McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire Research Articles

The Effect of Manual Therapy on Psychological Factors and Quality of Life in Lumbar Disc Herniation Patients: A Single Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of manual therapy on pain, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods: The study included 32 LDH patients. Patients were divided into the Manual therapy group (MTG—age 39.81 ± 9.45 years) and the Exercise group (EG—age 38.31 ± 9.21 years) by sealed envelope randomization. Patients were evaluated pre-study, post-study, and after a 3-month period using the McGill–Melzack Pain Questionnaire (MMPQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Nottingham Health Profile (NSP). The exercise group received a total of ten sessions of stabilization exercises and sham spinal mobilization in five weeks, two sessions per week. In addition to the stabilization exercises, mobilization applications including Anterior-Posterior Lumbar Spinal Mobilization, Lumbar Spinal Rotational Mobilization, and Joint Mobilization in Lumbar Flexion Position, were applied to the manual therapy group. Results: It was found that the HADS and TKS values decreased in the MTG group compared to the pre-treatment period (p < 0.05), while there was no difference between these values in the EG group (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the MMPQ, PCS, and NHP values after treatment in both the MTG and EG groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It was found that manual therapy had positive effects on psychological factors such as pain, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with LDH. Trial registration: NCT05804357 (27 March 2023) (retrospectively registered).

Assessment of kinesiophobia levels in patients with musculoskeletal pathologies: A demographic, physical, and clinical perspective

IntroductionKinesiophobia is a crucial factor influencing the rehabilitation process for individuals with musculoskeletal pathologies. Assessing kinesiophobia levels is crucial for personalized interventions. AimThe aim of this study is to investigate the level of kinesiophobia in individuals with musculoskeletal pathology based on the pathology areas, demographic, physical, and clinical characteristics. MethodsA total of 210 participants with musculoskeletal pathologies were included in the study. All participants were assessed using a sociodemographic information form for demographic and physical characteristics, the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale for kinesiophobia level, and the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire for pain location and intensity. ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference observed in kinesiophobia level between patients in terms of pathology location and sex. However, a significant difference in kinesiophobia levels was found among patients based on the acute and chronic duration of the disease (p = 0.00), previous treatment history (p = 0.04), and exercise engagement (p = 0.00). When kinesiophobia levels were examined according to educational status, a significant difference was found between the primary education group and the undergraduate and above group (p = 0.00). ConclusionsAccording to the results of this study, kinesiophobia levels appear to be independent of pathology location and sex, but vary based on educational level, exercise habits, pain duration and history of previous treatment. Considering these findings, it is essential to take into account these factors in treatment programs in clinical practice and to provide support in exercise and physical activity training to individuals who have previously received treatment and individuals with low education levels.

Effect of physical activity level on pain, functionality, and quality of life in migraine patients.

This study aimed to determine the physical activity (PA) level of individuals with migraine and examine its effects on pain intensity (PI), disability, and quality of life (QoL). Individuals diagnosed with migraine between the ages of 18 and 55 were included in the study. PA levels are assessed by the International PA Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), PI with the McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire, disability with the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS), and QoL with the World Health Organization QoL Scale Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF). A total of 88 individuals, with a mean age of 34.11±10.51 years, were included in the study; 53.41% were low active (LA), 30.68% were moderate active (MA), and 15.91% were high active (HA). The physical health of LAs (p=0.047) was lower than that of MAs. General (p<0.001), physical (p<0.001), and psychological (p=0.003) health scores were lower than HAs. LAs had a higher disability (p=0.042) and PI (p=0.001) than HAs. There was a weak negative correlation between PA and PI (p=0.001) and disability (p=0.005), and a weak positive correlation between PA levels and social (p=0.007) and environmental (p=0.013) scores, and moderate positive correlations with physical (p=0.000), general (p=0.000), and psychological (p=0.000) scores. It was observed that as PA levels increased, PI decreased, and functionality and QoL increased in patients with migraine. Ensuring exercise continuity seems to be effective for improving the negative effects of migraine.

