Disability and rehabilitation
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Review Comparative Study
Clinical expression profiles of complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia and a-specific repetitive strain injury: more common denominators than pain?
To systematically evaluate and compare the clinical manifestations, disease course, risk factors and demographic characteristics of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 (CRPS), fibromyalgia (FM) and a-specific Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). ⋯ Apart from some obvious differences between CRPS, FM and RSI, the similarities are conspicuous. The common features of CRPS, FM and a-specific RSI may suggest that a common pathway is involved, but until patients with these type of symptoms are assessed with a uniform assessment procedure, a thorough comparison cannot be made. A systematic evaluation of patients with a suspected diagnosis of CRPS, FM or RSI, may lead to a better appreciation of the differences and similarities in these diseases and help to unravel the underlying mechanisms.
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The clinician often faces the problem that certain types of chronic pains remain refractory to the commonly used analgesic treatment options. Neuropathic pain, which is defined as pain caused by direct nerve lesions, may have different causes and a variety of clinical presentations. A correct management of chronic neuropathic pain requires a thorough understanding of the potential causes, the diagnosis and the pathophysiological mechanisms. ⋯ This article, which is based on extensive literature review, aims at providing a concise review of the current knowledge regarding aetiology, diagnosis and pathophysiology of neuropathic pain.
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Comparative Study
Are localized low back pain and generalized back pain similar entities? Results of a longitudinal community based study.
To compare subjects with localized low back pain (LBP) and with generalized back pain (BP) with regard to baseline characteristics and long-term outcomes. ⋯ Subjects with 'localized LBP' presented healthier lifestyle than subjects with 'Generalized BP'. The latter experienced higher degree of pain measures. It seems that 'Generalized BP' is not a different entity than 'localized LBP' but rather a more severe one.
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Exploring which variables are related to work status in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP), classified according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). ⋯ The relation between work status and CLBP is multidimensional, as was illustrated by using the bio-psychosocial model of the ICF. Patients with a low educational level, a low self-reported physical or mental health were more likely to be non-working. Self-reported limitations and physical and mental health are more important in explaining work status than objective measurements of performance.
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To prepare a Japanese-language version of the Physical Performance Test (PPT) Battery and assess its reliability and validity. ⋯ The Japanese-language version of the PPT Battery was shown to possess adequate reliability and validity as a scale for evaluating the activity limitations of patients with chronic limb or trunk pain. The results also suggested that it might be possible to improve the activity limitations of patients with chronic pain by improving their affective state in response to the pain.