Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (ÖMPQ)
The ÖMPQ[1] is a screening tool used to predict long-term disability and failure to return to work when completed 4 to 12 weeks following a soft-tissue injury[2]. The ÖMPQ identifies “yellow flags”; that is, psychological and environmental factors that are associated with delayed recovery from musculoskeletal injuries. Research has shown that these factors can be modified[3], so the ÖMPQ assists treating practitioners to identify appropriate interventions to reduce the risk of long-term disability. Use the link below to access the ÖMPQ, including instructions for scoring and interpretation.
Interpretation
Score ≤ 105 = low risk
Score between 105 -130 = moderate risk
Score ≥ 130 = high risk
Important
Injured workers who score ≥ 105 should be referred to a cognitive-behavioural intervention that includes education, strategies to increase activity levels despite persisting pain, pain management techniques, and cognitive therapy, in addition to other cognitive-behavioural strategies to address issues with disturbed mood and/or sleep.
Dr Margaret Tadros has considerable experience and expertise in providing these interventions (often referred to as “pain management”), and will collaborate with the physiotherapist or exercise physiologist delivering the active exercise program to maximise treatment outcomes.
Click here for the ÖMPQ
For further resources about the assessment and management of chronic pain (including resources for GPs) visit the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation’s chronic pain website at: http://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/chronic-pain
[1] Linton, SJ & Boersma, K. Clinical Journal of Pain, 2003.
[2] Linton, SJ & Hallden, K. Clinical Journal of Pain, 1998.
[3] Linton, SJ & Ryberg, M. Pain, 2001.
Van Den Hout, JHC, Vlaeyen, WS, Heuts, PHTG, Zijlema, JHL & Wijnen, AG. Pain, 2003.
Marhold, C, Linton, SJ & Melin, L. Pain, 2001.
