Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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To investigate whether hypersensitivity is more common in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 (CRPS1) patients than in the general population. In a recent study, the level of tryptase, a specific marker for mast cells, was significantly higher in blister fluid from the involved extremity of CRPS1 patients. This suggested that mast cells may play a role in the pathophysiology of CRPS1. Mast cells are major effectors in allergic reactions, and are also involved in a variety of noninfectious inflammatory diseases. Patients. Sixty-six Dutch patients with CRPS1 in one extremity were included. ⋯ Based on the medical history, an allergy questionnaire, and objective laboratory findings we conclude that IgE-mediated hypersensitivity is not more common in CRPS1 patients than in the general population.
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To evaluate the psychometric properties of two commonly used low back pain (LBP) disability questionnaires in a sample solely comprising community-dwelling older adults. ⋯ It appears that both questionnaires have excellent test-retest reliability and good construct validity when used to evaluate LBP-related disability for older adults with varying degrees of LBP. Neither questionnaire appears to have superior psychometric properties; therefore, both the Oswestry and Quebec can be recommended for use among geriatric patients with LBP.
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To analyze the presence of referred pain elicited by manual examination of the lateral rectus muscle in patients with chronic tension-type headache (CTTH). ⋯ In some patients with CTTH, the manual examination of lateral rectus muscle TrPs elicits a referred pain that extends to the supraorbital region or the homolateral forehead. Nociceptive inputs from the extraocular muscles may sustain the activation of trigeminal neuron, thus sensitizing central pain pathways and exacerbating headache.
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To determine participant experience of exercise programs for nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). Systematic reviews have concluded that exercise is effective for decreasing pain and improving function in adults with NSCLBP. Participation is a key ingredient in exercise and patient's experiences during these programs may be important in influencing outcomes. ⋯ The ramifications of stigma and discrimination are enduring, potentially disabling and appear to interfere with care-seeking, rehabilitation participation, and potentially, rehabilitation outcomes. Public and health professional education, low back pain-specific support groups and dissemination of success stories may help to alleviate stigma.