Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain
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Suprascapular nerve (SSN) block is a useful tool for pain control of different chronic shoulder pain syndromes. If the short-term effect of nerve block using local anesthetics is not sufficient, pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) neuromodulation of the SSN may provide long-term pain relief. ⋯ PRF of the SSN under ultrasonography guidance is a safe and effective treatment modality for management of chronic shoulder pain. The effect of a combination of PRF and a short-acting corticosteroid lasts up to 24 weeks, thereby assisting patients in undergoing relatively painless physiotherapy.
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Experimental and clinical studies have shown that tonic spinal cord stimulation (SCS) releases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the spinal dorsal horn. Recently, it was suggested that burst SCS does not act via spinal GABAergic mechanisms. Therefore, we studied spinal GABA release during burst and tonic SCS, both anatomically and pharmacologically, in a well-established chronic neuropathic pain model. ⋯ In conclusion, our anatomical and pharmacological data demonstrate that, in this well-established chronic neuropathic animal model, the analgesic effects of both burst SCS and tonic SCS are mediated via spinal GABAergic mechanisms.
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Radiotherapy for metastatic bone pain can induce a transitory increase in pain known as pain flare. Several studies have described the use of prophylactic corticosteroids to prevent pain flare. However, the role and efficacy of corticosteroids to prevent pain flare remain unclear. ⋯ Overall, the findings of this systematic review indicate that glucocorticoids appear to be an effective prophylactic treatment to prevent pain flare in patients undergoing radiotherapy for bone metastases. New CT are needed to confirm these results and to determine the optimal dose of dexamethasone.
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We present a case of a young woman diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) who underwent spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implantation. She had 2 successful pregnancies following implantation. ⋯ Both an SCS and many medications used for pain management in CRPS could cause harm to both mother and fetus in pregnancy. Further research must be done to determine the safety and efficacy of SCS use in pregnancy.
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Interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs are an evidence-based biopsychosocial treatment approach for chronic pain. The purpose of the current study is to assess outcomes for a 10-week interdisciplinary, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)-based, outpatient treatment model and to evaluate the relationship between psychological process variables (ie, pain catastrophizing, pain acceptance, pain self-efficacy) and treatment outcomes. ⋯ This study supports a 10-week, ACT-based treatment model for interdisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation. In addition, pain catastrophizing, pain acceptance, and pain self-efficacy were each found to be mechanisms by which individuals achieve successful treatment outcomes. This research provides further support for interdisciplinary rehabilitation approaches for chronic pain.