Management of Chronic Pain

Aim: We conducted a preliminary evaluation of a newly developed, time-based visual time analog (VITA) scale for measuring pain in chronic pain patients. Materials & methods: 40 patients with chronic back pain rated their pain over four visits using numerical (pain) rating scale (NRS) and VITA assessing pain intensity by distributing the amount of time spent on ‘not aware of pain’ (blue), […]

Chronic non-malignant pain (CNP) is a significant healthcare problem with considerable consequences for patients, relatives and society. CNP is a lifelong condition that calls for acceptance and self-management. Existing research indicates that the involvement of relatives improves patients’ and relatives’ management of CNP, but the area is, at present, scarcely described. Research is required to […]

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a common persistent pain state among women in the Western world, causing dyspareunia, psychological distress and challenges against fertility. Therapies aimed at relieving pain (physiotherapy) and psychological distress (psychotherapy) are often recommended, sometimes in multimodal combinations. We have previously developed somatocognitive therapy (SCT) as a multimodal intervention, administered by a physiotherapist, […]

Fibromyalgia is a chronic widespread pain condition that is associated with sleep disturbances and cognitive impairments. Neurofeedback has been demonstrated to improve pain, sleep quality, and fatigue. However, few studies have examined the effect of neurofeedback for patients with fibromyalgia.To determine the effects of neurofeedback on pain intensity, symptom severity, sleep quality, and cognitive function […]

Several predictors have been shown to be independently associated with chronic postsurgical pain for gastrointestinal surgery, but few studies have investigated the factors associated with acute postsurgical pain (APSP). The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of APSP intensity and severity through investigating demographic, psychological, and clinical variables.We performed a prospective cohort […]

Italy adopted a law on chronic pain in March 2010, which focused on detection and management of this symptom, that affects approximately 25% of the population. The aim of this study is to analyze the interest of the Italian population in palliative care and chronic pain and to understand whether the Law 38/2010 made an […]

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a neuropathic pain condition that is difficult to treat. For behavioral interventions, graded motor imagery (GMI) showed relevant effects, but underlying neural substrates in patient groups have not been investigated yet. A previous study investigating differences in the representation of a left/right hand judgment task demonstrated less recruitment of […]

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic widespread pain condition of unknown aetiology. The role of temperature in FMS pain has not been reviewed systematically. The goal of this study was to review the influences of temperature on pain in FMS, from meteorological and quantitative sensory testing (QST) studies. The review was registered with Prospero: ID-CRD42020167687, […]

Chronic pain is associated with significant physical and psychological impairments across the adult lifespan. However, there is a relative gap in knowledge on individual differences that predict pain-related functioning. The current study highlights one important source of individual variation: age.Using cross-sectional data from a large treatment-seeking cohort of 2,905 adults (M age = 46.6 [13.1]; […]

Cannabidiol (CBD) is widely advertised as helpful for chronic pain management but research is limited. Using a cross-sectional, anonymous survey, we examined patterns of naturalistic CBD use among individuals with fibromyalgia (FM) and other chronic pain conditions. Our objective was to better understand rates of CBD use, reasons for use and discontinuation, communication with healthcare […]

Biased interpretations of ambiguous bodily threat situations characterise youth with chronic pain, and have been associated with functional disability for this population. Despite predictions by the fear-avoidance model of chronic pain, that fear and avoidance of pain explain the association between threat perceptions and disability, this has not yet been explored in youth with chronic […]

This study determines the prevalence and particularities of headache and pain with neuropathic characteristics (NC) in a large French group of patients with pituitary adenoma (PA).Analysis of validated self-administered questionnaires, radiological characteristics, and treatment strategies of PA was performed.Of the 221 sent questionnaires, 146 could be used for statistical analysis, 50% of which were completed […]

The COVID-19 pandemic has led caregivers to modify patient healthcare, with a high impact on patients with chronic pain.To map recommendations for the management of chronic pain patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and propose a workflow for the management of these patients.This was a scoping review.The databases searched were PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Library, […]

Providing sustained and effective treatment via the peripheral nervous system for the management of chronic pain is challenging. Application of non-invasive high frequency stimulation at or near the painful area may benefit those with chronic pain. This open label pilot survey examined the impact of this stimulation on pain intensity, activities of daily living, functional […]

Dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S) is used as a treatment for chronic low back pain (CLBP), although its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. CLBP patients have been found to have reduced mechanoreceptive perception, reduced endogenous analgesia, as well as deep-tissue hyperalgesia when compared to healthy controls. Using quantitative sensory testing (QST), we studied if DRG-S in […]

