The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Dec 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyDepression, somatization, and somatic dysfunction in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain: results from the OSTEOPATHIC Trial.
Depression and somatization are often present in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). ⋯ The associations among depression, somatization, and LBP in this study are consistent with the findings of previous studies. These associations, coupled with the findings that MZDI and MSPQ scores are correlated with somatic dysfunction, may have important implications for the use of osteopathic manual treatment in patients with chronic LBP.
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Dec 2012
ReviewPharmacology of kratom: an emerging botanical agent with stimulant, analgesic and opioid-like effects.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant indigenous to Thailand and Southeast Asia. Kratom leaves produce complex stimulant and opioid-like analgesic effects. In Asia, kratom has been used to stave off fatigue and to manage pain, diarrhea, cough, and opioid withdrawal. ⋯ Although it is still legal in the United States, the US Drug Enforcement Administration has placed kratom on its "Drugs and Chemicals of Concern" list. Physicians should be aware of the availability, user habits, and health effects of kratom. Further research on the therapeutic uses, toxic effects, and abuse potential of kratom and its constituent compounds are needed.