Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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To demonstrate the prevalence of small fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN) in patients with refractory chronic pelvic pain (CPP). ⋯ The prevalence of SFPN in our specialty referral patients with complex CPP is remarkably high vs published general population prevalence data (53/100,000). Identification of SFPN in this complex population shifts the focus from undefined syndromes to symptom complexes with linked potentially treatable mechanisms (e.g., SFPN, central sensitization). Most CPP patients with SFPN are undiagnosed. Considering the diagnosis may expand treatment options beyond conventional or so-called adjuvant analgesics. Treatment may expand to therapies such as IV lidocaine, IVIG, or other immunomodulatory options. In addition, the value to the patient of receiving a diagnosis for a multisystem or refractory pain syndrome, often attributed to negative psychologic factors, cannot be underestimated. Identifying SFPN should be contemplated in CPP patients who present with multisystem pain or who have not responded to initial evaluation and management.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Brief Counseling for Veterans with Musculoskeletal Disorder, Risky Substance Use, and Service Connection Claims.
High proportions of post-9/11 veterans have musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), but engaging them in care early in their course of illness has been challenging. The service connection application is an ideal point of contact for referring veterans to early interventions for their conditions. ⋯ SBIRT-PM shows promise as a way to engage veterans in pain treatment and reduce substance use.
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Observational Study
The Influence of a Guideline-Concordant Stepped Care Approach on Downstream Health Care Utilization in Patients with Spine and Shoulder Pain.
Stepped care approaches are emphasized in guidelines for musculoskeletal pain, recommending less invasive or risky evidence-based intervention, such as manual therapy (MT), before more aggressive interventions such as opioid prescriptions. The order and timing of care can alter recovery trajectories. ⋯ MT alone resulted in lower downstream costs than with opioid prescriptions. Both the order of treatment (MT before opioid prescriptions) and the timing of treatment (MT < 30 days) resulted in a significant reduction of resources (costs, visits, and opioid utilization) in the year after initial consultation. Clinicians should consider the implications of first-choice decisions and the timing of care for treatment choices utilized for patients with spine and shoulder disorders.
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Providing durable long-term pain control for patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is challenging. A multidisciplinary approach focused on physical therapy is frequently prescribed, with opioids and invasive procedures reserved for those challenged by functional progression. In this study, we examined the long-term efficacy of intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS) in patients with CRPS at our institution. ⋯ Our study demonstrates that intrathecal opioid dose was not associated with long-term decreases in oral opioid intake. Additionally, ziconotide was associated with a decrease in oral opioid intake over the four-year follow-up, and bupivacaine was associated with an increase in oral opioid intake. Our study examines the long-term effectiveness of intrathecal medications in managing pain in patients with complex regional pain syndrome. We present a detailed follow-up over four years for 26 patients, tracking oral opiate intake, pain scores, and intrathecal pump settings. Our findings suggest that intrathecal opiates may not be effective in reducing oral opiate intake, ziconotide may hasten a decrease in intake, and bupivacaine may lead to an increase in intake.