Outcomes following the conservative management of patients with non-radicular peripheral neuropathic pain

Study design Prospective cohort. Introduction There is limited evidence for conservative management of patients with non-radicular peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP). Purpose To investigate the effectiveness of a comprehensive treatment approach on pain and disability in patients with non-radicular PNP and to determine if improvements are maintained following the discontinuation of therapy. Methods Patients received a multi-modal therapeutic intervention. Outcome measures were the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QDASH), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and grip strength. Follow-up data were collected 5 ± 2 months post-discharge. Results There was a significant improvement in the QDASH and mean pain (p <.001). There was no significant change in grip strength (p >.13). Follow-up data suggest that pain and disability scores are maintained (p <.001). Conclusion A comprehensive, conservative treatment program has a positive and lasting effect on pain and disability scores in patients with non-radicular PNP. Level of evidence IIIa