Current pain and headache reports
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Oct 2001
ReviewThe role of psychometric testing and psychological treatment in tension-type headache.
Tension-type headaches are a common occurrence for many people. Psychological issues such as stress, depression, and anxiety have been shown to coexist with tension-type headaches. ⋯ In this article, the role of psychometric testing and the application of psychological interventions for use on patients with tension-type headaches are reviewed. Recommendations are made about approaches that are designed to improve physical and psychological health.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Oct 2001
ReviewInterventional approaches to the management of myofascial pain syndrome.
Interventional therapies are a valuable addition to our armamentarium when treating myofascial pain syndromes. When combined with other therapies, interventional techniques can be an effective adjunct in the multidisciplinary management of pain. ⋯ More recent advances, such as the use of botulinum toxin, are also discussed. In addition, other techniques such as acupuncture and the use of laser therapy are mentioned.
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Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent form of headache. Although it is not the most severe form of headache, it has a significant impact on society. In spite of this, little is known about its pathophysiology. ⋯ Whether there is an overlap in the continuum between TTH and migraine is controversial. Abortive and prophylactic treatments are discussed and wellness and adjunct therapy are also emphasized. Lastly, special attention is paid to the doctor-patient relationship in patients with difficult headaches.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Aug 2001
ReviewRegional myofascial pain syndrome and headache: principles of diagnosis and management.
Myofascial pain is frequently overlooked in dealing with headache pain. Myofascial pain is defined as pain and/or autonomic phenomena referred from active trigger points, with associated dysfunction. The trigger point is a focus of hyperirritability in the muscle, that when compressed, is locally tender, and if sensitized, gives rise to referred pain and tenderness. The therapy for myofascial pain requires enhancing central inhibition through pharmacology or behavioral techniques and simultaneously reducing peripheral inputs through physical therapies including exercises and trigger point-specific therapy.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Aug 2001
ReviewCervicogenic headache: anatomic basis and pathophysiologic mechanisms.
Cervicogenic headache is pain perceived in the head but referred from a primary source in the cervical spine. The physiologic basis for this pain is convergence between trigeminal afferents and afferents from the upper three cervical spinal nerves. The possible sources of cervicogenic headache lie in the structures innervated by the C1 to C3 spinal nerves, and include the upper cervical synovial joints, the upper cervical muscles, the C2-3 disc, the vertebral and internal carotid arteries, and the dura mater of the upper spinal cord and posterior cranial fossa. Experiments in normal volunteers have established that the cervical muscles and joints can be sources of headache.