Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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To examine the combined relationships between age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) and the specific source of chronic low back pain. ⋯ These findings suggest a significant relationship among gender, age, and BMI and structural causes of chronic low back pain. Lumbar IDD is more prevalent in young males while FJP is more prevalent in females with increased BMI. Female gender and low BMI are associated with SIJP.
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Review
Age-related changes in the structure and function of brain regions involved in pain processing.
This review summarizes the scientific literature addressing the effects of aging on pain processing in the brain. ⋯ The network of brain regions involved in pain processing are subject to age-related changes in structure, but that the functional implications of these changes are yet to be determined.
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Multicenter Study
Occipital nerve pulsed radiofrequency treatment: a multi-center study evaluating predictors of outcome.
Occipital neuralgia (ON) is a challenging condition for which there is no reference standard for treatment. The purpose of this study was to provide outcome data on the largest study to date evaluating pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) for ON and to determine whether any demographic, clinical, or treatment characteristics are associated with success. ⋯ PRF may provide intermediate-term benefit in ON to a significant proportion of refractory cases. Careful attention to selection criteria and treatment parameters may further improve treatment outcomes.
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To examine the evolution of pain and the duration of numbness after neural blockade of the pudendal nerve in women with pudendal neuralgia and correlate with clinical and historical data. ⋯ In patients with pudendal neuralgia, the pudendal nerve block has a variable response, but may have a beneficial effect in a subset of women. Surgical and obstetrical trauma are common historical antecedents.
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The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the level of education around the world and to identify strong evidence upon which future educational initiatives could be established; and 2) to establish a collaboration who could lead the way in terms of recommendations and educational developments for the care of older adults around the world. ⋯ Several recommendations can be made from this work: 1) establish an expert working group who can provide the experience and skills necessary to develop a multidisciplinary curriculum on pain in older adults--this has been achieved through this current work; 2) conduct a thorough systematic review of the literature around pain assessment and management, which could inform a curriculum; and 3) seek representation for membership of the expert group on the IASP core curriculum working group.