Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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The aims of the present study were to examine the effects of short-term music interventions among patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and to clarify the alterations in functional connectivity and persistent pain. ⋯ We found that a short period of music intervention reduced chronic pain and altered functional IC-default mode network connectivity. Furthermore, music potentially normalized the neural network via IC-default mode network connectivity, yielding temporary pain relief in patients with FM. Further longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these results.
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To conduct a systematic literature review of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation for pain. ⋯ Moderate-level evidence supports DRG stimulation for treating chronic focal neuropathic pain and complex regional pain syndrome.
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Evidence to date, while sparse, suggests that patients taking long-term opioids require special considerations and protections to prevent potential iatrogenic harms from opioid de-prescribing, such as increased pain or suffering. Following this study protocol, the EMPOWER study seeks to address multiple unmet needs of patients with chronic pain who desire to reduce long-term opioid therapy, and provide the clinical evidence on effective methodology. ⋯ The EMPOWER study seeks to provide granular evidence on patient response to voluntary opioid tapering, and will provide evidence to inform clinical systems changes, clinical care, patient satisfaction, and patient outcomes for opioid reduction.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Opioid Exposure Negatively Affects Antidepressant Response to Venlafaxine in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain and Depression.
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly co-prescribed with opioids for chronic pain. The purpose of this study was to describe pain and mood response to venlafaxine among older adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and depression relative to opioid exposure. ⋯ Opioids are negatively associated with older adults' early analgesic response to lower-dose venlafaxine. These findings suggest that clinicians may wish to consider either nonopioid or alternative antidepressant approaches to pain management in these complex patients. It is reassuring that opioids do not prevent depression response. Future research should examine both longer duration of treatment and a wider range of doses.
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Review
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the 21st Century: Sural, Superficial Peroneal, and Tibial Nerves.
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) of the lower extremity has progressed significantly over the last decade. From the proof of concept that ultrasound-guided, percutaneous implantation was possible to advances in waveforms, the field has been rapidly evolving. While most nerves in the lower extremity can be PNS targets, consideration must be given to the ergonomics of pulse generator placement, patient comfort, and avoidance of lead migration. For this paper, we examine some of the conditions amenable to lower extremity PNS, review the evidence and history behind PNS for these conditions, and describe approaches for the tibial, sural, and superficial peroneal nerves. ⋯ The development of ultrasound as a viable method of image guidance for percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation has led to an exponential growth in the field. Lower extremity percutaneous lead placement is both feasible and an appropriate treatment modality for certain pain conditions.