Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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The Feasibility and Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided C2 Nerve Root Coblation for Cervicogenic Headache.
The cervicogenic headache is a syndrome caused by dysfunction of the upper cervical spine and its component bony, disc, and/or soft tissue elements. The C2 nerve root may play a pivotal role in cervicogenic headache. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of ultrasound-guided C2 nerve root coblation in managing 26 patients with cervicogenic headache. ⋯ C2 nerve coblation may provide the majority of patients with a pain relief period as long as 24 weeks. And ultrasound guidance is an efficient method with which to perform coblation.
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To elucidate perspectives on opioids and opioid use from hospitalized veterans with comorbid chronic pain using qualitative methods. ⋯ Although participants were not specifically questioned about opioid medications, discussion of opioids was prevalent in discussions of chronic pain. Findings suggest the potential utility of engaging hospitalized veterans in conversations about opioids and alternative pain management strategies.
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Observational Study
Clinical Course and Impact of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Confined to the Knee.
Although complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of the knee is comparable to CRPS of the ankle/foot at time of diagnosis, no reports are available concerning the course of knee CRPS. Therefore, this study investigated the clinical course in terms of the symptoms and signs, health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), and work status of patients diagnosed with CRPS of the knee. ⋯ CRPS of the knee changes in terms of symptoms over time, but significantly less than CRPS of other locations. A change in work status was reported in 82% of the patients due to their CRPS, and in 91%, the pain interfered with their daily life. CRPS of the knee is a painful condition with persistent symptoms causing a diminished HR-QoL.