Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Pain from spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the pain syndromes that is recalcitrant to treatment. It is often a result of injury associated with mechanical trauma and vascular compromise of the spinal cord parenchyma. SCI pain is associated with substantial impact on the patient’s life, interfering with activities of daily living, effective rehabilitation, and quality of life. The underlying mechanism for the development of SCI pain includes neuronal hyperexcitability, reduced inhibition, neuronal reorganization, and plasticity. The diverse factors associated with SCI pain warrant the need for an interdisciplinary approach tailored to the individual patient. The goals of treatment should encompass four domains: pain management, spinal rehabilitation, psychological treatment, and social and environmental modification.