The Verbal Numeric Pain Scale: Effects of Patient Education on Self-reports of Pain

Background: Emergency department (ED) patients are frequently asked to provide a self‐report of the level of pain experienced using a verbal numeric rating scale. Objectives: To determine the effects of patient education regarding the verbal numeric rating scale on self‐reports of pain among ED patients. Methods: In this prospective, interventional study, 310 eligible ED patients with pain, aged 18 years and older, were randomized to view either a novel educational video (n= 155) or a novel print brochure (n= 155) as an educational intervention, both developed to deliver educational information about the verbal numeric pain scale and its use. Participants initially rated their pain on a scale from 0 to 10 and then were administered the educational intervention. Following the educational intervention, participants completed a survey that included demographic information, postinterventional pain score, prior pain experience, and subjective rating of the helpfulness of the educational intervention. Fifty‐five consecutive participants were enrolled as controls and received no educational intervention but gave a self‐reported triage pain score and a second pain score at an equivalent time interval. Clinical significance was defined as a decrease in pain of 2 or more points following the education. Results: Following the educational interventions, there were statistically significant, although not clinically significant, decreases in mean pain scores within each intervention group (video: mean change, 1 point [95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.7 to 1.2]; printed brochure: mean change, 0.6 points [95% CI = 0.4 to 0.8]). For participants in the control group (no intervention), there was no significant change (mean change, 0.2 points [95% CI =?0.2 to 0.5]). A clinically significant decrease in pain was seen in 28% of the video group, 23% of the brochure group, and 5% of controls. Most patients had no change (71% of the video group, 73% of the brochure group, and 89% of controls). Participants rated the helpfulness of the video educational intervention as 7.1 (95% CI = 6.7 to 7.5) and the print educational intervention as 6.7 (95% CI = 6.2 to 7.1) on a scale from 0 (least effective) to 10 (most helpful). Conclusions: Among ED participants with pain, both educational interventions (video and printed brochure) resulted in statistically and clinically significant decreased self‐reported pain scores by 2 or more points in 26% of participants compared with 5% of controls. The educational interventions were rated as helpful by participants, with no appreciable difference between the two intervention groups.     

灰阶超声联合剪切波弹性成像评估肌筋膜疼痛综合征患者肌筋膜疼痛触发点

目的 探讨灰阶超声联合剪切波弹性成像（SWE）技术评估肌筋膜疼痛综合征（MPS）患者肌筋膜疼痛触发点（MTrPs）处肌肉形态及组织学特性的价值。方法 以28例MPS患者（36个MTrPs）为病例组,33名健康志愿者（33个正常肌肉点）为对照组。由2名检查者分别测量病例组MTrPs （上斜方肌）厚度、剪切波传播速度（SWV）及杨氏模量值（E）,1名检查者测量对照组上述参数,1周后2组均重复测量。采用组内相关系数（ICC）评价2名检查者检测结果的一致性,以Pearson检验分析MPS患者疼痛视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分与上斜方肌厚度、SWV及E的相关性。结果 2名检查者重复测量一致性、时间一致性及检查者间一致性均好或优（ICC 0.73~0.98）。病例组MPS患者上斜方肌厚度、SWV及E均高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.05）。MPS患者VAS评分与上斜方肌厚度无相关性（r=0.016,P=0.945）,与SWV （r=0.709,P<0.001）、E （r=0.653,P=0.002）均呈正相关。结论 灰阶超声联合SWE可定量评估MPS患者MTrPs处肌肉形态及组织学特性。     

Remote Influences of Acupuncture on the Pain Intensity and the Amplitude Changes of Endplate Noise in the Myofascial Trigger Point of the Upper Trapezius Muscle

Chou L-W, Hsieh Y-L, Kao M-J, Hong C-Z. Remote influences of acupuncture on the pain intensity and the amplitude changes of endplate noise in the myofascial trigger point of the upper trapezius muscle.

Objective

To investigate the remote effect of acupuncture on the pain intensity and the endplate noise (EPN) recorded from a myofascial trigger point (MTrP) of the upper trapezius muscle.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

University hospital.

Participants

Patients (N=20) with active MTrPs in upper trapezius muscles and no experience in acupuncture therapy.

