Musculoskeletal Pain (musculoskeletal + pain)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences

Kinds of Musculoskeletal Pain

  • chronic musculoskeletal pain


  • Selected Abstracts


    Musculoskeletal Pain and Risk for Falls in Older Disabled Women Living in the Community

    JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 4 2002
    Suzanne G. Leveille PhD
    OBJECTIVES: To determine whether musculoskeletal pain increased risk for falls in older women with disabilities. DESIGN: Prospective population-based cohort study. SETTING: The city and county of the eastern area of Baltimore. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand two women aged 65 and older, participants in the Women's Health and Aging Study, representing the one-third of older women who were living at home with disabilities, followed semiannually for 3 years beginning in 1991. MEASUREMENTS: Pain was categorized into four groups according to severity and location. Widespread pain was defined as pain in the upper and lower extremities and in the axial skeletal region, with moderate to severe pain in at least one region (, 4 on a 10-point numeric rating scale, 10 = excruciating pain). Moderate to severe lower extremity pain that did not meet criteria for widespread pain was the next category. The reference category was no pain or mild pain in one site. The additional category of "other pain" was pain that did not fit into the other three groups. The occurrence of falls and fall-related injuries were assessed at each interview. RESULTS: Of the 940 women who participated in at least one follow-up examination, 39% fell in first year; of the survivors, 36% fell in Year 2, and 39% in Year 3. After adjusting for several major risk factors for falls, women with widespread pain had an increased likelihood of falling during follow-up (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.25,2.21) compared with those with no or mild pain in only one musculoskeletal site. Women who had other musculoskeletal pain but not widespread pain or lower extremity pain also had an increased risk of falls (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.02,1.82). Among women with musculoskeletal pain, risk for falls was lower in those who used daily analgesic medication. Risk for recurrent falls and self-reported fractures due to falls was also elevated in women with musculoskeletal pain, most consistently in women with widespread pain. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal pain, particularly widespread pain, is a substantial risk factor for falls in older women with disabilities. These findings add an important dimension to our understanding of the multifactorial processes leading to falls in older persons. J Am Geriatr Soc 50:671,678, 2002. [source]


    Urtication for Musculoskeletal Pain?

    PAIN MEDICINE, Issue 7 2008
    BAppSc(physio), Les Alford MSc
    ABSTRACT Urtication refers to the deliberate stinging of the skin with nettles. Throughout history urtication has been used for a range of different purposes. This case describes an interesting clinical encounter in which a patient with recurring low back pain reports using urtication to help with pain control. Some recent research into this previously more widespread pain-relieving strategy is also discussed. [source]


    Evidence-Based Manual Therapy for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: The Challenges

    PAIN PRACTICE, Issue 5 2010
    Phillip S. Sizer Jr PT
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Oral versus Intravenous Opioid Dosing for the Initial Treatment of Acute Musculoskeletal Pain in the Emergency Department

    ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 12 2008
    James R. Miner MD
    Abstract Objectives:, The objective was to compare the time to medication administration, the side effects, and the analgesic effect at sequential time points after medication administration of an oral treatment strategy using oxycodone solution with an intravenous (IV) treatment strategy using morphine sulfate for the initial treatment of musculoskeletal pain in emergency department (ED) patients. Methods:, This was a prospective randomized clinical trial of patients >6 years old who were going to receive IV morphine sulfate for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain but did not yet have an IV. Consenting patients were randomized to have the treating physician order either 0.1 mg/kg morphine sulfate IV or 0.125 mg/kg oxycodone orally in a 5 mg/5 mL suspension as their initial treatment for pain. The time from the placement of the order to the administration of the medication was recorded. Pain was measured using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) and recorded at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 minutes after drug administration. Results:, A total of 405 eligible patients were identified during the study period; 328 (81.0%) patients consented to be in the study. A total of 158 patients were randomized to the IV morphine sulfate treatment group, and 162 were randomized to the oral oxycodone treatment group. Of the patients who were randomized to IV therapy, 34 were withdrawn from the study prior to drug administration; leaving 125 patients in the IV group for analysis. Of the patients who randomized to oral therapy, 22 were withdrawn from the study prior to drug administration, leaving 140 patients for analysis. No serious adverse events were detected. There was a 12-minute difference between the median time of the order and the administration of oral oxycodone (8.5 minutes) and IV morphine (20.5 minutes). The mean percent change in VAS score was larger for patients in the IV therapy group than those in the oral therapy group at 10 and 20 minutes. At 30 and 40 minutes, the authors could no longer detect a difference. The satisfaction scale score was higher after treatment for the morphine group (median = 4; interquartile range [IQR] = 4 to 5) than for the oxycodone group (median = 4; IQR = 2 to 5; p = 0.008). Conclusions:, The oral loading strategy was associated with delayed onset of analgesia and decreased patient satisfaction, but a shorter time to administration. The oral loading strategy using an oxycodone solution provided similar pain relief to the IV strategy using morphine 30 minutes after administration of the drug. Oral 0.125 mg/kg oxycodone represents a feasible alternative to 0.1 mg/kg IV morphine in the treatment of severe acute musculoskeletal pain when difficult or delayed IV placement greater than 30 minutes presents a barrier to treatment. [source]


    Musculoskeletal Pain and Risk for Falls in Older Disabled Women Living in the Community

    JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 4 2002
    Suzanne G. Leveille PhD
    OBJECTIVES: To determine whether musculoskeletal pain increased risk for falls in older women with disabilities. DESIGN: Prospective population-based cohort study. SETTING: The city and county of the eastern area of Baltimore. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand two women aged 65 and older, participants in the Women's Health and Aging Study, representing the one-third of older women who were living at home with disabilities, followed semiannually for 3 years beginning in 1991. MEASUREMENTS: Pain was categorized into four groups according to severity and location. Widespread pain was defined as pain in the upper and lower extremities and in the axial skeletal region, with moderate to severe pain in at least one region (, 4 on a 10-point numeric rating scale, 10 = excruciating pain). Moderate to severe lower extremity pain that did not meet criteria for widespread pain was the next category. The reference category was no pain or mild pain in one site. The additional category of "other pain" was pain that did not fit into the other three groups. The occurrence of falls and fall-related injuries were assessed at each interview. RESULTS: Of the 940 women who participated in at least one follow-up examination, 39% fell in first year; of the survivors, 36% fell in Year 2, and 39% in Year 3. After adjusting for several major risk factors for falls, women with widespread pain had an increased likelihood of falling during follow-up (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.25,2.21) compared with those with no or mild pain in only one musculoskeletal site. Women who had other musculoskeletal pain but not widespread pain or lower extremity pain also had an increased risk of falls (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.02,1.82). Among women with musculoskeletal pain, risk for falls was lower in those who used daily analgesic medication. Risk for recurrent falls and self-reported fractures due to falls was also elevated in women with musculoskeletal pain, most consistently in women with widespread pain. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal pain, particularly widespread pain, is a substantial risk factor for falls in older women with disabilities. These findings add an important dimension to our understanding of the multifactorial processes leading to falls in older persons. J Am Geriatr Soc 50:671,678, 2002. [source]


    Paracetamol use in musculoskeletal pain: an audit of use and patient perceptions of paracetamol as an effective analgesic

    MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE, Issue 4 2005
    Emma J Boger RGN BSc(Hons) DipHE Nurse Researcher
    Abstract Musculoskeletal pain is a complex problem with often very detrimental consequences which affects a high proportion of the general population. Health care professionals, when prescribing for musculoskeletal pain, often overlook simple analgesia. Patient perceptions of analgesia may vary to those of health care professionals, and in part affect the use of simple analgesia for musculoskeletal pain. This paper describes an audit of paracetamol use and patient perceptions of paracetamol as an effective analgesic agent, in 113 patients attending a musculoskeletal pain outpatient clinic in a university teaching hospital. The audit has helped prompt the development of a multi-disciplinary strategy to achieve optimum management. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Musculoskeletal pain in women working in small-scale agriculture in South Africa

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2009
    S. Naidoo MBChB
    Abstract Background Musculoskeletal pain is associated with demographic, occupational and physical factors. Methods Our study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with musculoskeletal pain in 911 women working in small-scale agriculture in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in 2006 using a questionnaire survey. Results In total, 67% (n,=,574) of women reported any chronic musculoskeletal pain. The 12-month prevalence of pain ranged from 63.9% to 73.3% and the prevalence of specific chronic pain lasting more than 3 months ranged from 42.8% to 48.3%. Older age, carrying heavy loads, working with hands above shoulder height, and frequently squatting and kneeling were associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Conclusion The prevalence of pain reported in our study, was similar to other developing countries, but considerably higher than in developed countries. Ergonomic interventions including improved and adapted work techniques and tools should be considered to reduce the prevalence of pain in our study population. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:202,209, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Musculoskeletal pain in ragpickers in a southern city in Brazil

