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Pain Questionnaire (pain + questionnaire)
Kinds of Pain Questionnaire Selected AbstractsThe Fear of Dental Pain questionnaire: construction and validityEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2003Arjen J. Van Wijk Anxiety, fear and pain play an important role in the context of dental treatment and patients' well-being. The Fear of Pain Questionnaire (FPQ)-III is a recently developed self-report questionnaire measuring pain-related fear of a variety of painful stimuli. The present study was undertaken in order to develop a dental equivalent of the FPQ-III, called the Fear of Dental Pain questionnaire (FDP), to determine standard psychometric characteristics and to assess the instruments' validity. Four experienced dentists generated the initial pool of items and two methodologists constructed the initial questionnaire. Two studies were performed. In the study one, a sample of psychology freshmen (n = 309) was taken in order to analyse response patterns. In study two, a sample (n = 176) of patients, dental students and the general population was examined. Results from both studies were used to determine reliability and validity. High internal consistency (0.93) with satisfactory test,retest reliability (0.75) was obtained. Factor analysis revealed a strong one-dimensional factor underlying almost all items. Finally, the proposed FDP version was related to a measure of dental fear and a general measure of fear of pain. All a priori hypotheses were confirmed, thereby providing evidence for the validity of the FDP. The FPD may prove to be a clinically useful tool in the dental setting, and a potentially important covariate in dental pain perception research. [source] Pregabalin for peripheral neuropathic pain: results of a multicenter, non-comparative, open-label study in Indian patientsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 9 2006LYRICA STUDY GROUP Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the tolerability, safety and efficacy of pregabalin in Indian patients with peripheral neuropathic pain. In this prospective, multicenter, non-comparative, open-label study, patients with peripheral neuropathic pain (n = 111) received pregabalin in doses ranging from 75 to 300 mg twice daily for 3 weeks. Primary efficacy measures included weekly pain score and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score of the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Despite a short study duration, a significant reduction was seen in weekly pain score (p < 0.0001), as well as VAS score of SF-MPQ (p < 0.0001). Significant improvements were also seen in other pain-related endpoints, weekly sleep interference score, quality of life measures, and patient and clinician ratings of global improvement. Pregabalin was well tolerated, and the most common adverse events were dizziness and somnolence. The short study duration precluded the assessment of longer term safety issues such as weight gain. This study has demonstrated the safety, tolerability and efficacy of pregabalin for peripheral neuropathic pain in Indian patients. [source] Osteitis condensans ilii: a significant association with sacroiliac joint tenderness in womenINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 1 2009Katey JENKS Abstract Aim:, To determine whether subjects with radiological evidence of osteitis condensans ilii exhibit symptoms and signs in common with sacroiliitis when compared with an age-matched control group and to examine demographic features. Methods:, The Dunedin Hospital radiology database was searched for all subjects with changes of osteitis condensans ilii over a 10-year period. An age-matched control group with plain X-rays of the pelvis was recruited from the same database. All subjects were sent a questionnaire enquiring about back pain and details of previous pregnancies. Those who responded to the questionnaire were invited for clinical assessment. Results:, Thirty-five individuals with osteitis condensans ilii were identified over the 10-year period. All were female and reported prior pregnancy supporting an association between osteitis condensans ilii and pregnancy. Stress testing of the sacroiliac joints was associated with greater tenderness in the osteitis condensans ilii group with a mean of 1.8 positive tests out of a possible 4, compared to 0.8 in the control group (Wilcoxon rank-sum test P = 0.02). Comparison between the two groups showed no difference in number of pregnancies, newborn weight, presence of back pain, back pain assessed by the Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire or loss of function using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). Conclusion:, Osteitis condensans ilii is associated with tenderness during sacroiliac joint compression tests and should be considered in the differential diagnosis when sacroiliac joint tenderness is elicited. [source] Effects of acupressure on menstrual distress in adolescent girls: a comparison between Hegu,Sanyinjiao Matched Points and Hegu, Zusanli single pointJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 7-8 2010Huei-Mein Chen Aim and objectives., To examine a comparison between Hegu and Sanyinjiao matched points and Hegu, Zusanli single point on adolescent girls' menstrual distress, pain and anxiety perception. Background., Primary dysmenorrhoea is a major cause of temporary disability, with a prevalence ranging from 60,93%, depending upon the population and study. No one has yet compared the effects of single point and multiple point acupressures. Design., A single blind randomised experimental study was used. Methods., Adolescents (n = 134) randomly assigned to experimental groups Zusanli (n = 30), Hegu (n = 33) and Hegu,Sanyinjiao Matched Points (n = 36) received acupressure intervention protocol for 20 minutes, while the control group (n = 35) did not receive any acupressure intervention. Four instruments were used to collect data: (1) the Visual Analog Scale for Pain; (2) the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire Short Form; (3) the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and (4) the Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety. Results., During the six-month follow-up, acupressure at matched points Hegu and Sanyinjiao reduced the pain, distress and anxiety typical of dysmenorrhoea. Acupressure at single point Hegu was found, effectively, to reduce menstrual pain during the follow-up period, but