Evaluation of kinesiophobia and pain level in physically disabled individuals

Aim: An abnormal condition resulting from the absence or improper functioning of an organ in the body is called physical disability. Individuals with physical disabilities face mobility phobia and pain throughout their lives. Based on this hypothesis, this study was conducted to evaluate kinesiophobia and pain levels in physically disabled individuals. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 100 individuals with neurological and orthopedic disabilities between the ages of 10-83. The Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale and McGill-Melzack pain questionnaire were administered to the individuals and their kinesiophobia and pain levels were evaluated. Results: As a result of the study, it was observed that the majority of the individuals' pain was localized in the trunk (12.27% in the head, 33.74% in the trunk, 23.31% in the upper extremities, 30.67% in the lower extremities), they described the pain as tiring, and they were afraid of pain recurrence. Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was determined that individuals with physical disabilities face challenges related to pain in their daily lives and have concerns about experiencing pain again. Based on these findings, further research should be conducted to explore effective strategies for managing pain in this population. We believe that such research will contribute to the broader body of knowledge in this field.

Göğüs Cerrahisi Sonrası Tüp Torakostomi Uygulanan Hastaların Ağrı Düzeylerinin ve Günlük Yaşam Aktivitelerinin İncelenmesi

Giriş: Göğüs cerrahisi sonrası tüp torakostomi uygulanan hastalarda ağrı ve hareket kısıtlaması görülebilmektedir. Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, göğüs cerrahisi sonrası tüp torakostomi uygulanan hastaların ağrı düzeyleri ve günlük yaşam aktivitelerini saptamak, ağrı düzeyleri ve günlük yaşam aktiviteleri arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemektir. Yöntem: Çalışma tanımlayıcı ve ilişki arayıcı bir çalışmadır. İki üniversite hastanesinde göğüs cerrahisi sonrası tüp torakostomi uygulanan 130 hasta örneklemi oluşturmuştur. Araştırmamızda Bireysel Özellikler Formu, Mcgill Melzack Ağrı Soru Formu, Görsel Analog Skala ve Katz Günlük Yaşam Aktiviteleri İndeksi kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde Kruskal Wallis-H testi, sperman korelasyon ve lineer regresyon analizi yapılmıştır. Bulgular: Göğüs cerrahisi sonrası tüp torakostomi uygulanan hastaların yaş ortalaması 54.46±16.39’dır. Hastaların %67.7’si erkek ve %63.8’i torakotomi yöntemi ile ameliyat edilmiştir. Hastaların ağrı puan ortalaması 4.15 ± 2.42’dir (10 üzerinden). McGill Melzack Ağrı Soru Formuna göre hastaların %55.4’ü hareket etmenin ağrısını arttırdığını belirtmiştir. Hastaların %75.4’ünün giyinme ve %50.8’inin banyo aktivitelerinde bağımlı oldukları bulunmuştur. Katz Günlük Yaşam Aktiviteleri İndeksi toplam puanı ile ağrı puan ortalamaları arasında istatiksel olarak anlamlı negatif yönde orta düzey bir ilişki saptanmıştır (r = .44, p = 0.000). Hastaların cinsiyet (β = .-232 p: .004) ve günlük yaşam aktiviteleri toplam puanı (β = -.373 p = .000) bağımsız değişkenlerinin ağrı şiddetini anlamlı düzeyde yordadığı ve modelin anlamlı olduğu bulunmuştur (p = .000). Değişkenlerin toplam varyansın %27’sini açıkladığı saptanmıştır. Sonuç: Hastaların ameliyat sonrası orta düzeyde ağrı yaşadığı saptanmış ve günlük yaşam aktivitelerinde bağımlılık yaşadıkları bulunmuştur. Hastaların ağrı şiddeti arttıkça günlük yaşam aktivitelerinde bağımlılıkları artmaktadır. Kadın hastaların ağrı puan ortalaması erkek hastaların ağrı puan ortalamasına göre daha yüksek bulunmuştur.

Evaluation of the Impacts of Reiki Touch Therapy on Patients Diagnosed With Fibromyalgia Who Are Followed in the Pain Clinic.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Reiki application on pain, anxiety, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. The study was completed with a total of 50 patients: 25 in the experimental group and 25 in the control group. Reiki was applied to the experimental group and sham Reiki to the control group once a week for 4 weeks. Data were collected from the participants using the Information Form, Visual Analog Scale, McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Short Form-36. There was a significant difference between the mean Visual Analog Scale pain scores during and before the first week (P = .012), second week (P = .002), and fourth week (P = .020) measurements of the individuals in the experimental and control groups, after application. In addition, at the end of the 4-week period, the State Anxiety Inventory (P = .005) and the Trait Anxiety Inventory (P = .003) were significantly decreased in the Reiki group compared with the control group. Physical function (P = .000), energy (P = .009), mental health (P = .018), and pain (P = .029) subdimension scores of quality of life in the Reiki group increased significantly compared with the control group. Reiki application to patients with fibromyalgia may have positive effects on reducing pain, improving quality of life, and reducing state and trait anxiety levels.

Frequency of vitamin d deficiency in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and its relationship with obesity, depression, and pain intensity: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objective This study was conducted to determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and to define the relationship between vitamin D levels and obesity, depression, and pain intensity. Methods This study was conducted with 69 patients (Male = 32, Female = 37) diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis. The participants’ 25(OH)D levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. In addition, bone metabolic status, including bone mineral density and bone turnover markers, was also evaluated. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to determine the depression statuses of the patients, while the McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire was administered to measure pain intensity. The results were evaluated at a significance level of p&lt;0.05. Results Vitamin D deficiency (&lt;20 ng/mL) was found in 76.8% of the patients. Binary logistic regression analysis showed a significantly higher frequency of vitamin D deficiency in patients who: 1) had higher body mass indexes (OR 3.197, 95% CI 1.549-6.599); 2) fared higher in Beck’s depression score (OR 1.817, 95% CI 1.027–3.217); and 3) were female rather than male (OR 1.700, 95% CI 0.931-3.224) (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion In this study, vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in lumbar spinal stenosis patients. In addition, obese, depressed, and female individuals have higher risks of vitamin D deficiency.

Comparison of Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Posterolateral Fusion Techniques in the Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

This study aimed to compare posterolateral fusion with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PLF + TLIF) and PLF only in terms of revision surgery rates and complications, as well as functional and radiological outcomes in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients. Seventy-one patients (37 patients in the PLF + TLIF group and 34 patients in the PLF only group) who underwent surgery due to LSS between January 2013 and December 2016 were retrospectively investigated. Functional evaluation was performed by using the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scales pre-and postoperatively. Radiological evaluation was made by examining adjacent vertebrae, posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) morphology, and sagittal balance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Postoperative MPQ, RMDQ, and ODI scores were significantly better in the PLF + TLIF group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). The complication rate was significantly higher in the PLF only group (p = 0.026). In the PLF + TLIF group, postoperative functional scores showed significant improvement in terms of the instrumented segment and level of interbody fusion. Postoperative functional scores showed significant improvement in PLF + TLIF patients with no complications, no revision surgery, no postoperative MRI findings, and neutral sagittal balance compared to the preoperative functional scores (p < 0.001). PLF + TLIF is significantly superior in terms of functional scores and complications, despite the statistical similarity in terms of postoperative MRI findings and sagittal balance between the groups. Surgeons should prefer PLF + TLIF for the surgical treatment of LSS for better results.

Comparison of Neuropathic Pain Course in Long-Term Oral Antidiabetic and Insulin Use

Amaç: Bu çalışmada uzun dönem oral antidiyabetik ve insülin kullanan tip 2 diyabetes mellituslu hastalarda nöropatik ağrının diğer risk faktörleri ile birlikte karşılaştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Amerikan Diyabet Cemiyeti kriterlerine göre Tip 2 diyabetes mellitus olan 100 hasta çalışmaya alındı. Hastalara nörolojik muayene yapılıp, LANSS (Leeds Assesment of Neuropatic Symptoms and Signs) ve McGill Melzack Ağrı Sorgu Formu uygulandı. LANSS ≥12 olan hastalar Nöropatik Ağrılı gurup ve LANSS &amp;lt;12 olan hastalar Nöropatik Ağrısız gurup olarak ayrıldı. Guruplar demografik özellikler, diyabet süresi, kullanılan antidiyabetik tedavi, serum glukoz ve HbA1c değerleri, hipertansiyon ve hiperlipidemi varlığı açısından karşılaştırıldı. Bulgular: Hastaların %51’inde nöropatik ağrı saptandı. Nöropatik Ağrılı gurupta ileri yaş, uzun diyabet süresi, yüksek serum glukoz ve HbA1c düzeyleri, hipertansiyon varlığı Nöropatik Ağrısız gurupla karşılaştırıldığında anlamlı fark bulundu. (P&amp;lt;0.05) Her 2 gurup arasında cinsiyet, hiperlipidemi varlığı, kullanılan antidiyabetik tedavi açısından anlamlı bir fark bulunmadı (P&amp;gt;0.05). Hastalarda nöropatik ağrı lokalizasyonu en sık alt ve üst ekstremite distalinde, paterni paroksismal ve spontan, tanımında en sık kullanılan ifadeler ‘sıcaklık veren’ ‘diken diken’ ve en sık tetikleyen faktör anksiyeteydi. Sonuç: Tip 2 diyabetes mellitus hastalarında nöropatik ağrı gelişiminde; ileri yaş, uzun diyabetes mellitus süresi, kötü glisemik kontrol ve hipertansiyon varlığı önemli rol oynamaktadır. Cinsiyet, hiperlipidemi varlığı, kullanılan antidiyabetik tedavi ise nöropatik ağrı gelişiminde farklılık yaratmamaktadır.

Multimodal physical therapy versus topical lidocaine for provoked vestibulodynia: a multicenter, randomized trial

Provoked vestibulodynia is the most common subtype of chronic vulvar pain. This highly prevalent and debilitating condition is characterized by acute recurrent pain located at the entry of the vagina in response to pressure application or attempted vaginal penetration. Although physical therapy is advocated as a first-line treatment for provoked vestibulodynia, evidence supporting its efficacy is scarce. The purpose of this study was to establish the efficacy of multimodal physical therapy compared with topical lidocaine, a frequently used first-line treatment. We conducted a multicenter, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial in women diagnosed as having provoked vestibulodynia recruited from the community and 4 Canadian university hospitals. Women were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either weekly sessions of physical therapy or overnight topical lidocaine (5% ointment) for 10 weeks. Randomization was stratified by center using random permuted blocks from a computer-generated list managed by an independent individual. Physical therapy entailed education, pelvic floor muscle exercises with biofeedback, manual therapy, and dilation. Assessments were conducted at baseline, posttreatment, and 6-month follow-up. Outcome assessors, investigators, and data analysts were masked to allocation. The primary outcome was pain intensity during intercourse evaluated with the numeric rating scale (0-10). Secondary outcomes included pain quality (McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire), sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index), sexual distress (Female Sexual Distress Scale), satisfaction (numeric rating scale of 0-10), andparticipants' impression of change (Patient Global Impression of Change). Intention-to-treat analyses were conducted using piecewise linear-growth models. Among 212 women who were recruited and randomized, 201 (95%) completed the posttreatment assessment and 195 (92%) completed the 6-month follow-up. Multimodal physical therapy was more effective than lidocaine for reducing pain intensity during intercourse (between-group pre-post slope difference, P<.001; mean group postdifference, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.3), and results were maintained at 6-month follow-up (mean group difference, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.5). The physical therapy group also performed better than the lidocaine group in all secondary outcomes (pain quality, sexual function, sexual distress, satisfaction, and participants' impression of change) at posttreatment and 6-month follow-up. Moreover, the changes observed after physical therapy were shown to be clinically meaningful. Regarding participants' impression of change, 79% of women in the physical therapy group reported being very much or much improved compared with 39% in the lidocaine group (P<.001). The findings provide strong evidence that physical therapy is effective for pain, sexual function, and sexual distress and support its recommendation as the first-line treatment of choice for provoked vestibulodynia.

The Effect of Position Support During Orthopedic Surgery on Postoperative Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundPositional pain affect the patient’s healing process after the operation. Anti-pressure positioning pads are medical products used to support the patient positioning during surgical procedures. AimsThe aim of the study was to examine pain related to positioning when anti-pressure gel pads and current visoelastic sponge support options are used during orthopedic surgical cases. DesignThe randomized controlled experimental study. SettingsThe operating room of an educational research hospital. Participants/SubjectsThe study consisted of 100 patients (50 control group and 50 study group) undergoing surgery in a supine position. MethodsInformation form, McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire, and Visual Analogue Scale were used for data collection. Routine institutional policy was applied to the control group. Study group patients were additionally supported with antipressure position gel pads on the operating table. ResultsThe rate of pain presence in areas other than the operative area was significantly lower in the patients in the study group (p = .001). The patients in the control group reported that preoperative pain in the waist area increased to unbearable levels during operation. In addition, it was noted that the “addition of the anti-pressure gel pads” resulted in study group patients being mobilized significantly early (p = .001). ConclusionsThe conclusion of this study demonstrated that postoperative pain related to positioning, not the surgical procedure itself, was decreased when antipressure gel pads and viscoelastic sponge support were used together. An unanticipated benefit discovered during the study was earlier mobilization of the study group compared to the control group.

Effect of Cold Application on Chest Incision Pain Due to Deep Breathing and Cough Exercises

BackgroundWe determined the effect of cold application after coronary artery bypass graft surgery on chest incision pain due to deep breathing and coughing exercises. Thoracotomy performed for coronary artery bypass graft surgery is one of the most painful surgical procedures. This pain prevents deep breathing and effective coughing. These problems increase the risk of morbidity in the postoperative period. AimsThis study aimed to determine the effect of cold application after CABG surgery on chest incision pain due to deep breathing and cough exercises. DesignExperimental study with control group and repeated measurements. SettingsPatients were selected through convenience sampling in the Cardiovascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit at a hospital. ParticipantsThe study was conducted with 57 patients who underwent open heart surgery (29 and 28 in the experimental and control groups, respectively). MethodsRepeated pain assessment was performed before, immediately after, and 5 min after deep breathing and coughing exercises performed in 4 periods at 2-h intervals. The first pain assessment was performed 24 h postoperatively. In the first and third assessments of the experimental group, pain was recorded before the exercise; the exercise was performed 15 min after cold gel pack application to the incision area. Pain was assessed before, immediately after, and 5 min after exercise using the Short- Form McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire. ResultsReduction in pain severity within and between the groups was statistically significant in the first and third evaluations (p = .001). ConclusionsThe results provide evidence to support the use of cold gel pack.

The Relationship Between Pain Level and Sleep Quality, Quality of Life and Psychological Status in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain

Objectives: Chronic neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases. This pain may negatively affect the quality of sleep, quality of life, and psychological status of individuals. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pain level and quality of life, quality of sleep, and psychological status in patients with chronic neck pain. Materials And Methods: Seventy-three female n=56 and male n=17 patients mean age 47.04±13.54 years with chronic neck pain were included in the study. Pain severity was evaluated by McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire MMPQ , quality of sleep was evaluated by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index PSQI , quality of life was evaluated by Short Form-36 SF-36 , depression level was evaluated by Beck Depression Inventory BDI , and anxiety level was evaluated by Beck Anxiety Inventory BAI . Results: The pain level score of the patients was found 32.12±16.86; sleep quality score was severe 7.24±3.11 ; SF-36 physical function component score was low 71.23±20.52 ; SF-36 pain component score was low 57.32±17.30 ; depression and anxiety level scores were mild 10.50±7.73, 15.00±10.14, respectively . There was a negative correlation between the level of pain of patients and sleep quality and a positive correlation between the level of pain of patients and SF-36 pain component score and anxiety level. Conclusion: . It is thought that sleep quality, quality of life, and anxiety management should be taken into consideration during the rehabilitation of patients with chronic neck pain.

Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) reporting in phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma (mPCa) and urothelial carcinoma (mUC).

478 Background: HRQOL outcomes are increasingly used to guide patient-centered care and health policy decisions, especially when treatment has a limited impact on survival. Our aim was to systematically evaluate the quality of HRQOL reporting in phase III RCTs of mPCa and mUC. Methods: A systematic literature review identified phase III RCTs evaluating palliative systemic therapies for castrate sensitive or castrate resistant mPCa (excluding androgen-deprivation therapy) and mUC, published in English between 1985 and 2018. Supplementary material and companion publications on HRQOL were also reviewed. RCTs reporting HRQOL outcomes were scored by the Minimum Standard Checklist for Evaluating HRQOL Outcomes in Cancer Clinical Trials (range 0-11). Results: Of 44 RCTs in mPCa, 25 (56.8%) reported HRQOL outcomes. BPI-SF or BPI (14 RCTs) and McGill-Melzack pain questionnaire (6 RCTs) were the most commonly used generic instruments, whereas FACT-P (16 trials), validated in advanced PCa, was the most commonly used disease-specific instrument. Average score of HRQOL reporting in mPCa was 6.7. Of 21 RCTs in mUC, 7 (33.3%) reported HRQOL. EORTC QLQ-C30 (6 RCTs) was the most commonly used generic instrument. Only 1 trial used a disease-specific instrument, FACT-BL, which lacks validation in mUC. Average score in mUC was 6.6. Conclusions: Robust HRQOL data from phase III RCTs in mPCa and mUC remain limited, and most HRQOL reports had methodologic shortcomings. Although the disease-specific FACT-P questionnaire being used is validated in advanced PCa, mUC RCTs have yet to use a culturally validated instrument to assess HRQOL. Quality of HRQOL reporting has improved over time but needs to be better harmonized across trials. [Table: see text]

Comparison of the application of elastic bandage and medical tape in pain reduction in primary and secondary teachers

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The convolutions generated on the patient’s skin with the application of the elastic bandage reduce the pressure on the mechanoreceptors and thus, the nociceptive stimulus. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of the elastic bandage application with the application of the medical tape in myofascial pain in the region of the upper fibers of the trapezius muscle in teachers. METHODS: Participants were assessed using the McGill-Melzack Pain questionnaire and the numeric pain rating scale, palpation for the detection of trigger points, goniometry for shoulder abduction and lateral neck flexion, and the upper trapezius muscle strength test. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. In the first moment, the participants of group A received an application of elastic bandage, with the “Y” technique, and those belonging to group B received the application of the same technique, however, using the medical tape. Both groups were reassessed after teaching class and after 24 hours. Two weeks later, there was the inversion of the materials used. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 16 teachers. Group A had a significant statistical pain reduction, according to the numeric pain rating scale, between the initial assessment and post-application at the first moment (p=0.00) and at the second moment (p=0.02). A similar result was found in group B, according to the numeric pain rating scale, both at the first moment (p=0.01) and at the second moment (p=0.03). In both groups, there was pain attenuation with no significance on the effect of the elastic bandage or the medical tape. CONCLUSION: The application of elastic bandage has the same effect that the medical tape in reducing pain.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Vestibulodynia Associated With Painful Bladder Syndrome.

This study assessed the effectiveness of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) plus omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in combination with amitriptyline therapy in patients with vestibulodynia/painful bladder syndrome (VBD/PBS). Women with VBD/PBS were randomly assigned to receive amitriptyline or amitriptyline plus a commercially available preparation (ALAnerv Age; Alfa Wassermann, Bologna, Italy) containing, in 2 capsules, ALA 600 mg plus docosahexaenoic acid 250 mg and eicosapentaenoic acid 16.67 mg. Symptoms of burning and pain were assessed using a 10-cm visual analog scale and the short form of the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire. Among 84 women who were randomized, the mean ± standard deviation dose of amitriptyline was 21.7 ± 6.6 mg/day, without statistical difference between the two groups. Pain, as assessed using both the pain rating index of the visual analog scale and the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, decreased significantly in both trial groups, with a greater effect seen with the addition of ALA and n-3 PUFAs. The addition of ALA/n-3 PUFAs to amitriptyline treatment was also associated with improvements in dyspareunia and pelvic floor muscle tone. The overall incidence of adverse events was low, and none led to treatment discontinuation. The addition of ALA/n-3 PUFAs to amitriptyline treatment in patients with VBD/PBS appears to improve outcomes and may allow for a lower dosage of amitriptyline, which may lead to fewer adverse effects.

Fantom ağrılarının tedavisinde EMDR terapi etkinliğinin değerlendirilmesi

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Eye Movements of Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in the treatment of the phantom limp pain. Method: Participants of this study consist of amputation applied 14 inpatients in the Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department of Gülhane Military Hospital. Amputation was applied to four patients with diabetic foot and ten patients with trauma. Five patients had three sessions , eight patients had five sessions and two patients had six sessions of EMDR applications. The treatment was ended when patients expressed that they were not in pain. Following amputation, McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire, State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) were applied at the end of the first week before EMDR applications and just after the EMDR applications. These tests were given to the patients who were invited to control again after one month and three months. The SCL-90-R was applied again in the third month control. Results: It was seen that phantom pain significantly decreased before the treatment, among shortly after, one month and 3 months later controls. Conclusion: In this study, EMDR therapy has been found to provide a significant improvement over the phantom pain. Based on the findings, EMDR therapy has been shown effective with early application on phantom pain.

