The journal of pain : official journal of the American Pain Society
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Observational Study
Trajectories, risk factors, and impact of persistent pain after major musculoskeletal surgery in adolescents: a replication study.
Studies have identified high rates of chronic postsurgical pain in adolescents. Characterizing patterns of pain in the transition from acute to chronic following major surgery may pinpoint critical periods of recovery. This observational study modelled pain trajectories over 1-year following surgery to attempt replication of prior work and evaluate baseline psychosocial factors and 12-month health outcomes. ⋯ Clinical detection of those with increasing pain and early intervention may interrupt persistence of pain. PERSPECTIVE: This article replicates a prior study identifying distinct post-surgical pain trajectories, Declining Pain and High and Persistent Pain. The High and Persistent pain trajectory is associated with pre-surgery pain, pre-surgery sleep quality, and lower quality of life (total, physical, and psychosocial health as well as fatigue) at 12-month follow-up.
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This third paper in the "Confronting Racism in All Forms of Pain Research" series discusses adopting an antiracism framework across all pain research disciplines and highlights the significant benefits of doing so. We build upon the previous call to action and the proposed reframing of study designs articulated in the other papers in the series and seek to confront and eradicate racism through a shared commitment to change current research practices. Specifically, we emphasize the systematic disadvantage created by racialization (ie, the Eurocentric social and political process of ascribing racialized identities to a relationship, social practice, or group) and discuss how engaging communities in partnership can increase the participation of racialized groups in research studies and enrich the knowledge gained. ⋯ Although this shift may be challenging in some cases, the increase in equity, generalizability, and credibility of the data produced will expand our knowledge and reflect the pain experiences of all communities more accurately. PERSPECTIVE: In this third paper in our series, we advocate for a shared commitment toward an antiracism framework in pain research. We identify community partnerships, diversification of research environments, and changes to our dissemination practices as areas where oppressive forms of power can be reduced.
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Work-related musculoskeletal disorders associated with intense repetitive tasks are highly prevalent. Painful symptoms associated with such disorders can be attributed to neuropathy. In this study, we characterized the neuronal discharge from the median nerve in rats trained to perform an operant repetitive task. ⋯ Such aberrant neuronal activity may underlie painful symptoms in patients with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. PERSPECTIVE: Aberrant neuronal activity, similar to that reported in this study, may contribute to upper limb pain and dysfunction in patients with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, profiles of instantaneous frequencies may provide an effective way of stratifying patients with painful neuropathies.
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During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic youth with chronic pain have experienced additional barriers to accessing treatment and managing their pain. This study explored the experiences of youth with chronic pain and their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 youth with chronic pain (aged 13-20 years) and one of their parents, recruited from a tertiary level pediatric chronic pain program. ⋯ The COVID-19 pandemic was also perceived to have interrupted youth's development and growing autonomy, prompting youth to re-appraise their current circumstances and imagined futures. PERSPECTIVE: This manuscript provides an in-depth understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth with chronic pain and their parents. Youth and their parents perceived the COVID-19 pandemic to have impacted youth's mental health, pain, socio-emotional development, and access to care.