Choosing non-pharmacological treatments for neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury: a qualitative study

Purpose: The aims of this study were to explore (1) the considerations of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in choosing to use non-pharmacological treatments (N-PTs) for neuropathic pain (NP), (2) which factors influence their decision and who is involved in this choice. Materials and methods: Eleven individuals with SCI and NP were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, transcripts were analysed through thematic coding, following an inductive content analysis approach. Results: A journey towards finding and choosing N-PTs emerged. Key phases in this journey were: motives, strategy and practical considerations. Pain and its impact on their life led participants to consider N-PTs. Motives were participants’ negative attitudes towards regular medication, willingness to try everything and disappointment and frustration with the guidance from their health care provider (HCP). The search strategies often involved third parties and the internet. This led them to choose a specific N-PT. The journey was influenced by one’s attitude, previous personal experience, experience of HCPs, financial considerations, availability and convenience of the treatment. Conclusions: The journey individuals with SCI and NP go through to find N-PTs to manage pain is difficult and often lonely. Findings highlight the importance of HCPs accompanying people with SCI in finding N-PTs.