Provoked Vestibulodynia: Does Pain Intensity Correlate With Sexual Dysfunction and Dissatisfaction?

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is suspected to be the most frequent cause of vulvodynia in premenopausal women. Previous research has been inconclusive as to whether higher vulvovaginal pain ratings are associated with lower sexual function and satisfaction in women with PVD. Whether pain intensity correlates with sexual impairment is an important question given its implications for treatment recommendations. To examine the associations among self-reported and objective pain measurements, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction in a large combined clinical and community sample of premenopausal women diagnosed with PVD. Ninety-eight women with PVD underwent a cotton-swab test, a vestibular friction pain measurement, and a vestibular pressure-pain threshold measurement. In addition to sociodemographics, participants completed measurements of pain, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction. Self-report measurements were the pain numerical rating scale (0-10), the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction. Objective measurements were pain during a cotton-swab test, pain during a vestibular friction procedure, and the vestibular pressure-pain threshold measurement. Age and relationship duration were significantly correlated with the Female Sexual Function Index total score (r=-0.31, P < .01; and r=-0.22, P < .05, respectively). When controlling for age, intercourse-related pain intensity, pain during the cotton-swab test, pain during vestibular friction, the vestibular pressure-pain threshold, and the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire sensory and affective subscale scores were not significantly associated with sexual function and satisfaction in women with PVD. The findings show that in women with PVD, self-report and objective pain ratings are not associated with sexual function and satisfaction. The results support the biopsychosocial nature of PVD and underscore the importance of a patient-focused multidisciplinary treatment approach for PVD.

Pain and fatigue in elderly cancer patients: Turkey example.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pain and fatigue levels of elderly cancer patients and to examine whether pain is an independent variable in fatigue development. A total of 250 elderly cancer patients undergoing treatment in the outpatient chemotherapy units and internal medicine clinic at 2 hospitals were enrolled. A "Patient Information Form," the "McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire," and the "Brief Fatigue Inventory" were used as data instruments. It was determined that all patients had pain and that the mean present pain intensity score was 2.70 ± 0.99, the mean worst pain intensity score was 4.40 ± 0.86, and the mean least pain intensity score was 1.40 ± 0.66. Whereas the existing fatigue severity score of the patients with fatigue (43.6%) was 6.27 ± 2.06, the mean usual fatigue severity of the patients in the last 24 hours was 6.19 ± 1.63 and that the mean worst fatigue severity score in the last 24 hours was 7.29 ± 1.57. When the regression analysis carried out between the pain and fatigue intensities is examined, it was determined that pain is an independent variable in increasing fatigue and that there is a statistically significant relationship (P < .05). It is important that nurses develop strategies to prevent and determine activities to decrease the pain and fatigue of the patients while planning and implementing their holistic care in a relevant manner.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in school going adolescents using school bags - A co-relational research

Children aged 12 – 18 years undergo rapid musculoskeletal development and an application of external forces (school bags) cause musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this investigation was to assess the prevalence of neck, shoulder and back pain in the 1st term in school going adolescents using school bags. A co-relational research was conducted in Mangalore which included 580 students aged 13 -15 years. Their bag weight, body weight and height was measured and the subjects having pain either in the neck, shoulder or back were given McGill Melzack pain questionnaire to be filled. Descriptive analysis revealed that the percentage of bag weight on body weight ratio is more in females (mean ± SD 9.18 ± 3.71) compared to males (mean ± SD 8.88 ± 3.65). 6.03% of subjects carried bag weight weighing more than 15%, out of which 8.57% subjects complained of pain either in the neck, shoulder or back. The correlation between bag weight and pain was analysed using Karl Pearson’s correlation which is perfect positive (0.78). Analysis of correlation between BMI with percentage of bag weight in males (0.413) is more compared to females (0.086). The prevalence of adolescents having pain in the 1st term of school was 2.93% due to school bags. Hence, it is important to investigate further and take appropriate measures for adolescent problems with the use of school bags as it is a predictor for musculoskeletal disorder in adulthood.