An examination of the threshold level of pressure pain in cases of chronic pain

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine the threshold levels of pressure pain in individuals with chronic pain and to investigate the correlation between the different variables. Materials and methods: The research sample consisted of 60 adult patients who were attending the algology outpatients' clinic, and who had complaints of chronic pain with a duration of at least six months relating to the musculoskeletal system. Before measuring the patients' pressure pain thresholds, they were asked to mark their severity of pain, taking into account their general pain when in motion. Later, an algometer was used to take measurements of the pressure pain threshold in the mid deltoid, mid ulna, hypothenar eminence, mid tibia, and quadriceps,femoris regions. Results: Results of statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the mean regional pressure pain thresholds of patients according to illness group (P > 0.05), but did show a significant difference between the mean regional pressure pain thresholds of male and female patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded in this study that there was no difference between groups of patients with complaints of chronic pain relating to different musculoskeletal diseases and regional pressure pain threshold levels, that the factor of gender affected the regional pressure pain threshold level.