no significant difference for reducing menstrual distress and anxiety perception was found. Zusanli acupressure had no significant effects of reducing menstrual pain, distress and anxiety perception. Conclusion., This controlled trial provides preliminary evidence that six-month acupressure therapy provides female adolescents with dysmenorrhoea benefits. Relevance to clinical practice., Acupressure is an effective and safe non-pharmacologic strategy for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea. We recommend the use of acupressure for self-care of primary dysmenorrhoea at Hegu and Sanyinjiao matched points and single point Hegu, as pressure placement at these points is easy for adolescent girls to learn and practice. [source] Multi-item outcome measures for lateral ligament injury of the ankle: a structured reviewJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 2 2004K.L. Haywood BSc(Hons) DPhil MCSP Abstract Objective, To identify and review evidence relating to the measurement properties of published multi-item outcome measures for the conservative management of lateral ligament injuries of the ankle. Methods, Systematic literature searches were used to identify measures, which were then assessed against pre-defined criteria relating to development, item content, reliability, validity and responsiveness. Results, Seven disease-specific measures of ankle status [Ankle Joint Functional Assessment Tool, Clinical Trauma Severity Score, Composite Inversion Injury Scale, Kaikkonen Functional Scale (KFS), Karlsson Ankle Function Score (KAFS), Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), and the Point System] and two generic measures of health (McGill Pain Questionnaire, Sickness Impact Profile) met the review inclusion criteria. While all measures had been used in acute injuries, only two had also been applied during later stages of recovery (>6 months). The studies covered a comprehensive range of graded ligament injuries. Expert opinion dominated item generation for all measures. All measures lack evidence of test-retest or internal consistency reliability in patients with ankle sprain. Several measures were assessed for validity through comparison with other measures, but there was limited evidence of construct validity and no formal assessment of responsiveness for any measure. Conclusion, The disappointing lack of evidence for measurement properties suggests that any measure should be used with caution until appropriate evidence is provided. On the basis of limited evidence, the KFS offers the most promising approach to a combined clinician- and patient-assessment of ankle function, and the KAFS or OMAS if a patient-assessed evaluation of function is required. [source] McGill Pain Questionnaire: A multi-dimensional verbal scale assessing postoperative changes in pain symptoms associated with severe endometriosisJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4 2009Elena Fabbri Abstract Background:, Objective evaluation of pelvic pain symptoms using a standard pain questionnaire is essential to assessing the treatment of endometriosis and related pain. Aim:, To evaluate the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) as a multi-dimensional verbal scale in providing information about chronic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis, before and after laparoscopic surgery. Methods:, Fifty-five women undergoing laparoscopy for severe endometriosis were asked to complete the MPQ before surgery and at the 6-month follow up. All patients presented with preoperative pain symptoms of variable severity. We obtained the pain indexes and studied their relation with: patients' characteristics (age, body mass index, parity, qualification, occupation); operative findings (number, site and size of endometriotic lesions and presence of pelvic adhesions); and postoperative evolution of variable MPQ pain indexes at the 6-month follow up. Results:, Median present pain index (PPI) (index of pain intensity), before surgical treatment was 3 (2,4): preoperative PPI was <2 in 25% of patients while 25% of patients had PPI > 4. Overall median PPI after surgical treatment was 1 (0,2): postoperative index of pain intensity was <1 in 50% of patients, >2 in 25% of patients while 25% of patients did not experience postoperative pain. Overall pain intensity significantly decreased after laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis (Wilcoxon test P < 0.0005). None of the patients' characteristics were found to be significantly correlated with the severity or improvement of preoperative pain at postoperative follow up (P > 0.05), and the intensity of preoperative pain was not correlated to any of the operative variables. There was a significant reduction in all individual MPQ pain indexes; however 18.2% of women did not show improvement of pain symptoms after laparoscopic surgery. An increasing endometrioma diameter was associated with a significant decrease in the difference in evaluative rank score of pain rating index between pain indexes at the 6-month follow up and preoperatively (P = 0.04, Spearman's rank correlation Rho = ,0.277). Conclusions:, MPQ appears to be useful as a multi-dimensional scale in describing patients' pain semiology and evaluating pain evolution after surgical treatment. However, due to the extreme variability of pain experience, MPQ results don't clarify the relationship between pain intensity and the severity of endometriosis. [source] Amitriptyline treatment of chronic pain in patients with temporomandibular disordersJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 10 2000O. Plesh Randomized clinical trials of amitriptyline will require data from pilot studies to be used for sample size estimates, but such data are lacking. This study investigated the 6-week and 1-year effectiveness of low dose amitriptyline (10,30 mg) for the treatment of patients with chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain. Based on clinical examination, patients were divided into two groups: myofascial and mixed (myofascial and temporomandibular joint disorders). Baseline pain was assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain intensity and by the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). Depression was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) short form. Patient assessment of global treatment effectiveness was obtained after 6 weeks and 1 year of treatment by using a five-point ordinal scale: (1) worse, (2) unchanged, (3) minimally improved, (4) moderately improved, (5) markedly improved. The results showed a significant reduction for all pain scores after 6 weeks and 1 year post-treatment. The depression scores changed in depressed but not in non-depressed patients. Global treatment effectiveness showed significant improvement 6 weeks and 1 year post-treatment. However, pain and global treatment effectiveness were less improved at 1 year than at 6 weeks. [source] Prevalence and correlates of clinical insomnia co-occurring with chronic back painJOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH, Issue 1 2007NICOLE K. Y. TANG Summary Given the suggestion of a reciprocal relationship between sleep and pain and the recognition of sleep as an important parameter in determining quality of life, there is increasing research interest in sleep disturbance linked to chronic pain. The present study aimed to provide an estimate of the prevalence of ,clinical insomnia' in patients attending a specialist pain clinic and identify factors associated with it. Seventy chronic back pain patients and 70 gender- and age-matched pain-free controls completed a set of questionnaires measuring sleep (Insomnia Severity Index; ISI), pain (Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire) and a selection of general and specific psychological variables (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short Health Anxiety Inventory). Scores suggestive of clinical insomnia (ISI , 15) were noted in 53% of chronic pain patients, when compared with only 3% in pain-free controls. Significant positive correlations with insomnia severity were detected for all six variables of interest (pain intensity, sensory pain ratings, affective pain ratings, general anxiety, general depression and health anxiety). Affective pain ratings and health anxiety were the best predictors of insomnia severity in this sample, accounting for 30% of the total variance, even when present pain intensity was controlled for. Affective pain remained as a significant predictor of insomnia severity when both the effect of pain intensity and the effects of anxiety and depression were controlled for. Future research should consider investigating the role of pain appraisal and health anxiety in the development and manifestation of insomnia concomitant to chronic pain. [source] Acetyl-l-carnitine in the treatment of painful antiretroviral toxic neuropathy in human immunodeficiency virus patients: an open label studyJOURNAL OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, Issue 1 2006Maurizio Osio Abstract Antiretroviral toxic neuropathy causes morbidity in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients under dideoxynucleoside therapy, benefits only partially from medical therapy, and often leads to drug discontinuation. Proposed pathogeneses include a disorder of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, eventually related to a reduction of mitochondrial DNA content, and interference with nerve growth factor activity. Carnitine is a substrate of energy production reactions in mitochondria and is involved in many anabolic reactions. Acetyl carnitine treatment promotes peripheral nerve regeneration and has neuroprotective properties and a direct analgesic role related to glutamatergic and cholinergic modulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate acetyl-l-carnitine in the treatment of painful antiretroviral toxic neuropathy in HIV patients. Twenty subjects affected by painful antiretroviral toxic neuropathy were treated with oral acetyl-l-carnitine at a dose of 2,000 mg/day for a 4-week period. Efficacy was evaluated by means of the modified Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire with each item rated on an 11-point intensity scale at weekly intervals and by electromyography at baseline and final visit. Mean pain intensity score was significantly reduced during the study, changing from 7.35 ± 1.98 (mean ± SD) at baseline to 5.80 ± 2.63 at week 4 (p = 0.0001). Electrophysiological parameters did not significantly change between baseline and week 4. In this study, acetyl-l-carnitine was effective and well tolerated in symptomatic treatment of painful neuropathy associated with antiretroviral toxicity. On the contrary, no effect was noted on neurophysiological parameters. [source] Botulinum Neurotoxin-A for Treatment of Refractory Neck Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind StudyPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 6 2009Diana Miller MD ABSTRACT Objective., To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of Botulinum neurotoxin-A (BoNT-A) in the patients with refractory neck pain. Background., An analgesic effect is suggested for BoNT-A by a number of animal studies. Two blinded studies suggested efficacy of BoNT-A in a chronic neck pain. Methods., Forty-seven subjects were enrolled in a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. A total of 150 to 300 units of BoNT-A were injected into the neck and shoulder muscles based on pain localization. Subjects completed the visual analog scale (VAS), Pain Frequency Questionnaire and the Modified Oswestry Pain Questionnaire (MOPQ) at baseline, 3 and 8 weeks after the treatment. The primary outcomes consisted of: 1) ,50% improvement on the VAS; and 2) ,30% reduction in pain day frequency. The secondary outcome was an improvement of ADL in MOPQ. Excellent responders (ERs) were those who met all three outcomes. Results., At 2 months, a significant reduction in the mean VAS (pain intensity) was noted in the BoNT-A group compared with the placebo (P = 0.0018, CI 95% from 2.51 to 7.89). At 2 months, there were six ERs in the BoNT-A group and one ER in the placebo group (P = 0.0152). Conclusion., Administration of BoNT-A into the neck and shoulder muscles for treatment of chronic refractory neck pain met one of the two primary outcomes: reduction in pain intensity. More ERs were noted in the Botox group. [source] Intravenous Magnesium for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 (CRPS 1) Patients: A Pilot StudyPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009Susan Collins MSc ABSTRACT Objectives., To explore the feasibility of intravenous magnesium administration as a potential candidate intervention for a large size trial in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 (CRPS 1). Design., Randomized clinical trial. Setting., Outpatient pain clinic. Patients., Ten CRPS 1 patients. Interventions., Eight patients received 70 mg/kg magnesium sulphate infusions in 4 hours for 5 days. For blinding purposes, 2 patients received equal amount NaCl 0.9% solutions (data not analyzed or presented). Interventions were accompanied by standardized physical therapy. Outcome Measures., Pain was assessed using an 11-point Box scale (three times daily for a week) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Skin sensitivity was measured with the Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments, (other) impairments with the Impairment Level Sumscore. In addition, functional limitations (Radboud Skills Questionnaire, questionnaire rising and sitting down) and quality of life (Short Form-36 [SF-36], EuroQol) were evaluated. Assessments were performed at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks after intervention. Results., Mild systemic side effects were experienced and the infusions were locally well tolerated. Pain was significantly reduced at all follow up compared with baseline (T1: P = 0.01, T3: P = 0.04, T6: P = 0.02, T12: P = 0.02). McGill sensory subscale improved significantly at T1 (number of words chosen: P = 0.03 and pain rating index: P = 0.03). Impairment level (P = 0.03) and quality of life (EuroQol P = 0.04, SF-36 physical P = 0.01) were significantly improved at T12. No improvement was found for skin sensitivity and functional limitations. Conclusion., Intravenous magnesium significantly improved pain, impairment and quality of life and was well tolerated. The results of this pilot study are encouraging and suggest that magnesium IV as a treatment in CRPS 1 should be further explored in a large size formal trial design. [source] Confirming the Theoretical Structure of the Japanese Version of the McGill Pain Questionnaire in Chronic PainPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 1 2001Mamoru Hasegawa MD Objective., Based upon a tripartite theoretical model of pain, the Pain Rating Index of the McGill Pain Questionnaire continues to be one of the most frequently used instruments to measure clinical pain. However, differences in languages and cultural backgrounds have hindered its wide use and standardization in Japan. Although a number of exploratory factor analytic studies have failed to consistently support the theoretical structure of the instrument, a few previous confirmatory factor analytic studies did statistically support the a priori model. The purpose of this study was to test the theoretical structure of a Japanese version of the McGill Pain Questionnaire, which followed a format similar to the original questionnaire, through a confirmatory factor analysis. Design.,This study used confirmatory factor analysis on prospectively collected data from consecutive outpatients with chronic pain at a university hospital to test the hypothesis regarding the theoretical structure of the Japanese McGill Pain Questionnaire. Results and Conclusion.,The first 16 Pain Rating Index subclass scores were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis procedures that yielded a well-fitting final model that explained 91% of the covariance in the observed data. The results approximately supported the hypothesis that the sensory, affective, and evaluative subscales of the Pain Rating Index are representative of the multidimensionality of the pain experience with minimal overlap but could not disregard relatively high intercorrelations among those subscales similar to the original McGill Pain Questionnaire. It is suggested that the theoretical structure of the McGill Pain Questionnaire is approximately kept in the Japanese McGill Pain Questionnaire used in this study. Therefore, the translation-based Japanese McGill Pain Questionnaire used in this study adequately permits comparison of studies from English-speaking and non-English-speaking populations, thus facilitating the first step toward international research exchange and communications. [source] The Effects of Pain and Depression on Physical Functioning in Elderly Residents of a Continuing Care Retirement CommunityPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 4 2000Jana M. Mossey PhD Objective., Explore the relationships between pain, depression, and functional disability in elderly persons. Design.,A cross-sectional, observational study of 228 independently living retirement community residents. Methods., Self-report measures of pain (adaptation of McGill Pain Questionnaire), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS]) and physical functioning (Physical performance difficulties, activities of daily living [ADL], independent activities of daily living [IADL], and 3-meter walking speed) were employed. Outcome Measures.,Physical functioning variables were dichotomized. Individuals in the lowest quartiles of functional performance and of walking speed were contrasted to all others; for ADL and IADL, those needing some help were compared with those independent in activities. Results., Pain and depression levels were strongly related to physical performance; depression levels were related to ADL and walking speed. In multivariate analyses, an interaction effect was observed where the effects of pain were a function of level of depression. Individuals reporting activity-limiting pain and slightly elevated depressive symptom levels, sub-threshold depression, or major depression were significantly more likely (AOR 7.8; 95% CI, 3.07,20.03) than non-depressed persons to be in the lowest quartile of self-reported physical performance. Conclusions., While both pain and depression level affect physical performance, depressive symptoms rather than pain appear the more influential factor. When seeing elderly patients, identifying, evaluating, and treating both pain complaints and depressive symptoms and disorders may reduce functional impairment. [source] MULTIDISCIPLINARY PAIN ABSTRACTS: 12PAIN PRACTICE, Issue 1 2004Article first published online: 15 MAR 200 The purpose of this study was to investigate whether selective nerve fiber dysfunction, as assessed by quantitative sensory testing (QST), correlates with the effectiveness of epidural steroid injections (ESI) in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. Twenty patients with unilateral painful sciatica caused by disc herniation participated in this open study. Before ESI, quantitative thermal and mechanical sensory testing was conducted at the most painful dermatome and the contralateral dermatome. The primary outcome