June 2012

A look at pain management clinical trials, June 2012.

A look at pain management and primary care statistics, including the percentage of pain patients treated by primary care physicians, percentage of opioid analgesics prescribed by general practitioners, the percent of primary care patients that suffer from chronic pain, and more.

Cancer pain management has improved over the last decade with advances in oral and intravenous medication; however, several challenges still exist in administration.

These studies were among those selected for special recognition at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP).

Several Senators and Representatives call the current regulations wasteful and poorly conceived, and say they will work to make needed changes.

A look at product news from the American Pain Society 2012 Annual Meeting.

Proactively addressing potential opioid-related side effects and knowing the factors that can affect how opioids are metabolized can lead to more effective treatment.

These studies were among those selected for special recognition at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP).

Properties that enable applications in both pain management and addiction medicine make buprenorphine unique among opioids.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy. Its definitive treatment is carpal tunnel release, the most common hand surgery in America, but nonsurgical management options are also available.

A look at pain management news and notes, June 2012.

Recent studies show good results for duloxetine compared to placebo, with no effect from concomitant acetaminophen or NSAID use.

Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are common forms of musculoskeletal pain that are often confused with each other, not only because of similar symptoms, but also because they frequently occur in the same patient, which can lead to difficulties in differential diagnosis and treatment.

Study shows that vets with PTSD are more likely to be prescribed opioids for pain.

International panel of rheumatologists provides guidance on pain management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory arthritis.

Steve Gelfand, MD, Secretary of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing (PROP; www.supportprop.org), discusses the risks and benefits of opioids for chronic noncancer pain.

Publisher's note, June 2012.