MSK Pain Research Articles

Stratified primary care versus non-stratified care for musculoskeletal pain: findings from the STarT MSK feasibility and pilot cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMusculoskeletal (MSK) pain from the five most common presentations to primary care (back, neck, shoulder, knee or multi-site pain), where the majority of patients are managed, is a costly global health challenge. At present, first-line decision-making is based on clinical reasoning and stratified models of care have only been tested in patients with low back pain. We therefore, examined the feasibility of; a) a future definitive cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT), and b) General Practitioners (GPs) providing stratified care at the point-of-consultation for these five most common MSK pain presentations.MethodsThe design was a pragmatic pilot, two parallel-arm (stratified versus non-stratified care), cluster RCT and the setting was 8 UK GP practices (4 intervention, 4 control) with randomisation (stratified by practice size) and blinding of trial statistician and outcome data-collectors. Participants were adult consulters with MSK pain without indicators of serious pathologies, urgent medical needs, or vulnerabilities. Potential participant records were tagged and individuals sent postal invitations using a GP point-of-consultation electronic medical record (EMR) template. The intervention was supported by the EMR template housing the Keele STarT MSK Tool (to stratify into low, medium and high-risk prognostic subgroups of persistent pain and disability) and recommended matched treatment options. Feasibility outcomes included exploration of recruitment and follow-up rates, selection bias, and GP intervention fidelity. To capture recommended outcomes including pain and function, participants completed an initial questionnaire, brief monthly questionnaire (postal or SMS), and 6-month follow-up questionnaire. An anonymised EMR audit described GP decision-making.ResultsGPs screened 3063 patients (intervention = 1591, control = 1472), completed the EMR template with 1237 eligible patients (intervention = 513, control = 724) and 524 participants (42%) consented to data collection (intervention = 231, control = 293). Recruitment took 28 weeks (target 12 weeks) with > 90% follow-up retention (target > 75%). We detected no selection bias of concern and no harms identified. GP stratification tool fidelity failed to achieve a-priori success criteria, whilst fidelity to the matched treatments achieved “complete success”.ConclusionsA future definitive cluster RCT of stratified care for MSK pain is feasible and is underway, following key amendments including a clinician-completed version of the stratification tool and refinements to recommended matched treatments.Trial registrationName of the registry: ISRCTN. Trial registration number: 15366334.Date of registration: 06/04/2016.

Education as a strategy for managing occupational-related musculoskeletal pain: a scoping review

BackgroundMusculoskeletal (MSK) pain is the primary contributor to disability worldwide. There is a growing consensus that MSK pain is a recurrent multifactorial condition underpinned by health and lifestyle factors. Studies...

Matching treatment options for risk sub-groups in musculoskeletal pain: a consensus groups study

BackgroundMusculoskeletal (MSK) pain represents a considerable worldwide healthcare burden. This study aimed to gain consensus from practitioners who work with MSK pain patients, on the most appropriate primary care treatment options for subgroups of patients based on prognostic risk of persistent disabling pain. Agreement was sought on treatment options for the five most common MSK pain presentations: back, neck, knee, shoulder and multisite pain, across three risk subgroups: low, medium and high.MethodsThree consensus group meetings were conducted with multi-disciplinary groups of practitioners (n = 20) using Nominal Group Technique, a systematic approach to building consensus using structured in-person meetings of stakeholders which follows a distinct set of stages.ResultsFor all five pain presentations, “education and advice” and “simple oral and topical pain medications” were agreed to be appropriate for all subgroups. For patients at low risk, across all five pain presentations “review by primary care practitioner if not improving after 6 weeks” also reached consensus. Treatment options for those at medium risk differed slightly across pain-presentations, but all included: “consider referral to physiotherapy” and “consider referral to MSK-interface-clinic”. Treatment options for patients at high risk also varied by pain presentation. Some of the same options were included as for patients at medium risk, and additional options included: “opioids”; “consider referral to expert patient programme” (across all pain presentations); and “consider referral for surgical opinion” (back, knee, neck, shoulder). “Consider referral to rheumatology” was agreed for patients at medium and high risk who have multisite pain.ConclusionIn addressing the current lack of robust evidence on the effectiveness of different treatment options for MSK pain, this study generated consensus from practitioners on the most appropriate primary care treatment options for MSK patients stratified according to prognostic risk. These findings can help inform future clinical decision-making and also influenced the matched treatment options in a trial of stratified primary care for MSK pain patients.

Sleepiness comorbid to musculoskeletal pain is associated with worse quality of life and mood symptoms in a general population sample.

ObjectivesMusculoskeletal (MSK) pain and hypersomnolence (HPS) are very disabling conditions that may share some pathophysiological factors. This study aimed to evaluate the interaction between MSK pain and HPS and its association with mood symptoms, fatigue, quality of life, and both objective and subjective sleep quality.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingGeneral population based sample.Participants510 individuals from EPISONO cohort, São Paulo (Brazil).MeasurementsAll participants completed questionnaires, had clinical assessment and underwent a full-night polysomnography. HPS was defined according to Epworth Sleepiness Scale while the presence of MSK pain was defined by structured questionnaire. The sample was allocated into 4 groups: control (CTRL, n=281), HPS (n=141), MSK (n=50), and both conditions (HPS+MSK, n=38).ResultsMSK pain and HPS by themselves were associated with worse mood symptoms and quality of life. However, individuals with both associated conditions (HPS+MSK) presented higher frequencies of moderate to severe depression (44.1%) and anxiety symptoms (45.7%), as well as an additional decrease in quality of life compared to the other groups. There were no differences between HPS+MSK and MSK groups in objective sleep pattern. With regard to subjective sleep, HPS+MSK presented a higher prevalence of sleep attacks and cataplexy compared to all other groups.ConclusionsThe combination of MSK pain and HPS was associated with worse mood symptoms, quality of life and HPS-related features. This study suggests that sleepiness may be an important symptom to be investigated and treated in MSK pain-related conditions for a better quality of life.

Patient satisfaction and outcomes of MSK pain patients accessing advanced physiotherapy practitioner in primary care; a service evaluation

Patient satisfaction and outcomes of MSK pain patients accessing advanced physiotherapy practitioner in primary care; a service evaluation

Distribution of rheumatological diseases in rural and urban areas: An adapted COPCORD Stage I Phase III survey of Lucknow district in north India.

To study the distribution of various rheumatological diseases in rural and urban areas of Lucknow, India. A study using adapted a Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases scheme was carried out in a cluster of rural (n=5118) and urban (n=5053) communities through a door-to-door survey. Trained community volunteers completed the questionnaires. Patients with musculoskeletal pain (MSK pain) were clinically evaluated by a physician. X-ray examinations and blood investigations were also done. Diagnosis was made according to International Classification of Diseases-9 classification system. Among persons reporting MSK pain in rural areas, high prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) knee (35%) was observed followed by fibromyalgia (32.1%), backache (28.4%), non-specific pain (NSP) (20.7%) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (1.2%). In urban area, OA knee (36.3%) and backache (36.6%) were found highly prevalent, followed by fibromyalgia (11.1%), NSP (10.9%) and neck pain (7.4%). In urban areas among MSK pain patients, prevalence of RA was only 1.6%. Age-adjusted analysis among urban people showed backache complaints begin early (>20years) than rural people. Significantly higher numbers of Knee OA complaints emerged among urban people than rural in the age group 21-60years. Projected population prevalence of knee OA was 44.9 and 106.07/1000 in rural and urban areas, respectively. Further projected population prevalences of fibromyalgia, backache, RA and NSP in rural and urban areas are 41.2 and 32.4, 36.5 and 106.6, 1.56 and 4.74, 26.0 and 32.0 per 1000, respectively. OA knee, fibromyalgia, backache and NSP are predominant health problems of both areas. Female preponderance was observed in all rheumatological diseases in both the areas.

Epidemiology and socioeconomic impact of the rheumatic diseases on indigenous people: an invisible syndemic public health problem.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MSK disorders and rheumatic diseases in eight Latin American indigenous communities, and to identify which factors influence such prevalence using network analysis and syndemic approach. This is a cross-sectional, community-based census study according to Community-Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases methodology. Individuals with MSK pain, stiffness or swelling in the past and/or during the last 7 days were evaluated by participating physicians. A descriptive, univariable and multivariable analysis was performed, followed by a network analysis. We surveyed 6155 indigenous individuals with a mean age of 41.2 years (SD 17.6; range 18-105); 3757 (61.0%) were women. Point prevalence in rank order was: low back pain in 821 (13.3%); osteoarthritis in 598 (9.7%); rheumatic regional pain syndromes in 368 (5.9%); rheumatoid arthritis in 85 (1.3%); undifferentiated arthritis in 13 (0.2%); and spondyloarthritis in 12 (0.1%). There were marked variations in the prevalence of each rheumatic disease among the communities. Multivariate models and network analysis revealed a complex relationship between rheumatic diseases, comorbidities and socioeconomic conditions. The overall prevalence of MSK disorders in Latin American indigenous communities was 34.5%. Although low back pain and osteoarthritis were the most prevalent rheumatic diseases, wide variations according to population groups occurred. The relationship between rheumatic diseases, comorbidities and socioeconomic conditions allows taking a syndemic approach to the study.

Epidemiology of arthritis, chronic back pain, gout, osteoporosis, spondyloarthropathies and rheumatoid arthritis among 1.5 million patients in Australian general practice: NPS MedicineWise MedicineInsight dataset

BackgroundPrevious estimates for the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions (MSK) and chronic pain in Australia have been based on self-report. We aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of arthritis, chronic back pain, gout, osteoporosis, spondyloarthropathies and rheumatoid arthritis and current consultations for chronic pain among adults attending Australian general practice, and describe their distribution according to sociodemographic characteristics and presence of co-morbidities.MethodsWe investigated 1,501,267 active adult patients (57.6% females; 22.5% ≥65y) evaluated between 2013 and 2016 and included in the MedicineInsight database (a National Prescribing Service MedicineWise program), a large general practice data program that extracts longitudinal de-identified electronic medical record data from ‘active’ patients in over 550 practices. Three main groups of outcomes were investigated: 1) “prevalence” of arthritis, chronic back pain, gout, osteoporosis, spondyloarthropathies, and/or rheumatoid arthritis between 2000 and 2016; 2) “current” diagnosis/encounter for the same conditions occurring between 2013 and 2016, and; 3) “current” consultations for chronic pain of any type occurring between 2013 and 2016.ResultsThe combined “prevalence” of the investigated MSK (diagnosis between 2000 and 2016) among adults attending Australian general practice was 16.8% (95%CI 15.9;17.7) with 21.3% (95%CI 20.2;22.4) of the sample consulting for chronic pain between 2013 and 2016. The investigated MSK with the highest “prevalence” were arthritis (9.5%) and chronic back pain (6.7%). Patients with some of these MSK attended general practices more frequently than those without these conditions (median 2.0 and 1.0 contacts/year, respectively). The “prevalence” of the investigated MSK and “current” consultations for chronic pain increased with age, especially in women, but chronic pain remained stable at 22% for males aged > 40 years. The investigated MSK and chronic pain were more frequent among those in lower socioeconomic groups, veterans, Aboriginal and Torrent Strait Islanders, current and ex-smokers, and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart failure.ConclusionsThe investigated MSK are more frequent among lower socioeconomic groups and the elderly. Based on information collected from adults attending Australian general practices, MedicineInsight provided similar estimates to those obtained from population-based studies, with the advantage of being based on medical diagnosis and including a national sample.

Efficacy and Safety of Oral Diclofenac Sustained release Versus Transdermal Diclofenac Patch in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Randomized, Open Label Trial.