Interventions

Patients were divided into 2 groups. Those in the control group received sham acupuncture, and those in the acupuncture group received modified acupuncture therapy with needle insertion into multiple loci to elicit local twitch responses. The acupuncture points of Wai-guan and Qu-chi were treated.

Main Outcome Measures

Subjective pain intensity (numerical pain rating scale) and mean EPN amplitude in the MTrP of the upper trapezius muscle.

Results

The pain intensity in the MTrP was significantly reduced after remote acupuncture (from 7.4±0.8 to 3.3±1.1; P<.001), but not after sham acupuncture (from 7.4±0.8 to 7.1±0.9; P>.05). The mean EPN amplitude was significantly lower than the pretreatment level after acupuncture treatment (from 21.3±9.5μV to 9.5±3.5μV; P<.01), but not after sham acupuncture treatment (from 19.6±7.6μV to 19.3±7.8μV; P>.05). The change in the pain intensity was significantly correlated with the change of EPN amplitude (r = 0.685).

Conclusions

Both subjective changes in the pain intensity and objective changes of the EPN amplitude in the MTrP region of the upper trapezius muscle were found during and after acupuncture treatment at the remote ipsilateral acupuncture points. This study may further clarify the physiological basis of the remote effectiveness of acupuncture therapy for pain control.     

Sustained Nociceptive Mechanical Stimulation of Latent Myofascial Trigger Point Induces Central Sensitization in Healthy Subjects

The aim of the study is to test if sustained nociceptive mechanical stimulation (SNMS) of latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) induces widespread mechanical hyperalgesia. SNMS was obtained by inserting and retaining an intramuscular electromyographic (EMG) needle within a latent MTrP or a nonMTrP in the finger extensor muscle for 8 minutes in 12 healthy subjects. Pain intensity (VAS) and referred pain area induced by SNMS were recorded. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured immediately before and after, and 10-, 20-, and 30-minutes after SNMS at the midpoint of the contralateral tibialis anterior muscle. Surface and intramuscular EMG during SNMS were recorded. When compared to nonMTrPs, maximal VAS and the area under VAS curve (VASauc) were significantly higher and larger during SNMS of latent MTrPs (both, P < .05); there was a significant decrease in PPT 10 minutes, 20 minutes, and 30 minutes postSNMS of latent MTrPs (all, P < .05). Muscle cramps following SNMS of latent MTrPs were positively associated with VASauc (r = .72, P = .009) and referred pain area (r = .60, P = .03). Painful stimulation of latent MTrPs can initiate widespread central sensitization. Muscle cramps contribute to the induction of local and referred pain.     

Acupuncture for Treating Acute Attacks of Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective.— To discuss the results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of verum acupuncture in treating acute migraine attacks. Background.— Acupuncture has been used in China for centuries to treat migraine headache. Convincing evidence of its efficacy in alleviating pain, however, has been inadequate to date. Methods.— A total of 218 patients with migraine were recruited for the study; 180 met the inclusion criteria; 175 completed the callback process and were randomized into 3 groups. One group received verum acupuncture while subjects in the other 2 groups were treated with sham acupuncture. Each patient received 1 session of treatment and was observed over a period of 24 hours. The main outcome measure was the differences in visual analog scale (VAS) scores before treatment and 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 hours after treatment. Results.— Significant decreases in VAS scores from baseline were observed in the fourth hour after treatment when VAS was measured in the patients who received either verum acupuncture or sham acupunctures (P < .05). The VAS scores in the fourth hour after treatment decreased by a median of 1.0 cm, 0.5 cm, and 0.1 cm in the verum acupuncture group, sham acupuncture group 1, and sham acupuncture group 2, respectively. Similarly, there was a significant difference in the change in VAS scores from baseline in the second hour after treatment among the 3 groups (P = .006). Moreover, at the second hour after treatment, only patients treated with verum acupuncture showed significant decreases in VAS scores from baseline by a median of 0.7 cm (P < .001). Significant differences were observed in pain relief, relapse, or aggravation within 24 hours after treatment as well as in the general evaluations among the 3 groups (P < .05). Most patients in the acupuncture group experienced complete pain relief (40.7%) and did not experience recurrence or intensification of pain (79.6%). Conclusion.— Verum acupuncture treatment is more effective than sham acupuncture based on either Chinese or Western nonacupoints in reducing the discomfort of acute migraine. Verum acupuncture is also clearly effective in relieving pain and preventing migraine relapse or aggravation. These findings support the contention that there are specific physiological effects that distinguish genuine acupoints from nonacupoints.     