measure used was the self-recording of pain intensity twice daily with a 0,10 numerical pain scale (NPS). Secondary efficacy measures included the Short Form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire, the straight leg raising test, and the lumbar range of motion. A significant difference in all types of sensory thresholds between the affected and the contralateral dermatomes was detected at baseline. All outcome measures improved subsequent to the ESI. A significant positive correlation was found between the increase in cold sensation thresholds of the affected dermatome (Adelta-fiber dysfunction) and the improvement in NPS. The increase in touch and vibration thresholds (Abeta-fiber dysfunction) was found to be inversely correlated with the improvement in NPS. No correlation was found between heat sensation thresholds and any of the outcome measures. These results suggest that QST has the potential to be an important tool in the selection of the appropriate treatment for patients with sciatica and may assist in identifying the mechanisms of pain generation in these patients. [source] Low back pain in individuals with chronic airflow limitation and their partners , A preliminary prevalence studyPHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2002Anneliese Synnot Abstract Background and Purpose The prevalence of low back pain in individuals with chronic airflow limitation, and their partners, is unknown. Individuals with chronic airflow limitation, and their respective partners, are likely to have several risk factors that may increase the predisposition for low back pain. The aim of the present study was to provide preliminary data on the prevalence of low back pain in individuals with chronic airflow limitation, and their partners. Method A cross-sectional observational study design was used. Individuals with chronic airflow limitation, and their partners, were approached at South Australian metropolitan Lung Support Group meetings and invited to participate in the study. Three commonly used questionnaires: the Medical Outcomes Survey Short-Form 36 (MOS SF-36); the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ); and the Nordic Low Back Pain Questionnaire (NLBPQ) were used to collect data on general health, respiratory health and low back pain prevalence, respectively. Odds ratios and independent Student's t -tests were used to analyse data by use of Epi Info Version 6.0 software. Results Sixty subjects participated in the study: 41 individuals with chronic airflow limitation and 19 partners of individuals with chronic airflow limitation. The lifetime, 12-month and seven-day prevalence of low back pain in individuals with chronic airflow limitation was 69%, 58% and 31%, respectively. The prevalence of low back pain in the partners of individuals with chronic airflow limitation was found to be higher, at 74%, 68% and 58 %, respectively. Four significant relationships between general and respiratory health, and low back pain were demonstrated for individuals with chronic airflow limitation. Conclusions The prevalence of low back pain in individuals with chronic airflow limitation was comparable to the lifetime prevalence for the general and older population, and greater than the 12-month prevalence reported for the older population. The prevalence of low back pain for the partners of individuals with chronic airflow limitation was consistently higher than the lifetime and 12-month prevalence reported for individuals with chronic airflow limitation, the older population and family care workers. These findings suggest a larger prevalence study of low back pain in individuals with chronic airflow limitation, and their partners, is warranted. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Subjective pain experience of people with chronic back painPHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2000Professor Lorraine H De Souza Chair of Rehabilitation Abstract Background and Purpose Studies into the effect of pain experience on those who have it have largely focused on the views and interpretations of researchers gained by the use of assessment tools aimed at measuring pain. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe pain, as experienced by those with chronic back pain, and to document ,insider' accounts of how pain is perceived and understood by those who have it. Method Unstructured interviews using the framework approach. Subjects were sampled for age, sex, ethnicity and occupation, from new referrals with back pain to a rheumatology outpatient clinic. Eleven subjects (5 M; 6 F) agreed to be interviewed. Interviews were unstructured, but followed a topic guide. Subjects were interviewed in English (nine) or their preferred language (two). Tape-recordings of interviews were transcribed verbatim and read in depth twice to identify the topics or concepts. Data were extracted in the form of words and phrases by use of thematic content analysis. The themes were pain description and amount of pain. An independent researcher reviewed the data and confirmed or contended the analysis. Results All subjects, except one, provided descriptors of the quality of their pain. The use of simile was common to emphasize both what the pain was, and what it was not. Five subjects expressed a loss of words in trying to describe their pain. Only 13 of 29 different pain descriptors used were commensurate with those in the McGill Pain Questionnaire (Melzack, 1983). Subjects had great difficulty quantifying their pain intensity. Several explained how the pain fluctuated, thus, quantifying pain at one point in time was problematic. Only one subject offered a numerical description of pain intensity. Conclusions Subjects provided graphic and in-depth descriptions of their pain experience, but these bore little resemblance to commonly used assessment tools. The findings challenge the appropriateness of such formal instruments. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Chest pain is inversely associated with blood pressure during exercise among individuals being assessed for coronary heart diseasePSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Blaine Ditto Abstract Acute and chronic increases in blood pressure have been related to decreases in pain perception. This phenomenon has been studied primarily using acute experimental pain stimuli. To extend the literature to naturalistic pain and in particular the problem of silent cardiac ischemia, this study examined the relationship between blood pressure and chest pain during exercise stress testing. Nine hundred seven (425 men, 482 women) individuals undergoing exercise stress testing for diagnosis of possible myocardial ischemia completed the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) immediately afterward and other questionnaires before and after testing. Blood pressure was measured before, during, and after exercise. Systolic blood pressure at the end of exercise was inversely related to a number of measures of pain such as total score on the MPQ. The relationship could not be explained by individual differences in exercise duration, medication use, sex, or other measured variable. In sum, the inverse relationship between blood pressure and sensitivity to pain that has been observed in other populations in experimental and naturalistic conditions was observed for chest pain during exercise. Blood pressure may contribute to episodes of silent ischemia. [source] Rectal analgesia for the relief of perineal pain after childbirth: a randomised controlled trial of diclofenac suppositoriesBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 10 2004Jodie M. Dodd Objective To evaluate rectal diclofenac in the relief of perineal pain after trauma during childbirth. Design A randomised, double-blind trial. Setting Delivery Suite, Women's and Children's Hospital, South Australia. Population Women with a second-degree (or greater) perineal tear or episiotomy. Methods Women were randomly allocated to either diclofenac or placebo suppositories (Anusol), using a computer-generated randomisation schedule with stratification for parity and mode of birth. Treatment packs contained two × 100 mg diclofenac or two placebo suppositories, the first being inserted when suturing was complete, and the second 12,24 hours after birth. Women were asked to complete questionnaires at 24 and 48 hours after birth relating to their degree of perineal pain using the validated Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Main outcome measures Pain scores at 24 and 48 hours after birth. Results A total of 133 women were recruited, with 67 randomised to diclofenac suppositories and 66 to placebo. Women in the diclofenac group were significantly less likely to experience pain at 24 hours while walking (RR 0.8; 95% CI 0.6 to 1.0), sitting (RR 0.8; 95% CI 0.6 to 1.0), passing urine (RR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4 to 1.0) and on opening their bowels (RR 0.6; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.9) compared with those women who received placebo. These differences were not sustained 48 hours after birth. Conclusions The use of rectal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug suppositories is a simple, effective and safe method of reducing the pain experienced by women following perineal trauma within the first 24 hours after childbirth. [source] A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial to evaluate the role of a short reducing course of oral corticosteroid therapy in the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndromeBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2007Sylvia M. Bates OBJECTIVES To assess the validity of our observational experience that a short course of oral prednisolone therapy might be of value in the management of symptoms of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) in men. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-one men with CPPS (inflammatory or non-inflammatory) for ,6 months, and who had failed to improve with standard antibiotic therapy, were randomized to receive either a 1-month reducing course of oral prednisolone (nine) or an equivalent placebo regimen (12 men). The outcome measures used were the McGill Pain Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), General Health Questionnaire-30 (GHQ-30) and the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), which were completed at baseline and 3 months. RESULTS Outcomes were analysed for the 18 patients (six treated, 12 placebo) who completed the 3 months of follow-up. At both baseline and 3 months, respectively, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the NIH-CPSI total score (P = 0.48 and 0.62; Mann,Whitney U -test), or in the HADS (anxiety, P = 0.85 and 0.67; depression P = 0.96 and 0.74), and there was no significant improvement or deterioration over time. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend to improvement in the depression score for the active group (P = 0.13). However, the clinical significance is doubtful, as both baseline and follow-up depression scores were within the normal range. No patient had clinically negative changes in depression. A 3-month follow-up analysis was not possible for the McGill Pain Questionnaire or GHQ-30 as not all patients completed the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS Whilst the study showed no clinical benefit of using corticosteroids in the management of CPPS, the few patients recruited limited the validity of firm conclusions from the data. There was a trend towards an improvement of depression levels amongst subjects. The study highlights the difficulties of recruitment and illustrates the complex psychological profiles of patients with CPPS. [source] The Fear of Dental Pain questionnaire: construction and validityEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2003Arjen J. Van Wijk Anxiety, fear and pain play an important role in the context of dental treatment and patients' well-being. The Fear of Pain Questionnaire (FPQ)-III is a recently developed self-report questionnaire measuring pain-related fear of a variety of painful stimuli. The present study was undertaken in order to develop a dental equivalent of the FPQ-III, called the Fear of Dental Pain questionnaire (FDP), to determine standard psychometric characteristics and to assess the instruments' validity. Four experienced dentists generated the initial pool of items and two methodologists constructed the initial questionnaire. Two studies were performed. In the study one, a sample of psychology freshmen (n = 309) was taken in order to analyse response patterns. In study two, a sample (n = 176) of patients, dental students and the general population was examined. Results from both studies were used to determine reliability and validity. High internal consistency (0.93) with satisfactory test,retest reliability (0.75) was obtained. Factor analysis revealed a strong one-dimensional factor underlying