Introduction:To compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of transdermal patches of diclofenac sodium with oral diclofenac sustained release (SR) in patients of chronic musculoskeletal MSK pain conditions.Materials and Methods:The eligible patients were given either transdermal diclofenac patch or tablet diclofenac SR. Pain was assessed at 2 and 4 weeks using a visual analog scale. Adverse events were recorded. Patients with 18–65 years old of either gender with score of ≥4 on a 11-item numeric rating scale-numeric version of visual analog scale for pain with diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee or hand of at least 3 months duration, with independent radiological confirmation of OA or having pain associated with other MSK conditions such as soft-tissue rheumatism, cervical and lumbar back pain, and fibromyalgia, of at least 3 months duration were included in this study.Results:Transdermal diclofenac diethylamine patch and tablet diclofenac sodium sustained release (SR) do not significantly differ in the reduction of numerical rating scores at the end of 4 weeks (P = 0.8393).Conclusion:Transdermal diclofenac was equi-efficacious as tablet diclofenac sodium SR in reducing pain due to chronic MSK pain conditions.

Multivariate pattern analysis utilizing structural or functional MRI—In individuals with musculoskeletal pain and healthy controls: A systematic review

The purpose of this systematic review is to systematically review the evidence relating to findings generated by multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) following structural or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine if this analysis is able to: a) Discriminate between individuals with musculoskeletal pain and healthy controls, b) Predict pain perception in healthy individuals stimulated with a noxious stimulus compared to those stimulated with a non-noxious stimulus. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PEDro, Google Scholar, Cochrane library and Web of Science were systematically screened for relevant literature using different combinations of keywords regarding structural and functional MRI analysed with MVPA, both in individuals with musculoskeletal pain and healthy controls. Reference lists of included articles were hand-searched for additional literature. Eligible articles were assessed on risk of bias and reviewed by two independent researchers. The search query returned 18 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality varied from poor to good. Seven studies investigated the ability of machine-learning algorithms to differentiate patient groups from healthy control participants. Overall, the review demonstrated that MVPA can discriminate between individuals with MSK pain and healthy controls with an overall accuracy ranging from 53% to 94%. Twelve studies utilized healthy control participants (using them as their own controls), during experimental pain paradigms aimed to investigate the ability of machine-learning to differentiate individuals stimulated with noxious stimuli from those stimulated with non-noxious stimuli, with 'pain' detection rates ranging from 60% to 94%. However, significant heterogeneity in patient conditions, study methodology and brain imaging techniques resulted in various findings that make study comparisons and formal conclusions challenging. There is preliminary and emerging evidence that MVPA analyses of structural or functional MRI are able to discriminate between patients and healthy controls, and also discriminate between noxious and non-noxious stimulation. No prospective studies were found in this review to allow determination of the prognostic or diagnostic capabilities or treatment responsiveness of these analyses. Future studies would also benefit from combining various behavioural, genotype and phenotype data into analyses to assist with development of sensitive and specific signatures that could guide future individualized patient treatment options and evaluate how treatments exert their effects.

Optimizing Musculoskeletal Performance Through Injury Prevention.

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSK-Is) are ubiquitous throughout the Special Operations Forces (SOF) because of the physical demands of executing missions and carrying heavy loads. Preventing MSK-I has been a priority among SOF but is especially challenging because most MSK-Is are chronic or recurring. For many SOF, musculoskeletal issues and MSK pain are just part of doing their job. Ways to focus, target, and integrate injury prevention efforts across the continuum of training, active duty and SOF status are critical because MSK-Is are a significant barrier to human performance optimization. In this article, we describe how to incorporate these efforts at all levels of training. The need for improving valid, objective, fit-for-full-duty metrics after injury and sharing such information continuously with SOF is discussed. Last, strategies for engaging all levels to begin a culture shift away from the acceptance of MSK-I and pain as a way of life toward embracing MSK-I prevention as a regular part of everyday training are presented.

Musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents.

ABSTRACTIntroductionMusculoskeletal (MSK) pain in children and adolescents is responsible for substantial personal impacts and societal costs, but it has not been intensively or systematically researched. This means our understanding of these conditions is limited, and healthcare professionals have little empirical evidence to underpin their clinical practice. In this article we summarise the state of the evidence concerning MSK pain in children and adolescents, and offer suggestions for future research.ResultsRates of self-reported MSK pain in adolescents are similar to those in adult populations and they are typically higher in teenage girls than boys. Epidemiological research has identified conditions such as back and neck pain as major causes of disability in adolescents, and in up to a quarter of cases there are impacts on school or physical activities. A range of physical, psychological and social factors have been shown to be associated with MSK pain report, but the strength and direction of these relationships are unclear. There are few validated instruments available to quantify the nature and severity of MSK pain in children, but some show promise. Several national surveys have shown that adolescents with MSK pain commonly seek care and use medications for their condition. Some studies have revealed a link between MSK pain in adolescents and chronic pain in adults.ConclusionMusculoskeletal pain conditions are often recurrent in nature, occurring throughout the life-course. Attempts to understand these conditions at a time close to their initial onset may offer a better chance of developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Musculoskeletal Pain in Korean Farmers.

