Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain
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Review Randomized Controlled Trial Historical Article
Preliminary observations of a novel topical oil with analgesic properties for treatment of acute and chronic pain syndromes.
Essential oxygen oil (OxyRub from CreoMed Inc., Naples, FL, U.S.A.) is a novel topical analgesic currently commercially available in Europe and now available in the U.S.A. It represents an important alternative to other treatments (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, menthol, camphor) for managing mild to moderate acute and chronic pain. Several clinical trials of this oil will be reviewed. ⋯ Based on studies completed, essential oxygen oil has shown itself to be safe, has demonstrated positive analgesic effects for the treatment of acute and chronic pain, and has improved oxygen content in the skin as well as other dermatological parameters.
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Review
The role of glia and the immune system in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain.
Neuropathic pain refers to a variety of chronic pain conditions with differing underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and origins. Recent studies indicate a communication between the immune system and the nervous system. A common underlying mechanism of neuropathic pain is the presence of inflammation at the site of the damaged or affected nerve(s). ⋯ Following peripheral nociceptive activation via nerve injury, microglia become activated and release pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-6, thereby initiating the pain process. Microglia propagate the neuroinflammation by recruiting other microglia and eventually activating nearby astrocytes, which prolongs the inflammatory state and leads to a chronic neuropathic pain condition. Our review focuses on the role of glia and the immune system in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain.