Scandinavian journal of pain
-
Non-nociceptive somatosensory input, such as tactile or proprioceptive information, always precedes nociceptive input during a painful event. This relationship provides clear opportunities for predictive associative learning, which may shape future painful experiences. In this differential classical conditioning study we tested whether pain-associated tactile cues (conditioned stimuli; CS) could alter the perceived intensity of painful stimulation, and whether this depends on duration of the CS-seeing that CS duration might allow or prevent conscious expectation. ⋯ Pain-associated visual and auditory cues have been shown to enhance pain in laboratory and clinical scenarios, supposedly by influencing expectation of impending harm. We show that pain-associated somatosensory cues can also modulate pain and that this can occur independently of expectation. This points to a larger potential role for associative learning in the development and treatment of pain than has previously been considered. We suggest that research into associative mechanisms underpinning pain, as distinct from those that link pain to pain-related fear and avoidance, is worthwhile.
-
Real-life data on laxative use in patients suffering from opioid-induced constipation (OIC) are very limited, and many OIC patients are only using over the counter laxatives to resolve their constipation. Our aim was to describe laxative utilization and quality of life in participants in Norway who ever experienced OIC. ⋯ Patients suffering from OIC with low quality of life and remaining symptoms despite use of two or more laxatives are a vulnerable patient group in need of optimized healthcare management, who also might benefit from more specific and innovative therapy.