Cognitive Dysfunction and Depression May Decrease Activities in Daily Life More Strongly Than Pain in Community-Dwelling Elderly Adults Living With Persistent Pain

Background and Objectives: Chronic pain, dementia, and depression may reduce activities of daily life in elderly people. We evaluated the correlation between pain intensity and daily activities, cognitive state, and depression, as well as their interrelationships in home‐dwelling elderly people with chronic pain. Methods: Forty‐one elderly home‐dwelling people who suffered from long‐lasting pain, and who participated in a rehabilitation program, were enrolled. Severity of pain at rest and after pain‐provoked motion was assessed on a visual analog scale (VAS, 0 to 100) and a 5‐point verbal rating scale (VRS). Cognitive status was assessed with the mini‐mental state examination (MMSE, 0 to 30), depression on the geriatric depression scale (GDS, 0 to 15), and functional ability in daily life was assessed with the Barthel Index (0 to 100). Results: VAS and VRS scores correlated positively with each other. Rating pain at rest on the VRS (mean 1.0, median 1) correlated with severity of depression (GDS mean 5.4) (r = 0.3997, P < 0.01), while scores on the VAS did not. Pain ratings at rest did not correlate with the Barthel Index (mean 87.7), but the latter correlated positively with motion‐evoked VRS pain scores (mean 2.8, median 3) (r = 0.42829, P < 0.01). The MMSE (mean 25.3) did not correlate with any pain parameter, but it correlated positively with the Barthel Index (r = 0.3660, P < 0.05). The Barthel Index correlated negatively with the GDS (r = ?0.39969, P < 0.01). Conclusion: In home‐dwelling elderly people, chronic pain states do not seem to reduce daily activities as much as cognitive dysfunction and depression. The seemingly controversial finding of a positive correlation between daily activities and pain in motion, and lack of correlation with pain at rest, may be explained by a relatively low intensity of pain in our study people.     

Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blind, Sham Treatment-Controlled Study of the Safety and Efficacy of an Electromagnetic Field Device for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapeutic electromagnetic fields (TEMF) on chronic low back pain. Secondary objectives included the investigation of the effects of TEMF on psychometric measures. Setting: Pain Research center in an Urban Academic Rehabilitation Facility. Design: Prospective, randomized, single‐blind, placebo (sham) treatment‐controlled design in which participants were evaluated over a 6‐week period. A total of 40 subjects were randomly assigned: 20 subjects to 15 milliTESLA (mT) treatment using a prototype electromagnetic field device and 20 to sham treatment. Interventions: After a 2‐week baseline period, eligible individuals were randomized to one of the treatment groups (sham or 15 mT) for six 30‐minute treatments over 2 weeks, then a 2‐week follow‐up period. Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was the self‐report of pain severity using a 100 mm visual analog scale collected using a twice daily McGill Pain Questionnaire—Short Form. Several secondary measures were assessed. Results: Both groups (15 mT and sham) improved over time (P < 0.05). Although groups were similar during the treatment period, treated subjects (TEMF of 15 mT) improved significantly over sham treatment during the 2‐week follow‐up period (20.5% reduction in pain; F_1,34 = 10.62, P = 0.003). There were no reported serious adverse events. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that TEMF may be an effective and safe modality for the treatment of chronic low back pain disorders. More studies are needed to test this hypothesis.     

Sensory responses to mechanically and chemically induced tendon pain in healthy subjects

This investigation aimed to quantify and compare sensory responses to hypertonic saline‐induced pain in the tendoachilles and the common extensor tendon of the elbow. Healthy subjects (n =14; seven males) received in randomised order, injections of sterile saline (0.5 ml, 5.8% hypertonic or 0.9% isotonic saline) at each tendon bilaterally at two sessions separated by one week. Mechanical sensitivity (pressure pain threshold), muscle pain intensity (visual analogue scale; VAS area‐under‐curve, pain duration, peak pain) and pain distribution were assessed pre, immediately after and post saline injection. Hypertonic saline‐induced pain intensity (VAS area‐under‐curve, duration and peak) was significantly greater compared with control injections (P <0.001) and induced significantly greater VAS area (P <0.01) and longer pain duration (P <0.001) in tendoachilles compared with the common extensor tendon. Regardless of saline type and compared with pre and post injection, mechanical sensitivity increased significantly (P <0.01) immediately after injections at all injected tendon sites. Hypertonic saline‐induced referred pain was infrequent (tendoachilles: n =3 and common extensor tendon: n =4). Significant maximal force attenuation occurred immediately after hypertonic saline injections in both tendons (P <0.001) compared with control injections. The greater induced deep tissue pain and hyperalgesia demonstrated at tendoachilles compared with the common extensor tendon may relate to anatomical differences such as higher nociceptor density or increased vascular perfusion at the injection site. This translational tendon pain model may contribute to the further understanding of pain mechanisms in tendinopathic conditions.     

Pain intensity and cervical range of motion in women with myofascial pain treated with acupuncture and electroacupuncture: a double-blinded,randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND:

Acupuncture stimulates points on the body, influencing the perception of myofascial pain or altering physiologic functions.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim was to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EAC) and acupuncture (AC) for myofascial pain of the upper trapezius and cervical range of motion, using SHAM acupuncture as control.

METHOD:

Sixty women presenting at least one trigger point at the upper trapezius and local or referred pain for more than six months were randomized into EAC, AC, and SHAM groups. Eight sessions were scheduled and a follow-up was conducted after 28 days. The Visual Analog Scale assessed the intensity of local and general pain. A fleximeter assessed cervical movements. Data were analyzed using paired t or Wilcoxon''s tests, ANOVA or Friedman or Kruskal-Wallis tests and Pearson''s correlation (α=0.05).

RESULTS:

There was reduction in general pain in the EAC and AC groups after eight sessions (P<0.001). A significant decrease in pain intensity occurred for the right trapezius in all groups and for the left trapezius in the EAC and AC groups. Intergroup comparisons showed improvement in general pain in the EAC and AC groups and in local pain intensity in the EAC group (P<0.05), which showed an increase in left rotation (P=0.049). The AC group showed increases in inclination (P=0.005) sustained until follow-up and rotation to the right (P=0.032).

CONCLUSION

: EAC and AC were effective in reducing the pain intensity compared with SHAM. EAC was better than AC for local pain relief. These treatments can assist in increasing cervical range of motion, albeit subtly.     

Optimizing the design of visual analogue scales for assessing quality of life: a semi-qualitative study among Chinese-speaking Singaporeans

Objectives Current recommendations for visual analogue scale (VAS) design are largely derived from studies on pain assessment. We evaluated respondent preferences for VAS design for health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment. Methods In‐depth interviews were conducted among Chinese‐speaking rheumatology outpatients and caregivers (age ≥ 21 years) to determine preferences for the following: (1) VAS orientation (horizontal/vertical); (2) length of instructions (long/intermediate/short); (3) scale range (0–10/0–100 points); (4) indicator for computerized touchscreen VAS (bar/column). Responses in subjects expressing a preference were compared using tests of proportions. Results Among 101 subjects, more subjects preferred a horizontal over a vertical format (48 vs. 37, P = 0.23; 16 no preference), and intermediate length over long/short instructions (44 vs. 14 vs. 31, P = 0.004; 12 no preference). A scale range of 0–10 was preferred over 0–100 (62 vs. 21, P < 0.001; 18 no preference). A bar indicator was preferred over a column for computerized touchscreen VAS (54 vs. 44, P = 0.31; 3 no preference). Only presence of chronic medical conditions influenced subject preference [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 3.9 (1.6–9.6), P = 0.002]. Conclusion Chinese‐speaking subjects preferred a 0–10‐point VAS with intermediate length instructions for HRQoL assessment. Thus, a 0–10‐point VAS with intermediate length instructions may be more useful for HRQoL assessment among Chinese subjects.     

The effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of persistent regional myofascial head and neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Persistent head and neck myofascial pain is among the most frequently reported pain complaints featuring major variability in treatment approaches and perception of improvement. Acupuncture is one of the least invasive complimentary modalities that can optimize conventional treatment. The aim of this review was to determine the evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of localized persistent myofascial head and neck pain. Only randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were included. The search was conducted in PubMed, Ovid Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library in addition to manual search. The main outcome measure was the comparison of the mean pain intensity score on VAS between acupuncture and sham-needling/no intervention groups. Safety data and adherence rate were also investigated. Six RCTs were identified with variable risk of bias. All included studies reported reduction in VAS pain intensity scores in the groups receiving acupuncture when compared to sham needling/no intervention. Meta-analysis, using a weighted mean difference as the effect estimate, included only 4 RCTs, revealed a 19.04 point difference in pain intensity between acupuncture and sham-needling/no intervention (95 %CI: -29.13 to -8.95). High levels of safety were demonstrated by the low rates of side effects/withdrawal. Inconsistency in reporting of outcomes was a major limitation. In conclusion, moderate-quality evidence suggests that acupuncture may be an effective and safe method in relieving persistent head and neck myofascial pain. Optimizing study designs and standardizing outcome measures are needed for future RCTs.     

Interactions between glutamate and capsaicin in inducing muscle pain and sensitization in humans

The aim of the study was to investigate the interaction between glutamate and capsaicin in inducing muscle pain and sensitization in humans. Fifteen male volunteers participated. Glutamate or capsaicin or isotonic saline, in a paired‐sequence order, was injected randomly into the right or left masseter muscle. Two injections were given in a double‐blinded design 25min apart in 1session/week over 4 weeks: saline (A1) followed by glutamate (A2), capsaicin (B1) followed by glutamate (B2), saline (C1) followed by capsaicin (C2), and glutamate (D1) followed by capsaicin (D2). The subjects drew the area of perceived pain and scored pain intensity on a 0–10 visual analogue scale (VAS). Pressure pain threshold (PPT) at the injection site, at a site 2‐cm away, and on the contralateral side, as well as pressure pain tolerance (PPTol) at the injection site and contralateral site, were also measured before and after injection and subsequently at 5‐min intervals. Paired t‐test analyses showed that the pain drawing area was significantly smaller in the B2 compared to the A2 condition (P=0.028), and significantly larger in the D2 compared to the C2 condition (P=0.027). It also revealed significantly lower VAS peak pain intensity (P=0.008) and smaller VAS area under the curve (P=0.003) for the B2 compared to the A2 condition, and significantly higher VAS peak pain (P=0.015) and larger VAS area under the curve (P=0.037) for the D2 compared to the C2 condition. There was a significant PPT and PPTol decrease at the injection site after glutamate or capsaicin injection (ANOVA: P<0.028). The percentage decrease in PPT or PPTol (at the injection site) was not significantly different for the B2 compared to the A2 condition (Paired t‐test: P>0.682) or for the D2 compared to the C2 condition (P>0.133). Significant PPT changes were also observed at the site 2cm away, but not on the contralateral side. In conclusion, these findings indicate that intramuscular administrations of glutamate and capsaicin interact and influence pain and sensitization of muscle nociceptors: glutamate causes a sensitization to subsequent administration of capsaicin, whereas capsaicin is associated with a desensitization to subsequent injection of glutamate. These findings support previous animal data.     

