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Socio-cultural background may lead people perceive and manage pain differently. The study aims to describe the chronic pain experience and pain management of SCI persons in Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among purposively selected sample of 120 SCI persons with chronic pain living in the eight districts of Bagmati Zone of Nepal. The data were collected using the International Spinal Cord Injury Pain Basic Data Set Version 2 (ISCIPBDS-2) and Open-ended Pain Management Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis method. Results: The back (n = 84), lower legs/feet (n = 63) and buttocks/hips (n = 51) was found as the common pain locations. In common, the onset of pain was found within the first 6 month of the injury. Overall pain intensity and pain interference were found to be at the moderate level. The SCI persons used pain medications and non-pharmacological pain management. Ibuprofen was the commonly used pain medication and commonly used non-pharmacological pain management methods included physical support (e.g. massage, exercise), relaxation (e.g. distraction, substance abuse), coping (e.g. acceptance, praying), and traditional herbs. Conclusions: SCI persons had chronic pain experience which interfered with their daily living. They used pain medications and non-pharmacological pain management methods based on their beliefs, knowledge, and community resources in Nepal. Implications: This study provides some evidence to help the team of rehabilitation professional to plan and help SCI persons with chronic pain. Based on these findings, chronic pain management intervention for SCI persons should be developed and supported continuously from hospital to home based community context of Nepal.