title: Evaluation of an interdisciplinary program for chronic pain after spinal cord injury.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess efficacy of an interdisciplinary pain program adapted for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and chronic pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective cohort.
  
  
  METHODS
  University-affiliated rehabilitation hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-two persons with traumatic or nontraumatic SCI and chronic pain of at least 6 months' duration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects participated in an interdisciplinary pain program consisting of biweekly group sessions for 10 consecutive weeks. Sessions incorporated patient education on chronic pain and associated pain mechanisms, cognitive behavioral therapy, self-management strategies (eg, energy conservation, ergonomics, goal setting, stress management, anger management, and coping skills), group discussions and activities, and either exercise or guided relaxation at the end of each session.
  
  
  METHODS
  Multidimensional Pain Inventory SCI, Coping Inventory of Stressful Situations, Pain Stages of Change Questionnaire, and Life Satisfaction Questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After participation in an interdisciplinary pain program, persons with SCI and chronic neuropathic pain demonstrated increased involvement in learning and maintenance of coping strategies for chronic pain. Participation also led to less pain interference in daily life and a greater sense of control over one's life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participation in an interdisciplinary pain program does not reduce pain severity, but it can help persons with SCI and chronic neuropathic pain cope with pain, lessen interference of pain, and improve their sense of control.
authors.affiliation: Division of Physiatry, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, and Brain & Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Program, University Health Network-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, 520 Sutherland Dr, Toronto, Ontario, Canada ON M4G 3V9(∗). Electronic address: anthony.burns@uhn.ca.
authors.forename: Anthony S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.forename: Jude J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Delparte
authors.forename: Elena C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Ballantyne
authors.forename: Kathryn A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Boschen
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires