Pain Medication Use Research Articles

The Long-Term Response to High-Dose Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients With Failed Back Surgery Syndrome After Conversion From Standard Spinal Cord Stimulation: An Effectiveness and Prediction Study

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is nowadays available with several stimulation paradigms. New paradigms, such as high dose (HD-)SCS, have shown the possibility to salvage patients who lost their initial pain relief. The first aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of HD-SCS after conversion from standard SCS. The second aim is to develop a model for prediction of long-term response of HD-SCS after unsatisfactory standard SCS. Seventy-eight patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) who are treated with standard SCS were enrolled in the study. Self-reporting questionnaires and outcomes were assessed before conversion and at 1, 3, and 12 months of HD-SCS. Longitudinal mixed models were used to determine the effectiveness of HD-SCS. Logistic regression and classification and decision tree analyses were performed to predict responders (NRS decrease ≥2/10) after 12 months of HD-SCS. Significant time effects were found for both low back and leg pain responders, suggesting the effectiveness of HD-SCS after conversion. Logistic regression models revealed the importance of pain intensity scores, medication use, paresthesia coverage (for back pain) and EQ5D (for leg pain) as predictors for being a responder after 12 months of HD-SCS. Converting patients with unsatisfactory responses from standard SCS to HD-SCS may be an effective strategy to obtain and maintain pain relief in a challenging subgroup of patients with FBSS refractory to standard SCS. The prediction models may guide clinicians in their decision making when considering conversion to HD-SCS in patients with FBSS experiencing inadequate response to standard SCS.

Hatha Yoga Sebagai Terapi Alternatif Pada Nyeri Kepala

<p><em>Headaches often suddenly attack and this causes disruption to the various activities that are being carried out by ours. Headaches are pain in the head that can occur gradually or appear instantly almost unexpectedly. Headaches that appear can be felt light, heavy, and the area can be felt in the entire head or only in certain areas. There are many ways to deal with headaches, such as get some medication or get some massage therapy at certain points area, depending kind of headaches. However, the use of pain medication usually only has a short-term impact, so that at any time this headache reappears. Yoga therapy is an alternative in dealing with this headache. Yoga is indeed known as an alternative healing for certain diseases, one of them is headache. Although there is no exact and in-depth research on this issue, but some yoga movements are said to be able to deal with headaches, especially for those who often experience this headache attack at the wrong time, for example.</em></p>

Prevalence and frequency of menstrual cycle symptoms are associated with availability to train and compete: a study of 6812 exercising women recruited using the Strava exercise app

ObjectivesThe menstrual cycle can affect sports participation and exercise performance. There are very few data on specific menstrual cycle symptoms (symptoms during various phases of the cycle, not only during...

Differential risk of falls associated with pain medication among community-dwelling older adults by cognitive status.

Persons living with dementia have an elevated risk of falling and chronic pain. This study investigates the relationship of pain medication use with falls among community-dwelling adults based on their cognitive status. We analysed a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries (n = 7,491) who completed cognitive assessments used for dementia classification in the 2015US National Health and Aging Trends Study. We performed survey-weighted logistic regression to investigate differential associations between pain medication use and a recent fall by cognitive status: no dementia, possible dementia and probable dementia, controlling for sociodemographic and health characteristics. About 16.5% of the analytic sample was classified as possible dementia (8.3%) and probable dementia (8.2%). Pain medication use was associated with a recent fall among those with probable dementia [odds ratio (OR) = 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14, 3.03], controlling for sociodemographic and health characteristics. Taking medication for pain 2 days a week or more (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.20, 3.81) was associated with falls among those with probable dementia. Bothersome pain and worry about falling down were also associated with falls among participants with no dementia and possible dementia, respectively. Differential risk factors for falls by cognitive status imply the need for tailored pain management and fall prevention strategies. The provision of fall prevention programmes stressing balance training and medication use is important regardless of cognitive status in community-dwelling older adults. Future research should explore other modifiable factors associated with the risk of falls among community-dwelling adults.

Prescribing Patterns of Pain Medications in Unspecific Low Back Pain in Primary Care: A Retrospective Analysis.

Acute low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Since there is evidence of excessive prescriptions of analgesics, i.e., opioids, the aim of this study was to describe the use of pain medications in patients with LBP in the Swiss primary care setting. A retrospective, observational study was performed using medical prescriptions of 180 general practitioners (GP) during years 2009–2020. Patterns of pain medications (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol, and opioids) as well as co-medications were analyzed in patients with a LBP diagnosis. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses assessed GP and patient characteristics associated with the prescription of pain medication. Patients included were 10,331 (mean age 51.7 years, 51.2% female); 6449 (62.4%) received at least one pain medication and of these 86% receive NSAIDs and 22% opioids. GP characteristics (i.e., self-employment status) and patient characteristics (male gender and number of consultations) were associated with significantly higher odds of receiving any pain medication in multivariable analysis. 3719 patients (36%) received co-medications. Proton-pump-inhibitors and muscle relaxants were the most commonly used co-medications. In conclusion, two-thirds of LBP patients were treated with pain medications. Prescribing patterns were conservative, with little use of strong opioids and co-medications.

Percutaneous Thoracic Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement.

Spinal cord stimulation is a safe, effective, and reversible method for the management of chronic neuropathic pain. Spinal cord stimulation was found to be superior to traditional conservative management in recent clinical trials. The superiority of this therapeutic strategy is in part due to the many benefits, such as decreased use of prescription pain medications, cost-effectiveness, and improvement in patient quality of life. With appropriate patient consent for photography during the operation per hospital policy, the technical description for percutaneous placement of a spinal cord stimulator was documented at the authors home institution. The percutaneous technique allows for decreased operative times and thus reduced anesthesia, as well as decreased post-operative pain due to less tissue and muscle dissection. Additionally, the percutaneous leads have a smaller footprint in the epidural space, allowing more patients with mild spinal canal stenosis to receive this therapeutic device, which generally precludes paddle placement. These features make the percutaneous method an appealing alternative to the traditional laminotomy technique. The traditional laminotomy approach for paddle lead placement has been well described in the literature. However, detailed and indexed techniques of the percutaneous alternative are lacking. This technical description provides the first, easily accessible technical guide for the percutaneous placement of thoracic spinal cord stimulators. The operative technique was documented with images and detailed descriptions at the authors home institution.

Factors associated with care-seeking for low back pain when genetics and the familial environment are considered

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Care-seekers for LBP cause substantial economic burden to governments and the healthcare system. ObjectiveTo investigate lifestyle and health-related factors associated with care-seeking (including pain medication use) in individuals experiencing LBP, after controlling for important genetic and early environmental confounders through the use of a within-twin pair case-control design. DesignA secondary analysis of observational longitudinal data, derived from the Australian Twin low BACK pain (AUTBACK) study, was performed on 66 twin pairs that presented with similar symptoms of LBP at baseline but became discordant for care-seeking behaviour over one month. MethodsSubjective and objective assessment of pain intensity, disability, depression, sleep quality, physical activity and body mass index were performed. Data was analysed using stepwise conditional logistic regression in two stages: within-pair case–control for monozygotic and dizygotic twins together; and within-pair case–control analysis of monozygotic twins only. Results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). ResultsHigher LBP intensity (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.3–6.8) and poorer sleep quality (OR 10.9; 95% CI 1.5–77.7) were the main factors that increased the likelihood of care-seeking for LBP. These associations remained significant and increased in magnitude after adjusting for genetic confounding. ConclusionsIndividuals with higher LBP intensity and worse sleep quality are more likely to seek care for LBP, and this relationship is likely to be causal after adjustment of familial and genetic confounding.

Manual treatment for kidney mobility and symptoms in women with nonspecific low back pain and urinary infections

Recent studies have suggested a connection between low back pain (LBP) and urinary tract infections (UTI). These disturbances could be triggered via visceral-somatic pathways, and there is evidence that kidney mobility is reduced in patients suffering from nonspecific LBP. Manual treatment of the perinephric fascia could improve both kidney mobility and LBP related symptoms. To assess whether manual treatment relieves UTI and reduces pain in patients with nonspecific LBP through improvement in kidney mobility. Records from all patients treated at a single physical therapy center in 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included if they were 18 years of age or older, had nonspecific LBP, and experienced at least one UTI episode in the 3months before presentation. Patients were excluded if they had undergone manipulative treatment in the 6months before presentation, if they had one of several medical conditions, if they had a history of chronic pain medication use, and more. Patient records were divided into two groups for analysis: those who were treated with manipulative techniques of the fascia with thrust movement (Group A) vs those who were treated without thrust movement (Group B). Kidney Mobility Scores (KMS) were analyzed using high resolution ultrasound. Symptoms as reported at patients' 1 month follow up visits were also used to assess outcomes; these included UTI relapse, lumbar spine mobility assessed with a modified Schober test, and lumbar spine pain. Of 126 available records, 20 patients were included in this retrospective study (10 in Group A and 10 in Group B), all of whom who completed treatment and attended their 1 month follow up visit. Treatments took place in a single session for all patients and all underwent ultrasound of the right kidney before and after treatment. The mean (±standard deviation) KMS (1.9±1.1), mobility when bending (22.7±1.2), and LBP scores (1.2±2.6) of the patients in Group A improved significantly in comparison with the patients in Group B (mean KMS, 1.1±0.8; mobility when bending, 21.9±1.1; and LBP, 3.9±2.7) KMS, p<0.001; mobility when bending, p=0.003; and LBP, p=0.007). At the 1 month follow up visit, no significant statistical changes were observed in UTI recurrence (secondary outcome) in Group A (-16.5±4.3) compared with Group B (-20.4±7) (p=0.152). Manual treatments for nonspecific LBP associated with UTI resulted in improved mobility and symptoms for patients in this retrospective study, including a significant increase in kidney mobility.

A prospective cohort register-based study of chronic postsurgical pain and long-term use of pain medication after otorhinolaryngological surgery

Data on chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) after otorhinolaryngological surgery are sparse. Adult in-patients treated in 2017 were included into the prospective PAIN OUT registry. Patients’ pain on the first postoperative day (D1), after six months (M6) and 12 months (M12) were evaluated. Determining factor for CPSP was an average pain intensity ≥ 3 (numeric rating scale 0–10) at M6. Risk factors associated with CPSP were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. 10% of 191 included patients (60% male, median age: 52 years; maximal pain at D1: 3.5 ± 2.7), had CPSP. Average pain at M6 was 0.1 ± 0.5 for patients without CPSP and 4.2 ± 1.2 with CPSP. Average pain with CPSP still was 3.7 ± 1.1 at M12. Higher ASA status (Odds ratio [OR] = 4.052; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.453–11.189; p = 0.007), and higher minimal pain at D1 (OR = 1.721; CI = 1.189–2.492; p = 0.004) were independent predictors of CPSP at M6. Minimal pain at D1 (OR = 1.443; CI = 1.008–2.064; p = 0.045) and maximal pain at M6 (OR = 1.665; CI = 1.340–2.069; p < 0.001) were independent predictors for CPSP at M12. CPSP is an important issue after otorhinolaryngological surgery. Better instrument for perioperative assessment should be defined to identify patients at risk for CPSP.

Dextrose Prolotherapy to Treat Pain, Improve Activities of Daily Living, and Improve Quality of Life in an Ewing's Sarcoma Patient Following Radiation and Chemotherapy Treatment

Advances in the treatment and survival of Ewing’s sarcoma patients create a need to treat underlying symptoms that limit activities of daily living and quality of life. This case describes the treatment of pain in a 25-year-old female pediatric nurse with Ewing’s sarcoma of the pelvis that was in remission following radiation and chemotherapy. She reported medication side effects and limitations in her activities of daily living and quality of life with the chronic use of topical and oral pain medications. A dextrose prolotherapy approach was used to treat her pain, which allowed her to discontinue her pain medication regimen, resulting in an improvement in her activities of daily living and quality of life. The improvement was sustained at the three-year follow-up after the last procedure.

Chronic pain after breast surgery: incidence, associated factors, and impact on quality of life, an observational prospective study

BackgroundChronic pain after breast surgery (CPBS) has a disabling impact on postoperative health status. Mainly because of the lack of a clear definition, inconsistency does exist in the literature concerning both the actual incidence and the risk factors associated to CPBS. The aim of this prospective, observational study is to describe the incidence of and risk factors for CPBS, according to the definition provided by the IASP taskforce. The impact of CPBS on patients’ function and quality of life is also described.MethodsWomen aged 18+ undergoing oncological or reconstructive breast surgery from Jan until Apr 2018 at the Breast Unit of Careggi Hospital (Florence, Italy) were prospectively observed. Postoperative pain was measured at 0 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 3 months (CPBS) after surgery. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were compared in CPBS and No-CPBS groups through multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsAmong the 307 patients considered in this study, the incidence of CPBS was 28% [95% CI 23.1–33.4%]. Results from the logistic regression analysis suggest that axillary surgery (OR [95% CI], 2.99 [1.13–7.87], p = 0.03), preoperative use of pain medications (OR [95% CI], 2.04 [1.20–3.46], p = 0.01), and higher dynamic NRS values at 6 h postoperatively (OR [95% CI], 1.28 [1.05–1.55], p = 0.01) were all independent predictors for CPBS.ConclusionsChronic pain after breast surgery is a frequent complication. In our cohort, long-term use of analgesics for pre-existing chronic pain, axillary surgery, and higher dynamic NRS values at 6 h postoperatively were all factors associated with increased risk of developing CPBS. The possibility to early detect persistent pain, particularly in those patients at high risk for CPBS, might help physicians to more effectively prevent pain chronicisation.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT04309929.

An 8-Week Self-Administered At-Home Behavioral Skills-Based Virtual Reality Program for Chronic Low Back Pain: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Conducted During COVID-19.

BackgroundChronic low back pain is the most prevalent chronic pain condition worldwide and access to behavioral pain treatment is limited. Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive technology that may provide effective behavioral therapeutics for chronic pain.ObjectiveWe aimed to conduct a double-blind, parallel-arm, single-cohort, remote, randomized placebo-controlled trial for a self-administered behavioral skills-based VR program in community-based individuals with self-reported chronic low back pain during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA national online convenience sample of individuals with self-reported nonmalignant low back pain with duration of 6 months or more and with average pain intensity of 4 or more/10 was enrolled and randomized 1:1 to 1 of 2 daily (56-day) VR programs: (1) EaseVRx (immersive pain relief skills VR program); or (2) Sham VR (2D nature content delivered in a VR headset). Objective device use data and self-reported data were collected. The primary outcomes were the between-group effect of EaseVRx versus Sham VR across time points, and the between–within interaction effect representing the change in average pain intensity and pain-related interference with activity, stress, mood, and sleep over time (baseline to end-of-treatment at day 56). Secondary outcomes were global impression of change and change in physical function, sleep disturbance, pain self-efficacy, pain catastrophizing, pain acceptance, pain medication use, and user satisfaction. Analytic methods included intention-to-treat and a mixed-model framework.ResultsThe study sample was 179 adults (female: 76.5%, 137/179; Caucasian: 90.5%, 162/179; at least some college education: 91.1%, 163/179; mean age: 51.5 years [SD 13.1]; average pain intensity: 5/10 [SD 1.2]; back pain duration ≥5 years: 67%, 120/179). No group differences were found for any baseline variable or treatment engagement. User satisfaction ratings were higher for EaseVRx versus Sham VR (P<.001). For the between-groups factor, EaseVRx was superior to Sham VR for all primary outcomes (highest P value=.009), and between-groups Cohen d effect sizes ranged from 0.40 to 0.49, indicating superiority was moderately clinically meaningful. For EaseVRx, large pre–post effect sizes ranged from 1.17 to 1.3 and met moderate to substantial clinical importance for reduced pain intensity and pain-related interference with activity, mood, and stress. Between-group comparisons for Physical Function and Sleep Disturbance showed superiority for the EaseVRx group versus the Sham VR group (P=.022 and .013, respectively). Pain catastrophizing, pain self-efficacy, pain acceptance, prescription opioid use (morphine milligram equivalent) did not reach statistical significance for either group. Use of over-the-counter analgesic use was reduced for EaseVRx (P<.01) but not for Sham VR.ConclusionsEaseVRx had high user satisfaction and superior and clinically meaningful symptom reduction for average pain intensity and pain-related interference with activity, mood, and stress compared to sham VR. Additional research is needed to determine durability of treatment effects and to characterize mechanisms of treatment effects. Home-based VR may expand access to effective and on-demand nonpharmacologic treatment for chronic low back pain.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04415177; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04415177International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.2196/25291

Narcotic Use for Acute Postoperative Pain Management in Mohs Micrographic Surgery Patients With End Stage Renal Disease: A Review of the Literature.

Uncontrolled acute postoperative pain presents a significant management challenge when opioids are used in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Currently, there is a lack of quality pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data regarding opioid medication use in ESRD patients to optimize safe and effective management. To review the published literature on pharmacologic evidence for and against the use of opioid medications for acute postoperative pain following Mohs micrographic surgery in ESRD patients. A search of PubMed was conducted to identify articles on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of opioid pain medications in ESRD patients through March 1, 2020. Seventy-five articles were reviewed. Limited data exist on opioids safe for use in ESRD and are mostly confined to small case series. Studies suggest tramadol and hydromorphone could be considered when indicated. Methadone may be a safe option, but should be reserved for treatment coordinated by a trained pain subspecialist. Randomized clinical trials are lacking. Studies that are available are not sufficient to perform a quantitative methodologic approach. Evidence supports the judicious use of postoperative opioid medications in ESRD patients at the lowest possible dose to achieve clinically meaningful improvement in pain and function.

Paternal prescription medication before conception: A retrospective cohort study of all births in Denmark 1997-2017.

To study what medication fathers are being prescribed in the months preceding conception. A retrospective cohort study of Danish national registries, comprising all births in Denmark 1997-2017 (1.3 million births). Time trends and absolute levels of paternal prescription medication in the 6 months prior to conception were assessed. While all medications were examined (N = 1335), we focused on the main medication groups, medications that have increased in use over time, and medications for which previous evidence exists of an effect on sperm quality. The average number of prescriptions increased over the study period (from 0.75 prescriptions to 0.82 per birth). Polypharmacy (three or more prescriptions) increased from less than 8% to 10% of fathers. The use of pain medication, proton-pump inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and some inhalants have all increased markedly over the last 20 years. Potential harm to the offspring done by paternal medication may present an increasing problem. As paternal medication exposure is increasing, examination of generational effects, such as major birth defects, is necessary.

Postoperative Pain after Endodontic Treatment under Irrigation with 8.25% Sodium Hypochlorite and Other Solutions: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative pain in patients after endodontic treatment using 8.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) compared with other concentrations and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX). MethodsIn this double-blind randomized trial, 180 patients were evaluated who underwent a single session of endodontic treatment under irrigation with 2.5%, 5.25%, or 8.25% NaOCl or 2% CHX solutions. The presence of postoperative pain was assessed 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment and recorded using the visual analog scale (VAS). A descriptive analysis, logistic regression, and Wald test were performed. ResultsAltogether 169 patients participated, of whom 107 were women, and the mean age was 38.1 ± 14.4 years. No significant differences occurred between the irrigants and the pain outcomes, not even for the use of postoperative pain medication and responses to VAS (P > .05). In the multivariate model including irrigants, after 24 hours or at any time, a significant difference (P < .05) remained in preparation time ≥10 minutes and the presence of overfilling. Also, in relation to the VAS, the overfilling presented significantly different results (P < .05). ConclusionsThere was no significant difference in the presence of postoperative pain between the 8.25% NaOCl and the other irrigation solutions. However, the extended preparation time and the overfilling material were responsible for the increase of postoperative pain.

Pharmacy-led initiative for improving peri-operative medication reconciliation among bariatric surgical patients: what is the role?

Multiple medication changes are common after bariatric surgery, but pharmacist assistance in this setting is not well described. This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a pharmacy-led initiative for facilitating discharge medicine reconciliation after bariatric surgery. A standardized post-operative pharmacy consult evaluationwas conducted on bariatric surgery inpatients at a single academic center starting 1/2/2019. Retrospective chart review evaluated patient characteristics, medication changes, and 30-day outcomes pre-intervention (7/2018-12/2018) and post-intervention (1/2019-12/2019). Two-sample t tests or binomial tests were used for continuous or categorical variables, respectively; a p-value of < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. A total of 353 patients were identified for study inclusion (n = 158 pre-intervention, n = 195 post-intervention) with a mean age of 45years, 87% female, and 71% sleeve gastrectomy. Overall pharmacy consultation compliance was 94% with 77.0% of home medication recommendations followed. Non-narcotic pain medication prescription use significantly increased (39% pre- vs. 54% post-intervention; p < 0.001). At discharge, the average number of changed or new medications significantly increased (3.7 ± 1.2 pre- vs. 4.2 ± 1.8 post-intervention; p = 0.003) while the average number of stopped medications was similar (1.2 ± 1.5 pre- vs. 1.5 ± 1.9 post-intervention; p = 0.09). Anti-hypertensive medications were decreased or stopped substantially more often with pharmacist input (44.7% pre- vs. 85.4% post-intervention; p < 0.001). Three medication-related readmissions happened pre-intervention with none post-intervention. Outpatient medication-related phone calls did considerably increase (31% pre- vs. 39% post-intervention; p = 0.04), while overall 30-day readmissions significantly decreased (7.6% pre- vs. 1.5% post-intervention; p = 0.04). Inpatient pharmacy consultation facilitated rapid alteration to more appropriate therapy for hypertension management and significantly increased use of non-narcotic pain medications upon discharge among bariatric surgery patients. Improved protocol adherence is anticipated with program maturity and patient education interventions will be deployed to address outpatient phone calls.

Glucose regulation and pain in older people—The Helsinki Birth Cohort Study

AimsTo assess if individuals with diabetes or prediabetes report more pain or have increased use of pain medication compared to normoglycaemic individuals. MethodsUsing cross-sectional data, we studied 928 men and 1075 women from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study in 2001–2004 at a mean age of 61.5 years. Glucose regulation was assessed with a 2-h 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, and applying World Health Organization criteria, participants were defined as having normoglycaemia, prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance), newly diagnosed diabetes or previously diagnosed diabetes. Self-reported pain intensity and interference during the previous 4 weeks was estimated using the RAND 36-Item Health Survey 1.0. Information on use of pain medication during the past 12 months was obtained from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. ResultsThere was no difference in pain intensity or interference between glucose regulation groups for neither men nor women after adjusting for covariates (age, body mass index, education years, Beck Depression Inventory and physical activity). In addition, use of pain medication was similar between glucose regulation groups. ConclusionsAlthough pain is a common symptom in the general population, impairments in glucose regulation alone does not seem to increase pain among older individuals.

Psychotropic and pain medication use in individuals with traumatic brain injury—a Swedish total population cohort study of 240 000 persons

ObjectiveTo examine psychotropic and pain medication use in a population-based cohort of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and compare them with controls from similar backgrounds.MethodsWe assessed Swedish nationwide registers...