Effects of dry needling on pain,pressure pain threshold and psychological distress in patients with mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo determine the changes produced by dry needling in active myofascial trigger points in hip muscles compared to a sham needling on pain intensity, main pain area, pressure pain threshold and psychological distress in patients with hip osteoarthritis.DesignSecondary analysis of a single-centre, randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial.Intervention30 participants with mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to DN group (n = 15) or sham DN group (n = 15). DN group received three sessions of penetrating DN, and sham DN group received three sessions of non-penetrating DN in hip muscles.Main outcome measures: Pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), main pain area (body chart), pressure pain threshold (algometry), psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and self-reported improvement (Global Rate of Change) were measured before and after treatment.ResultsDN group showed statistically significant improvements with large effect sizes for pain intensity (p < 0.001; E.S: 2.7), pressure pain thresholds (p < 0.05; E.S: 1.3-1.8) and psychological distress (p = 0.002; E.S: 1.5) compared to sham DN group. The DN group described a self-reported improvement categorised as quite a bit, great or very great deal better (n = 12, 80%). No statistically significant differences were found between baseline and postintervention in the sham DN group in any variable (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThree sessions of dry needling were more effective than sham dry needling for improving pain intensity, pressure pain threshold and psychological distress in patients with mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis in the short term.     

基于筋膜线理论的冲击波治疗肱骨外上髁炎临床研究

目的:以筋膜线理论为依据,本着解剖与功能的整体观,探讨冲击波法治疗肱骨外上髁炎的疗效。方法:将80例肱骨外上髁炎患者随机分为对照组和观察组,每组40例,对照组采用传统的方法(肱骨外上髁局部)进行冲击波治疗,观察组采用肌筋膜经线理论(沿臂表浅线)进行冲击波治疗。每3天1次治疗,共治疗5次。分别于治疗前、治疗后1周、1、3、6个月对2组进行视觉模拟评分(VAS)、上肢功能评分(DASH)及肱骨外上髁压痛阈值(PPT)评价。结果:治疗后1周、1、3、6个月,2组在VAS及DASH评分均较治疗前明显降低(均P0.05),观察组在治疗后各时间点VAS及DASH评分均更低于对照组(均P0.05)。2组在治疗后1周PPT与治疗前无明显变化,在治疗后1、3、6个月PPT明显提高(均P0.05),尤以观察组提高更显著(P0.05)。对照组在治疗后6个月时VAS、DASH评分及PPT较前轻度反弹,而观察组相对稳定。结论:以肌筋膜经线理论为依据,沿臂表浅线进行冲击波治疗的效果优于单纯肱骨外上髁局部治疗。     

Topographical mapping and mechanical pain sensitivity of myofascial trigger points in the infraspinatus muscle

Objectives: To screen for the presence of latent and active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in patients with unilateral shoulder and arm pain and perform topographical mapping of mechanical pain sensitivity bilaterally in the infraspinatus muscles. Methods: Nineteen patients with unilateral musculoskeletal shoulder pain participated in the study. The area overlying the infraspinatus on each side was divided into 10 adjacent sub‐areas of 1cm², corresponding to the area of a pressure algometer probe. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured in each sub‐area bilaterally in the infraspinatus muscles. Following PPT measurement, an acupuncture needle was inserted into each sub‐area five times in different directions in order to induce local twitch response and/or referred pain. Results: A significantly lower PPT level in the infraspinatus muscle was detected on the painful side compared with the non‐painful side (P=0.001). PPT at midfiber region of the infraspinatus muscles was lower than that at other muscle parts (P<0.05). Multiple, but not single, active MTrPs were found in the infraspinatus muscle on the painful side and there were also multiple latent MTrPs bilaterally in the infraspinatus muscles. PPT at active MTrPs was much lower than the latent MTrPs and again lower than the non‐MTrPs. Conclusions: There exists bilateral mechanical hyperalgesia in patients with unilateral shoulder pain. Further, the association of multiple active MTrPs with unilateral shoulder pain and the heterogeneity of mechanical pain sensitivity distribution suggest a crucial role of peripheral sensitization in chronic myofascial pain conditions. Additionally, the locations of MTrPs identified with dry needling correspond well to PPT topographical mapping, suggesting that dry needling and PPT topographical mapping are sensitive techniques in the identification of MTrPs.     

