The Clinical journal of pain
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Alexithymia has been shown to be associated with key pain-related variables in persons with chronic pain from western countries, but the generalizability of these findings across cultures has not been examined adequately. Also, there remain questions regarding the importance of alexithymia to patient functioning over and above the effects of the general negative affectivity. ⋯ The findings support the cross-cultural generalizability of significant associations between alexithymia and both pain interference and catastrophizing. However, whether (1) alexithymia influences patient functioning indirectly by its effects on negative affect or (2) the univariate associations found between alexithymia and measures of patient functioning are a byproduct of both being influenced by negative affect needs to be tested using longitudinal and experimental research.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
OnabotulinumtoxinA improves tactile and mechanical pain perception in painful diabetic polyneuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathic pain may be relieved by onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT/A). However, whether BoNT/A changes sensory perception in neuropathic patients remains unknown. This study used a double-blind crossover design to explore the possible effect of BoNT/A on sensory perception. ⋯ BoNT/A may improve tactile and mechanical pain perception in painful diabetic polyneuropathy. The beneficial effects of BoNT/A deserves further study to elucidate the exact mechanism and potential for preventing insensate injuries.
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This study explored correlates of spousal ability to infer the thoughts and feelings of individuals with chronic pain (ICPs). ⋯ These findings provide support for models of empathy that argue that characteristics of the pain condition and characteristics of the observer are important contributors to observers' understanding of pain. In addition, the findings support previous research that suggests there are different processes for understanding the emotional versus the cognitive experience of others.
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Lumbar flexion-relaxation (FR) is a well-known phenomenon that can reliably be seen in normal subjects but not in most chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients. The purpose of this study was to determine which surface electromyographic (SEMG) measures of FR best distinguish CLBP patients from pain-free control subjects. Standing SEMG and lumbar flexion range of motion (ROM) were also evaluated. ⋯ Because all SEMG measures of FR performed acceptably, the determination of which SEMG measure of FR is "best" is largely dependent on one's specific purpose. In addition, ROM measures were found to be important components of the FR assessment.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Gastroretentive gabapentin (G-GR) formulation reduces intensity of pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a once-daily gastroretentive formulation of gabapentin (G-GR; 1800 mg). ⋯ Once-daily G-GR 1800 mg was effective and well tolerated for the relief of pain in patients with postherpetic neuralgia.