The Clinical journal of pain
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Sensory complaints of the upper extremities in multiple sclerosis: relative efficacy of nortriptyline and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative efficacy of nortriptyline and self-applied transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the treatment of pain and/or sensory complaints of the upper extremities in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). ⋯ This study demonstrates that both nortriptyline and TENS can be effective in reducing the intensity of pain and/or sensory complaints in the upper extremities of people with MS. However given the side-effect profile of nortriptyline, TENS may have some benefits over nortriptyline. This modest reduction in the intensity of pain and/or sensory complaints suggests that physicians should carefully weigh the risk and benefits of nortriptyline and TENS in people with MS with pain and/or sensory complaints.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Assessment of pain quality in a clinical trial of gabapentin extended release for postherpetic neuralgia.
To replicate and extend previous research concerning the validity and utility of using pain quality measures in clinical trials. ⋯ The results provide further support for the importance of assessing specific pain qualities as outcomes in clinical trials. The findings may also be used by clinicians for identifying those patients for whom G-ER may be particularly effective; that is, patients with postherpetic neuralgia presenting with pain described as sharp, dull, sensitive, or itchy.
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Chronic pain after hysterectomy is reported by 5% to 32% of women, but it is unknown whether the pain is a result of surgery or can be attributable to other factors such as preoperative and postoperative pain, physical, and psychosocial status. The aim of this prospective study was therefore to study the role of surgery and other possible predictors for pain 4 months after hysterectomy. ⋯ Pain persisting 4 months after hysterectomy is most often related to preoperative factors and acute postoperative pain. The relative contribution of surgery itself is small.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Acupuncture in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.
To investigate the efficacy of acupuncture compared with steroid treatment in patients with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) as measured by objective changes in nerve conduction studies (NCS) and subjective symptoms assessment in a randomized, controlled study. ⋯ Short-term acupuncture treatment is as effective as short-term low-dose prednisolone for mild-to-moderate CTS. For those who do have an intolerance or contraindication for oral steroid or for those who do not opt for early surgery, acupuncture treatment provides an alternative choice.