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2006
    Marcelo C. da Silva MSc
    Abstract Background Ragpickers are informal workers who collect recyclable materials to earn a small wage. Their life and working conditions are extremely precarious. The ergonomic hazards and musculoskeletal pain in a sample of ragpickers in Pelotas, a city in southern Brazil are examined. Methods Two comparison groups were available: a matched sample of non-ragpickers from the same poor neighborhoods, and a random sample of the general population of the city. The cross-sectional study gathered data by interview on 990 individuals in 2004. Musculoskeletal pain was assessed using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Results Ragpickers reported higher prevalences for most awkward postures and ergonomic exposures compared to neighbors with other demanding manual jobs. The prevalence within the last 12 months of low back pain (LBP), lower extremity pain (LEP), and upper extremity pain (UEP) among ragpickers were 49.2%, 45.1%, and 34.9%, respectively; levels similar to those reported by neighborhood controls. Both ragpickers and non-ragpickers reported considerably higher ergonomic exposures, and more prevalent LBP, than the general population. Conclusions Ragpickers experience many occupational hazards and ergonomic stressors. Their overall prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was similar to a comparison group with other physically demanding manual jobs. For LBP, this prevalence was substantially higher (49% vs. 35%) than in the general population. Am. J. Ind. Med. 49:327,336, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Evaluation of sympathetic vasoconstrictor response following nociceptive stimulation of latent myofascial trigger points in humans

    ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 4 2009
    Y. Kimura
    Abstract Aim:, Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are a major cause of musculoskeletal pain. It has been reported that stimulation of a latent MTrP increases motor activity and facilitates muscle pain via activation of the sympathetic nervous system. However, the magnitude of the sympathetic vasoconstrictor response following stimulation of MTrP has not been studied in healthy volunteers. The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the magnitude of the vasoconstrictor response following a nociceptive stimulation (intramuscular glutamate) of MTrPs and a breath-hold manoeuvre (activation of sympathetic outflow) and (2) assess whether the vasoconstrictor response can be further modulated by combining a nociceptive stimulation of MTrPs and breath-hold. Methods:, Fourteen healthy subjects were recruited in this study. This study consisted of four sessions (normal breath group as control, breath-hold group, glutamate MTrP injection group and glutamate MTrP injection + breath-hold group). Skin blood flow and skin temperature in both forearms were measured with laser Doppler flowmetry and infrared thermography, respectively, in each session (before the treatment, during the treatment and after the treatment). Results:, Glutamate injection into MTrPs decreased skin temperature and blood flow in the peripheral area. The magnitudes of the reduction were comparable to those induced by the breath-hold manoeuvre, which has been used to induce sympathetic vasoconstrictor response. Conclusion:, The combination of glutamate injection into latent MTrPs together with the breath-hold manoeuvre did not result in further decrease in skin temperature and blood flow, indicating that sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity is fully activated by nociceptive stimulation of MTrPs. [source]


    Mesotherapy and Phosphatidylcholine Injections: Historical Clarification and Review

    DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 4 2006
    ADAM M. ROTUNDA MD
    BACKGROUND Mesotherapy was originally conceived in Europe as a method of utilizing cutaneous injections containing a mixture of compounds for the treatment of local medical and cosmetic conditions. Although mesotherapy was traditionally employed for pain relief, its cosmetic applications, particularly fat and cellulite removal, have recently received attention in the United States. Another treatment for localized fat reduction, which was popularized in Brazil and uses injections of phosphatidylcholine, has been erroneously considered synonymous with mesotherapy. Despite their attraction as purported "fat-dissolving" injections, the safety and efficacy of these novel cosmetic treatments remain ambiguous to most patients and physicians. OBJECTIVE To distinguish mesotherapy from phosphatidylcholine injections by reviewing their history and the relevant experimental or clinical findings. METHODS A comprehensive search of Medline indexed literature and conference proceedings. RESULTS All the published studies evaluating the clinical efficacy of traditional mesotherapy currently originate from Europe. These reports focus primarily on musculoskeletal pain and vascular disease, rather than cosmetic applications. Although experimental data suggest that a number of traditional mesotherapy ingredients may theoretically reduce fat, these effects have not been supported in peer-reviewed studies. An increasing number of reports demonstrate that subcutaneous injections of a formula containing phosphatidylcholine combined with its emulsifier, deoxycholate, are effective in removing small collections of adipose tissue. Cell lysis, resulting from the detergent action of deoxycholate, may account for this clinical effect. CONCLUSIONS Mesotherapy is distinct from a method of treating adipose tissue with subcutaneous injections of deoxycholate alone or in combination with phosphatidylcholine. Additional clinical and experimental studies are necessary to more definitively establish the safety and efficacy of these treatments. [source]


    The Probability of Pulmonary Embolism Is a Function of the Diagnoses Considered Most Likely Before Testing

    ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 4 2006
    Christopher Kabrhel MD
    Abstract Objectives: To determine the frequency of pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis when different alternative diagnoses were considered most likely before testing, because the relationship between specific alternative diagnoses and the diagnosis of PE has not been explored. Methods: This study was a preplanned secondary analysis of a prospective study of the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism conducted in the emergency department (ED) of an urban university hospital. Physicians were queried as to their most likely pretest diagnosis when they ordered any of the following tests to evaluate possible PE: D-dimer, contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest, ventilation,perfusion lung scan, or pulmonary angiogram. To compare the frequency of PE diagnosis across alternative diagnoses, risk ratios, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-values using Fisher's exact test were calculated. Results: Six hundred seven patients were enrolled, and 61 had PE. Physicians thought PE was the most likely pretest diagnosis in 162 (26.7%) patients, and 20.4% (95% CI = 14.4% to 27.4%) of these patients had PE. For four alternative diagnoses, PE was diagnosed less frequently than when PE was considered most likely: musculoskeletal pain (2.2%, 95% CI = 0.4% to 6.2%), anxiety (1.7%, 95% CI = 0.0 to 9.2%), asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (0, 95% CI = 0.0 to 10.9%), and viral syndrome (0, 95% CI = 0.0 to 14.3%). Conclusions: The frequency of PE is related to the most likely pretest alternative diagnosis. PE is diagnosed infrequently when anxiety, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, musculoskeletal pain, or viral syndrome is the most likely alternative diagnosis. [source]


    Clinical tests in distinguishing between persons with or without craniomandibular or cervical spinal pain complaints

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 6 2000
    Corine M. Visscher
    The recognition of a craniomandibular or cervical spinal pain is usually based upon the pain complaint of the patient, reported during an oral history, and the pain responses provoked in a clinical examination. Often used clinical tests are palpation, and function tests like dynamic/static tests or active movements. The relative importance of these tests for the recognition of the musculoskeletal pain is important. Therefore, it was the aim of the present study to determine which test, or combination of tests, best discriminates between persons with or without craniomandibular and/or cervical spinal pain complaints. Two hundred and fifty persons participated. From each person, a standardized oral history was taken. Then, in a randomized order and using a blind design, physical examinations of the craniomandibular system and of the neck were performed. Forward stepwise logistic regression analyses showed that the dynamic/static tests discriminated better between persons with and without pain complaints than the other tests did. In conclusion, in studies to the coexistence of craniomandibular and cervical spinal pain, it may be a good choice to base the recognition of these disorders on the pain complaints reported in the oral history which are verified by the pain response of the dynamic/static tests. [source]


    Massage for chronic musculoskeletal pain: effects are positive but short-lived

    FOCUS ON ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH, Issue 2 2004
    Article first published online: 14 JUN 2010
    [source]


    WHO-ILAR-COPCORD in the Asia-Pacific: the past, present and future

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 1 2008
    Syed Atiqul HAQ
    Abstract The aim of the Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Disorders (COPCORD) is reduction of community burden of rheumatic disorders, particularly in developing communities. Stage I entails estimation of prevalence and incidence of musculoskeletal pain and rheumatic disorders. Stage II is dedicated to education of health workers, patients and the community. Stage III deals with identification of risk factors for common rheumatic disorders and development of strategies for their primary and secondary prevention. So far Stage I data have been reported from 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific countries. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain has varied from 11.6% to 45.4%. The commonest sites of pain were low back, knee, neck and shoulder. Commonest rheumatic disorders were osteoarthritis of knees, non-specific low back pain and soft tissue rheumatism. A few scattered educational activities have been reported from Indonesia and India. Systematic case-controlled or cohort studies aimed at finding out the risk factors for common rheumatic disorders were scanty. However, several associations were reported from cross-sectional prevalence surveys. It is imperative that the COPCORD investigators in the Asia-Pacific region focus on finding out the modifiable risk factors for rheumatic disorders with properly designed studies, develop preventive strategies on the basis of identified risk factors and carry out interventional studies to test the efficacy of the strategies with validated outcome instruments. [source]


    Ginger compress therapy for adults with osteoarthritis

    JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 10 2010
    Tessa Therkleson
    therkleson t. (2010) Ginger compress therapy for adults with osteoarthritis. Journal of Advanced Nursing,66(10), 2225,2233. Abstract Aim., This paper is a report of a study to explicate the phenomenon of ginger compresses for people with osteoarthritis. Background., Osteoarthritis is claimed to be the leading cause of musculoskeletal pain and disability in Western society. Management ideally combines non-pharmacological strategies, including complementary therapies and pain-relieving medication. Ginger has been applied externally for over a thousand years in China to manage arthritis symptoms. Method., Husserlian phenomenological methodology was used and the data were collected in 2007. Ten purposively selected adults who had suffered osteoarthritis for at least a year kept daily diaries and made drawings, and follow-up interviews and telephone conversations were conducted. Findings., Seven themes were identified in the data: (1) Meditative-like stillness and relaxation of thoughts; (2) Constant penetrating warmth throughout the body; (3) Positive change in outlook; (4) Increased energy and interest in the world; (5) Deeply relaxed state that progressed to a gradual shift in pain and increased interest in others; (6) Increased suppleness within the body and (7) More comfortable, flexible joint mobility. The essential experience of ginger compresses exposed the unique qualities of heat, stimulation, anti-inflammation and analgesia. Conclusion., Nurses could consider this therapy as part of a holistic treatment for people with osteoarthritis symptoms. Controlled research is needed with larger numbers of older people to explore further the effects of the ginger compress therapy. [source]


    Associations Between Vitamin D Status and Pain in Older Adults: The Invecchiare in Chianti Study

    JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 5 2008
    Gregory E. Hicks PhD
    OBJECTIVES: To examine cross-sectional associations between vitamin D status and musculoskeletal pain and whether they differ by sex. DESIGN: Population-based study of persons living in the Chianti geographic area (Tuscany, Italy). SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred fifty-eight persons (aged ,65) selected from city registries of Greve and Bagno a Ripoli. MEASUREMENTS: Pain was categorized as mild or no pain in the lower extremities and back; moderate to severe back pain, no lower extremity pain; moderate to severe lower extremity pain, no back pain; and moderate to severe lower extremity and back pain (dual region). Vitamin D was measured according to radioimmunoassay, and deficiency was defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) less than 25 nmol/L. RESULTS: The mean age±standard deviation was 75.1±7.3 for women and 73.9±6.8 for men. Fifty-eight percent of women had at least moderate pain in some location, compared with 27% of men. After adjusting for potential confounders, vitamin D deficiency was not associated with lower extremity pain or dual-region pain, although it was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of at least moderate back pain without lower extremity pain in women (odds ratio=1.96, 95% confidence interval=1.01,3.59) but not in men. CONCLUSION: Lower concentrations of 25(OH)D are associated with significant back pain in older women but not men. Because vitamin D deficiency and chronic pain are fairly prevalent in older adults, these findings suggest it may be worthwhile to query older adults about their pain and screen older women with significant back pain for vitamin D deficiency. [source]


    Musculoskeletal Pain and Risk for Falls in Older Disabled Women Living in the Community

    JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 4 2002
    Suzanne G. Leveille PhD
    OBJECTIVES: To determine whether musculoskeletal pain increased risk for falls in older women with disabilities. DESIGN: Prospective population-based cohort study. SETTING: The city and county of the eastern area of Baltimore. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand two women aged 65 and older, participants in the Women's Health and Aging Study, representing the one-third of older women who were living at home with disabilities, followed semiannually for 3 years beginning in 1991. MEASUREMENTS: Pain was categorized into four groups according to severity and location. Widespread pain was defined as pain in the upper and lower extremities and in the axial skeletal region, with moderate to severe pain in at least one region (, 4 on a 10-point numeric rating scale, 10 = excruciating pain). Moderate to severe lower extremity pain that did not meet criteria for widespread pain was the next category. The reference category was no pain or mild pain in one site. The additional category of "other pain" was pain that did not fit into the other three groups. The occurrence of falls and fall-related injuries were assessed at each interview. RESULTS: Of the 940 women who participated in at least one follow-up examination, 39% fell in first year; of the survivors, 36% fell in Year 2, and 39% in Year 3. After adjusting for several major risk factors for falls, women with widespread pain had an increased likelihood of falling during follow-up (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.25,2.21) compared with those with no or mild pain in only one musculoskeletal site. Women who had other musculoskeletal pain but not widespread pain or lower extremity pain also had an increased risk of falls (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.02,1.82). Among women with musculoskeletal pain, risk for falls was lower in those who used daily analgesic medication. Risk for recurrent falls and self-reported fractures due to falls was also elevated in women with musculoskeletal pain, most consistently in women with widespread pain. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal pain, particularly widespread pain, is a substantial risk factor for falls in older women with disabilities. These findings add an important dimension to our understanding of the multifactorial processes leading to falls in older persons. J Am Geriatr Soc 50:671,678, 2002. [source]


    Paracetamol use in musculoskeletal pain: an audit of use and patient perceptions of paracetamol as an effective analgesic

    MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE, Issue 4 2005
    Emma J Boger RGN BSc(Hons) DipHE Nurse Researcher
    Abstract Musculoskeletal pain is a complex problem with often very detrimental consequences which affects a high proportion of the general population. Health care professionals, when prescribing for musculoskeletal pain, often overlook simple analgesia. Patient perceptions of analgesia may vary to those of health care professionals, and in part affect the use of simple analgesia for musculoskeletal pain. This paper describes an audit of paracetamol use and patient perceptions of paracetamol as an effective analgesic agent, in 113 patients attending a musculoskeletal pain outpatient clinic in a university teaching hospital. The audit has helped prompt the development of a multi-disciplinary strategy to achieve optimum management. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    The Effects Of Tizanidine HCL (Zanaflex®) In Patients With Fibromyalgia

    PAIN MEDICINE, Issue 2 2000
    Article first published online: 25 DEC 200
    David McLain, MD, Brookwood Medical Center, Birmingham, AL This open-label, single-center, dose-finding study of Zanaflex (tizanidine hydrochloride) in 43 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia showed some effectiveness in reducing pain and other symptoms of this syndrome. Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome characterized by chronic musculoskeletal pain in all 4 quadrants and pain in 18 identified tender points. Effects on fatigue, pain, sleep, and tender points were assessed before and during treatment. Starting doses of 2 mg/day were increased to 4 mg/day after 5 days and increased further as tolerated. Most patients stayed at 4 mg/day or 8 mg/day, and the highest dosage achieved was 12 mg/day. After the initial visit, 6 patients discontinued Zanaflex because of side effects (headaches in 3, hallucinations in 1, hypotension in 1, asthenia in 1), and 11 did not return for a follow-up visit. Results are presented for the remaining 26 patients (25 females; average age 50 years (range, 36,64 years); 25 Caucasian, 1 African-American; 9 on disability or applying for it; all stable on one or more of the following concomitant medications: narcotic analgesics 15%, antidepressants 65%, NSAIDs 46%). On average, at the first follow-up visit (average time 7.8 weeks), patients showed reduction in tender points and improvement on global assessment (GA) scores, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) results, and visual assessment (VAS) scores for fatigue, pain, and sleep. The results for patients still working or retired were better than those for patients on disability or applying for it. Of the 26 patients in this ongoing study, 14 have had second follow-up visits (average time 13.3 weeks). Of these, 2 discontinued the drug at the second follow-up visit. Six of these patients responded especially well to long-term treatment (average age 51 years; range 46,60 years; 5 females; 1 on disability or applying for it) and showed the following averaged results: global assessment improved by 47%, FIQ by 35%, VAS-fatigue by 48%, VAS-pain by 40%, VAS-sleep by 37%, and tender points by 18%. Zanaflex appears to be effective in improving overall functioning, reducing pain and fatigue, improving sleep, and reducing the number of painful tender points in some patients with fibromyalgia, especially in those who are not on disability or applying for it. [source]


    Psychological interventions for long-term conditions: a review of approaches, content and outcomes

    PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2008
    Carol Doyle
    Background.,People living with long-term conditions are more likely to see their GP and experience limitations in their daily activities (Department of Health, 2005). Psychological interventions, specifically cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), aimed at helping people to cope and self-manage these conditions, are popular. This review aims to summarize the evidence from good-quality systematic reviews of psychological interventions to inform the management of, and future research in, patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Cochrane reviews were used as these are considered to be of good quality (Handoll et al., 2002).,Method.,We identified Cochrane reviews of psychological interventions for common chronic health conditions in adults across all healthcare settings. Data on intervention approach, content, delivery and outcomes were extracted and summarized.,Results.,Nine Cochrane reviews, in asthma (n = 1), diabetes (n = 2), coronary heart disease (n = 1) and chronic musculoskeletal pain (n = 5) were identified. These reviews included 131 clinical trials and over 20,200 patients. Psychological interventions were wide ranging, many using a variety of CBT, mostly delivered in secondary care settings by nurses or psychologists. Physiotherapists were involved in some studies as part of multidisciplinary teams. Due to the complexity and diversity of the interventions, individually effective components could not be identified. Interpretation of studies was difficult because of heterogeneity in intervention content, delivery and outcomes measured. Conclusion.,Physiotherapists involved in the management of long-term conditions, particularly chronic musculoskeletal pain, can perhaps learn from this evidence base. Future research should investigate the effectiveness of individual components of CBT and the role of physiotherapists in delivering this type of intervention. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Musculoskeletal pain in women working in small-scale agriculture in South Africa

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2009
    S. Naidoo MBChB
    Abstract Background Musculoskeletal pain is associated with demographic, occupational and physical factors. Methods Our study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with musculoskeletal pain in 911 women working in small-scale agriculture in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in 2006 using a questionnaire survey. Results In total, 67% (n,=,574) of women reported any chronic musculoskeletal pain. The 12-month prevalence of pain ranged from 63.9% to 73.3% and the prevalence of specific chronic pain lasting more than 3 months ranged from 42.8% to 48.3%. Older age, carrying heavy loads, working with hands above shoulder height, and frequently squatting and kneeling were associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Conclusion The prevalence of pain reported in our study, was similar to other developing countries, but considerably higher than in developed countries. Ergonomic interventions including improved and adapted work techniques and tools should be considered to reduce the prevalence of pain in our study population. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:202,209, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Musculoskeletal pain in ragpickers in a southern city in Brazil

