Patient Presentations in a Community Pain Clinic after COVID-19 Infection or Vaccination: A Case-Series Approach

Abstract

Objectives: Early case report studies and anecdotes from patients, medical colleagues, and social media suggest that patients may present to chronic pain clinics with a number of complaints post COVID-19 infection or vaccination. The aim of this study is to systematically report on a consecutive series of chronic pain patients seen in a community-based pain clinic, who acquired symptoms after COVID-19 infection or vaccination. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study identified all patients seen at the clinic over a 4-month period (January–April 2022) with persistent symptoms after COVID-19 infection, vaccination, or both. Information was collected on sex, gender, age, details of vaccination, new pains, or exacerbation of old pain plus the development of novel symptoms. Results: The study identified 21 community dwellers (17 females and 4 males; F/M 4.25/1; age range 22–79 years; mean age 46.3 years), with symptoms attributed to COVID-19 infection or vaccination. Several patients suffered exacerbation of previous pains or developed novel pains, as well as high levels of anxiety and mood disorders. A review of the existing literature provides support for the spectrum of symptoms displayed by the study group. Conclusions: Information collected in this study will add to the body of COVID-19-related literature and assist particularly community practitioners in recognizing and managing these conditions.