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and characteristics of musculoskeletal pain (MSK) pain in Korean farmers using initial survey data of Farmers' Cohort for Agricultural Work-Related MSK pain (FARM) study.MethodsFarmers (534 females and 479 males; mean age 57.2±7.5 years) who owned or rented a farm and belonged to an agricultural cooperative unit were recruited. Presence of pain for each body part (neck, shoulder, arm/elbow, wrist/hand/finger, low back, leg/foot), and characteristics of MSK pain (prevalence, location, duration, severity, and frequency) during the last year was assessed. Additionally, demographic data such as farming duration, history of prior injury, and workload (low, moderate, somewhat hard, or hard) were collected using structured questionnaires.ResultsAlmost all subjects (n=925; 91.3%) complained of pain in more than one body part. The frequency order was low back (63.8%), leg/foot (43.3%), shoulder (42.9%), wrist/hand/finger (26.6%), arm/elbow (25.3%), and neck (21.8%). Low back pain was more frequent in those with over 30 years of farming experience (odds ratio [OR], 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.81). MSK pain was related to history of prior injury (OR, 2.18–5.24; p<0.05) in all body parts except for leg/foot, and very hard workload was associated with low back, leg/foot, neck, shoulder, and wrist/hand/finger pain (OR, 2.88–10.83; p<0.05).ConclusionMost Korean farmers experience MSK pain; furthermore, there is a significant association between pain, history of prior injury, and workload, suggestive of the necessity of coping and preventive strategies to reduce injury or workload.

Research Priorities in the Field of Posttraumatic Pain and Disability: Results of a Transdisciplinary Consensus-Generating Workshop

Background. Chronic or persistent pain and disability following noncatastrophic “musculoskeletal” (MSK) trauma is a pervasive public health problem. Recent intervention trials have provided little evidence of benefit from several specific treatments for preventing chronic problems. Such findings may appear to argue against formal targeted intervention for MSK traumas. However, these negative findings may reflect a lack of understanding of the causal mechanisms underlying the transition from acute to chronic pain, rendering informed and objective treatment decisions difficult. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) has recently identified better understanding of causal mechanisms as one of three priority foci of their most recent strategic plan. Objectives. A 2-day invitation-only active participation workshop was held in March 2015 that included 30 academics, clinicians, and consumers with the purpose of identifying consensus research priorities in the field of trauma-related MSK pain and disability, prediction, and prevention. Methods. Conversations were recorded, explored thematically, and member-checked for accuracy. Results. From the discussions, 13 themes were generated that ranged from a focus on identifying causal mechanisms and models to challenges with funding and patient engagement. Discussion. Novel priorities included the inclusion of consumer groups in research from the early conceptualization and design stages and interdisciplinary longitudinal studies that include evaluation of integrated phenotypes and mechanisms.

Cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome in obese youth enrolled in a multidisciplinary medical weight management program: implications of musculoskeletal pain, cardiorespiratory fitness, and health-related quality of life.

