Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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Objectives To determine the extent and strength of evidence that supports the belief that cervical intervertebral discs are a source of neck pain. ⋯ Conclusions Basic science evidence supports the concept of cervical disc pain, but epidemiologic and clinical evidence to vindicate the clinical application of the concept is poor or lacking.
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To identify the modifiable and nonmodifiable variables that are associated with and might moderate the presence of migraine in the general population. ⋯ Raising awareness among clinicians regarding the fact that many of the variables that potentially contribute to the presence of migraine are modifiable (e.g., psychological problems and lifestyle behaviors) might intensify resources dedicated to assessing and impacting these factors in order to potentially prevent the frequency and severity of migraine.
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The aim of this study was to find peripheral biomarkers and central metabolites affecting neuroinflammation in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) patients using [11C]-(R)-PK11195 positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). ⋯ This is the first report indicating that elevated neuroinflammation levels are associated primarily with lipids in the brain and pH, glucose, CO2, basophil, and creatinine in the peripheral parameters in CRPS patients. Our results suggest that characterizing the peripheral biomarkers and central metabolites affecting neuroinflammation is essential to understanding the pathophysiology of CRPS.
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Unsafe opioid prescribing practices to treat acute and chronic pain continue to contribute to the opioid overdose crisis in the United States, a growing public health emergency that harms patients and their communities. Poor opioid prescribing practices stem in part from a lack of education and skills training surrounding pain and opioid management. ⋯ This simulation addresses a pressing need to further educate, train, and provide point-of-care tools for providers prescribing opioids. We present our experience and preliminary findings.