Articles: low-back-pain.
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To update evidence of diagnostic potential for identification of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) based on demographic and patient history, clinical findings, and physical tests, and report posttest probabilities associated with test findings. ⋯ Outside of one study that was able to completely rule out LSS with no functional neurological changes none of the stand-alone findings were strong enough to rule in or rule out LSS. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Low back pain secondary to discopathy is a common pain disorder. Multiple minimally invasive therapeutic modalities have been proposed; however, to date no study has compared percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) with intradiscal injection of radiopaque gelified ethanol (DiscoGel®). We are introducing the first study on patient-reported outcomes of DiscoGel® vs. PLDD for radiculopathy. ⋯ Both techniques were equivalent in pain reduction but DiscoGel® had a greater effect on decreasing disability after 12 months, although the rate of progression to secondary treatments and/or surgery was almost equal in the two groups.
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For many, low back pain (LBP) is a lifelong condition with symptoms varying over time. Previous studies have investigated long-term risk factors and triggers for onset of LBP. No study has examined causes for less distinct fluctuations of symptoms, such as "flares," which individuals with LBP identify as a significant and worrisome part of LBP. As little is known about what triggers this type of fluctuation, we aimed to investigate individuals' perspectives on LBP flare triggers. ⋯ Study findings contrast with current pain theories, which suggest that there is a need for a reduced emphasis on biomedical causes of LBP pain, especially when persistent. Recognition of patients' views on causes of LBP flares is crucial to better guide clinical practice and inform further research. The validity of triggers identified by LBP patients requires further investigation.
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Objective: To assess the impact of age on the safety and tolerability of ALO-02, an abuse-deterrent opioid formulation consisting of oxycodone hydrochloride and sequestered naltrexone hydrochloride, in patients with chronic pain. Methods: Data from two clinical studies in patients with chronic low back pain or chronic non-cancer pain were analyzed. Patients aged ≥18 years who required continuous around-the-clock opioid analgesia for an extended period were grouped into ≥65 years and <65 years age groups. ⋯ One patient aged ≥65 years experienced an AE of opioid withdrawal. Conclusions: The safety and tolerability of ALO-02 is similar in those aged ≥65 years and those aged <65 years with chronic pain. ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT01571362, NCT01428583.