European journal of pain : EJP
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Epidemiological surveys have monitored chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) and investigated associated factors in Denmark for more than 20 years. This study aimed to analyse CNCP prevalence in the Danish population from 2000 to 2023 and its associations with mental health status and loneliness. ⋯ This study demonstrated alarming trend on chronic non-cancer pain prevalence over time in Denmark. The high estimates of prevalence and related issues, such as mental health and severe loneliness deserve further investigation and prioritisation in the public health agenda.
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Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating condition characterised by significant heterogeneity. Early diagnosis is critical, but limited data exists on the condition's early stages. This study aimed to characterise (very) early CRPS patients and explore potential subgroups to enhance understanding of its mechanisms. ⋯ This study identifies distinct (very) early CRPS profiles, suggesting different pathophysiological mechanisms and challenging traditional classifications. It paves the way for improved diagnosis and tailored treatments.
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Trunk co-contraction during lifting may reflect a guarded motor response to a threatening task. This work estimated the impact of pain catastrophizing on trunk co-contraction during lifting, in people with and without low back pain. ⋯ This work contributes evidence that people with back pain commonly exhibit trunk co-contraction when lifting. The lack of a relationship between pain catastrophizing and trunk co-contraction, however, challenges evidence linking psychological factors and guarded motor behaviour in this group. Together, this suggests that other factors may be stronger determinants of co-contraction in people with LBP or that a general construct like pain catastrophizing may not accurately represent this relationship.
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Sensory profiling in neuropathic pain using quantitative sensory testing (QST) has not been extended to central neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injury (SCI). This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating sensory profiles in patients with neuropathic SCI pain. ⋯ The evaluation of sensory phenotypes by quantitative sensory testing in central neuropathic pain due to SCI adds a new perspective on sensory phenotypes in comparison to peripheral neuropathic pain. The described thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia combination might represent involvement of the spinothalamic tract. In addition, there was a trend towards older age and longer time since injury in patients with loss of function.
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Chronic pain, affecting approximately 20% of the global population, is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Transgender individuals are disproportionately exposed to chronic pain risk factors compared with the cisgender population. This study compares the incidence of chronic pain between transgender and cisgender individuals and examines the impact of gender affirming hormone therapy, anxiety, and depression on chronic pain. ⋯ Our study, featuring the largest cohort of Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) individuals assembled to date, reveals critical disparities in chronic pain among TGD populations, notably those on hormone therapy, compared with the cisgender population. It highlights the urgent need for specialized screening and treatment for this vulnerable population, and research into hormone therapy's impact on pain. These insights aim to foster more effective, personalized healthcare, enhancing the well-being and quality of life for the TGD community.