A SHOULDER PAIN SCORE - A COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR ASSESSING PAIN IN PATIENTS WITH SHOULDER COMPLAINTS

This study describes the validation and application of a comprehensive questionnaire (the shoulder pain score) in assessing pain experienced by patients with shoulder complaints. The shoulder pain score compris ed six pain symptom questions selected from the literature, together w ith a 101-Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-101). The score was tested in a follow-up study of 101 patients with shoulder complaints. The coeffici ent for the internal consistency of the shoulder pain score was 0.82. A factor analysis disclosed two factors: one containing the NRS-101 wi th the ''active'' items of the shoulder pain score and another contain ing the ''passive'' items. The shoulder pain score gave a reliable imp ression of the pain experienced and proved to be a useful instrument f or following the course of the disorder over time and giving an indica tion when a patient feels cured.