“Living Well with Chronic Pain”: Integrative Pain Management via Shared Medical Appointments

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, nonpharmacological, integrative approach that uses shared medical appointments to improve health-related quality of life and reduce opioid medication use in patients with chronic pain.DesignThis is a retrospective, pre–post review of “Living Well with Chronic Pain” shared medical appointments (August 2016 through May 2018).SettingThe appointments included eight 3-hour-long visits held once per week at an outpatient wellness facility.SubjectsPatients with chronic, non–cancer-related pain.MethodsPatients received evaluation and evidence-based therapies from a team of integrative and lifestyle medicine professionals, as well as education about nonpharmacological therapeutic approaches, the etiology of pain, and the relationship of pain to lifestyle factors. Experiential elements focused on the relaxation techniques of meditation, yoga, breathing, and hypnotherapy, while patients also received acupuncture, acupressure, massage, cognitive behavioral therapy, and chiropractic education. Patients self-reported data via the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57) standardized questionnaire. Use of opioid medications was evaluated in morphine milligram equivalents.ResultsA total of 178 participants completed the PROMIS-57 questionnaire at the first and the last visits. Statistically significant improvements in all domains (Physical Functioning, Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, Social Roles, Pain Interference, and Sleep Disturbance) were observed (P < 0.001) between the pre-intervention (visit 1) and post-intervention (visit 8) scores. Average opioid use decreased nonsignificantly over the 8-week intervention, but the lower rate of opioid use was not sustained at 6 and 12 months’ follow-up.ConclusionsPatients suffering from chronic pain who participated in a multidisciplinary, nonpharmacological treatment approach delivered via shared medical appointments experienced reduced pain and improved measures of physical, mental, and social health without increased use of opioid pain medications.

CT-guided percutaneous minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation for the relief of cancer related pain from metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients: a retrospective study.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the current gold standard for palliative care of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pain relief for advanced metastases of NSCLC is notoriously difficult. Combined RFA therapy may be more effective than palliating therapy alone in management of painful metastatic disease. The effects of RFA on quality of life, particularly pain, as well as long-term outcome studies are not well studied. To study the effectiveness of percutaneous minimal invasive RFA in pain management of NSCLC patients with metastatic chest wall, vertebral bodies and rib, and periphery lung nodule. Forty patients with 59 tumors underwent percutaneous computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound-guided RFA for pain management over a 4-week observation. Forty patients were referred to ablation because of persistent severe pain despite using analgesics, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The tumors were located in the periphery lung, or metastatic to chest wall, rib or vertebral body. Quantitative pain scale values were quantified on a 0-10 scale before, 24 hours, 72 hours, and 4 weeks after RFA. On the basis of changes in pain score and pain medication use, pain was reported with a composite measure as complete, partial, or no pain response. The overall survival (OS) rate was also collected and calculated with Kaplan-Meier method. After 4-week follow-up, complete pain relief (pain scale score ≤1) was observed in 12 patients (30%) and partial pain relief (pain scale score ≤3) in 15 (37.5%) patients; pain relief did not occur in 13 patients (32.5%). There was a significant decrease in pain at 24-hour, 72-hour, and 4-week follow-up compared with pain level at baseline (P<0.01). Opiate use was decreased in 92.5% (37/40) patients, remained unchanged in 7.5% (3/40) at 4 weeks follow-up. There are minor adverse events caused by RFA therapy, including pleural effusion (5/40), post procedural infections (3/40), pneumothorax (2/40) which resolved spontaneously. The OS rates at 6 months in the percutaneous RFA group were 60%, with average OS of 6.5 months in the further follow-up. Percutaneous RFA resulted in sustained pain relief from in most advanced NSCLC patients with intractable pain and resistant to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The effect of RFA was satisfactory, and patients can obtain a better life quality with less pain and complications.