Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Providing Epidemiologic Data in Lumbar Spine Imaging Reports Did Not Affect Subsequent Utilization of Spine Procedures: Secondary Outcomes from a Stepped-Wedge Randomized Controlled Trial.
To evaluate the effect of inserting epidemiological information into lumbar spine imaging reports on subsequent nonsurgical and surgical procedures involving the thoracolumbosacral spine and sacroiliac joints. ⋯ Inserting epidemiological text into spine imaging reports had no effect on nonsurgical or surgical procedure utilization among patients receiving lumbar diagnostic imaging.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The Relationship Between Corticomotor Reorganization and Acute Pain Severity: A Randomized, Controlled Study Using Rapid Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Mapping.
Although acute pain has been shown to reduce corticomotor excitability, it remains unknown whether this response resolves over time or is related to symptom severity. Furthermore, acute pain research has relied upon data acquired from the cranial "hotspot," which do not provide valuable information regarding reorganization, such as changes to the distribution of a painful muscle's representation within M1. Using a novel, rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) mapping method, this study aimed to 1) explore the temporal profile and variability of corticomotor reorganization in response to acute pain and 2) determine whether individual patterns of corticomotor reorganization are associated with differences in pain, sensitivity, and somatosensory organization. ⋯ Individual patterns of corticomotor reorganization during acute pain appear to be related to symptom severity, with early corticomotor depression possibly reflecting a protective response. These findings hold important implications for the management and potential prevention of pain chronicity. However, further research is required to determine whether these adaptations relate to long-term outcomes in clinical populations.
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Back pain is an elusive symptom complicated by a variety of possible causes, precipitating and maintaining factors, and consequences. Notably, the underlying pathology remains unknown in a significant number of cases. Changes to the intervertebral disc (IVD) have been associated with back pain, leading many to postulate that the IVD may be a direct source of pain, typically referred to as discogenic back pain. Yet despite decades of research into the neuroanatomy of the IVD, there is a lack of consensus in the literature as to the distribution and function of neural elements within the tissue. The current scoping review provides a comprehensive systematic overview of studies that document the topography, morphology, and immunoreactivity of neural elements within the IVD in humans. ⋯ While the pattern of innervation within the IVD is clear, the specific topographic arrangement and function of neural elements in the context of back pain remains unclear.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Obturator Nerve Blockade vs. Neuromuscular Blockade for the Prevention of Adductor Spasm in Patients Undergoing Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
The obturator nerve runs along the posterolateral walls of the bladder and electrosurgical stimulation in this region can result in adductor spasm which can occur suddenly and unexpectedly with potentially catastrophic results. ⋯ Both techniques are safe and efficacious for preventing adductor spasm. Our data and experience suggest that the ONB is relatively easy to perform and should be considered in patients with posterolateral bladder tumors.
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Generator site pain is a relatively common phenomenon in patients undergoing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) that complicates management and effective pain relief. This pain may be managed conservatively, with repositioning of the battery and, in some cases, with explant. Here we explore our experience with management of generator site pain ("pocket pain") in a large single-center study. ⋯ In our institutional experience, pocket pain was inadequately managed with conservative treatments. Being female and having SCS filed under WC increased risk of pocket pain. Future work will explore the nuances in device placement based on body shape and manual activity responsibilities.