Validation of the English Language Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire

Background and Objectives: The Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ)
is predictive of pain-related responses to experimental stimuli in
German-speaking individuals. Here, we explored the validation of
the English translation of the PSQ (PSQ-E). Methods: One hundred
thirty-six patients scheduled to undergo a low back interventional
procedure completed the PSQ-E and other questionnaires including
the Brief Pain Inventory. Pain ratings on a visual analog scale
(VAS) were obtained following 2 standardized injections of
subcutaneous lidocaine (VAS 1, infiltration in hand; VAS 2,
infiltration of procedural site). The VAS measures were compared
with the PSQ-E data and other inventories using linear regression
analysis with stepwise selection of variables. Results: The PSQ-E
properties were in all respects similar to those of the original
German PSQ. VAS 1 magnitude was predicted by PSQ-E-minor (r = 0.26,
P < 0.01). VAS 2 magnitude was predicted by PSQ-E-minor (r =
0.34, P < 0.001), and the prediction was significantly enhanced
by further inclusion of the Brief Pain Inventory interference score
(total r = 0.40, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The study demonstrated
that a significant correlation exists between the PSQ-E and
clinically relevant pain ratings. This study validates the PSQ-E
both in terms of measuring pain sensitivity and as possible means
of recognizing patients with high pain sensitivity. Defining this
subset of patients may have clinical utility in the future.