Chronic Pain in Neurorehabilitation Populations: Prevalence, Severity and Impact

Extensive data document the adverse impact chronic pain can have on physical and psychosocial functioning. However, only recently has chronic pain received attention as a secondary complication in neurorehabilitation populations such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy. It is not unreasonable to expect that chronic pain might exacerbate impairments already present due to a chronic, disabling condition. The current paper reviews what is known about the prevalence, severity, and psychosocial impact of chronic pain in neurorehabilitation populations. Although there is variation among different conditions, available data suggest that considerable proportions of these patient populations experience chronic pain and associated sequelae similar to that reported in the extant chronic pain literature (e.g., psychological distress). Research needs to continue investigating the impact of chronic pain in neurorehabilitation populations and work toward development of effective interventions to manage pain and disability in these patients. It is likely that effective pain management will lead to more effective rehabilitation and improved quality of life.