Acute Pain

The brain chemical typically associated with emotions and other functions may be to blame for boosting chronic pain.

The opioid epidemic began nearly 30 years ago and since that time small steps have been taken to reverse its effects. The question remains whether too much damage has already been done to fix the problems in a timely manner.

For many years the dangers of opioid addiction have been well known. Taking the steps needed to reverse its impact has been slower in taking hold across the country.

When a 29-year-old man began experiencing chronic pain in his left thumb, the reason why proved to be anything but routine.

A new poll from the National Sleep Foundation reveals that pain joins two related concerns -- stress and poor health -- as key correlates of shorter sleep duration and worse sleep quality.

What is currently considered to be the "gold standard" for post-shoulder surgery pain management may not be as effective as what once was believed.

Many clinicians and academicians believe that stipulation for random urine drug testing should be a part of any opioid agreement, with UDT serving the dual purposes of ensuring compliance with prescribed opioids as well as monitoring use of illicit drugs and non-prescribed medications.

The third part in a series looking at the risk associated with the prescribing of opioid medications.

Prescription opioid analgesics play an important and legitimate role for surgical patients, and proper use by surgeons ensures that patients find the pain relief they need with few adverse events.

Continuing looking at what has become a pervasive problem in the medical community.

Researchers are testing promising new biologic agents that target different aspects of the inflammatory pathway in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Although several medications and dietary factors have been implicated, as causes of gout, much of the risk of developing the condition is controlled through genetics, and the pathophysiology of the disease is incompletely understood.

Alasdair Coles, MD, University of Cambridge, shares his thoughts on the efficacy of alemtuzumab for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the 2014 Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting in Boston.

Mikkel Anthonisan, MD, highlights his experience as the founder of Oceans of Hope, a global voyage to change the perception of multiple sclerosis, at the 2014 Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting.

When autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis attack a patient's body from the inside it can be a difficult reminder of how hard it can be to treat a condition from the inside out.

Many guidelines recommend the use of acetaminophen (called paracetamol in Europe) and/or NSAIDs for the treatment of acute low back pain. The reason for this is acetaminophen and NSAIDs are relatively safe and effective with regard to managing musculoskeletal pain. This study determined the efficacy of acetaminophen alone vs. placebo for acute low back pain.

While opioids represent an important tool in treating pain, it would be foolish to not acknowledge that opioids and opioid prescribing are fraught with potential hazards. However, through the development of a strong risk mitigation platform, primary care physicians can minimize the risks to their patients, as well as to their own practices.

This is a 60-year-old male with a 30-year history of bone pain. He had bilateral hip replacements 2 and 3 years earlier with no complications, but he has continued to have severe back pain.

The International Antiviral Society–USA Panel has released its 2014 report, which provided clinical recommendations to stop HIV transmission.

When a patient arrives at a hospital or other urgent care center, there are seemingly endless tests that can be undertaken to appropriately diagnose the patient. A recent study reviewed the necessity of some tests, particularly in regard to acute, nonspecific lower back pain.

Clinicians who treat patients suffering with osteoarthritis pain have a new low-dose nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) option at their disposal. Zorvolex (diclofenac) was developed to meet prevailing FDA recommendations regarding NSAID dosing and treatment duration.

The cannabis-based multiple sclerosis drug Sativex has been recommended for use in Wales, making it the first in the United Kingdom to do so. The drug awaits final approval from the government.

Whether taken regularly or as needed, acetaminophen for acute low-back pain was no more effective than placebo in a large randomized trial.

Although small-bowel capsule endoscopy is often used to evaluate unexplained abdominal pain, a new analysis has found the procedure's diagnostic yield is limited.

Molecular changes seen in animal models of radiculopathy may help explain the transition from acute inflammatory pain to chronic neuropathic pain.

For patients enduring constant pain in their ankles caused by arthritis, there could be relief on the horizon as medical science works to develop better ankle replacement procedures.