Background: A survey of European Pain Federation 2019 attendees was conducted to identify unmet needs in chronic pain patients. Materials & methods: Four questions were asked focusing on functional impairment in chronic pain, including who are at increased risk and ways to better identify and manage these patients. Results: In total 143 respondents indicated that key issues […]

The high prevalence of inadequately managed chronic pain indicates the need for alternative and multimodal treatment options. Use of cannabinoids in medicine is becoming a growing area of interest, specifically in the context of chronic pain. The efficacy of cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic pain is not well established.The objectives of this rapid systematic […]

Aim: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is used to clinically manage and/or treat several chronic pain etiologies. A limited amount is known about the influence on patients’ use of opioid pain medication. This retrospective analysis evaluated SCS effect on opioid consumption in patients presenting with chronic pain conditions. Materials & methods: Sixty-seven patients underwent a temporary […]

Aim: Low back pain is a leading cause of patient disability in the USA. Our goal was to determine association between patient characteristics and their response to lumbar medial branch block, radiofrequency ablation of medial nerves or lumbar facet joint injections. Materials & methods: Medical records for the first 100 patients who underwent lumbar medial […]

The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) is often used in clinical settings to screen for the presence of central sensitization. However, various cutoff scores have been reported for this tool, and scores have not been consistently associated with widespread pain sensitivity as measured with quantitative sensory testing (QST). The purpose of this study was to compare […]

Chronic low back pain (cLBP) has been associated with changes in brain plasticity. Non-pharmacological therapies such as Manual Therapy (MT) have shown promise for relieving cLBP. However, translational neuroimaging research is needed to understand potential central mechanisms supporting MT. We investigated the effect of MT on resting-state salience network (SLN) connectivity, and whether this was […]

Psychological interventions are effective at ameliorating the experience of pain in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic back pain. However, their effect on diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) pain has yet to be established AIM: To assess the effectiveness of psychological interventions on pain and related outcomes in adults with DPN.Systematic review.Community, hospital in-patient and […]

The number of people managing chronic conditions is growing with the rapidly aging population. Visits to the emergency department are steadily rising, but little is known about the rationale of those seeking emergent care.The goal of this study was to better understand, from the patients’ perspective, the reasons for seeking care in an emergency department […]

The risk constructs based on psychological risk factors (e.g. pain catastrophizing, PC) and sensitization risk factors (e.g. pressure pain threshold, PPT) are important in research and clinical practice. While most research looks at individual constructs, but doesn’t consider how different constructs might interact within the same individual. A cumulative impact evaluation of psychological and sensitization […]

Chronic pain prevention and treatment constitute a challenge for occupational health. The aim of this study was to provide data on workers in a variety of jobs and multiple contexts to determine the prevalence and characteristics of different chronic pain disorders, in view to highlighting possible new targets for preventive actions. 1,008 participants working in […]

Oxaliplatin often causes acute or chronic peripheral neuropathy in patients with an intestinal or pancreatic tumor, but in-depth insights in its influence on quality of life (QoL) are lacking. We explored the influence of acute Oxaliplatin Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (OIPN) on daily QoL in these patients.we performed semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of patients […]

Opioid overdoses and deaths continue to be a problem in the USA with a significant portion related to prescribed opioid analgesic agents. The role of pharmacogentic factors in opioid addiction is an active area of research. While all opioid analgesic agents have some addictive potential, it is clear that there are some with greater addictive […]

Chronic pain, the leading cause of disability in the world, imposes limitations on activities of daily living and diminishes quality of life leading to unnecessary patient suffering. The personal and socioeconomic costs of chronic pain cannot be overstated. Physicians are at the crux of the pandemic and must attempt to limit the spread of the […]

Evaluate the Pain Impact Index, a simple, brief, easy-to-use and novel tool to assess the impact of chronic pain in community-dwelling older adults.A Rasch modelling analysis was undertaken in Stata using a partial credit model suited to the Likert-type items that comprised the Index. The Index was evaluated for: ordering of category thresholds; unidimensionality; overall […]

The StimRouter® peripheral nerve stimulation system created by Bioness, Inc., (CA, USA) is US FDA-approved for the treatment of peripheral mononeuropathy refractory to conservative medical management. StimRouter is a minimally invasive system that utilizes a subcutaneously implanted lead with integrated anchor and electrodes, and an external pulse generator to produce peripheral neuromodulation and achieve pain relief. Multiple […]

