Chronic pain after spinal cord injury: a survey of practice in UK spinal injury units

Objective: To determine current practice regarding assessment and management of patients with chronic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) in the UK. Methods: A postal questionnaire sent to the medical directors of the 12 spinal injury units in the UK. Results: A response was received from nine of the 12 units. Chronic pain was felt to be a significant problem amongst patients with SCI, with inconsistent opinion between respondents regarding prevalence, aetiology and classification of chronic pain after spinal cord injury. Only one unit had established protocols for the investigation and management of pain, and most units felt that guidelines would be useful. Most felt that there was a need for further information on the subject. Conclusion: Our survey has demonstrated the uncertainty that exists amongst specialists dealing with pain after SCI, and emphasised the need for more research into the problem.