Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomized, double-blind comparison shows the addition of oxygenated glycerol triesters to topical mentholated cream for the treatment of acute musculoskeletal pain demonstrates incremental benefit over time.
Topical analgesics are important products in the armamentarium for pain relief. ⋯ Based on this study, a MC containing OGTs is safe, effective, and provided significantly better pain relief than MC alone. The combination of oxygenated glycerol trimesters and MC provided significant pain relief and offered continued improvement in pain relief over time.
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Inadequately treated acute pain is a global healthcare problem that causes significant patient suffering and disability, risk of chronicity, increased resource utilization, and escalating healthcare costs. Compounding the problem is the lack of adequate instruction in acute pain management available in medical schools worldwide. ⋯ In this article, we review the current status of pain education in educational institutions across the world, focusing on achievements, lacunae, and inadequacies. We appeal to all concerned--pain management specialists, health educators, and policymakers--to consider incorporating education on acute pain and its management at undergraduate medical levels in an integrated manner.
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The reliability and validity of the Visual Analog Mood Scales in non-English-speaking pain patients.
This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Visual Analog Mood Scales (VAMS) when administered to a non-English-speaking, headache population. ⋯ Given the evidence of strong reliability and validity, the VAMS may be useful as a clinical diagnostic tool when administered to non-English-speaking pain populations.
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Osteoarthritis is a chronic debilitating condition affecting many adults in the United States. This study was to compare pharmacologic treatments and costs for newly diagnosed and existing osteoarthritis patients to assess unmet medication treatment needs and economic burden. ⋯ Newly diagnosed osteoarthritis patients incurred higher annual costs, but lower pain-related prescription drug costs in the year following diagnosis than patients with existing osteoarthritis.