Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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This is a prospective, blinded, case-control study of patients with chronic pain using body diagrams and colored markers to show the distribution and quality of pain and sensory symptoms (aching, burning, tingling, numbness, and sensitivity to touch) experienced in affected body parts. ⋯ This study demonstrates good performance characteristics of CPDs in identifying patients with NeuP through the use of a simple and easy-to-apply classification scheme. We suggest use of CPDs as a bedside screening tool and as a method for phenotypic profiling of patients by the quality and distribution of pain and sensory symptoms.
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Acute neuropathic pain is a significant diagnostic challenge, and it is closely related to our understanding of both acute pain and neuropathic pain. Diagnostic criteria for acute neuropathic pain should reflect our mechanistic understanding and provide a framework for research on and treatment of these complex pain conditions. ⋯ The proposed AAAPT diagnostic criteria for acute neuropathic pain can be applied to various acute neuropathic pain conditions. Both the general and condition-specific criteria may guide future research, assessment, and management of acute neuropathic pain.
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The transition of HIV from an acute, fatal illness to a chronic health condition has shifted the treatment needs of people living with HIV (PLWH). PLWH, including sexual minority men (SMM), are living longer and are subject to health concerns often associated with aging. A major health concern of older SMM living with HIV who report problematic substance use is chronic pain. This qualitative analysis of 15 one-on-one interviews with older SMM living with HIV and chronic pain aimed to characterize this population's experiences with pain, engagement in HIV care, and problematic substance use. This study was conducted in a community health center in Boston, MA. We also solicited suggestions for preferred intervention strategies. ⋯ These findings underscore the need for interventions that address the structural, physical, and psychological barriers to engagement in medical and self-care that affect older SMM living with HIV and chronic pain.
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This article presents findings from a large prospective examination of Canadian medical cannabis patients, with a focus on the impacts of cannabis on prescription opioid use and quality of life over a 6-month period. ⋯ This study provides an individual-level perspective of cannabis substitution for opioids and other prescription drugs, as well as associated improvement in quality of life over 6 months. The high rate of cannabis use for chronic pain and the subsequent reductions in opioid use suggest that cannabis may play a harm reduction role in the opioid overdose crisis, potentially improving the quality of life of patients and overall public health.