February 2012

Specialists may differ on the nuances of treatment protocol when it comes to treating shingles (herpes zoster) and postherpetic neuralgia, but many agree on broad principles that can help primary care physicians diagnose and treat both conditions.

In recent years, physicians' thinking has changed when it comes to evaluating pain in patients. Now, rather than looking at pain as being merely a symptom of an underlying disorder, many clinicians are now focusing on the pain itself, and changing their approach to how they treat it.

Pain Medications chart related to the Feb. 2012 article "Persistent Pediatric Pain: New Paradigms, Improved Prognoses."

Several recent studies have shown that low-dose prednisone added to methotrexate therapy can improve pain, functionality, and other outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

"Urine drug testing (UDT) has become a widely utilized tool across many specialties. Although it was traditionally used more by pain specialists due to concerns over prescription drug abuse, diversion, and misuse, it has become something that family physicians and non-pain specialists rely on more than ever..." A Q&A with Joshua Gunn, PhD

A look at arthritis statistics, including the estimated number of US adults with rheumatoid arthritis, the number of children in the US under age 18 diagnosed with arthritis, the number of new drugs/indications/formulations to treat arthritis approved by the FDA in 2011, and more.

Proper diagnosis and treatment requires that physicians and patients understand the symptoms and clinical presentation of this complicated migraine condition.

Should physicians prescribe opioids to patients suffering from pain associated with fibromyalgia. If they decide to do so, how can they tell which patients will benefit?

Dr. Kneeland, board certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine, discusses his experiences as the medical director and founder of The Montana Center for Wellness & Pain Management.

Publisher's note, February 2012.