Dimensions of “unidimensional” ratings of pain and emotions in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain

摘要: The use of unidimensional scales to measure pain intensity has been criticised because the multidimensional nature pain. We conducted multiple linear regression analyses determine which dimensions pain--sensory versus affective--predicted scores on measuring and emotions in 109 Italian women suffering from chronic, non-malignant musculoskeletal then compared results with earlier findings two groups cancer patients acute post-operative chronic cancer-related pain, respectively. Age, physical capacity affect survey (MAPS) were used predict patients' ratings one visual analogue scale (VAS) three numerical rating (NRS) intensity, anxiety depressed mood. Unidimensional predicted better sensory than affective predictors, predictors made no unique contribution (NRS), or only a very small (VAS). Both emotional aspects NRS depression. Therefore, contrast different types patients, subjects affected by mainly reflect dimensions, supporting discriminant validity VAS used. However, had some difficulty distinguishing between information. For this reason, several rate separately should be obtain complete picture status needs any given patient.