The Clinical journal of pain
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Comparative Study
Cost benefit analysis of neurostimulation for chronic pain.
To assess the healthcare utilization of patients with intractable chronic neuropathic pain treated with spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation and to provide a cost-benefit analysis. ⋯ The reduced demand for healthcare resources by patients receiving neurostimulation suggests that peripheral nerve stimulation and spinal cord stimulation treatment, although associated with relatively high initial costs, demonstrates substantial long-term economic benefits. Thus, neurostimulation should be considered as a viable option for the early treatment of patients with intractable chronic neuropathic pain.
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Comparative Study
Blood supply and oxidative metabolism in muscle biopsies of female cleaners with and without myalgia.
Pathomechanisms of work-related myalgia are poorly understood. Myalgia is thought to be caused by excitation of nociceptors present in the muscular tissue but not in the muscle fiber itself. Muscle contraction in combination with hypoxia is known to excite nociceptors. Morphologic analysis can contribute to the knowledge of the excitation of nociceptors. This study thoroughly examines the morphology of the trapezius muscle's capillary supply and signs of disturbed oxidative metabolism to understand their role in work-related myalgia. ⋯ This work indicates that the capillary supply of trapezius is affected in work-related trapezius myalgia. More studies are needed to understand possible mechanisms that would explain the occurrence of moth-eaten fibers.