Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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To test the null hypotheses that: lumbar intervertebral discs cannot be a source of pain; discs are not a source of pain; painful lumbar discs cannot be diagnosed; and there is no pathology that causes discogenic pain. ⋯ All of the null hypotheses that have been raised against the concept of discogenic pain and its diagnosis have each been refuted by one or more studies. Although studies have raised concerns, none has sustained any null hypothesis. Discogenic pain can occur and can be diagnosed if strict operational criteria are used to reduce the likelihood of false-positive results.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A single-center randomized controlled trial of local methylcobalamin injection for subacute herpetic neuralgia.
This study explored the efficacy of local methylcobalamin injection in relieving pain and improving the quality of life among subjects with subacute herpetic neuralgia. ⋯ Local methylcobalamin injection was not only efficacious in relieving pain, but also appears to be tolerable and a potential choice of treatment for subacute herpetic neuralgia.
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Recent surveys suggest more than one third of patients utilize the Internet to seek information about chronic pain (CP) and that 60% of patients feel more confident in the information provided online than provided by their physician. Unfortunately, the quality of online information is questionable. For example, some Websites make unsubstantiated claims while others may have covert motives (i.e., product advertisement). This article presents two studies that utilized a well-validated tool to evaluate the quality of online CP-related information. ⋯ Overall, these findings speak to the risks associated with clients making CP-related treatment choices based on information obtained online without first evaluating the Website.
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Case Reports
Prescription opioid forgery: reporting to law enforcement and protection of medical information.
To review confidentiality requirements of prescribers who become aware of a forged prescription. ⋯ Under common circumstances, HIPAA may prohibit prescribers from reporting prescription forgery to law enforcement. However, collaborating with a dispensing pharmacist may offer a lawful pathway to reporting prescription forgery. State legislature may consider laws that clarify the reporting responsibilities of prescribers in cases of prescription forgery.