Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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This review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of diagnostic criteria and clinical phenotypes on quantitative sensory testing (QST) outcomes in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). ⋯ Based on the findings of this review, classifying CRPS according to presence or absence of nerve lesion into CRPS-I and II, location (upper or lower limb) or according to sex might not be clinically relevant as all appear to have comparable sensory profiles that might suggest similar underlying mechanisms. In contrast, warm vs cold phenotypes exhibited clear differences in their associated QST sensory profiles. To the extent that differences in underlying mechanisms might lead to differential treatment responsiveness, it appears unlikely that CRPS-I vs II, CRPS location, or patient sex would prove useful in guiding clinical management.
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Over 50% of adults living with sickle cell disease (SCD) have chronic pain, but the underlying mechanisms of chronic pain in this population remain unclear. Quantitative sensory testing is an important measurement tool for understanding pain and sensory processing. This scoping review summarizes quantitative sensory testing methodologies used in sickle cell studies and the evidence for central sensitization in this population. ⋯ Future studies should use standardized quantitative sensory testing protocols with consistent and operationalized definitions of sensitization to provide clear insight about pain processing and central sensitization in sickle cell disease.
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To identify and synthesize patient-related barriers to and enablers of the implementation of high-value physiotherapy (HVP) for chronic pain. Furthermore, to review what patient-related interventions have been used to facilitate the implementation of HVP for chronic pain, as well as their efficacy. ⋯ Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/AYGZV).
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Determine the effectiveness of intradiscal corticosteroid injection (IDCI) for the treatment of discovertebral low back pain. ⋯ PROSPERO (CRD42021287421).
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Neuropathic pain encompasses multiple diagnoses with detrimental impacts on quality of life and overall health. In older adults, pharmacological management is limited by adverse effects and drug interactions, while surgical management involves perioperative risk. Prior reviews addressing non-pharmacological interventions for neuropathic pain have not focused on this demographic. Therefore, this systematic review synthesizes the evidence regarding the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in reducing neuropathic pain severity in older adults. ⋯ Results should be interpreted with consideration of clinical vs statistical significance, mediators of pain severity, and individual variations in effectiveness. Further research should address multimodal and novel interventions, newer models of care, and technology-based interventions.