European journal of pain : EJP
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Iatrogenic opioid addiction among chronic pain patients was the initiative for starting a methadone programme for pain patients at the University Hospital of Uppsala. The aims were to improve pain relief and quality of life in pain patients with problematic opioid use and to investigate background factors explaining problems with opioid use. ⋯ A structured methadone programme can be used for treating chronic pain patients with opioid dependence improving pain relief and quality of life. However, side effects and serious adverse events may limit the beneficial effects of the method.
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The objective was to determine the association between the prevalence of lower back problems (LBP), fear-avoidance beliefs and pain coping strategies using an analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study among a group of 366 workers in a South African stainless steel industry. Outcome (LBP) was defined using a questionnaire and a functional rating index. ⋯ Significant protective associations were found for increased activity levels (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.42-0.78). These findings have utility in preventative screening procedures to identify workers with such beliefs and coping strategies who are at risk for prolonged work restrictions.
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To describe the use of a generalizable stochastic-simulation model of the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with peripheral neuropathies. ⋯ When combined with data on health-state utilities and treatment costs, this new analytical tool can provide a foundation for formal cost-effectiveness evaluations of interventions for painful peripheral neuropathies.
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Psychosocial factors have been implicated in the pain experience during childbirth, which can have both short- and long-term consequences on the mother's health and her relationship with her infant. The present study evaluated important demographic, social, and psychological factors as predictors of multiple dimensions of labor pain among 35 mothers during childbirth. ⋯ These data replicate previous research that has demonstrated the significant impact of AS on pain responding in other areas (e.g., chronic pain) and extend knowledge in this literature to demonstrate the important role that AS serves among women and their experience of labor pain. Clinical implications are highlighted and discussed.