The Korean journal of pain
-
Insomnia is becoming increasingly recognized as a clinically important symptom in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). In this retrospective study, we have determined risk factors associated with clinical insomnia in CLBP patients in a university hospital in Korea. ⋯ Insomnia should be addressed as an integral part of pain management in CLBP patients with these risk factors, especially in patients suffering from CLBP with comorbid musculoskeletal pain.
-
The most definitive diagnosis of neck pain caused by facet joints can be obtained through cervical medial branch blocks (CMBBs). However, intravascular injections need to be carefully monitored, as they can increase the risk of false-negative blocks when diagnosing cervical facet joint syndrome. In addition, intravascular injections can cause neurologic deficits such as spinal infarction or cerebral infarction. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a radiological technique that can be used to clearly visualize the blood vessels from surrounding bones or dense soft tissues. The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of detection of intravascular injections during CMBBs using DSA and static images obtained through conventional fluoroscopy. ⋯ According to these findings, the use of DSA can improve the detection rate of intravascular injections during CMBBs. The use of DSA may therefore lead to an increase in the diagnostic and therapeutic value of CMBBs. In addition, it can decrease the incidence of potential side effects during CMBBs.