Obese youth demonstrate the same obesity-associated morbidities observed in obese adults, including poor cardiorespiratory fitness, poor quality of life, and reports of musculoskeletal pain. The purposes of this study were to compare the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and evaluate the odds of metabolic syndrome in obese youth based on measures of cardiorespiratory fitness, quality of life, and pain. A medical chart review of 183 obese youth in a medical weight management program was conducted. Measures of cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome were recorded. Groups were categorized based on Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) score, Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL)-Physical Function score, PedsQL-Psychosocial Health score, and reports of musculoskeletal pain. Statistical analysis included independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U-test, chi-squared test, and logistic regression. Thirty-three percent of the entire sample had C-reactive protein (CRP) levels >3.0 mg/dL and 30% were categorized as having metabolic syndrome. Patients with lower PACER scores demonstrated a greater prevalence of CRP levels >3.0 mg/dL versus those with higher PACER scores (45% vs. 12%; P=0.01). There were no other differences in the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors or metabolic syndrome when categorized by PACER, PedsQL, or pain. Those with CRP levels >3.0 mg/dL demonstrated increased odds of metabolic syndrome-[odds (95% confidence interval, CI): 4.93 (1.24-19.61); P=0.02]. Overall, results do not show differences in cardiovascular risk in obese youth when categorized by PACER, PedsQL, or reports of MSK pain. Elevated CRP may be a useful predictor of metabolic syndrome in obese youth and warrants further investigation.

FRI0187 Epidemiology Musculoskeletal Disorders and Rheumatic Diseases in Indigenous Communities of Oaxaca, Mexico: A Community-Based Study

BackgroundThe prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases in indigenous communities in Mexico is unknown. As a response to this challenge, the Latin American Study Group of Rheumatic Diseases in Indigenous Peoples (GLADERPO)...

Patient outcomes and experiences of an acupuncture and self-care service for persistent low back pain in the NHS: a mixed methods approach

BackgroundSupported self-management, acupuncture and information can help reduce the symptoms of low back pain. These approaches are currently recommended by NICE guidance as treatment options for patients with persistent low back pain. However, there has been no previous evaluation of a service providing them together for this common problem. The purpose of this service evaluation was to report patient outcomes and experiences of the Beating Back Pain Service (BBPS), a pilot service based in a primary and community care setting, delivering acupuncture, self-management and information to patients with chronic low back pain.MethodsPatients completed a questionnaire at three time points: pre-BBPS, immediately post-BBPS and three months post-BBPS. Outcome measures included the Bournemouth Questionnaire (measuring musculoskeletal, MSK, problems), EuroQoL-5D (measuring quality of life), Pain and Self-efficacy Questionnaire, and additional questions on medication use, physical activity, understanding of pain and positive well-being. Additionally, the STarT Back (measuring risk of developing chronic pain) was collected at BBPS information sessions. Non-parametric tests were used to evaluate pre- and post- variables. Questionnaires also collected qualitative data (open-text responses) regarding patient views and experiences of the BBPS, which were analysed using thematic analysis.Results80 (out of 108) patients who attended the initial BBPS information session agreed to participate in the service evaluation (mean age 47 years, 65% female). 65 patients attended subsequent BBPS acupuncture and/or self-management sessions and were asked to complete post-treatment questionnaires; complete datasets were available for 61 patients.There were statistically significant improvements over time for pain (p <0.0001), quality of life (p = 0.006), understanding of pain (p <0.001), physical activity (p = 0.047) and relaxation (p = 0.012). Post-hoc analysis revealed that scores improved between baseline and post-treatment, these improvements were maintained at 3-month follow-up (except relaxation). Patients receiving a combination of acupuncture and self-management sessions produced the most positive results. Patient satisfaction with the BBPS was high.ConclusionsThe BBPS provided a MSK pain management service that many patients found effective and valuable. Combining self-management with acupuncture was found to be particularly effective, although further consideration is required regarding how best to engage patients in self-management.

Specific tissue lesions associated with pain and disability in early stage of knee OA

s / Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 21 (2013) S63–S312 S260 example, they struggle to find the right balance between hiding and showing pain, and this has an impact on the struggle to affirm self. Our model showed that some were empowered to move forward alongside their pain by: listening to their body; finding a new self; becoming part of a community; telling others about pain; realising that pain is here to stay; becoming the expert. Conclusions: Chronic MSK pain is experienced as a constant adversarial struggle. Our model calls on us to challenge cultural notions about illness, in particular, the expectation of achieving a diagnosis/cure. People with chronic MSK pain do not feel believed, and this can have an impact on participation in life. Central to the relationship between patient and practitioner is the recognition of a person whose life has been deeply changed. Our model suggests that feeling valued is not simply an adjunct to the therapy, but central to it. The implications for clinical practice will be presented. 'This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research (NIHR HS&DR) programme (project

