Outcomes following the conservative management of patients with non-radicular peripheral neuropathic pain.

Study design: Prospective cohort. Introduction: There is limited evidence for conservative management of patients with non-radicular peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP). Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of a comprehensive treatment approach on pain and disability in patients with noneradicular PNP and to determine if improvements are maintained following the discontinuation of therapy. Methods: Patients received a multi-modal therapeutic intervention. Outcome measures were the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QDASH), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and grip strength. Follow-up data were collected 5 � 2 months post-discharge. Results: There was a significant improvement in the QDASH and mean pain (p .13). Follow-up data suggest that pain and disability scores are maintained (p < .001). Conclusion: A comprehensive, conservative treatment program has a positive and lasting effect on pain and disability scores in patients with non-radicular PNP. Level of evidence: IIIa