[Outcome sensitivity of the North American Spine Society Instrument with special consideration for the neurogenic symptoms of chronic back pain]

Abstract

Background: Back pain is one of the most common chronic diseases in developed countries. The related enormous direct and indirect costs demand evidence-based decisions on rehabilitative care. Our study is intended to evaluate the two NASS outcome dimensions pain and neurological symptoms regarding their sensitivity to change within an inpatient rehabilitation scheme for chronic back pain.

Methods: The study observed a cohort of consecutive patients for one year (n = 70). By applying two outcomes instruments which are in common use internationally (SF-36 and NASS) it enhances comparability with other studies. Moreover the FFbH-R was applied for cross validation.

Results: On discharge from hospital an improvement of physical and emotional health as well as pain reduction were found. The results of the various instruments are consistent and support each other and suggest sensitivity to change of the NASS instrument regarding its pain and neurology subdimensions.

Conclusion: The NASS outcome instrument monitors well the established therapeutic effects of chronic back pain inpatient rehabilitation schemes in the short run and in the long run over a twelve-month period following hospital discharge.