Patient Perspectives on Inadequate Pain Management of Painful Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: A Qualitative Analysis

Friday, November 14, 2025

9:12 AM - 9:20 AM CT

Location: 301 - 302

Introduction: Painful lumbosacral radiculopathy (LSR), a condition associated with chronic pain, mobility impairment, and workplace absenteeism, affects an estimated 13% to 40% of the population.^1-4 Medications used to manage pain associated with LSR (e.g., antiseizure drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs],) often provide inadequate pain relief and are associated with side effects that impact daily functioning.^3,4Few studies have explored the challenges of painful LSR from patients’ perspectives. This study aimed to characterize how adults with painful LSR describe their symptoms, experiences with prescription medications, and the impacts of inadequately managed pain.

Co-Author(s)

NK

Narayan Kissoon, MD

Neurologist
Mayo Clinic, United States

Presenting Author(s)

AG

Ashley Guesnier, PharmD

Senior Manager, Global Health Economics & Outcomes Research – Pain
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, United States

Co-Author(s)

MM

Mirline Milien, MS

Director, Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment
RTI Health Solutions, United States
EM

Erin Miller, PhD

Senior Research Scientist, Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment
RTI Health Solutions, United States
CE

Claire Ervin, MPH

Executive Director, Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment
RTI Health Solutions, United States

Submitting Author(s)

AM

Ann Menzie, MS

Senior Director, Health Economics and Outcomes Research
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, United States