The Clinical journal of pain
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The aims of this study were: (1) to describe and compare pain intensity, disability, cognitive, physical, behavioral, and environmental variables in 4 predefined categories, on the basis of duration and recurrence of nonspecific spinal pain; and (2) to compare disability, cognitive, physical, behavioral, and environmental variables in these 4 predefined categories, after controlling for pain intensity. ⋯ After controlling for pain intensity, categories based on pain duration/recurrence differed in 3 cognitive variables and perceived social support. Pain expectations, catastrophizing and perceived social support were related to longer duration of pain. Between-group differences were small and pain duration/recurrence was not an important explanatory factor.
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Clinical Trial
Ketamine and midazolam delivered by patient-controlled analgesia in relieving pain associated with burns dressings.
A study involving the use of a mixture of ketamine and midazolam delivered via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device was trialed to assess its effectiveness in reducing pain associated with repeated burns dressings in an adult population. ⋯ The use of ketamine/midazolam delivered by PCA was shown to be an effective means of pain control during burns dressings as assessed by both staff and patients. The incidence of adverse events was low.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Sex differences in presentation, course, and management of low back pain in primary care.
Epidemiologic surveys frequently show that women more often and are more affected by low back pain (LBP). The aim of this secondary analysis of a randomized controlled study was to explore whether presentation and course of LBP of women is different from men, and if sex affects the use of healthcare services for LBP. ⋯ Our findings confirm that women are more severely affected by LBP and have a worse prognosis. Utilization of healthcare services cannot be fully explained by female sex, but rather by a higher impairment by back pain and pain in other parts of the body characteristic of the female population.
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Comparative Study
Complex regional pain syndrome (type 1): a comparison of 2 diagnostic criteria methods.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a common problem presenting to orthopedic surgeons or pain therapists, most frequently encountered after trauma or surgery to a limb. Because of a lack of a simple objective diagnostic test, diagnosis is reliant on clinical assessment. Prospective studies have repeatedly demonstrated a higher incidence than retrospective studies, an observation that has been challenged owing to the lack of uniformity of diagnostic criteria across specialties and workers researching the condition. ⋯ These findings show that the Bruehl and Atkins criteria are basically concordant. The differences reflect only minor variations in the assessment of pain. Agreement between researchers in the orthopedic and pain therapy communities will allow improved understanding of CRPS.