almost all items. Finally, the proposed FDP version was related to a measure of dental fear and a general measure of fear of pain. All a priori hypotheses were confirmed, thereby providing evidence for the validity of the FDP. The FPD may prove to be a clinically useful tool in the dental setting, and a potentially important covariate in dental pain perception research. [source] Masticatory performance in patients with anterior disk displacement without reduction in comparison with symptom-free volunteersEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 5 2002Ingrid Peroz Masticatory function can be impaired by craniomandibular disorders. The aim of this study was to assess masticatory performance in patients with an anterior disc displacement (ADD) without reduction. In the experiments, 29 patients and 33 age- and gender-matched volunteers chewed artificial test food for 60 chewing strokes. The collected remains of the test food were filtered, dried, fractionated by a sieving procedure, and weighed. The particle size distribution was then described using a cumulative distribution function. Patients and controls were clinically examined, and patients were asked to complete a pain questionnaire. Comparison with controls, patients showed significantly reduced masticatory performance. Patients that had had a disorder longer than 3 yr tended to display less reduction of their masticatory performance. Neither the treatment methods used, nor restriction of daily life activities or pain intensity were significantly correlated with masticatory performance. Jaw mobility was significantly reduced in patients. More than half of the patients and none of the controls had joint noises and trigger points in the masticatory muscles. Pain was present, in particular, during chewing and maximal opening of the mouth. It was concluded that patients with ADD without reduction have a significantly reduced masticatory performance. [source] The use of an intra-oral injection of ketorolac in the treatment of irreversible pulpitisINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 11 2005A. C. Mellor Abstract Aim, To examine whether an intra-oral injection of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ketorolac), in association with conventional local anaesthetic techniques, would improve the pulp extirpation rate in teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Methodology, A two group double-blind clinical trial was undertaken in the Dental Casualty Department of the University of Manchester School of Dentistry. Patients were randomly allocated to either the test or control group. The test group received an intra-oral injection of ketorolac (30 mg in 1 mL) in the buccal sulcus adjacent to the tooth being treated. After an interval of 15 min, they then received 2.2 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1 : 80 000 epinephrine by buccal infiltration in the maxilla or by inferior dental block in the mandible. The control group received an intra-oral injection of normal saline (1 mL) in the buccal sulcus adjacent to the tooth being treated, followed by the same local anaesthetic regime as the test group after the 15 min interval. Fifteen minutes after the local anaesthetic injections, pulp extirpation was attempted. All patients completed the short-form McGill pain questionnaire prior to treatment and completed identical questionnaires at 6 and 24 h after treatment. Results, The study protocol set the number of patients to be treated at twenty. However, as the study progressed it became apparent that the intra-oral injection of ketorolac caused significant pain to four of the five patients who received it; therefore the study was terminated after ten patients had been treated. The results from the patients treated showed no significant difference in the pulp extirpation rate between the test and control groups. However, patients with higher pain scores at baseline were less likely to have the pulp completely extirpated, irrespective of whether they were in the test or control group. Pain scores for all patients decreased significantly from baseline to 24 h. Conclusion, An intra-oral injection of ketorolac did not improve the pulp extirpation rate in a small group of patients with irreversible pulpitis compared with a placebo. In addition, it was associated with such significant pain on injection that it cannot be recommended as a treatment in this situation. [source] Neck pain and disability: A cross-sectional survey of the demographic and clinical characteristics of neck pain seen in a rheumatology clinicINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 2 2005A.O. Frank Summary This hospital-based cross-sectional cohort study examines the clinical and demographic features of neck pain, disability (using the Northwick Park neck pain questionnaire) and relationships to handicap in employment. Of 173 consecutive referrals to a rheumatology clinic with neck pain, 70% had neck/arm pain without neurological involvement, 13% other conditions, 11% nerve involvement and 5% other spinal pain. 141 patients (mean age 50 years) had mechanical or degenerative neck pain, of which 13% was probably work-related and 13% was trauma-related. 44 had taken sickness absence for an average of 30 weeks. Comorbidities were frequent (lumbar pain 51%). Those in work were significantly less disabled than those not working (p = 0.001) and those off sick (p < 0.01). Those reporting sleep disturbance, tearfulness and crying were significantly more disabled (p = 0.0001) than those who did not. Neck pain in secondary care is complicated by physical and emotional comorbidities. Comprehensive management requires a biopsychosocial model of care. [source] Chronic orchialgia: Consider gabapentin or nortriptyline before considering surgeryINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 7 2007Andrew M Sinclair Objective: To establish if there is a role for gabapentin or nortriptyline in the treatment of chronic orchialgia. Methods: Twenty-six consecutive patients with chronic orchialgia were seen in the chronic pain clinic by a multidisciplinary team. A pain questionnaire was completed prior to commencing either gabapentin or nortriptyline. They were reviewed at 3 months and a repeat questionnaire completed. A 50% improvement in pain was considered successful. Results: Complete data was available for 19 patients. Overall, 61.5% of patients commenced on gabapentin and 66.6% of patients commenced on nortriptyline had