Der Schmerz
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Retropharyngeal calcific tendinitis is an aseptic inflammation of the longus cervicis muscle. This rare acute pain disorder of the neck region is a prognostically benign condition compared to neurological or otorhinolaryngological differential diagnoses. ⋯ The good prognosis of this rare disease is reflected by the rapid remission of symptoms under NSAIDs and glucocorticoids and by the absence of recurrences during follow-up. CT or MRI imaging is required to rule out differential diagnoses, and to confirm the characteristic imaging alterations of retropharyngeal calcific tendinitis. Additionally, cerebrospinal fluid puncture and otorhinolaryngological assessment may be necessary in some cases.
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Most patients with amputation (up to 80 %) suffer from phantom limb pain postsurgery. These are often multimorbid patients who also have multiple risk factors for the development of chronic pain from a pain medicine perspective. Surgical removal of the body part and sectioning of peripheral nerves result in a lack of afferent feedback, followed by neuroplastic changes in the sensorimotor cortex. The experience of severe pain, peripheral, spinal, and cortical sensitization mechanisms, and changes in the body scheme contribute to chronic phantom limb pain. Psychosocial factors may also affect the course and the severity of the pain. Modern amputation medicine is an interdisciplinary responsibility. ⋯ Consequent prevention and treatment of severe postoperative pain and early integration of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions are required to reduce severe phantom limb pain. To obtain or restore body function, foresighted surgical planning and technique as well as an appropriate interdisciplinary management is needed.