This tool proposes a pain classification scheme with 2 major categories: neuropathic and musculoskeletal. This scheme was designed to help with the standardization of pain terminology used in the SCI population (Cardenas et al. 2002).  Pain is categorized by pain location and distribution, as related to level of spinal injury (e.g. above level, at level or below level). This information is combined with a classification of the subject’s SCI pain.

Number of items: 188

Procedure/Administration: This questionnaire is administered by a clinician but could also be completed by the patient. The person identifies the worst pain problem on a body diagram and indicates whether pain worsens with activity, position or change of position or light touch. This procedure is repeated for second worse pain etc.

How scored: Categorization is outlined in the table below

Chronic Pain Categorization Table

Interpretability: This pain classification system provides a nice summary table that makes it easy for clinicians to identify key problem areas expressed by the patient.

Acceptability: The interview format improves utility for those with limited hand function.

Languages: N/a

Usability: There is a high initial patient burden (considerable time is required to complete the assessment); however, follow up sessions require less time. 

Time to administer: Considerable time required to complete (actual time not specified).

Time to score: N/a

Training required: None but expertise understanding pain is an asset.

Availability: See article for a copy of the tool (Cardenas et al. 2002)

Equipment required: None

Summary: This tool has considerable promise but requires additional study.

Psychometric Summary:

Note: TR= Test re-test; IC= Internal Consistency; Inter-O= Inter-observer; Intra-O= Intra-observer; SS= Sensitivity/Specificity.

Red light= A single study involving SCI subjects which has less than adequate findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Yellow light= A single study involving subjects with SCI which has adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Green light= At least 2 studies involving subjects with SCI which have adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

N/a= No information.

References

• Cardenas D, Turner J, Warms C, Marshall H. Classification of chronic pain associated with spinal cord injuries. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:1708-1714.