Musculoskeletal Injuries and Pain in Dancers a Systematic Review Update

The objective of this study was to assemble and synthesize the best available literature from 2004 to 2008 on musculoskeletal injury and pain in dancers. MEDLINE and CINAHL were the primary sources of data. Indexed terms such as dance, dancer, dancing, athletic injuries, occupational injuries, sprains and strains, musculoskel-etal diseases, bone density, menstruation disturbances, and eating disorders were used to search the databases. Citations were screened for relevance using a priori criteria, and relevant studies were critically reviewed for scientific merit by the best-evidence synthesis method. After screening, 19 articles were found to be scientifically admissible. Data from accepted studies were abstracted into evidence tables relating to: prevalence and associated factors; incidence and risk factors; intervention; and injury characteristics and prognosis of musculoskeletal injury and pain in dancers. Principal findings included: a high prevalence and incidence of lower extremity, hip and back injuries; preliminary evidence that psychosocial and psychological issues such as stress and coping strategies affect injury frequency and duration; history of a previous lateral ankle sprain is associated with an increased risk of ankle sprain in the contralateral ankle in dance students; fatigue may play a role in ACL injury in dancers; acute hamstring strains in dancers affect tendon more than muscle tissue, often resulting in prolonged absence from dance. It is concluded that, while there are positive developments in the literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of MSK injuries and pain in dancers, much room for improvement remains. Suggestions for future research are offered.

A prospective pilot study investigating the musculoskeletal pain in postmenopausal breast cancer patients receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy.

Although arthralgia is a known adverse effect of aromatase inhibitor (ai) treatment in postmenopausal breast cancer patients, few studies have carried out a comprehensive evaluation of the nature, onset, and incidence of musculoskeletal (msk) pain in these patients. We therefore used a pilot study to identify conditions or markers predictive of pain. For 24 weeks, we monitored 30 eligible postmenopausal women starting ai therapy. Pre-existing and incident msk conditions and pain were assessed clinically and with ultrasonography of the hands and wrists. In addition, patient questionnaires were used to assess pain before and during ai therapy. Biochemical markers were measured at baseline and at regular intervals after anastrozole therapy began. Gene profiling studies were carried out before and 48 hours after the initial ai administration. Over the 24-week study period, 20 participants (67%) showed no pain symptoms; 5 (17%) experienced low or moderate pain at baseline, which did not increase with ai treatment; and during therapy, 5 (17%) showed exacerbation of pain attributable to osteoarthritis of the hand and to finger flexor tenosynovitis. Although all 30 participants had some degree of msk conditions before anastrozole therapy started, the pre-existing conditions did not necessarily predispose the women to increased pain during anastrozole treatment. Higher levels of urinary N-telopeptides of type i collagen were associated with the groups presenting pain, suggesting a higher extent of pre-existing bone resorption, without significant evolution over the 24-week treatment period. Slightly higher levels of 1,25(OH)(2) vitamin D(3) were observed at baseline in patients with pain increase, but did not significantly change during treatment; however, average levels of 25(OH) vitamin D(3) increased, likely because of supplementation. Although biochemical markers did not discriminate efficiently between pain groups, a signature of 166 genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was identified that could stratify patients into the various groups observed in this pilot study. The gene signature was enriched in components of inflammatory signalling and chemokine expression, of antitumoural immunity pathways, and of metabolic response to hormones and xenobiotics, although no clinically significant association could be made in the present study, considering the small number of patients. Nevertheless, the observed trend suggests the feasibility of developing surrogate predictive markers of msk pain. Patient compliance was high in this study and was not affected by pain exacerbation. Baseline msk assessment showed pre-existing causes for pain in most of the study patients before initiation of the ai. Exacerbation of existing osteoarthritis pain and tenosynovial symptoms was the primary cause of pain increase. Musculoskeletal pain assessment at baseline and prompt treatment of pain symptoms may help to optimize adherence to ai therapy. The value of routinely assessing inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was not supported by our pilot study. Gene expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells may be further explored in larger-scale studies as stratification markers to identify patients at risk of developing arthralgia.