a greater than 50% improvement in pain. Patients with post-vasectomy testicular pain were considered as a subgroup. None of these patients had a greater than 50% improvement in pain. However, 80% of patients in the subgroup with idiopathic chronic orchialgia had a greater than 50% improvement in pain. Conclusion: Although this is a small study, it appears that gabapentin and nortriptyline are effective in the treatment of idiopathic chronic orchialgia but not post-vasectomy pain. [source] McGill Pain Questionnaire: A multi-dimensional verbal scale assessing postoperative changes in pain symptoms associated with severe endometriosisJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4 2009Elena Fabbri Abstract Background:, Objective evaluation of pelvic pain symptoms using a standard pain questionnaire is essential to assessing the treatment of endometriosis and related pain. Aim:, To evaluate the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) as a multi-dimensional verbal scale in providing information about chronic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis, before and after laparoscopic surgery. Methods:, Fifty-five women undergoing laparoscopy for severe endometriosis were asked to complete the MPQ before surgery and at the 6-month follow up. All patients presented with preoperative pain symptoms of variable severity. We obtained the pain indexes and studied their relation with: patients' characteristics (age, body mass index, parity, qualification, occupation); operative findings (number, site and size of endometriotic lesions and presence of pelvic adhesions); and postoperative evolution of variable MPQ pain indexes at the 6-month follow up. Results:, Median present pain index (PPI) (index of pain intensity), before surgical treatment was 3 (2,4): preoperative PPI was <2 in 25% of patients while 25% of patients had PPI > 4. Overall median PPI after surgical treatment was 1 (0,2): postoperative index of pain intensity was <1 in 50% of patients, >2 in 25% of patients while 25% of patients did not experience postoperative pain. Overall pain intensity significantly decreased after laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis (Wilcoxon test P < 0.0005). None of the patients' characteristics were found to be significantly correlated with the severity or improvement of preoperative pain at postoperative follow up (P > 0.05), and the intensity of preoperative pain was not correlated to any of the operative variables. There was a significant reduction in all individual MPQ pain indexes; however 18.2% of women did not show improvement of pain symptoms after laparoscopic surgery. An increasing endometrioma diameter was associated with a significant decrease in the difference in evaluative rank score of pain rating index between pain indexes at the 6-month follow up and preoperatively (P = 0.04, Spearman's rank correlation Rho = ,0.277). Conclusions:, MPQ appears to be useful as a multi-dimensional scale in describing patients' pain semiology and evaluating pain evolution after surgical treatment. However, due to the extreme variability of pain experience, MPQ results don't clarify the relationship between pain intensity and the severity of endometriosis. [source] Sodium Valproate in the Management of Painful Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes , a Randomized Placebo Controlled StudyJOURNAL OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, Issue 2 2003DK Kochar OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness and safety aspects of sodium valproate in the management of painful neuropathy in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial of sodium valproate was done in type 2 diabetic patients to assess its efficacy and safety in the management of painful neuropathy. We screened 60 patients but eight patients could not complete the study; hence, the present study was done on 52 patients. Each patient was assessed by clinical examination, pain score by short form of the McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) and electrophysiological examination, which included motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity, amplitude and H-reflex initially and at the end of 1 month of treatment. RESULTS: Significant improvement was noticed in the pain score of patients receiving sodium valproate in comparison to patients receiving placebo at the end of 1 month (P < 0.05). The changes in electrophysiological data were not significant. The drug was well tolerated by all patients except one who developed a raised aspartate transaminase (AST)/alanine transaminase (ALT) level after 15 days of treatment. CONCLUSION: Sodium valproate is a well-tolerated drug and provides significant subjective improvement in painful diabetic neuropathy. These data provide a basis for future trials of longer duration in a larger group of patients. [source] Pain intensity on and off levodopa in patients with Parkinson's disease,MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 8 2009Angelika Nebe MD Abstract Pain is frequently reported by patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, intensity of pain as measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS) was assessed on and off levodopa in 15 patients with PD. All patients had motor fluctuations and suffered from pain of various types. Description of pain was assessed with the McGill pain questionnaire. Ratings for pain intensity on the VAS were increased during off period for all patients but one (P = 0.001). There was a correlation (P = 0.04) between changes in motor performance (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III) and pain intensity (VAS). Compared with a historical sample of subjects with different pain syndromes without PD, terms related to fear and punishment were used more frequently by patients with PD in this study. In two patients, pain was exclusively limited to the off period. The majority of subjects suffered from secondary pain possibly related to lumbar osteoarticular degeneration. Secondary pain was relieved but not completely abolished by levodopa. The results of this study suggest that aggravation of secondary pain should be considered as a part of the spectrum of nonmotor off symptoms. Analgesics should not be given as first line drugs when pain occurs or increases in off conditions, and pain can be significantly alleviated or abolished by adjustments of dopaminergic medication. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||