Articles: case-control-study.
-
The choice of an appropriate control group has been recognized as one of the most difficult problems in the methodology of case/control studies, both in theory and in practice. In the study of chronic pain, a "well control group" has frequently been employed. ⋯ Second, controls should be selected independently of exposure to the putative risk factors under investigation. To illustrate the nature of this problem we present two numerical examples, using a chronic pain disorder.
-
Opioids are given for acute intra- and postope-rative pain relief or for chronic cancer pain. In the literature there are only rare and contradictory reports on the oral administration of opioids for chronic non-malignant pain. However, there is no reason to withhold strong analgesics for patients with severe pain. ⋯ Side effects are controlled by additional medication. The principle of opioid administration is prophylaxis of pain -therefore, they should be given "by the clock". Opioids are not only indicated in malignant illness, but also according to severity of pain and by the failure of other measures to control pain.
-
In Western industrial countries, low back pain is one of the most frequent causes of illness. Between the 4th and 5th decades of life approximately 80% of adults complain of low back pain, lasting for fairly long periods. About 10% of this population must undergo disc surgery once during life. ⋯ CT control examinations showed clear regression in the extent of disc herniation in 15 patients, in 18 a moderate decrease, and in 9 cases the CT findings had not changed. A favorable tendency towards regression was observed in disc herniations at the level of L5-S1 and in cases showing sequestration of the disc. Herniations of the disc at higher levels between L4-5 and L3-4 or a lateral herniation, reaching the intervertebral foramen, showed on unfavorable prognosis.