Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America
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Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) is a rare disorder typically characterized by an abrupt onset of upper extremity pain followed by progressive neurologic deficits, including weakness, atrophy, and occasionally sensory abnormalities. The exact cause and pathophysiology of PTS are complex and incompletely understood. ⋯ Most patients with PTS are treated with a multidisciplinary approach that includes both physical therapy and pharmacologic treatment, often with multiple agents. Further research is needed.
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Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a regional pain disorder caused by taut bands of muscle fibers in skeletal muscles called myofascial trigger points. MPS is a common disorder, often diagnosed and treated by physiatrists. ⋯ Pharmacologic interventions are also common, and a variety of analgesics, antiinflammatories, antidepressants, and other medications are used in clinical practice. This review explores the various treatment options for MPS, including those therapies that target myofascial trigger points and common secondary symptoms.
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Most lumbar disk herniations improve over time with or without medical treatment. Disk herniations and annular tears may not be symptomatic and are shown to exist in patients without any symptoms. ⋯ Treatment of chronic pain of diskal cause can be challenging and have varying results in terms of success. The diagnosis, cause, and treatment options are reviewed in this article.
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This article discusses current trends in managing cancer pain, with specific regard to opioid transmission, descending pathway inhabitation, and ways to facilitate the endogenous antinociceptive chemicals in the human body. Various techniques for opioid and nonopioid control of potential pain situations of patients with cancer are discussed. The benefits of using pharmacogenetics to assess the appropriate medications are addressed. Finally, specific treatment of abdominal cancer pain using radiofrequency lesioning is discussed.
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Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am · May 2014
ReviewOpioid syndrome: failed opioid therapy for chronic noncancer pain.
Treatment of chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) with high-dose opioids (HDOs) has burgeoned over the past 2 decades in the United States. Characteristic domains and features of the failed CNCP management patient using long-term HDOs are described herein as the/an opioid syndrome (Schreiber AL, personal communication. 2013). Reversing or even modulating HDO use in patients with CNCP requires a paradigm shift on the part of physician, patient, and the societal "quick fix" medical culture. This review offers measures, agents, and strategies to consider in management of this pervasive, erosive medical and societal challenge.