Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
-
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that is characterized by diffuse musculoskeletal pain and sensitivity to mechanical stimulation. In this pilot clinical trial, we tested the effectiveness of low-dose naltrexone in treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia. ⋯ We conclude that low-dose naltrexone may be an effective, highly tolerable, and inexpensive treatment for fibromyalgia.
-
This study's primary aim was to determine levels of acute and persistent postoperative pain and the incidence of severe postoperative pain after mastectomy. A secondary aim was to examine factors associated with postoperative pain. ⋯ The results suggest that nearly 60% of breast surgery patients experience severe acute postoperative pain, with severe pain persisting for 6-12 months in almost 10% of patients.
-
Biography Historical Article
Hubert Rosomoff, MD, DMedSc: pioneer in neurosurgery and pain medicine.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
The ability of multi-site, multi-depth sacral lateral branch blocks to anesthetize the sacroiliac joint complex.
To determine the physiologic effectiveness of multi-site, multi-depth sacral lateral branch injections. ⋯ Multi-site, multi-depth lateral branch blocks are physiologically effective at a rate of 70%. Multi-site, multi-depth lateral branch blocks do not effectively block the intra-articular portion of the SIJ. There is physiological evidence that the intra-articular portion of the SIJ is innervated from both ventral and dorsal sources. Comparative multi-site, multi-depth lateral branch blocks should be considered a potentially valuable tool to diagnose extra-articular SIJ pain and determine if lateral branch radiofrequency neurotomy may assist one with SIJ pain.
-
In the multimodal treatment approach to chronic back pain, interventional back procedures are often reserved for those who do not improve after more conservative management. Psychological screening prior to lumbar surgery or spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been widely recommended to help identify suitable candidates and to predict possible complications or poor outcome from treatment. However, it remains unclear which, if any, variables are most predictive of pain-related treatment outcomes. ⋯ At present, while there is insufficient empirical evidence that psychological screening before surgery or device implantation helps to improve treatment outcomes, the current literature suggests that psychological factors such as somatization, depression, anxiety, and poor coping, are important predictors of poor outcome. More research is needed to show if early identification and treatment of these factors through psychological screening will enhance treatment outcome.