Articles: pain-management-methods.
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Low back pain is a common problem that is the leading cause of disability and is associated with high costs. Evaluation focuses on identification of risk factors indicating a serious underlying condition and increased risk for persistent disabling symptoms in order to guide selective use of diagnostic testing (including imaging) and treatments. Nonpharmacologic therapies, including exercise and psychosocial management, are preferred for most patients with low back pain and may be supplemented with adjunctive drug therapies. Surgery and interventional procedures are options in a minority of patients who do not respond to standard treatments.
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A short-cut review of the literature was carried out to examine the benefits of caffeine as an analgesic adjunct in tension-type and migraine-type headache. Six papers were identified as suitable for inclusion using the reported search strategy. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of the best papers are tabulated. It is concluded that caffeine provides effective analgesia as an adjunctive treatment in the management of secondary headache syndromes.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Jul 2021
ReviewTemperature-Mediated Nerve Blocks in the Treatment of Pain.
Analgesic hot and cold temperatures have been used for both conservative and ablative therapies for millennia. There are well-known locoregional neurovascular changes associated with the application of heat or ice in the literature and in practice. The oscillation between heat and cold has recently been identified as a synergistic mechanism of action with early translational results in humans. ⋯ Recent mechanistic work in the feline model has demonstrated that a reliable, reversible nerve block can be achieved within a temperature range that is non-destructive (15-45°C). The underlying mechanism is a newly described hysteresis in the responsiveness of peripheral nerves to alternating thermal stimuli resulting in nerve blockade. Recently presented feasibility data reports positive results in subjects with occipital pain and peripheral scar pain in terms of pain and associated symptom improvement. Temperature-mediated changes in pain and sensation have been observed for hot and cold applications at a variety of temperatures. Recent insights into the synergy between preheating followed by cooling resulting in peripheral nerve fiber block has potential in a variety of conditions in which peripheral nerve etiology is noted. Recent findings in chronic headache patients report decreased pain and symptom improvement. Further studies are ongoing to understand the indications for this novel therapy.
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Tonsillectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures; however, pain management remains challenging. Procedure-specific efficacy as well as specific risks of treatment options should guide selection of pain management protocols based on evidence and should optimise analgesia without harm. The aims of this systematic review were to evaluate the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after tonsillectomy. ⋯ Analgesic adjuncts such as intra-operative and postoperative acupuncture as well as postoperative honey are also recommended. Ketamine (only for children); dexmedetomidine; or gabapentinoids may be considered when some of the first-line analgesics are contra-indicated. Further randomised controlled trials are required to define risk and combination of drugs most effective for postoperative pain relief after tonsillectomy.
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Int J Gynaecol Obstet · Jul 2021
Meta AnalysisThe effectiveness of the abdominal binder in relieving pain after cesarean delivery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Abdominal binder is a non-pharmacological method of relieving pain after surgical procedures. ⋯ The abdominal binder could be an effective, simple, non-pharmacological option of relieving pain and distress after CD.