Treatment Outcomes for Workers Compensation Patients in a US‐Based Interdisciplinary Pain Management Program

Objectives: Assess the efficacy of an outpatient‐based interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program for patients with active workers compensation claims. Patients: Data were available for 101 patients, primarily with chronic low back pain (75%), who participated in the program. Methods: Treatment included a 4‐week (Monday to Friday), 8‐hours/day graded progressive program that included individual and group therapies (pain psychology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, relaxation training/biofeedback, aerobic conditioning, pool therapy, vocational counseling, patient education and medical management). Outcome measures included program completion status, release‐to‐work status, return‐to‐work status, total scores on the Beck Depression Inventory, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and the McGill Pain Questionnaire Visual Analogue Scale (MPQ VAS). The majority of the patients (65%) graduated from the program. Pre‐postoutcome data were available for those who graduated from the program. For noncompleters, last obtained MPQ VAS was compared with their initial MPQ VAS scores. Results: Of those completing the program, most patients (91%)were released to return to work; with 80% released to full‐time status and 11% released to gradual return. Approximately half (49%) of the program completers returned to work. Paired‐samples t‐tests showed that program completers had significant reductions in depression (P = 0.000), pain‐related catastrophizing (P = 0.033), and pain intensity (P = 0.000), but not in anxiety (P = 0.098). Interestingly, the last obtained (at early discharge/withdrawal) pain intensity scores (M = 70.33) were higher than at baseline (M = 61.20) in the noncompleters. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.127) but may be clinically meaningful. Discussion: Our results support the efficacy of an outpatient‐based 4‐week interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program in decreasing emotional distress, reducing pain intensity, and improving return‐to‐work status in the majority of completers in this challenging population. Patients reporting increased pain at discharge or those discharged early may have been due to operant factors.     

The psychometric properties of an Arabic numeric pain rating scale for measuring osteoarthritis knee pain

Purpose: The aims of this study were to translate the numeric rating scale (NRS) into Arabic and to evaluate the test–retest reliability and convergent validity of an Arabic Numeric Pain Rating Scale (ANPRS) for measuring pain in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

Methods: The English version of the NRS was translated into Arabic as per the translation process guidelines for patient-rated outcome scales. One hundred twenty-one consecutive patients with OA of the knee who had experienced pain for more than 6 months were asked to report their pain levels on the ANPRS, visual analogue scale (VAS), and verbal rating scale (VRS). A second assessment was performed 48 h after the first to assess test–retest reliability. The test–retest reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC_2,1). The convergent validity was assessed using Spearman rank correlation coefficient. In addition, the minimum detectable change (MDC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were also assessed.

Results: The repeatability of ANPRS was good to excellent (ICC 0.89). The SEM and MDC were 0.71 and 1.96, respectively. Significant correlations were found with the VAS and VRS scores (p?<0.01).

Conclusions: The Arabic numeric pain rating scale is a valid and reliable scale for measuring pain levels in OA of the knee.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• The Arabic Numeric Pain Rating Scale (ANPRS) is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring pain in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, with psychometric properties in agreement with other widely used scales.

• The ANPRS is well correlated with the VAS and NRS scores in patients with OA of the knee.

• The ANPRS appears to measure pain intensity similar to the VAS, NRS, and VRS and may provide additional advantages to Arab populations, as Arabic numbers are easily understood by this population.

     

Heat or Cold Packs for Neck and Back Strain: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Efficacy

Objectives: Acute back and neck strains are very common. In addition to administering analgesics, these strains are often treated with either heat or cold packs. The objective of this study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of heat and cold in relieving pain from back and neck strains. The authors hypothesized that pain relief would not differ between hot and cold packs. Methods: This was a randomized, controlled trial conducted at a university‐based emergency department (ED) with an annual census of 90,000 visits. ED patients >18 years old with acute back or neck strains were eligible for inclusion. All patients received 400 mg of ibuprofen orally and then were randomized to 30 minutes of heating pad or cold pack applied to the strained area. Outcomes of interest were pain severity before and after pack application on a validated 100‐mm visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain), percentage of patients requiring rescue analgesia, subjective report of pain relief on a verbal rating scale (VRS), and future desire for similar packs. Outcomes were compared with t‐tests and chi‐square tests. A sample of 60 patients had 80% power to detect a 15‐mm difference in pain scores. Results: Sixty patients were randomized to heat (n = 31) or cold (n = 29) therapy. Mean (±standard deviation [SD]) age was 37.8 (±14.7) years, 51.6% were female, and 66.7% were white. Groups were similar in baseline patient and pain characteristics. There were no differences between the heat and cold groups in the severity of pain before (75 mm [95% CI = 66 to 83] vs. 72 mm [95% CI = 65 to 78]; p = 0.56) or after (66 mm [95% CI = 57 to 75] vs. 64 mm [95% CI = 56 to 73]; p = 0.75) therapy. Pain was rated better or much better in 16/31 (51.6%) and 18/29 (62.1%) patients in the heat and cold groups, respectively (p = 0.27). There were no between‐group differences in the desire for and administration of additional analgesia. Twenty‐five of 31 (80.6%) patients in the heat group and 22 of 29 (75.9%) patients in the cold group would use the same therapy if injured in the future (p = 0.65). Conclusions: The addition of a 30‐minute topical application of a heating pad or cold pack to ibuprofen therapy for the treatment of acute neck or back strain results in a mild yet similar improvement in the pain severity. However, it is possible that pain relief is mainly the result of ibuprofen therapy. Choice of heat or cold therapy should be based on patient and practitioner preferences and availability. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:484–489 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine     

