Der Schmerz
-
Consumption of the psychotropic plant kratom (botanical name: Mitragyna speciosa) is sometimes used for the self-medication of chronic or acute pain. An increase in the use is possible in Germany in the future. ⋯ There are currently no evidence-based reasons to recommend the use of kratom as an analgesic. It is important for pain specialists to ask patients about a possible abuse of kratom and to be able to inform the patients about the potential risks of kratom.
-
There is no opioid crisis in Germany. However, new studies involving patients with chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) in Germany show an unexpectedly high prevalence of opioid use disorder according to DSM‑5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Psychiatric Diseases). ⋯ An adaptation of the DSM‑5 diagnostic criteria of opioid use disorder to the specific situation of CNCP patients and a validation of these criteria could help to collect more accurate data on opioid use disorders of patients with chronic pain in Germany in the future. Prescribers should be sensitized to this problem without pathologizing or even stigmatizing patients. Further research is needed to classify this previously underestimated phenomenon.
-
Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) include conditions associated with physical, learning, language, behavioural, and/or intellectual impairment. Pain is a common and debilitating secondary condition compromising functional abilities and quality of life. ⋯ Despite the critical challenges, new developments in research and knowledge translation activities in pain and IDD continue to emerge, and there are ongoing international collaborations.
-
Entrapment neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathies, or radicular pain are the most common peripheral neuropathies and also the most common cause for neuropathic pain. Despite their high prevalence, they often remain challenging to diagnose and manage in a clinical setting. ⋯ The contemporary assessment is discussed and diagnostic pitfalls highlighted. The evidence for the noninvasive and surgical management of common entrapment neuropathies is summarised and future areas of research are identified.