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Schmerz (Berlin, Germany) Dec 2023The pain phenomena caused by endometriosis are manifold. In addition to nociceptive pain there is also a nociplastic reaction with central sensitization. Atypical... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The pain phenomena caused by endometriosis are manifold. In addition to nociceptive pain there is also a nociplastic reaction with central sensitization. Atypical symptoms, such as acyclic lower abdominal pain, radiating pain, nonspecific bladder and intestinal complaints or even depression increasingly occur in addition to the classical cyclic complaints, such as severe dysmenorrhea, cyclic lower abdominal pain, dyspareunia, dysuria and dyschezia. Due to the diffuse range of symptoms, affected patients often consult not just gynecologists but also specialists from other disciplines (internal medicine, gastroenterology, orthopedics, pain therapy, psychology etc.).
OBJECTIVE
The complexity of endometriosis is presented. The resulting approaches to multimodal interdisciplinary holistic treatment are described.
RESULTS
Interdisciplinary concepts should be involved in the optimal treatment of endometriosis patients along with hormonal and surgical treatment, mostly under the supervision of a gynecologist and pain management, dietary changes, psychological support and physiotherapeutic management should also be included. This article provides an overview of possible treatment strategies for chronic symptomatic endometriosis.
CONCLUSION
Based on multimodal treatment strategies and regarding the complex pathophysiological alterations of this disease, the complex complaints that significantly impair the quality of life of endometriosis patients can be greatly improved.
Topics: Female; Humans; Endometriosis; Pelvic Pain; Dysmenorrhea; Quality of Life; Abdominal Pain
PubMed: 37626190
DOI: 10.1007/s00482-023-00747-0 -
Revue Medicale Suisse Aug 2023
Topics: Humans; Opiate Alkaloids; Low Back Pain; Neck Pain; Acute Pain
PubMed: 37610198
DOI: 10.53738/REVMED.2023.19.838.1530 -
Current Pain and Headache Reports Jan 2024It is essential to have validated and reliable pain measurement tools that cover a wide range of areas and are tailored to individual patients to ensure effective pain... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
It is essential to have validated and reliable pain measurement tools that cover a wide range of areas and are tailored to individual patients to ensure effective pain management. The main objective of this review is to provide comprehensive information on commonly used pain scales and questionnaires, including their usefulness, intended purpose, applicability to different patient populations, and associated advantages and disadvantages.
RECENT FINDINGS
Acute pain questionnaires typically focus on measuring the severity of pain and the extent of relief achieved through interventions. Chronic pain questionnaires evaluate additional aspects such as pain-related functional limitations, psychological distress, and psychological well-being. The selection of an appropriate pain scale depends on the specific assessment objectives. Additionally, each pain scale has its strengths and limitations. Understanding the differences among these pain scales is essential for selecting the most appropriate tool tailored to individual patient needs in different settings.
CONCLUSION
Medical professionals encounter challenges in accurately assessing pain. Physicians must be familiar with the different pain scales and their applicability to specific patient population.
Topics: Humans; Pain Measurement; Chronic Pain; Surveys and Questionnaires; Acute Pain; Pain Management; Disability Evaluation
PubMed: 38060102
DOI: 10.1007/s11916-023-01195-2 -
Cephalalgia : An International Journal... Aug 2023Primary headache syndromes such as migraine are among the most common neurological syndromes. Chronic facial pain syndromes of non-odontogenic cause are less well known... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Primary headache syndromes such as migraine are among the most common neurological syndromes. Chronic facial pain syndromes of non-odontogenic cause are less well known to neurologists despite being highly disabling. Given the pain localization, these patients often consult dentists first who may conduct unnecessary dental interventions even if a dental cause is not identified. Once it becomes clear that dental modalities have no effect on the pain, patients may be referred to another dentist or orofacial pain specialist, and later to a neurologist. Unfortunately, neurologists are also often not familiar with chronic orofacial pain syndromes although they share the neural system, i.e., trigeminal nerve and central processing areas for headache disorders.
CONCLUSION
In essence, three broad groups of orofacial pain patients are important for clinicians: (i) Attack-like orofacial pain conditions, which encompass neuralgias of the cranial nerves and less well-known facial variants of primary headache syndromes; (ii) persistent orofacial pain disorders, including neuropathic pain and persistent idiopathic facial/dentoalveolar pain; and (iii) other differential diagnostically relevant orofacial pain conditions encountered by clinicians such as painful temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, sinus pain, dental pain, and others which may interfere (trigger) and overlap with headache. It is rewarding to know and recognize the clinical picture of these facial pain syndromes, given that, just like for headache, an internationally accepted classification system has been published and many of these syndromes can be treated with medications generally used by neurologists for other pain syndromes.
Topics: Humans; Trigeminal Neuralgia; Syndrome; Facial Pain; Neuralgia; Facial Neuralgia; Headache; Headache Disorders; Chronic Pain
PubMed: 37548299
DOI: 10.1177/03331024231187160 -
American Family Physician Aug 2023Acute pelvic pain is defined as noncyclic, intense pain localized to the lower abdomen and/or pelvis, with a duration of less than three months. Signs and symptoms are...
