The Clinical journal of pain
-
In this prospective longitudinal clinical study, we evaluated the role of proinflammatory cytokine IL-8 and its clinical relevance in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) who fulfilled clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria and underwent a 3-week inpatients multidisciplinary pain therapy. ⋯ Our results suggest that IL-8 level contributes in patients with FM whose pain intensity and back function can be improved under influence of multidisciplinary pain therapy without need of an anti-IL-8 therapy.
-
This study aimed to provide a comprehensive profile of a representative sample of patients with acute low back pain drawn from the primary care setting. A secondary aim was to determine whether patient characteristics are associated with pain intensity or disability at the initial consultation. ⋯ In a representative sample of acute low back pain patients in primary care, we found that the profile included only a small proportion of patients with compensable low back pain. Those without compensation were more likely to remain at work despite low back pain. Psychologic and other patient characteristics were associated with pain intensity and level of disability at the initial consultation.
-
To determine if country (Australia, Taiwan, Singapore), undergraduate healthcare course (physiotherapy, nursing), low back pain (LBP) history, and year of course influenced various back pain beliefs in undergraduate female healthcare students. ⋯ Findings of this study highlight the importance of country, education, and LBP experience on back pain beliefs. The more negative back pain beliefs found in Taiwan and Singapore may reflect current pain beliefs and management attitudes.
-
We conducted a systematic review to assess the (cost)effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in relieving certain kinds of pain for people with chronic pain owing to failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). ⋯ For the effectiveness analysis, 1 fully published randomized controlled trial, one randomized controlled trial with 6 month results (both of moderate quality), 1 retrospective cohort study, and 13 case series (all of low quality) were included. The mean period of follow-up was between 6 months and 8.8 years. These studies show that SCS is effective in the treatment of FBSS in terms of pain reduction. The effect was consistent in all analyzed studies. Improvements were also reported for other outcomes, such as quality of life and functional status. All the studies reported some complications, most of which were technical problems. In terms of cost-effectiveness, 3 studies met the inclusion criteria and offered the same conclusion that SCS is both more effective and less costly in the long-term, but there is an initial high cost associated with device implantation and maintenance.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Do occlusal splints have an effect on complex regional pain syndrome? A randomized, controlled proof-of-concept trial.
Studies have suggested overlaps between various chronic pain conditions and painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The objective of this pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of occlusal splint (OS) therapy on self-reported measures of pain in patients with chronic complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) as compared with a nontreatment group. ⋯ The use of OS for 7 weeks has no impact on CRPS-related pain but improved signs and symptoms of TMD pain. Future studies should include an active control group and evaluate if long-term changes in measures of oral health impact general health in CRPS-related pain.