Cesarean delivery is one of the most common procedures performed worldwide. We conducted this prospective cohort study to evaluate the association between local anesthetic infiltration (LAI) pain prior to spinal anesthesia and pain and morphine consumption within 24 h after cesarean delivery (primary outcomes). A secondary objective was to assess the association between LAI pain and […]

To develop the Malay DC/TMD through a formal cross-cultural adaptation (CCA) process for use in non-English speaking populations and to determine the reliability and validity of the Malay Graded Chronic Pain Scale (M-GCPS) and Malay Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (M-JFLS).The English DC/TMD was translated into the Malay language using the forward-backward translation procedures specified in […]

To systematically review the literature to assess whether genetic polymorphisms affect orofacial pain sensitivity in healthy individuals and in patients with chronic orofacial pain disorders.Electronic searches were conducted to identify observational studies and clinical trials investigating the association between genetic polymorphisms and orofacial pain sensitivity in healthy individuals and/or patients with chronic orofacial pain disorders. […]

Our knowledge of the pathophysiology of migraine and the molecules implicated in the disorder have evolved over time. Among these, calcitonin gene-related peptide has shown a crucial role that led to the development of therapies specifically targeting the molecule. Four monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway are currently available after the US FDA approval of […]

The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and predictive factors for developing chronic access-site (A-S) pain after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via radial artery access.Data of selected patients (n = 161) who underwent elective PCI were collected prospectively and analysed in 2020. Verbal analogue scale was used to evaluate pain intensity after 12, 24, […]

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a chronic disease of various etiologies. Correct TMD diagnosis enables to apply effective treatment and significantly improves the quality of patients’ lives. One of the diagnostic methods subjected to evaluation in recent years is thermography, which enables safe, noninvasive, and quick imaging of the temperature distribution of temporomandibular joint-associated tissues. […]

Radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerve has been performed for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) when conservative treatment is not effective. Chemical ablation may be an alternative but its effectiveness and safety has not been examined. The objective of this prospective open label cohort study is to evaluate effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided chemical neurolysis for genicular […]

Falls and fall-induced injuries in elderly people are common worldwide. However, few reports have examined the association between body pain and fall in middle-aged and older Chinese adults. The objective of this study is to access the association between pain and fall among middle-aged and older Chinese.Data were drawn from the 2011 China Health and […]

Patterns of cognitive appraisal related to chronic pain may manifest differentially across time due to a variety of factors, but variability of injustice appraisals across time has not been examined. The current study details the validation of a brief, daily version of the Injustice Experience Questionnaire (IEQ), which measures injustice appraisals related to the experience […]

Associations between inflammatory conditions and low back pain (LBP) have been found frequently in older populations. However, the nature of these relationships in younger populations is unknown. This study aimed to investigate associations between early life chronic or recurrent inflammatory conditions and impactful LBP in adolescence and young adulthood.In this longitudinal study we used data […]

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that often develops after injury, with a typical onset in adolescence. The impact of chronic pain is far-reaching, with many adolescents reporting atypical developmental trajectories compared with peers. Social Comparison Theory offers a framework for understanding how such comparisons influence wellbeing, whereby a heightened sense […]

Research among adult and pediatric samples suggests that pain-related injustice appraisals contribute to adverse pain-related functioning. However, a singular focus on pain-related injustice appraisals carries the risk of underestimating the role of broader concepts of justice. This study examined the unique roles of child pain-related injustice appraisals and just-world beliefs in understanding disability and physical, […]

One in five patients experiences chronic pain 12 months following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This longitudinal study used a person-centered approach to identify subgroups of patients with distinct chronic pain profiles following TKA and identified preoperative characteristics associated with these profiles.On the day before surgery, 202 patients completed questionnaires that assessed pain, interference with functioning, […]

Based on associative learning theories it is hypothesised that pain might be a conditioned response. In people with musculoskeletal pain, the occurrence of movement-induced pain might be a protective response, influenced by visual cues suggesting that the person is approaching a painful position. This study aimed to determine (1) whether pain-free range of motion (ROM) […]

Emotion has a strong modulatory effect on pain perception and spinal nociception. Pleasure inhibits pain and nociception, whereas displeasure facilitates pain and nociception. Dysregulation of this system has been implicated in development and maintenance of chronic pain. The current study sought to examine whether emotional modulation of pain could be altered through the use of […]

