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Welcome to Pain-Topics.org...

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The mission of Pain Treatment Topics is to serve as a noncommercial resource for healthcare professionals & their patients, providing open access to clinical news, information, research, and education for a better understanding of evidence-based pain-management practices.

Visit the Site Overview for an explanation of the various tabs and sections.

StarSee the Announcements Box below for special updates and news of importance.

  Pain-Topics Exclusive = Pain-Topics.org exclusive offering.

   New = Newly added during this past week.

 

Newest Additions/Updates

 

Pain-Topics ExclusiveLatest Pain-Topics News/Research UPDATES

News/Research Updates

New New Guidelines for Treating Knee OA

More than 27 million persons in the United States alone have osteoarthritis (OA), with the knee being most commonly affected. What can be done? The AAOS (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) recently issued updated treatment guidelines that should be of interest to healthcare providers and patients.  Learn more>

New A Doctor’s View of Patients with Chronic Disease

As scary and frustrating as it can be to have a chronic disease, especially chronic pain, it is often equally frightening and concerning for the providers who care for such patients. One practitioner offers his viewpoints on what it is like to care for patients with chronic disorders and offers some helpful and practical advice to follow. Read letter>

 

Pain-Topics Exclusive Other Recent Pain-Topics UPDATES of Interest...

> More Bad News About NSAIDs Reported

> Weather Does Not Affect Fibromyalgia, Study Finds

> Does Long-Term Rehab for Chronic Pain Help?

> June 2013 – Pain Product Announcements & Warnings

> Opioid Ties to Hormonal Upsets Studied

> Injections for Low-Back Pain Disparaged

See Table of Contents for ALL UPDATES>

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NEW Pain Treatment Guidelines/Reports

Pain Tx Guidelines

New Tests to Assess Physical Function in Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis

From: Osteoarthritis Research Soc. Intl. (OARSI), 2013
Evidence-based guidelines recommend 5 different performance-based tests to assess physical function, strength, agility, and balance in persons aged 40+ diagnosed with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA). Verbal instructions for patient implementation, score sheets, and a normal value range table are included. See details here>

New Guideline on the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

From: Amer. Acad. of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS); updated 2013.
Based on an extensive evidence review, 18 statements provide guidance for knee OA treatments that are less invasive than surgical knee replacement. Relatively few treatments have strong recommendations, while glucosamine/chondroitin, acupuncture, and hyaluronic acid injections, among others, are shunned. Access guideline here>

 

 

Recent Resources for Patients

Patient Resources

Headaches and Complementary Approaches

Fact sheet reviews definitions and characteristics of the most common types of headache. Complementary approaches for headache therapy are discussed, including relaxation training, biofeedback, acupuncture, Tai Chi, cognitive-behavioral therapy, massage (including craniosacral therapy), spinal manipulation, and diet supplementation. See details>

U.S. FDA - Patient Network Website

Interactive website provides education on how medications and medical devices move from the drawing board to the marketplace. Also helps patients determine whether medical products are safe and effective, and encourages them to become involved by contributing their ideas and concerns about the development and regulation of these products. See details>

 

 

Opioid Rx & Safety

Opioid Rx

Drug-Drug Interactions Apps: Methadone & Buprenorphine

Special apps for iPhones, iPads, and Android devices, as well as online use with any computer, provide info on risks of drug-drug interactions between either methadone or buprenorphine and 120 commonly Rx'd drugs. See details>

What to Know About the U.S. FDA’s ER/LA-Opioid REMS

Website on U.S. FDA Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, or REMS, for Extended Release (ER) and Long-Acting (LA) opioid analgesics. See details>

 

 

NEW Focus on CRPS/RSD

CRPS

History, Diagnosis & Treatment of CRPS/RSD

This 2 part article briefly reviews the history of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) — also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) — and physiologic mechanisms for its confusing symptoms. Diagnostic considerations and treatments are discussed, including pharmacotherapy, interventional modalities, and psychotherapy. See details here>

Treatment of CRPS/RSD in Adults: A Systematic Review

This review examines randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to identify successful therapeutic interventions for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). Studies showing strong evidence for physiotherapy, drug therapy, and interventional treatments are described, as well as 15 treatments for which there is a lack of evidence. See details>

 

 

NEW in Pain Disorders

Pain Spotlight

Management of Chronic Pain in the Elderly

Article provides guidance for a more age-specific approach to the assessment and management of geriatric chronic pain. Discusses physiologic changes in aging by specific body system and their impact on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of commonly-used analgesics. The use of multiple modalities in an individualized patient care plan is emphasized. See details>


Adverse Effects of Analgesics for OA in Geriatrics

Systematic review assesses analgesic commonly used in elder adults for osteoarthritis (OA), including acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and opioids. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of each are discussed along with adverse event data. Benefits and risks of each drug class for elderly patients are considered. See details>

 

 

NEW in Clinical Concepts

Clinical Concepts

Chronic Pain is Like…

The Clinical Use of Analogy and Metaphor in the Treatment of Chronic Pain

The authors provide information from research studies to support the use of metaphors as an effective way to increase patients’ understandings of the biology of chronic pain. Multiple analogies are offered for explaining persistent pain, factors that influence an individual's interpretation of pain, and the rationale and benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management. See details here>

 

 

RECENT Continuing Education (CME) Postings

CME Courses

Mind, Body, Spirit Solutions: An Integrative Approach to Fibromyalgia

This educational activity reviews pharmacologic therapies, as well as potential benefits in symptom reduction by adding complementary therapies like acupuncture, bodywork, and mind-body approaches. Emphasis is on designing therapy according to the personal needs of individual patients. See details>

Opioid Analgesics: Recognizing Risks of Abuse and Misuse

Activity reviews basic principles of chronic pain assessment and treatment, and considerations when prescribing or rotating opioids. Differences between addiction and physical dependence are explained, along with discussions of tools and approaches for effective opioid risk management. See details>

 

 

NEW in Non-Opioid Therapies

NonOpioid Therapies

Role of Glucosamine in the Treatment for Osteoarthritis

Controversial review of research concludes that glucosamine sulfate can reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis; however, differences in glucosamine product quality and dosing affect outcomes. See details>

 

 

NEW Books to NoteBook Reviews

Stories of Hope

Living in Serenity with Chronic Pain and Chronic Illness

From: Chronic Pain Anonymous; 2012.
This book was written by members of the Chronic Pain Anonymous, or CPA, 12-Step fellowship to help explain how the tools and principles of the program can serve as catalysts for emotional, mental, and spiritual transformation. Readers discover how it is possible to live in happiness and contentment, one day at a time, regardless of the nature of their chronic pain or illness. See review>

Pain Comorbidities

Understanding and Treating the Complex Patient

From: IASP Press, Giamberardino and Jensen, eds.; 2012.
In the 23 chapters of this expansive and well-illustrated text, the editors have carefully assembled a collection of evidence-based articles examining the nature, modalities of diagnosis, and treatment of complex clinical situations involving multiple concurrent diseases that variously influence patients’ experience of pain. See review>

 

 

Pain & Disability Assessment Tools

Assessment Tools

Pain Catastrophizing Scale

Questionnaires for adults, spouses, and children assess catastrophic thinking as it relates to a patient’s experiences of helplessness and magnification of pain. Full instructions for administration are provided and the instrument is available in multiple languages. See details>

Spanish Versions of Opioid-Risk Assessment Tools Available

Now available in Spanish: SOAPP-R and COMM. See details>

 

 

SPECIAL: Managing Overdose Risks

Overdose

OD Prevention & Naloxone Manual

Guidance is provided for developing and managing an Overdose Prevention and Education Program, with or without the use of a take-home naloxone component. These programs can be easily integrated into existing medical practices or clinical settings .  See details>

Naloxone for At-Home Opioid OD Rescue

A new website and a short video tell everything you -- and your patients -- need to know about the use of naloxone at home to reverse opioid overdose . Access resources here>

 

 

Pain-Topics Exclusive Making Sense of Pain Research [Series]

  

Pain ResearchImproving pain practice requires better research. However, healthcare professionals, and certainly patients, usually have had little specific training in evaluating research. This UPDATES series on “Making Sense of Pain Research” helps to close the education gap, teaching readers how to understand and interpret the often mysterious and complex language of research to assess its quality and validity. See listings>

 

 

Pain-Topics Exclusive Opioids911-Safety!

Help for Safely Using Opioid Pain Relievers

Opioids911-SafetyExtensive, REMS-compliant, educational activity for patients and their caregivers focusing on the proper and safe use of opioid pain relievers. Provides an understanding of opioids and their risks. Vital instruction is provided on recognizing opioid problems and on being prepared for emergencies. Go to Opioids911.org>

 

 

Announcements SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS RedStar

 

June is Migraine & Headache
Awareness Month

Migraine AwarenessAlthough 47% of adults experience headache annually, and 37 million persons are diagnosed with migraine in the USA alone, these disorders are still poorly recognized and often inadequately treated. June has been set aside as the month to come forward, to “show purple” in building awareness of these often debilitating disorders, to remove the stigma, and to push for more and better treatments. Further information is available at the National Headache Foundation [here] and the American Pain Society [here].

 

IASP Global Year Against VISCERAL PAIN

IASPThe International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) has launched its Global Year Against Visceral Pain initiative, bringing worldwide attention to pain that originates in or near the internal organs of the body. Visceral pain is the number one reason for patients to seek medical attention. The 12‐month campaign offers education for healthcare professionals, government leaders, and the public. See more info in our Newsroom>

 

Visit & 'Like' Pain-Topics on Facebook

FacebookPain Treatment Topics is now at the ever-popular Facebook social media site. UPDATES articles are syndicated and listed on Facebook as they are posted and other news are featured on a periodic basis. So, please visit and "Like" our page at:

http://www.facebook.com/PainTopics

 

 

Register for e-NotificationsPlease bookmark this site for ongoing reference. And, as we continually update Pain-Topics.org, let us keep you posted once-weekly by e-mail of when this site is changed and of other important news— Register for e-Notifications.

 

Become a Pain-Topics.org Supporter/Sponsor

Become a SupporterPain Treatment Topics provides evidence-based information and education on the causes and effective management of pain. To do this, we rely on support in the form of annual educational grants and, through these, we are able to provide all offerings absolutely free and without restriction to site visitors. Learn how your organization can participate in helping to support this website. See information here>

 

Thank you, for visiting, and we hope to see you here often.
Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD, Executive Director

Bulletins

Understanding Research

Opioid Addiction

Opioids911-Safety

 

Affiliates

Click logos for info.
 

American Academy of Pain Management
American Academy
of Pain Management


American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence

American Association
for the Treatment of
Opioid Dependence


American Chronic Pain Association

American Chronic Pain
Association


American College of Apothecaries

American College
of Apothecaries


American Society of Pain Educators

American Society of
Pain Educators


European Opiate Addition Treatment Association

European Opiate
Addiction Treatment
Association


NfmCPA

National Fibromyalgia &
Chronic Pain Association


National Fibromyalgia Association

National Fibromyalgia
Association


Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association

Reflex Sympathetic
Dystrophy Syndrome
Association


The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy

The Foundation for
Peripheral Neuropathy


TNA-The Facial Pain Association

TNA-The Facial Pain
Association


US Pain Foundation

U.S. Pain Foundation

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This page was last updated 6/14/13