European journal of pain : EJP
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Background: Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) has been widely used to treat chronic pain, but the effectiveness and mechanisms in preventing early neuropathic pain have not been well explored. Even fewer knowledge is available in its impact on glia-mediated nociceptive sensitization. This study aims to elucidate the modulation of PRF on nerve injury-induced pain development and activation of spinal mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). ⋯ Conclusions: Low-volt PRF significantly ameliorated SNL-induced acute pain. Inferentially, PRF may inhibit spinal sensitization by down-regulating spinal MAPK activations and activation-mediated cytokine release. We demonstrated that early PRF treatment in acute nerve injury helps to ameliorate neuropathic pain development.
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Comparative Study
Neuronal differences between chronic low back pain and depression regarding long-term habituation to pain.
Longitudinal studies of experimental pain are rare and little is known about the differences regarding sensitization and habituation over longer periods in patients with chronic pain or depression compared with controls. ⋯ Given that pain and depression potentiate each other clinically, our data suggest that this may involve different cortical pain areas.
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Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) may be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to investigate the association between CMP and CVD, and the contribution of physical activity and sedentary behaviour to any association. ⋯ CMP is associated with an increased risk of CVD and the association is stronger in older adults. Neither physical activity nor sedentary behaviour contributed to this relationship. Longitudinal studies are warranted to better understand the relationship between CVD and CMP.
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To investigate the role of the synthetic steroid tibolone in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) and in nociceptive behaviour in an experimental rat model of OA and ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis. ⋯ Treatment with tibolone attenuated the development of OA, concomitantly reduced nociception and increased serum alkaline phosphatase in ACLT + OVX rats.
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Research into mental imagery has increased our understanding of a range of psychological problems. However, there has been little study into the spontaneous mental images experienced in response to chronic pain. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and characteristics of these pain-related mental images. ⋯ This study describes themes and characteristics of pain-related mental imagery and confirms that they are a frequent, vivid and distressing experience for many chronic pain sufferers. The results of this study suggest that pain-related mental imagery could provide an additional route for assessment and intervention. Further research should focus on assessment, measurement and intervention in clinical populations.