The Clinical journal of pain
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Chronic pain is a well-known complication after surgery, but the prevalence of persistent pain after melanoma surgery is unknown. This study examined the prevalence and predictors of persistent pain after melanoma surgery. ⋯ The results support previous findings that persistent postoperative pain is a complication of almost any surgical intervention. Persistent pain was related to abnormal sensation, and neuropathic pain should be considered in these patients.
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Although pain is commonly experienced by cancer patients, many receive inadequate pain management. Little data exist quantifying analgesic usage among oncology patients. This study evaluates perceived causes of pain and investigates reasons why oncology patients fail to receive optimal pain management. ⋯ Most cancer patients perceive pain from their disease or treatment, regardless of therapy received. Many, however, did not use analgesics due to concerns of addiction, cost, or lack of health care provider endorsement. Providers should regularly discuss pain symptoms and management with cancer patients.
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Is pain catastrophizing a stable trait or dynamic state in patients scheduled for knee arthroplasty?
This study sought to clarify whether pain-related catastrophizing is a response that varies given a specific situational circumstance (state) or an enduring personality construct (trait). ⋯ These data provide preliminary support for the notion that pain-related catastrophizing is a dynamic construct that is related to pain intensity.
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To report a case of hiccups secondary to intrathecal (IT) morphine infusion. ⋯ We report a case of a 44-year-old man who developed persistent hiccups with IT morphine infusion pump therapy. The hiccups persisted despite various nonpharmacological and pharmacological measures. The untoward symptom resolved after substitution of IT hydromorphone for IT morphine.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
An online self-help CBT intervention for chronic lower back pain.
Research has shown that cognitive and behavioral therapies can effectively improve quality of life in chronic pain patients. Unfortunately, many patients lack access to cognitive and behavioral therapy treatments. We developed a pilot version of an interactive online intervention to teach self-management skills for chronic lower back pain, a leading cause of disability and work absenteeism. The objective of this randomized, controlled trial was to evaluate its efficacy. ⋯ Use of this pilot intervention seems to have had positive effects on a number of pain-related outcomes, including disability. Future research will evaluate the effectiveness of the completed intervention, with particular attention to quality of life and disability.