The Clinical journal of pain
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Different types of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) have now been evaluated for the management of chronic non-surgical refractory back pain (NSRBP). A direct comparison between the different types of SCS or between closed-loop SCS with conventional medical management (CMM) for patients with NSRBP has not been previously conducted, and therefore, their relative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness remain unknown. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review, network meta-analysis (NMA) and economic evaluation of closed-loop SCS compared with fixed-output SCS and CMM for patients with NSRBP. ⋯ Current evidence shows that closed-loop and fixed-output SCS provide more benefits and are cost-saving compared to CMM for patients with NSRBP.
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The management of pain patients has not evolved as rapidly as envisioned when IASP was founded almost 50 years ago. We sought to identify factors that could contribute to this situation, with a focus on concepts of pain and the education of pain physicians. ⋯ Peripheral treatments and opioids are not effective for central pains. When the cause of the pain lies in the central nervous system, a more centrally focused approach is needed to minimize wasteful pursuit of peripheral causes. The education and training of pain physicians should reflect the skills needed to address these two very different clinical problems.
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To evaluate the effect of combining pain education and virtual reality exposure therapy using a cognitive behavioural therapy-informed approach (VR-CBT) on pain intensity, fear of movement, and trunk movement, in individuals with persistent low back pain. ⋯ A VR-CBT intervention improved pain, pain-related fear of movement, and trunk kinematics. Further research should explore increased VR-CBT dosage and mechanisms underlying improvement.
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This retrospective study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of early combined therapy with CT-guided paravertebral nerve (PVN), pulsed radiofrequency (PRF), and subcutaneous block on acute/subacute herpes zoster (HZ). ⋯ Our data revealed surprising levels of pain relief by combination therapies of PRF and subcutaneous block targeting different sites of pain pathway, thus suggesting a valuable treatment option for acute/subacute herpetic neuralgia.