Pain in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 and Type 3 Patients

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease characterized by degeneration of alpha motor neurons. It is a multisystemic disease affecting non-neuronal systems and quality of life. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of pain in children with spinal muscular atrophy. In this single-center study, by using visual analog scales, 13 patients diagnosed with SMA type 2 and type 3 accompanied by their parents filled out a questionnaire involving questions about the presence of chronic pain, pain frequency, duration, location, and intensity, causes of pain, and coping methods. All patients reported that they experienced chronic pain. Patients with type 3 experienced pain more frequently than those with type 2—multiple times each month. The terms "minutes," "mild," and "intermittent" were most commonly used to describe the length, intensity, and course of the pain in both groups. The mean pain intensity according to Visual Analogue Scale were 35.526.3 mm in type 2 and 25.110.2 mm in type 3. The localization of pain was primarily concentrated in the back and lower extremities. The most common causes of pain were stretching exercises during physical therapy and posture disorder. The most common methods of coping with pain were distraction strategy and massage. Pain is a common problem in children with SMA. Management of the pain might increase the life quality of SMA patients. A multidisciplinary approach must be considered in the treatment of these children.