Pain physician
-
Various regulations and practice patterns develop on the basis of Local Coverage Determination (LCD), which are variably perceived as guidelines and/or mandated polices/ regulations. LCDs developed in 2021 and effective since December 2021 mandated a minimum of 2 views for final needle placement with contrast injection which includes both anteroposterior (AP) and lateral or oblique view. Radiation safety has been a major concern for pain physicians and multiple tools have been developed to reduce radiation dose, along with improvement in technologies to limit radiation exposure while performing fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures, with implementation of principles of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). The mandated 2 views of epidural injections have caused concern among some physicians, because of the potential of increased exposure to ionizing radiation, despite application of various principles to minimize radiation exposure. Others, including policymakers are of the opinion that it reduces potential abuse and improves safety. ⋯ The results of this study showed significant increases in radiation exposure time and dosage; however, increase of dosage was overall 21% median Interquartile Range (IQR) compared to 133% of radiation dose median IQR. In addition, the results also showed variations for procedure, overall showing highest increases for lumbar interlaminar epidural injections for time (43%) and caudal epidural injections for dosage (191%).
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of the Low Back Pain Relief and Spread Level After Upper and Lower Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block.
The erector spinae plane block (ESPB), which was introduced to manage the thoracic pain, is an ultrasound-guided technique that is relatively easy, less invasive, and safer. In spite of its technical ease and safety of ESPB, few studies have explored the analgesic efficacy and the exact spread level of injected local anesthetics. ⋯ Both the L2 and L4 ESPB groups demonstrated a significant reduction in low back pain and improvement in disability. The L2 ESPB group demonstrated a significantly increased spread level compared to the L4 ESPB group.
-
Orthobiologics have shown promise in repair, restoration and regeneration of damaged and degenerated spine, joint and musculoskeletal tissues. The role of MSCs is to reduce inflammation, gliosis, and oxidative stress, while encouraging angiogenesis, neuronal proliferation, cell survival, and differentiation. While autologous MSCs have homologous advantages, they present with challenges related to donor predisposition, harvesting skills, and processing times. In this regard, allogenic MSCs show promise, but face ethical challenges, contamination, and survival risks. Ongoing efforts to overcome challenges and enhance performance include bioprinting, tissue engineering, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and microenvironmental alteration, among many others. Genetically programmed MSCs are being explored and tissue regeneration is now considered a real possibility. In this article, we discuss some of the leading-edge technologies in the process of being developed and perfected for widespread clinical application. ⋯ The role of MSCs in regenerative medicine is still emerging, but their promise for spinal cord injury and other disorders of the spine is clear. Using allogenic or autologous MSCs can help stimulate healing and neural regeneration remains a tantalizing possibility.
-
In the medical setting, clinicians frequently attend to patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Recent literature demonstrates diet may play a role in inflammation and musculoskeletal pain. ⋯ Clinicians can play a role in the well-being of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain through holistic interventions such as a dietary emphasis on plant-based regimes. Further research is necessary to elucidate the relationship between diet, inflammatory markers, and disease states, as well as the safety and contraindications of these dietary changes.