Der Schmerz
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The current debate about the interconnection between chronic pain and society is economically narrowed. This involves the threat of losing sight of the fact that the interconnection between society and chronic pain is a complex entanglement that goes beyond economic costs. ⋯ Society has to be considered as an influencing factor with respect to the development and stabilization of chronic pain. The outlined broadening of the perspective should contribute to a better understanding of the societal impact on chronic pain in order to stimulate an improvement in care and possibly a long-term reduction in costs.
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Chronic migraine (CM) is a primary headache type associated with a severe reduction in the quality of life. The association of sensorimotor dysfunction in the neck, measured with the joint position error test (JPE), and CM is largely unknown, even though up to 60% of migraine patients report neck pain accompanying the migraine. ⋯ Only patients in the CM + BTh group showed a statistically increased JPE. The influence of neck pain does not explain the between group difference. A possible factor is the degree of chronification. This study indicates that the JPE might discriminate a subgroup of migraine patients.
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Patients with opioid use disorder survive longer and reach higher ages due to harm reduction and maintenance programs. Therefor and because of concomitant comorbidities there is an increased incidence of life-limiting diseases. Thus, increasing numbers of patients with opioid use disorder or in maintenance programs will require palliative care. ⋯ Home-care teams and inpatient hospices have been known to refuse admission for patients with opioid use disorder. Providing medical care to patients receiving substitution therapy can be challenging because maintenance programs require strict compliance with their rules and regulations; however, an individualized approach with knowledge of basic legal requirements enables good palliative care. In this manner, it is possible to ensure healthcare for these aging patients.
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Due to high prescription rates as well as the frequent use as over the counter drugs, it is of interest to consider non-opioid analgesics when evaluating the quality and appropriateness of a given overall medication. This article sums up the basic pharmacology and main adverse effects of these analgesics. ⋯ Acetaminophen and metamizole (dipyrone) are analgesics and antipyretic agents, while metamizole exhibits also spasmolytic effects. Capsaicin and intrathecal ziconotide are pure analgesics.