Chronic non-cancer pain affects about 20% of the population worldwide. The effect of medical treatment in isolation is often limited. A multidisciplinary approach has been strongly advocated to help manage patients’ pain more effectively.The primary purpose was to reduce pain severity, pain interference on patients’daily activities and improve their levels of self-efficacy despite pain. The […]

Aims: To investigate quality of life (QOL) and functionality changes in chronic pain during tapentadol prolonged release (PR) treatment. Patients & methods:Post hoc analysis of data from three Phase III trials in patients with osteoarthritis knee pain or low back pain. QOL and functionality changes were assessed by SF-36 scores. Results: All SF-36 subdomain scores […]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that clinicians prescribing opioids for chronic pain should consider at least annual urine drug testing (UDT). We evaluated whether shorter intervals for repeat UDT are associated with decreased rates of drug misuse.Retrospective analysis of deidentified serial UDT and matched prescribing data.We analyzed Quest Diagnostics 2016-2017 UDT […]

We aimed to determine the incidence of chronic illicit substance use during pregnancy and to identify associated risk factors.A 2-year time-matched retrospective maternal quality control database (n = 4,470) analysis of parturients with chronic illicit substance use compared to controls.A tertiary academic medical center located in a rural setting.The rate of chronic illicit substance use […]

To assess observation of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain within a Pharmacy Controlled Substance Clinic (PCSC) compared to usual care by resident physicians in a Primary Care Internal Medicine (IM) clinic.Single-center, retrospective cohort.IM clinic within a large, academic medical center.Patients receiving stable opioid prescriptions for management of […]

Insomnia commonly co-occurs with depression, chronic pain, and opioid use. Both insomnia and chronic opioid analgesic use (OAU) are independent risk factors for a new depression episode (NDE). This study determined if the association between longer OAU duration and NDE was stronger in those with versus without insomnia.Retrospective cohort.Veterans Health Administration electronic medical records (2000-2012).New […]

There is growing interest in the potential of internet-delivered pain management programs (PMPs) to increase access to care for people with chronic pain. However, very few economic evaluations of these interventions have been reported. Using existing data, the current study examined the cost-effectiveness of an internet-delivered PMP for a mixed group chronic pain patients (n = 490) […]

Oral amitriptyline hydrochloride (amitriptyline) is ineffective against some forms of chronic pain and is often associated with dose-limiting adverse events. We evaluated the potential effectiveness of high-dose topical amitriptyline in a preliminary case series of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) patients and investigated whether local or systemic adverse events associated with the use of amitriptyline were […]

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a rapidly expanding field within neuromodulation; however, there is limited data on therapeutic efficacy. This study describes the indications and clinical outcomes for patients undergoing PNS for chronic pain states.This is a retrospective case series of adults undergoing PNS implantation from 2004-2017 at an academic medical center. The primary outcomes […]

Pain intensity is a complex and dynamic experience. A focus on assessing patients’ average pain levels may miss important aspects of pain that impact functioning in daily life. In this second of 3 articles investigating alternative indices of pain intensity derived from Ecological Momentary Assessments (EMA), we examine the indices’ associations with physical and psychosocial […]

To assess patients’ barriers to pain management and analgesic medication adherence in advanced cancer patients METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study in advanced cancer patients receiving chronic opioid therapy. Age, gender, cancer diagnosis, Karnofsky level, and educational status were recorded. collected. These included age, gender, cancer diagnosis, Karnofsky level, and educational status. The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), […]

Pain catastrophizing may contribute to the altered trunk muscle activity in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). It is unclear if pain catastrophizing influences static postural control in patients with NSCLBP. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pain catastrophizing and static postural control in NSCLBP patients.Sixty-eight participants with NSCLBP and 40 […]

Chronic pain is a significant comorbid condition among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). However, due to conflicting perceptions of responsibility, structural barriers, and a lack of widely applied standards of care, it is unclear what the landscape of chronic pain management looks like in addiction medicine. Using a national opioid surveillance system, we analyzed […]

Although a transitional approach promoting continuity of care is warranted to prevent chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) and opioid misuse, there is limited research examining interventions targeting the subacute phase after cardiac surgery. Contextual multi-level factors may explain this scarcity.The purpose of this study was to explore the potential implementation of a nursing intervention to prevent […]

Aim: It is argued that chronic pain patients who reduce/eliminate their opioids may have compromised pain relief. This study therefore aimed to analyze if reduced opioid consumption associated with 10-kHz spinal cord stimulation adversely affected pain relief. Methods:Post hoc analysis was performed on data from two prospective studies in subjects with upper limbs and neck pain conducted […]