March 2012

Many first-line agents shown to be effective in treating neuropathic pain in other settings are ineffective in managing HIV-related neuropathies.

Opioid analgesics are commonly prescribed for patients suffering with migraine, despite concerns over the risk of addiction, dependence, medication-overuse headache, and other factors.

Studies show that treatment with transdermal buprenorphine is associated with improvements in measures of pain intensity in patients with chronic lower back pain.

The aching, pain, and stiffness that characterize polymyalgia rheumatica are also associated with other rheumatic conditions and illnesses frequently seen in older patients, making diagnosis difficult.

A look at postherpetic neuralgia and shingles statistics, including the annual number of cases of shingles in America, rate of recurrence and the chance that an American will develop shingles in his or her lifetime.

A guest editorial by Cynthia Toussaint. "If the Affordable Care Act survives the impending legal challenges and is fully implemented, it will eliminate a major barrier to health care by increasing access to care for millions of Americans suffering with chronic pain."

Observers have repeatedly identified several barriers to adequate cancer pain relief and suggested areas for improvement, yet studies continue to reveal that cancer pain is often undertreated.

Insomnia, disordered sleep, and other sleep disturbances are frequently seen in patients with fibromyalgia, and are often associated with increased daytime fatigue and pain.

Publisher's note, March 2012.