The Clinical journal of pain
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Long-term Efficacy of Pectoserratus Plane Block for Prevention of Post-mastectomy Pain Syndrome: Extended Follow-up From a Randomised Controlled Trial.
Pectoserratus plane block (PSPB) leads to lower postoperative pain intensity. We examined whether PSPB could also reduce the incidence of post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) in women undergoing breast cancer surgery. ⋯ The results suggest that, in the long term, PSPB-treated participants were associated with a statistically significantly lower risk of PMPS than those who received standard general anesthesia.
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Some patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) have features of nociplastic pain. While research suggests that many patients with nociplastic pain consume more opioids due to opioid nonresponsiveness, little is known about the impact of nociplastic pain and pain catastrophizing on opioid consumption and pain interference among adolescents and young adults (AYA) with SCD. The purpose of this study was to (1) characterize nociplastic pain and pain catastrophizing among AYA with SCD, and (2) determine whether these characterizations are associated with subsequent opioid consumption and pain interference 1 month after characterization. ⋯ In this sample of AYA with SCD, features of nociplastic pain predicted higher subsequent opioid consumption and pain interference. Being aware of nociplastic pain features in patients with SCD may better guide individualized pain management.
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The COVID-19 pandemic required intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) programs to shift to virtual models of care. This study used a multimethod approach to examine outcomes of a pediatric hybrid IIPT program (50% in-person treatment and 50% synchronous video-based telehealth) and assessed staff experiences while treating within this model. ⋯ When considering telehealth as a treatment tool for youth with complex chronic pain, it is crucial to leverage its benefits while addressing its challenges for patients and providers.
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Observational Study
Cannabinoid Therapy: Attitudes and Experiences of People With Chronic Pain.
Clinical trials of cannabinoids for chronic pain have mixed and often inconclusive results. In contrast, many prospective observational studies show the analgesic effects of cannabinoids. This survey study aimed to examine the experiences/attitudes of individuals with chronic pain who are currently taking, have previously taken, or never taken cannabinoids for chronic pain to inform future research. ⋯ These findings underscore the importance of conducting high-quality clinical trials that include diverse pain populations and clinically relevant outcomes that if successful, could support FDA approval of cannabinoid products. Clinicians could then prescribe and monitor these treatments similarly to other chronic pain medications.
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Physical exercise therapy is effective for some people with chronic nonspecific neck pain but not for others. Differences in exercise-induced pain-modulatory responses are likely driven by brain changes. We investigated structural brain differences at baseline and changes after an exercise intervention. The primary aim was to investigate changes in structural brain characteristics after physical exercise therapy for people with chronic nonspecific neck pain. The secondary aims were to investigate (1) baseline differences in structural brain characteristics between responders and nonresponders to exercise therapy, and (2) differential brain changes after exercise therapy between responders and nonresponders. ⋯ The brain changes found in this study may underpin clinically observed differential effects between responders and nonresponders to exercise therapy for people with chronic neck pain. Identification of these changes is an important step toward personalized treatment approaches.