Priority 20 from the Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy PSP

UNCERTAINTY: What are the most effective therapies for treating pain in patients with DCM? (JLA PSP Priority 20)
Overall ranking 20
JLA question ID 0097/20
Explanatory note Pain may be a significant complaint in patients with DCM and may negatively impact quality of life. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of high-quality studies that evaluate (i) the incidence and severity of preoperative pain; (ii) the impact of surgery on pain outcomes; (iii) important clinical, imaging and surgical predictors of pain outcomes; and (iv) appropriate management strategies for pain. Further research is required to address these important knowledge gaps. 
Evidence

No systematic reviews, scoping reviews or guidelines identified 
Health Research Classification System category Neurological
Extra information provided by this PSP
Original uncertainty examples

What are the most effective medication regimes to manage pain? ~ What is the best pharmacological management for chronic pain associated with DCM?  ~ What can be done to minimise pain? ~ How to address chronic pain? ~ Are opioids helpful for DCM patients with severe pain?  ~ What is the best 'treatment' for sufferers of pain associated with the condition? 
Submitted by Spinal Surgeons x 12, Other healthcare professionals x 12, People with DCM and their supporters x 47
PSP information
PSP unique ID 0097
PSP name Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP. 76  (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop 20 November 2019