The Clinical journal of pain
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In an effort to identify components of the chronic pain experience, a sample of 444 chronic pain patients who had completed a battery of self-report measures was divided into two groups. The data from each group were analyzed using principal components analysis. Four factors emerged for one group of patients, which accounted for 57.6% of the variance and represented the dimensions of psychological distress, pain-related disability, pain description, and pain history. ⋯ These factors represented psychological distress, disability, pain intensity, pain sensation, and pain history. The similarity of these factors across groups suggests that they represent stable dimensions of the patient's pain experience. Research implications and methodological considerations are discussed.
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Comparative Study
Effect of high-frequency vibration on experimental pain threshold in young women when applied to areas of different size.
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of high-frequency vibration when applied to two areas of different size. Subjects were 30 right-handed Caucasian women, aged 19-38 years, with a negative history of upper extremity dysfunction. The experimental cutaneous pain threshold was determined by stimulating the skin over the pisiform bone on the palmar surface of the hand. ⋯ Results of the mixed design analysis of variance performed on the mean pain thresholds indicate that there was no significant main effect for group (size of area vibrated), p greater than 0.05, or interaction effect between group by trial (size of area vibrated and time of pain threshold measurement), p greater than 0.05. There was a significant main effect for trial (time of pain threshold measurement), p less than 0.001. Pain threshold values were greatest for both groups during the period of vibration.
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The short- and long-term efficacy of a multidisciplinary pain management program was evaluated in a group of 35 chronic pain patients. At posttreatment, patients reported lower pain levels, more up-time, less medication consumption, an increase in positive cognitions about pain, and more (psychologically oriented) active coping. ⋯ A theoretical model regarding the impact of the treatment program was discussed. Plans for future efforts to enhance transfer and maintenance of therapeutic benefits were presented.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Diode laser in cervical myofascial pain: a double-blind study versus placebo.
We present a double-blind trial in which a pulsed infrared beam was compared with a placebo in the treatment of myofascial pain in the cervical region. The patients were submitted to 12 sessions on alternate days to a total energy dose of 5 J each. ⋯ Pain was monitored using the Italian version of the McGill pain questionnaire and the Scott-Huskisson visual analogue scale. The results show a pain attenuation in the treated group and a statistically significant difference between the two groups of patients, both at the end of therapy and at the 3-month follow-up examination.
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Comparative Study
Why do people seek medical advice for back pain: a comparison of consulters and nonconsulters.
Respondents with back pain who had answered affirmatively to the question about back pain in a population study were divided into two groups depending on whether they had consulted or had not consulted a physician due to their back pain. There were 17 nonconsulters and 37 consulters. ⋯ Based on the results, we found that the nonconsulters differed from the consulters on many issues but had nevertheless rated their constant level of pain on two different occasions as being equally severe on a graphic rating scale (GRS). The groups differed as follows: The nonconsulters rated their work to be more stressful; had less frequently a spouse suffering or having suffered from chronic pain; had fewer abnormal pain drawings; woke up less frequently during the night; used sleeping pills less frequently; participated more often in sports; and had a higher frequency of repression on the MCT compared to a group of painless subjects.