Acute pelvic pain is defined as noncyclic, intense pain localized to the lower abdomen and/or pelvis, with a duration of less than three months. Signs and symptoms are often nonspecific. The differential diagnosis is broad, based on the patient's age and pregnancy status and gynecologic vs. nongynecologic etiology. Nongynecologic etiologies include gastrointestinal, urinary, and musculoskeletal conditions. Urgent gynecologic conditions include ectopic pregnancy, ruptured ovarian cyst, adnexal torsion, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Approximately 40% of ectopic pregnancies are misdiagnosed at the presenting visit. Urgent nongynecologic conditions include appendicitis and pyelonephritis. Less urgent etiologies include sexually transmitted infections, pelvic floor myofascial pain, dysmenorrhea, and muscle strain. Approximately 15% of untreated chlamydia infections lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. History and physical examination findings guide laboratory testing. Questions should focus on the type, onset, location, and radiation of pain; timing and duration of symptoms; aggravating and relieving factors; and associated symptoms. Performing a urine pregnancy test or beta human chorionic gonadotropin test is an important first step for sexually active, premenopausal patients. Imaging options should be considered, with transvaginal ultrasonography first, followed by computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging can be useful if ultrasonography and computed tomography are nondiagnostic.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease; Pelvic Pain; Acute Pain; Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; Dysmenorrhea; Pregnancy, Ectopic
PubMed: 37590858
DOI: No ID Found -
Schmerz (Berlin, Germany) Dec 2023The use of yoga, especially as an intervention for chronic pain, is increasing worldwide. Available data on chronic low back pain, within limits also for chronic neck... (Review)
Review
The use of yoga, especially as an intervention for chronic pain, is increasing worldwide. Available data on chronic low back pain, within limits also for chronic neck pain and certain types of headache, show statistically significant positive effects related to pain intensity and pain-related impairments. The data provide evidence that yoga is at least equal in efficacy and safety to other exercise interventions as well as individualized physical therapy. The dose of the intervention seems to be of secondary importance, but the establishment of a long-term independent practice after initial supervision seems to be essential; however, for other pain disorders there is still a need for research.
Topics: Humans; Chronic Pain; Yoga; Treatment Outcome; Low Back Pain; Neck Pain
PubMed: 37380760
DOI: 10.1007/s00482-023-00733-6 -
European Journal of Pharmacology Sep 2023Pain is a ubiquitous and highly concerned clinical symptom, usually caused by peripheral or central nervous injury, tissue damage, or other diseases. The long-term... (Review)
Review
Pain is a ubiquitous and highly concerned clinical symptom, usually caused by peripheral or central nervous injury, tissue damage, or other diseases. The long-term existence of pain can seriously affect daily physical function and quality of life and produce great torture on the physiological and psychological levels. However, the complex pathogenesis of pain involving molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways has not been fully elucidated, and managing pain remains highly challenging. As a result, finding new targets to pursue effective and long-term pain treatment strategies is required and urgent. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation and recycling process that maintains tissue homeostasis and energy supply, which can be cytoprotective and is vital in maintaining neural plasticity and proper nervous system function. Much evidence has shown that autophagy dysregulation is linked to the emergence of neuropathic pain, such as postherpetic neuralgia and cancer-related pain. Autophagy has also been connected to pain caused by osteoarthritis and lumbar disc degeneration. It is worth noting that in recent years, studies on traditional Chinese medicine have also proved that several traditional Chinese medicine monomers involve autophagy in the mechanism of pain relief. Therefore, autophagy can serve as a potential regulatory target to provide new ideas and inspiration for pain management.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Neuralgia; Neuralgia, Postherpetic; Cancer Pain; Autophagy
PubMed: 37429517
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175859 -
Biomolecules Apr 2024This article examines the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the control of nociception and pain. BDNF, a neurotrophin known for its... (Review)
Review
This article examines the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the control of nociception and pain. BDNF, a neurotrophin known for its essential role in neuronal survival and plasticity, has garnered significant attention for its potential implications as a modulator of synaptic transmission. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into the multifaceted interactions between BDNF and pain pathways, encompassing both physiological and pathological pain conditions. I delve into the molecular mechanisms underlying BDNF's involvement in pain processing and discuss potential therapeutic applications of BDNF and its mimetics in managing pain. Furthermore, I highlight recent advancements and challenges in translating BDNF-related research into clinical practice.
Topics: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Humans; Nociception; Pain; Animals; Neuronal Plasticity
PubMed: 38785946
DOI: 10.3390/biom14050539 -
Fortschritte Der Neurologie-Psychiatrie Jul 2023Chronic back pain is one of the most common diseases in Germany. In many cases, no morphological change is found, so that the genesis remains unspecific in over 90% of... (Review)
Review
Chronic back pain is one of the most common diseases in Germany. In many cases, no morphological change is found, so that the genesis remains unspecific in over 90% of patients. This article is intended to provide an overview of drug therapy as well as non-drug measures and summarizes the corresponding guideline recommendations.
Topics: Humans; Back Pain; Chronic Pain; Evidence-Based Medicine; Germany; Low Back Pain
PubMed: 37463575
DOI: 10.1055/a-2055-5322 -
MMW Fortschritte Der Medizin May 2024
Topics: Humans; Empathy; Physician-Patient Relations; Back Pain; Low Back Pain
PubMed: 38693373
DOI: 10.1007/s15006-024-3886-3