Pain management
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Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a clinically relevant consequence of limb amputation and its treatment is still challenging. Mirror therapy, in other words, observing and engaging in the intact limb's mirrored movements, offers a promising, mechanism-based treatment for PLP. ⋯ In this paper, based on recent studies in the field, we compare both approaches and discuss their unique advantages and disadvantages. We argue for the necessity of a tailored treatment for PLP that is personalized to the patients' characteristics, preferences and psychological needs.
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This article reviews the complexities of the opioid epidemic, considering recent research involving the current state of the opioid epidemic; chronic pain and its role in the crisis; the properties of opioids and how they interact with human neurobiology; the effectiveness and risks of opioids as a treatment for chronic pain; opioid addiction and dependence; and pharmacological and psychological interventions for opioid addiction, opioid dependence, and chronic pain management. Opioid abuse can be reduced with the availability and access to treatment facilities for opioid detoxification; using interdisciplinary treatment models for chronic pain, opioid addiction and dependence; conducting more research in the areas of opioid addiction and opioid dependence; and shifting to an increase in nonpharmacological, less invasive treatments for pain.
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With the opioid epidemic reaching new heights in the USA, it has become critical to find suitable alternatives to opioids. Cannabis, an antinociceptive, is a strong contender to help patients reduce their opioid usage. ⋯ This review explores the studies that compare cannabis-opioid interactions and presents some challenges of cannabis research and usage. The practical clinical pharmacology of cannabis as an analgesic, including the route of administration, safety and pharmacokinetics, are discussed to address the concerns, as well as possible solutions, of cannabis as a pain reliever.