European journal of pain : EJP
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Observational Study
The long-term incidence of chronic post-surgical pain after coronary artery bypass surgery - A prospective observational study.
Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) represents a significant issue for many patients following surgery; however, the long-term incidence and impact have not been well described following cardiac surgery. Our aim was to characterize CPSP at least 5 years following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. ⋯ This study highlights the impact of CPSP 7 years following cardiac surgery and highlights the effect of surgical site, neuropathic pain and the importance of including pain assessment and management in the long-term follow-up of cardiac surgical patients. Strategies to address and prevent chronic pain following cardiac surgery should be further explored.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of cervical stabilization training in patients with headache: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of Cervical Stabilization Training (CST) on the headache, neck pain and cervical musculoskeletal system in patients with headache compared to the control group. ⋯ The CST improved the headache frequency, duration and intensity, neck pain intensity, cervical posture, activation of deep cervical flexor muscles and endurance of cervical muscles in patients with headache. In addition, improvements in the cervical musculoskeletal system contributed to a reduction in the intensity of headaches and neck pain. Therefore, CST may be preferred in the treatment of headaches, especially with coexisting neck pain.
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Perceived diagnostic uncertainty can leave adolescents confused about their condition and impede their ability to understand "what's wrong with me". Our aim is to develop credible explanations about the condition for adolescents suffering from non-traumatic knee pain. ⋯ This study provides credible explanations for the six most common diagnoses of non-traumatic knee pain. Additionally, we identified three key domains that may need to be addressed to reduce diagnostic uncertainty in adolescents suffering from pain complaints. Based on our findings, we believe that clinicians will benefit from exploring adolescents' own perceptions of why they experience pain and perceived management strategies, as this information might capture important clinical information when managing these young individuals.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Contextual factors in persistent severe back pain: A longitudinal analysis among German employees.
Chronic back pain in employees compromises participation in social and daily activities, as well as work. ⋯ Back pain is a condition that often has a chronic or recurrent course, threatening participation in many areas of life. In this study it was found that the unfavourable condition of severe back pain can remain stable for long periods of time in a significant proportion of sufferers. Contextual factors (self-efficacy, fear-avoidance beliefs, caregiving burden) as well as additional health problems should be considered when identifying persons with stagnating pain courses.
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People with chronic pain are frequently exposed to stigma, which is typically distressing and may lead to internal stigmatizing thoughts. The thought content associated with stigma has similarities to pain catastrophizing, although these concepts differ in that stigma is arguably more social in origin. Stigma can be measured by the Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness - 8-item version (SSCI-8). In this study, we first demonstrate the validity of this measure in Swedish. We then examine the role of stigma in the health and functioning of people with chronic pain, particularly beyond the role played by pain catastrophizing. ⋯ This study points to the importance of a social perspective on pain-related outcomes. We may need to more fully appreciate the way that people with chronic pain are treated by both health care providers and others can have an impact on their well-being. Potential negative impacts of stigmatizing responses to people with chronic pain are highlighted by the current results.