Overview
The goal of this observational study is to compare different treatment options in a chronic pain population. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- What is the effectiveness of the different therapy options in the pain center of Sint-Lucas on outcomes related to pain and disability?
- What are predictive factors for the different therapy options in the pain center of Sint-Lucas? Which factors predict improvement in pain related outcomes?
Participant data will be gathered as part of their routine care. They can be advised to 4 different treatment options:
- Consultations with the pain specialist
- Interventions by the pain specialist (infiltrations, denervations)
- Baxter therapy
- Interdisciplinary treatment
Researchers will compare patients with different dominant pain mechanisms to see which treatment are most effective for which dominant pain mechanisms.
Description
The aim of the present study is to describe the natural flow of the chronic pain patients at the pain center AZ Sint-Lucas. Patients will be examined before starting the therapy, and receive standardized questionnaires at several fixed time points (before, during, and after their therapy trajectory). Information about the present dominant pain mechanism will be gathered during the examination. The questionnaires will gather demographic data, information about the present dominant pain mechanism, psychosocial factors, catastrophizing, fear and avoidance, illness perceptions, fatigue and information about therapy success. During the examination, typical signs of a dominant nociplastic pain mechanism will be gathered. By processing the data of the questionnaires and the examination, knowledge about (1) the amount of patients with a dominant nociplastic pain mechanism at intake, (2) the treatment trajectory for a specific diagnosis, and (3) the prediction of the therapy effect and prognosis will be obtained.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults
- Chronic pain patients
- Dutch speaking, or good understanding
Exclusion Criteria:
- Adults unable to give consent
- Adults who do not understand Dutch