Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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Research has shown significant rates of comorbidity among posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and pain in prior era veterans but less is known about these disorders in Iraq and Afghanistan war era veterans. This study seeks to extend previous work by evaluating the association among PTSD, MDD, and pain (back, muscle, and headache pain) in this cohort. ⋯ Findings highlight the complex comorbid relationship between PTSD, MDD, and pain among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. This observed association suggests that integrated, multidisciplinary treatments may be beneficial, particularly when multiple psychological and physical health comorbidities are present with pain. Further support may be indicated for ongoing education of mental health and primary care providers about these co-occurring disorders.
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To investigate whether bilateral deep tissue pressure hyperalgesia exists in individuals with unilateral thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (CMC OA). ⋯ This study revealed bilateral localized pressure pain hypersensitivity over the hand in individuals with unilateral thumb CMC OA, suggesting spinal cord sensitization mechanisms in this population. Future studies should analyze the presence of widespread pressure pain sensitivity in patients with thumb CMC OA to further determine the presence of central sensitization mechanisms.
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There is an unmet clinical need for novel analgesics for neuropathic pain. This study was designed to elucidate the mechanism through which EMA300, a small molecule antagonist of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT₂R) with >1,000-fold selectivity over the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, produces analgesia in a rodent model of neuropathic pain. ⋯ Augmented angiotensin II/AT₂R signaling in the DRGs of CCI rats is attenuated by EMA300 to block p38 MAPK and p44/p42 MAPK activation, a mechanism with clinical validity for alleviating neuropathic pain.
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Chronic cancer pain is often refractory and difficult to treat. Ketamine is a medication with evidence of efficacy in the treatment of chronic pain. ⋯ Despite limitations in the breadth and depth of data available, there is evidence that ketamine may be a viable option for treatment-refractory cancer pain.