Der Schmerz
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Neuromodulatory approaches have enlarged the therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of primary headaches such as migraine and cluster headache. While invasive devices are mainly used in patients with refractory and chronic conditions, non-invasive approaches are increasingly used in less severely affected patients with episodic headaches. This article critically reviews the literature focussing on recent controlled studies, provides recommendations on their use in clinical practice and strives to integrate them into present treatment regimes. As a relevant drawback, the number of controlled studies is limited with small cohorts included and marked methodological constraints, which hampers any direct comparison with pharmacological approaches.
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Work-related fear avoidance beliefs play an important role when considering subjective work ability among people with back pain. Pain-related self-efficacy is known as a predictor for physical activity and subjective work ability. ⋯ Work-related fear avoidance beliefs among back pain patients seem to be important for subjective work ability in the short term. This especially holds true when patients have low self-efficacy beliefs. The investigated constructs should be emphasized in the patient-centered therapy. Longitudinal studies with larger samples and more frequent follow-ups should be investigated in future studies.
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A patient with long-term fibromyalgia syndrome and concomitant post-traumatic stress disorder is reported. The relocation to a so-called external safe site resulted within a very short time in a sustained remission of the fibromyalgia syndrome, due to psychotherapeutic interventions. This shows that-according to the clinical guidelines-a psychiatric examination and, if necessary, targeted therapy of the psychiatric comorbidity is indispensable in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.
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Case Reports
[Schwannoma of the inferior gluteal nerve as a rare cause of gluteal radiating chronic low back pain].
This is the first report of a schwannoma of the inferior gluteal nerve (IGN) as a cause of chronic low back pain in a 43-year-old man. The patient suffered from severe pain radiating to the gluteal region. He was treated for months without pain relief and was on long-term disability. ⋯ By tumor resection, a schwannoma was histologically confirmed. After tumor removal the patient is free of pain with all medication discontinued. He has been fully reintegrated into his professional life.
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This study examines the perspectives of patients and family caregivers on outpatient palliative care networks. It contrasts primary palliative care (AAPV) and specialized outpatient care (SAPV) services, particularly in regard to pain management. ⋯ The personal and professional composition of networks of outpatient palliative care varies individually according to care situation and form. Care networks of AAPV and SAPV differ with regard to the accessibility of health care professionals and pain therapy. Home-based palliative care is often made possible by informal care givers in the first place.