Common Modalities of Pain Management in the Rural Populations of the Northwest

The purpose of this project is to identify the most common methods of pain relief for chronic low back pain in a rural northwest. Outcome indicators provide a description of the survey respondents, how pain affects their everyday life (PEG Pain Tool) and the resources they use. The quantitative and semi-structured questions added for this project provide insights into the needs of specific cohorts of patients. Population Sample A total of 133 survey responses were returned. After four were discarded (three were duplicates; one indicated experiencing acute, not chronic pain), 129 surveys were retained in the final sample, A chi-square indicated no statistical association between PEG Scoring and whether a respondent used a single provider, multiple providers or saw no provider for pain care (Chi-square = 5.040, p = 0.282). Ibuprofen was the most common medication reported with 72 (59.59%) respondents. Naproxen with 22 (18.8%) and Meloxicam 8 (6.61%) were also reported.More than 60% (n=82, 63.6%) of respondents used NSAIDs while less than one fourth of respondents used an opioid (n=30; 23.3%). A combination of NSAID and Opioid was used by 17 (13.2%) respondents. There is a strong statistical association between PEG Score and medication used when considering the use of no medication, an opioid medication or other medication(s) that does not include use of an opioid (Chi-square=18.952, p= 0.001). A strong statistical association between PEG Score and self efficacy exists, as described within participant’s stories. Participants’ who have a Severe PEG Score were much more likely to write a story reflecting negative self-efficacy (Fisher Freeman Halton = 17.952, p=0.001). Response stories written by participants with a Mild or Moderate PEG Score were more likely to reflect positive self efficacy. There is a strong statistical association between the use of activity as a management strategy, using other strategies or not engaging in management strategies (Chi-square = 18.967, p = 0.001). . Participants’ who have a Severe PEG Score were much more likely to write a story reflecting negative self-efficacy (Fisher Freeman Halton = 17.952, p=0.001). There is a strong statistical association between the use of activity as a management strategy, using other strategies or not engaging in management strategies (Chi-square = 18.967, p = 0.001).