Pain-Function Relationships

Postamputation pain is associated with functional limitations across multiple domains. Participants with musculoskeletal disorders reported more moderate and severe problems than controls. The current evidence cannot clearly determine whether altered gait causes low back pain, results from pain-related guarding, or reflects compensation independent of pain. Pain and discomfort were major contributors to the quality-of-life reduction among people with musculoskeletal disorders. Mobility loss was central because musculoskeletal health supports community movement, usual activities, self-care, and independence. Pain can restrict movement, daily activity participation, work, and independence. Low back pain studies consistently reported gait, trunk, pelvic, balance, and movement-efficiency abnormalities. Residual limb pain was associated with slower walking, reduced walking distance, impaired balance, reduced prosthetic use, reduced physical activity, and lower social participation. Phantom limb pain evidence suggests associations with reduced prosthetic use and altered gait characteristics. Low back pain was identified as a common and treatable disability needing wider support and trea…