Dry needling of the trapezius muscle in office workers with neck pain: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Neck pain is a frequent complaint in office workers. This pain can be caused by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the trapezius muscle. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of deep dry needling (DDN) of active MTrPs in the trapezius muscle.

Methods: A randomized, single blinded clinical trial was carried out at the Physical Therapy Department at Physiotherapy in Women's Health Research Group at Physical Therapy Department of University of Alcalá, in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain. Forty-four office workers with neck pain and active MTrPs in the trapezius muscle were randomly allocated to either the DDN or the control group (CG). The participants in the DDN group were treated with DDN of all MTrPs found in the trapezius muscle. They also received passive stretch of the trapezius muscle. The CG received the same passive stretch of the trapezius muscle only. The primary outcome measure was subjective pain intensity, measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were pressure pain threshold (PPT), cervical range of motion (CROM) and muscle strength. Data were collected at baseline, after interventions and 15?days after the last treatment.

Results: Differences were found between the DDN group and the CG for the VAS (P?P?P?P?Discussion: Deep dry needling and passive stretch seems to be more effective than passive stretch only. The effects are maintained in the short term. The results support the use of DDN in the management of trapezius muscle myofascial pain syndrome in neck pain.     

Pharmacokinetic Profile and Efficacy of a Fentanyl Transdermal Delivery System for Acute Postoperative Pain after Intra-abdominal Gynecologic Surgery for Cancer

Purpose: This prospective, randomized, single‐blind study evaluated the efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile of a transdermal delivery system for fentanyl to provide relief of acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing intra‐abdominal gynecologic surgery for cancer. Methods: Forty female patients were randomized to either transdermal fentanyl 50 µg/hour (n = 20) or transdermal placebo (n = 20). Transdermal systems were placed 1 hour preoperatively and removed 25 hours later. Pain control was supplemented with a nonopioid drug, bupivacaine 0.125–0.25%, administered through an epidural catheter via patient‐controlled epidural analgesia. Serum fentanyl concentrations, bupivacaine consumption, pain scores [visual analog scale (VAS)], sedation rating score, adverse events, and physiological parameters were recorded for 48 hours postoperatively. Results: The minimum effective concentration of fentanyl in serum (0.63 ng/mL) was achieved at 11.3 ± 4.9 hours after application, and serum concentrations remained above this level until 13 hours after removal. The TTS‐F group had lower VAS pain scores and a significant 66% reduction in utilization of bupivacaine compared with placebo. Pain scores were significantly correlated with serum fentanyl concentration (P = 0.025). All physiological parameters fluctuated within normal range and no differences were observed between treatments. Adverse events were similar between the groups with only the incidence of local erythema significantly higher in the TTS‐F group (30% vs. 5%, P < 0.05), and sedation scores were significantly higher in the TTS‐F group during the immediate postoperative period. Conclusion: The transdermal therapeutic system for administration of fentanyl, combined with epidural administration of a nonopioid analgesic such as bupivacaine is effective in controlling postoperative pain after gynecologic surgery. Additionally, the safety/tolerability of this regimen was similar to placebo plus bupivacaine.