“Its not pain its discomfort“ an investigation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An experimental review of if discomfort exists and can be measured independently of pain in a chronic pain and non-pain population
IRAS ID
110396
Contact name
Nicholas Harland
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South Tees NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust
Research summary
Currently ’pain’ and ’discomfort’ are clinically reported and used interchangeably with very common questionnaires; like the EQ5D used internationally across many populations asking about “Pain and Discomfort“. Subjectively however many chronic musculoskeletal pain patients clinically report “Its not pain, its discomfort“ indicating that discomfort as a measurable descriptor could exist and be independent of pain.
In a clinical chronic musculoskeletal pain population the study aims to separately but concurrently measure pain and discomfort using Visual Analogue scales (VAS). The measurement scales will be sent to musculoskeletal physiotherapy patients by post or to discharged patients that have expressed an interest in being involved in research in the past.
Additionally, in a lab situation using the common method of controlled and measured thumb nail pressure, using an Algometer, the study again aims to concurrently measure, using VAS scales, pain and discomfort scores with incrementally increasing thumbnail pressure. This lab based technique will also be performed in a non-pain population sample for comparison.
Qualitatively the overall issue of pain reporting and the potential willingness of participants to report discomfort rather than pain either verbally or in self-reort questionnaires will be discussed. Interviews will be held with chronic musculoskeletal pain patients and with a non-pain population sample.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NE/0202
Date of REC Opinion
22 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion