The Clinical journal of pain
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Although pain is always intense and unpleasant, the capacity to experience this sensation is, under normal circumstances, fundamental to the preservation of bodily integrity. Clinically, however, after injury to peripheral tissue or directly to the nervous system, spontaneous and evoked pain manifest that serve no physiologic function, are crippling to patients, and are difficult to treat. ⋯ This spinal neuronal plasticity is shown to be a key contributor to pathologic pain hypersensitivity. The potential for the molecular mechanisms responsible for the spinal plasticity in revealing new targets for future treatment is also discussed.
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The goal of this study was to assess physician consultation and use of medication in Dutch children and adolescents (0-18 years old) having chronic pain in relation to sociodemographic factors and pain characteristics. ⋯ Chronic pain is a common complaint in children and adolescents, frequently resulting in consultation of a physician and medication use. Regarding physician consultation, children and adolescents with a lower educational level seem to be a group at risk.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Amitriptyline and fluphenazine in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a vexing problem occurring in 10 to 20 percent of people with from herpes zoster (shingles). Anecdotal reports show that fluphenazine enhances the effects of amitriptyline for the treatment of PHN. The aim of this study was to determine, in a controlled manner, whether this was the case. ⋯ These data support the effectiveness of amitriptyline in treatment of PHN, but do not support the addition of fluphenazine.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Use of virtual reality for adjunctive treatment of adult burn pain during physical therapy: a controlled study.
The pain experienced by burn patients during physical therapy range of motion exercises can be extreme and can discourage patients from complying with their physical therapy. We explored the novel use of immersive virtual reality (VR) to distract patients from pain during physical therapy. ⋯ Results provided preliminary evidence that VR can function as a strong nonpharmacologic pain reduction technique for adult burn patients during physical therapy and potentially for other painful procedures or pain populations.