Sensitivity of the McGill pain questionnaire to intensity and quality of laboratory pain

Abstract

Human subjects completed a modified McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) to describe 1 of 2 laboratory stressors (cold pressor or electrical tooth pulp stimulation) at 1 of 2 subjective intensities (pain threshold or pain tolerance). Differences in MPQ-derived scores were associated with both type of stressor and intensity level, as were patterns of frequently chosen word groups and specific words. The data support the validity of interpretations drawn from MPQ differences in clinical practice and research. The fact that the MPQ can be used in both clinical and laboratory settings suggests 1 way in which relevant dimensions of similarity and difference among types of pain may be clarified in later research.