Objective: The aims of the study were (1) to describe frequency of back pain only, neck pain only, and co-occurring pain in veterans with upper limb amputation, (2) to examine changes in pain over 1 yr, and (3) to quantify the association of pain and health-related quality of life and disability.
Design: This is an observational cohort study with a survey of a sample of 792 veterans with upper limb amputation, with 1-yr reassessment of 585 (85.3%) of 777 eligible participants. Pain prevalence and intensity were examined. Logistic and linear regressions identified variables associated with pain and examined associations between intensity and veterans RAND-12 mental component score and physical component score and QuickDASH.
Results: At baseline, 52.3% had co-occurring pain, 20.0% had back pain, and 8.3% had neck pain. Persistent back and neck pain is present in 60.8% and 48.1% respondents, respectively. Pain intensity was unchanged for 59.1% with back pain and 61.3% with neck pain. Mental component score and QuickDASH were significantly worse with severe and moderate back and neck pain, compared with no pain. Severe/moderate back pain intensity was associated with lower physical component score.
Conclusions: Back and neck pain is highly prevalent and persistent in veterans with upper limb amputation. Pain intensity is negatively associated with health-related quality of life and disability. Pain prevention and intervention are needed in this population.
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