The analysis and interpretation of the interview data
established that the pain relief obtained from SCS
had a positive impact on daily activity, which led
to feelings of freedom and independence. Through
the participants’ descriptions regarding activity
choices, this study provides additional insight into
what functional change means to the individual.
The study also highlighted some of the difficulties
CRPS patients continue to experience. Their
feelings of independence, resulting from successful
SCS, conflicted with fears of an uncertain
future with continued dependence on a functioning
stimulator. Issues regarding the perceptions
and understanding of others remains apparent and
is seen across the chronic pain population.
With regard to employment, aside from pain
relief, factors such as high motivation, confidence
in ability and support from others are
facilitating factors. Barriers and difficulties with
employment stem from internal conflicts, e.g.
lack of perceived control over the future, the perceived
unpredictability of the stimulator and the
condition, and the external conflicts between the
individual and employers. These insights into patient views of having SCS
to treat CRPS show that participants still face the
challenges that other chronic pain patients experience
along with complications associated with
SCS. This study suggests successfully rehabilitating
people with CRPS back to the workplace
requires a much more detailed understanding of
the patients’ personal, social and cultural perceptions
and values of work (especially working with
a chronic pain condition).