Musculoskeletal pain in persons with spinal cord injury

Musculoskeletal pain in persons living with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can be debilitating. The use of the upper extremity (UE) for mobility, transfers, and activities of daily living not only increases the risk of injury but also puts the UE at risk for more significant functional loss when injury occurs. The shoulder is the most likely source of problems; the elbow, wrist, and hand are also vulnerable to overuse injuries. The spine and lower extremities are less likely to cause problems, but they remain a significant source of problems. We discuss the most common pathologic processes, management, and treatment in the SCI population.