Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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To determine whether signs of metabolic disturbance and especially visceral obesity are associated with upper extremity pain. ⋯ Visceral obesity seems to be a risk factor for upper extremity pain. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to clarify whether weight loss can be helpful in pain management.
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To assess frequency of sedation in transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) and to analyze patient dissatisfaction and vasovagal rates. ⋯ In our radiology pain management practice, sedation was rarely utilized for TFESI. A small minority of nonsedated patients rated their care at best fair and would at best probably not refer friends/family members. TFESI can be performed without sedation with low patient dissatisfaction and low vasovagal rates.
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Little is known on epidemiology of chronic pain in New Zealand. Its management has been based on data and models in North American/European studies. This project evaluated demographic and psychosocial correlates of pain severity, duration, and disability (PSDD) in chronic pain patients for assessment at a New Zealand tertiary care Pain Medicine Center. ⋯ Through this study, more is now known about effects of chronic pain on New Zealanders. The use of validated psychometric testing enables proper assessment and informs clinical management for chronic pain patients.
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Patients with chronic pain have been shown to be more frequent utilizers of primary care, a contributor to increased health care costs. This study aimed to clarify which patient factors predict primary care utilization among veterans with chronic pain. ⋯ Mental health conditions that commonly co-occur with chronic musculoskeletal pain contribute to greater health care utilization. Improved screening and early intervention for these disorders in primary care may improve patient outcomes and stem high rates of care utilization of veterans.
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To explore the treatment patterns of patients with a diagnosis related to chronic pain (DRCP) initiating pharmacological treatment indicated for neuropathic pain (NeuP: tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and anticonvulsants). ⋯ Treatment initiation of currently available drugs indicated for neuropathic pain less frequently lead to long-term treatment in clinical practice compared with clinical trial, and few try more than one drug. We suggest our findings to be indications of a need for better routines in diagnosing patients to ascertain optimal treatment and follow-up.