The Clinical journal of pain
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Low back pain (LBP) is common, and social isolation is both a risk factor for poor recovery and a consequence. However, no studies seem to have validated social isolation measures in LBP populations. ⋯ Generally, the FS performed well, and its descriptive system contains excess capacity beyond that needed in the study population; that is, those with LBP were not particularly socially isolated, and responses indicating severe social isolation were barely reported by these participants. Overall, the FS appears to be a suitable instrument for assessing social isolation among LBP patients.
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In the postoperative setting, functional interference of pain is an important outcome parameter. It can be measured by numerical rating scales (NRS) and by binary items (yes/no). For implementation, dissemination, and practicability in clinical routine, not only psychometric characteristics but also patients' acceptance of assessment methods is important but has not been studied so far. To compare these 2 answer formats, the pain interference questions of the German initiative Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management, a multicentric pain registry project, were used. ⋯ Binary answer format was proven to be a practical alternative to the NRS format for a screening instrument. Comparison of binary answers with NRS answers can improve our understanding of the clinical relevance of patients' statements. Most patients prefer the use of the binary answer format.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Does mobilization of the upper cervical spine affect pain sensitivity and autonomic nervous system function in patients with cervico-craniofacial pain?: A randomized-controlled trial.
The aims were to investigate the effects of anterior-posterior upper cervical mobilization (APUCM) on pain modulation in craniofacial and cervical regions and its influence on the sympathetic nervous system. ⋯ This study provided preliminary evidence of a short-term hypoalgesic effect of APUCM on craniofacial and cervical regions of patients with cervico-craniofacial pain of myofascial origin, suggesting that APUCM may cause an immediate nociceptive modulation in the trigeminocervical complex. We also observed a sympathoexcitatory response, which could be related to the hypoalgesic effect induced by the technique, but this aspect should be confirmed in future studies.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Randomized-controlled trial comparing yoga and home-based exercise for chronic neck pain.
Chronic neck pain is a significant public health problem with only very few evidence-based treatment options. There is growing evidence for the effectiveness of yoga for relieving musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Iyengar yoga compared with exercise on chronic nonspecific neck pain. ⋯ Yoga was more effective in relieving chronic nonspecific neck pain than a home-based exercise program. Yoga reduced neck pain intensity and disability and improved health-related quality of life. Moreover, yoga seems to influence the functional status of neck muscles, as indicated by improvement of physiological measures of neck pain.