Lifestyle factors in patients with chronic neuropathic pain after COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Lifestyle after a social restriction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic pointed to influence on chronic pain scenarios. The aim of this study was to identify lifestyle factors related to patients with chronic neuropathic pain after COVID-19 infection.

METHODS:

This is a cross-sectional observational analytical study with 62 patients diagnosed with chronic neuropathic pain and belonging to a Pain Clinic, where a form with sociodemo-graphic data was applied and they were evaluated using the Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Pain Scale (S-LANSS) and the Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire (FLQ), respectively, which provides a wide range of information regarding lifestyle behaviors.

RESULTS:

The sample was composed of 62 participants, mean age 56.2±12.9 years, predominance of women (60%), married people (64%) and with children (80%). S-LANSS revealed 48 patients (77%) with neuropathic mechanisms on sensitivity examination, 80%(n=50) reported allodynia only in the painful area. Almost 80% of patients had regular lifestyle (n=48), with the activity and nutrition components being self-perceived negatively.

CONCLUSION:

In the present study, patients with chronic neuropathic pain showed that the level of activity and the presence of alcohol compromised their lifestyle. These components are aspects of these patients lifestyle that must be understood and validated in order to think of countering strategies that can influence new forms of approach and organization of services.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The lifestyle of chronic pain patients was altered post-COVID.