Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is a novel target for neuromodulation, and DRG stimulation is proving to be a viable option in the treatment of chronic intractable neuropathic pain. Although the overall principle of conventional spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and DRG stimulation-in which an electric field is applied to a neural target with the intent of affecting neural pathways to decrease pain perception-is similar, there are significant differences in the anatomy and physiology of the DRG that make it an ideal target for neuromodulation and may account for the superior outcomes observed in the treatment of certain chronic neuropathic pain states. This review highlights the anatomy of the DRG, its function in maintaining homeostasis and its role in neuropathic pain, and the unique value of DRG as a target in neuromodulation for pain. ⋯ There are several advantages to targeting the DRG, including lower energy usage, more focused and posture-independent stimulation, reduced paresthesia, and improved clinical outcomes.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Neural Tension Technique Improves Immediate Conditioned Pain Modulation in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
To determine the immediate effect of neural tension technique (NTT) on conditioned pain modulation in patients with chronic neck pain. A secondary objective was to determine the immediate effect of neural tensioner technique on pain intensity and cervical range of movement. ⋯ This study suggests that neural tension technique enhances immediate conditioned pain modulation in patients with chronic neck pain, but not pain intensity or cervical range of movement.
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Observational Study Pragmatic Clinical Trial
Impact of Policy Interventions on Postoperative Opioid Prescribing.
To assess postoperative opioid prescribing in response to state and organizational policy changes. ⋯ Policies governing the use of opioids are an effective and adoptable approach to reducing opioid prescribing following surgery.