European journal of pain : EJP
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Although the influence of genetics on chronic low back pain (LBP) has been previously examined, few studies have investigated whether the impact of genetic factors on LBP depends on how the condition is assessed. ⋯ Heritability estimates were similar for different low back pain definitions, and therefore not dependent on how chronic low back pain is experienced or assessed, in the same population-based sample.
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Central neuropathic pain related to spinal cord injury is notoriously difficult to treat. So far most pharmacological and surgical options have shown but poor results. Recently ziconotide has been approved for use both neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain. In this cohort study, we assessed responder rate and long-term efficacy of intrathecal ziconotide in patients with pain related to spinal cord injury. ⋯ Intrathecal Ziconotide is a posible alternative for the treatment of pain in patients with spinal cord injury and below level neuropathic pain.
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The Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ) is a self-rating instrument developed as a time- and cost-saving alternative to quantitative sensory testing (QST). The aims of the study were to assess (a) the associations between PSQ scores and QST in women with persistent pelvic pain and in pain-free controls and (b) to what extent demographic variables and psychological distress influenced PSQ scores. ⋯ The PSQ reflects pain sensitivity in women with PPP and can be used as a non-invasive and painless way to assess this condition in clinical practice.
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Central sensitization (CS) is found in patients with musculoskeletal disorders and is related to clinical symptoms, including pain-related disability. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) has been developed for patients who are at risk of symptoms related to CS, and CSI severity levels are suggested for clinical interpretation of the CSI score. However, the longitudinal relationship between CSI severity and pain-related disability is unclear in primary care. In this study, we investigated the association between CSI severity levels and the profiles of patients with musculoskeletal disorders as well as the longitudinal relationship between CSI severity levels and pain-related disability in primary care settings. ⋯ Higher CSI severity levels predicted higher pain-related disability for patients with musculoskeletal disorders in a primary care setting. CSI is a clinically useful prediction tool in patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
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Pain at any age is related to pain experienced at younger ages, but not much is known on how pain develops over the adult life course. We studied long-term individual trajectories of pain over 15 years of the life course and evaluated the role of baseline sociodemographic factors, lifestyle factors and health characteristics. ⋯ Asking adults about pain every 5 years over a 15-year period shows that almost one-third never reported pain and one-fifth persistent pain. "Persistent" and "developing" pain is associated with smoking, obesity and short sleep duration. Long-term pain trajectories may reflect relevant pain phenotypes.