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2006
    Marcelo C. da Silva MSc
    Abstract Background Ragpickers are informal workers who collect recyclable materials to earn a small wage. Their life and working conditions are extremely precarious. The ergonomic hazards and musculoskeletal pain in a sample of ragpickers in Pelotas, a city in southern Brazil are examined. Methods Two comparison groups were available: a matched sample of non-ragpickers from the same poor neighborhoods, and a random sample of the general population of the city. The cross-sectional study gathered data by interview on 990 individuals in 2004. Musculoskeletal pain was assessed using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Results Ragpickers reported higher prevalences for most awkward postures and ergonomic exposures compared to neighbors with other demanding manual jobs. The prevalence within the last 12 months of low back pain (LBP), lower extremity pain (LEP), and upper extremity pain (UEP) among ragpickers were 49.2%, 45.1%, and 34.9%, respectively; levels similar to those reported by neighborhood controls. Both ragpickers and non-ragpickers reported considerably higher ergonomic exposures, and more prevalent LBP, than the general population. Conclusions Ragpickers experience many occupational hazards and ergonomic stressors. Their overall prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was similar to a comparison group with other physically demanding manual jobs. For LBP, this prevalence was substantially higher (49% vs. 35%) than in the general population. Am. J. Ind. Med. 49:327,336, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Thalamic atrophy associated with painful osteoarthritis of the hip is reversible after arthroplasty: A longitudinal voxel-based morphometric study

    ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 10 2010
    Stephen E. Gwilym
    Objective Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) is a method of assessing brain gray matter volume that has previously been applied to various chronic pain conditions. From this previous work, it appears that chronic pain is associated with altered brain morphology. The present study was undertaken to assess these potential alterations in patients with painful hip osteoarthritis (OA). Methods We studied 16 patients with unilateral right-sided hip pain, before and 9 months after hip arthroplasty. This enabled comparison of gray matter volume in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain versus healthy controls, as well as identification of any changes in volume following alleviation of pain (after surgery). Assessment involved self-completion questionnaires to assess pain, function, and psychosocial variables, and magnetic resonance imaging scanning of the brain for VBM analysis. Results Significant differences in brain gray matter volume between healthy controls and patients with painful hip arthritis were seen. Specifically, areas of the thalamus in patients with chronic OA pain exhibited decreased gray matter volume. Furthermore, when these preoperative changes were compared with the brain morphology of the patients 9 months after surgery, the areas of reduced thalamic gray matter volume were found to have "reversed" to levels seen in healthy controls. Conclusion Our findings confirm that gray matter volume decreases within the left thalamus in the presence of chronic pain and disability in patients with hip OA. The results also show that these thalamic volume changes reverse after hip arthroplasty and are associated with decreased pain and increased function. These findings have potential implications with regard to optimizing the timing of orthopedic interventions such as arthroplasty. [source]


    Oral versus Intravenous Opioid Dosing for the Initial Treatment of Acute Musculoskeletal Pain in the Emergency Department

    ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 12 2008
    James R. Miner MD
    Abstract Objectives:, The objective was to compare the time to medication administration, the side effects, and the analgesic effect at sequential time points after medication administration of an oral treatment strategy using oxycodone solution with an intravenous (IV) treatment strategy using morphine sulfate for the initial treatment of musculoskeletal pain in emergency department (ED) patients. Methods:, This was a prospective randomized clinical trial of patients >6 years old who were going to receive IV morphine sulfate for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain but did not yet have an IV. Consenting patients were randomized to have the treating physician order either 0.1 mg/kg morphine sulfate IV or 0.125 mg/kg oxycodone orally in a 5 mg/5 mL suspension as their initial treatment for pain. The time from the placement of the order to the administration of the medication was recorded. Pain was measured using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) and recorded at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 minutes after drug administration. Results:, A total of 405 eligible patients were identified during the study period; 328 (81.0%) patients consented to be in the study. A total of 158 patients were randomized to the IV morphine sulfate treatment group, and 162 were randomized to the oral oxycodone treatment group. Of the patients who were randomized to IV therapy, 34 were withdrawn from the study prior to drug administration; leaving 125 patients in the IV group for analysis. Of the patients who randomized to oral therapy, 22 were withdrawn from the study prior to drug administration, leaving 140 patients for analysis. No serious adverse events were detected. There was a 12-minute difference between the median time of the order and the administration of oral oxycodone (8.5 minutes) and IV morphine (20.5 minutes). The mean percent change in VAS score was larger for patients in the IV therapy group than those in the oral therapy group at 10 and 20 minutes. At 30 and 40 minutes, the authors could no longer detect a difference. The satisfaction scale score was higher after treatment for the morphine group (median = 4; interquartile range [IQR] = 4 to 5) than for the oxycodone group (median = 4; IQR = 2 to 5; p = 0.008). Conclusions:, The oral loading strategy was associated with delayed onset of analgesia and decreased patient satisfaction, but a shorter time to administration. The oral loading strategy using an oxycodone solution provided similar pain relief to the IV strategy using morphine 30 minutes after administration of the drug. Oral 0.125 mg/kg oxycodone represents a feasible alternative to 0.1 mg/kg IV morphine in the treatment of severe acute musculoskeletal pain when difficult or delayed IV placement greater than 30 minutes presents a barrier to treatment. [source]


