Reduced Pain Ratings Research Articles

Baroreceptor cortical effects, emotions and pain

The specificity of baroreceptor-dependent inhibition of pain reactions to electrical stimuli was investigated during induction of different emotional states in 27 subjects. Baroreceptors were stimulated through the PRES (Phase Related External Suction) technique, while emotions were induced by means of pleasant, neutral and unpleasant slides. The dependent variables were pain ratings, somatic evoked potentials (N150 and P260) recorded from Fz, Cz and Pz, and skin conductance response (SCR), while heart rate was recorded as a PRES requirement. Valence and arousal ratings were obtained in front of each slide. During suction (external baroreceptor activation) reduced pain ratings, cortical disfacilitation (from Pz, as revealed by N150) and lower SCR were found as compared to pressure (baroreceptor deactivation). Moreover, brain evoked potentials (N150 and P260) reflecting cortical inhibition were found under condition of baroreceptor stimulation during unpleasant slides, but not during pleasant or neutral ones: this result was found in the high blood pressure subjects only. Data showed also a valence effect on pain ratings: pain was evaluated to be higher during unpleasant slides, than neutral and pleasant ones. Results are discussed in the light of “baroreceptor reward” hypothesis, which proposes a learning mechanism for the development of essential hypertension.

Does group gymnastics at the workplace help in neck pain? A controlled study

The effects of group gymnastics on neck pain were studied among 44 women in a printing company. A randomized cross-over design was used with two groups matched according to the work task, frequency of symptoms, and age. The treatment consisted of gymnastics for 45 min once a week for 10 weeks. Neck pain was rated by visual analogue scale and pressure pain sensitivity of the neck muscles was measured with an algometer. The results showed no clear effects of the group gymnastics program. An equal and significant reduction in pain ratings was seen in both groups after the first intervention in the spring. Recurrence of symptoms was seen in both groups in September, and no significant reduction in pain occurred during the second intervention in the autumn. The results suggest a seasonal variation in neck symptoms which has to be considered when planning or evaluating intervention studies.

Does group gymnastics at the workplace help in neck pain? A controlled study

The effects of group gymnastics on neck pain were studied among 44 women in a printing company. A randomized cross-over design was used with two groups matched according to the work task, frequency of symptoms, and age. The treatment consisted of gymnastics for 45 min once a week for 10 weeks. Neck pain was rated by visual analogue scale and pressure pain sensitivity of the neck muscles was measured with an algometer. The results showed no clear effects of the group gymnastics program. An equal and significant reduction in pain ratings was seen in both groups after the first intervention in the spring. Recurrence of symptoms was seen in both groups in September, and no significant reduction in pain occurred during the second intervention in the autumn. The results suggest a seasonal variation in neck symptoms which has to be considered when planning or evaluating intervention studies.

Effects of acetaminophen and antipyrine on non-inflammatory pain and EEG activity

Antinociceptive effects of the 2 (each 1000 mg, orally) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) acetaminophen (paracetamol) and antipyrine (phenazone) were investigated with a non-inflammatory experimental pain model in 32 healthy volunteers. Phasic pain was induced by intracutaneously applied brief electrical pulses (20 msec). Pain ratings, cerebral potentials and the EEG delta power were measured in response to the stimuli. Unspecific effects upon the vigilance system were evaluated by spontaneous EEG, auditory evoked potentials and reaction times. The investigation was performed as a placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study. Blood samples were taken to monitor the plasma concentrations of the active agents. Ninety minutes after medication the 2 NSAIDs produced similar effects upon all pain-relevant target variables, although the mean plasma concentration of antipyrine (15 μg/ml) was approximately twice that of acetaminophen (7.5 μg/ml). Both NSAIDs reduced pain ratings by 6%, late cerebral potentials by 19%, and stimulus-induced delta power of the EEG by 21%. The antipyrine effects emerged earlier, in agreement with its faster kinetics. Both NSAIDs could be differentiated by their effects upon spontaneous EEG activity. Whereas acetaminophen mainly enhanced the power in the theta range, antipyrine predominately depressed the alpha frequencies. None of the drugs influenced auditory evoked potentials and reaction times. The central effects of acetaminophen and antipyrine are discussed with respect to antinociception and decrease in vigilance.

Early experiences of a multidisciplinary pain management programme

Chronic pain patients need comprehensive management programmes which emphasize the need for self-control strategies and personal control of the consequences of their disability. Labelling such patients’ complaints as ‘psychological’ is misleading since many do not show evidence of emotional distress. They can, nevertheless, benefit from courses of treatment run on behavioural principles which encourage achievement of individual goals and reduction of pain complaining. The course described here addresses these aims, and is able to show changes in reported disability, in spite of failing to show any reduction in pain ratings.