European journal of pain : EJP
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Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to effectively modulate cortical excitability. Several studies have suggested clinical efficacy in pain syndromes such as central neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia. However, little is known regarding tDCS effects on nociception in healthy volunteers. ⋯ As pain processing in chronic pain patients might differ, tDCS could exert its antinociceptive effects depending on the activation level of the nociceptive system.
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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) receives rich sympathetic innervations that may contribute to TMJ pain through the local release of sympathomimetic amines. The aim of this study was to determine whether blockade of β-adrenoceptors in the TMJ of male and female rats reduces formalin-induced TMJ nociceptive behaviour. ⋯ We conclude that blockade of β-adrenoceptors in the temporomandibular joint suppresses formalin-induced TMJ nociceptive behaviour in both males and females but females are more responsive. These findings suggest that the use of β-blockers in the treatment of TMJ pain might be of benefit, especially in females.
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Disturbances in body perception are increasingly acknowledged as a feature of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Conventional treatments have limited success particularly among those with long-standing disease. Understanding the relationship between body perception disturbance, pain and tactile acuity might provide insight into alternative avenues for treatment. The aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that (1) body perception disturbance is positively related to pain and (2) decreased tactile acuity is related to increased body perception disturbance. ⋯ Aberrant central processing is suggested as the neural correlate of body perception disturbance and tactile impairment. The exact relationship between body perception disturbance, pain and tactile acuity and how they may be modulated for pain relief requires further exploration.
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Review Meta Analysis
Gender role affects experimental pain responses: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Gender role refers to the culturally and socially constructed meanings that describe how women and men should behave in certain situations according to feminine and masculine roles learned throughout life. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the relationship between gender role and experimental pain responses in healthy human participants. We searched computerized databases for studies published between January 1950 and May 2011 that had measured gender role in healthy human adults and pain response to noxious stimuli. ⋯ Meta-analysis of four studies (263 men and 297 women) found a significant negative correlation between gender stereotypes specific to pain and pain threshold and tolerance, with a moderate effect size (r = -0.41, p < 0.001). In conclusion, individuals who considered themselves more masculine and less sensitive to pain than the typical man showed higher pain thresholds and tolerances. Gender stereotypes specific to pain scales showed stronger associations with sex differences in pain sensitivity response than masculine and feminine personality trait scales.