    Hypertension-associated hypalgesia: a clue to the comorbidity of headache and other pain disorders

    ACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2009
    L. J. Stovner
    Background ,, Primary headaches and chronic musculoskeletal pain are prevalent disorders with incompletely known causes. Aims ,, To review the data from the HUNT studies on the comorbidity of these pain disorders, and their relation to blood pressure levels Materials & Methods ,, Cross-sectional and prospective data from more than 50 000 persons participating in the HUNT studies, a large Norwegian population-based health survey Results ,, Headache and chronic musculoskeletal complaints in all parts of the body were comorbid, and the prevalence of pain in all locations was inversely related to blood pressure levels. Discussion ,, A likely cause for this is hypertension-associated hypalgesia, described in both animal and human experimental models, involving interactions between cardiovascular and pain modulating centres at the brainstem level, and probably also peripheral baroreceptor mechanisms. Conclusion ,, Better understanding of these mechanisms may be crucial for enabling better prevention and treatment of these very prevalent, costly and disabling disorders. [source]


    Healthcare service use in adolescents with non-specific musculoskeletal pain

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2010
    Stefano Masiero
    Abstract Aim:, To estimate occurrence of non-specific musculoskeletal pain in a wide population sample of Italian adolescents, and to investigate their use of healthcare services (seeking of medical attention, referral for diagnostic tests and treatment use). Methods:, We investigated 7542 high-school adolescents (aged between 12 and 16 years) by a structured questionnaire and consisting of personal data, presence of pain, health provider consulted, referral for diagnostic tests and compliance with the prescribed treatments. Results:, In 3399 (45.1%) reported musculoskeletal pain (the most affected sites being the spine and knees), 2525 (74.2%) of whom had sought medical attention. Of the 2525 subjects who had sought healthcare, 1061 (42.0%) had consulted more than one health provider, 2410 (95.4%) had been referred for diagnostic tests, and some form of treatment had been recommended for 2445 (96.8%), but only 1694 (69.2%) had complied with prescribed therapies. The most important factors linked to health seeking behaviour were pain intensity, pain lasting longer than 3 months, injury, interruption to or absence of physical activity and localization in the spine and knee. Conclusion:, Non-specific musculoskeletal pain is a frequent event in Italian adolescents and that a large number of these subjects consult a healthcare service. [source]


    Skeletal Fluorosis From Instant Tea,,

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2008
    Michael P Whyte MD
    Abstract Introduction: Skeletal fluorosis (SF) can result from prolonged consumption of well water with >4 ppm fluoride ion (F,; i.e., >4 mg/liter). Black and green teas can contain significant amounts of F,. In 2005, SF caused by drinking 1,2 gallons of double-strength instant tea daily throughout adult life was reported in a 52-yr-old woman. Materials and Methods: A 49-yr-old woman developed widespread musculoskeletal pains, considered fibromyalgia, in her mid-30s. Additionally, she had unexplained, increasing, axial osteosclerosis. She reported drinking 2 gallons of instant tea each day since 12 yr of age. Fluoxetine had been taken intermittently for 5 yr. Ion-selective electrode methodology quantitated F, in her blood, urine, fingernail and toenail clippings, tap water, and beverage. Results: Radiographs showed marked uniform osteosclerosis involving the axial skeleton without calcification of the paraspinal, intraspinal, sacrotuberous, or iliolumbar ligaments. Minimal bone excrescences affected ligamentous attachments in her forearms and tibias. DXA Z-scores were +10.3 in the lumbar spine and +2.8 in the total hip. Her serum F, level was 120 ,g/liter (reference range, 20,80 ,g/liter), and a 24-h urine collection contained 18 mg F,/g creatinine (reference value, <3). Fingernail and toenail clippings showed 3.50 and 5.58 mg F,/kg (control means, 1.61 and 2.02, respectively; ps < 0.001). The instant tea beverage, prepared as usual extra strength using tap water with ,1.2 ppm F,, contained 5.8 ppm F,. Therefore, the tea powder contributed ,35 mg of the 44 mg daily F, exposure from her beverage. Fluoxetine provided at most 3.3 mg of F, daily. Conclusions: SF from habitual consumption of large volumes of extra strength instant tea calls for recognition and better understanding of a skeletal safety limit for this modern preparation of the world's most popular beverage. [source]