Anthony Chiodo1. 1. University of Michigan Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA. tchiodo@umich.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVE: Chronic pain is common in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Any new strategy that is effective in treating this problem would be welcomed by this patient population. METHODS: A case series is presented of SCI with neuropathic pain. In these 3 cases, interventional spine therapy is used as a diagnostic and/or therapeutic tool in the management of pain. RESULTS: In the cases presented, interventional spine therapy proved useful in identifying the patient's pain generator. In most cases, the intervention was effective in reducing pain for a long enough period to serve as an effective pain management strategy. Other associated problems, such as spasticity, were similarly reduced. CONCLUSION: Interventional spine therapy should be considered as a tool in the armamentarium of any SCI physician managing their patient's chronic pain.
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVE:Chronic pain is common in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Any new strategy that is effective in treating this problem would be welcomed by this patient population. METHODS: A case series is presented of SCI with neuropathic pain. In these 3 cases, interventional spine therapy is used as a diagnostic and/or therapeutic tool in the management of pain. RESULTS: In the cases presented, interventional spine therapy proved useful in identifying the patient's pain generator. In most cases, the intervention was effective in reducing pain for a long enough period to serve as an effective pain management strategy. Other associated problems, such as spasticity, were similarly reduced. CONCLUSION: Interventional spine therapy should be considered as a tool in the armamentarium of any SCI physician managing their patient's chronic pain.