The Pain Monitor is a monthly electronic publication of the American Pain Foundation. We want to keep you abreast of recent media attention given to topics that are related to pain care or living with pain. This information is provided for educational and information purposes only. Readers may wish to print the information and discuss it with their doctor. Always consult with health care providers before starting or changing any treatment. Below are links to news articles, feature stories and timely information that have come to our attention. Please pass them along to others who might benefit. We encourage you to send any comments you may have to the authors or publishers directly. Every voice counts when working towards improving pain care in our nation.
NEWS
Pain Community News - Now Available
The Summer 2010 edition of APF's quarterly newsletter is now available. Articles include Spotlight on Back Pain; Ouch, My Aching Back; Top 10 Tips: Preventing and Finding Relief from Back Pain; Back Pain at a Glance; Pain & Sleep; Healing with H2O; Q&A: Ask an Integrative Medicine Expert; International Focus on Pain Care, Part 2: A Conversation with Judith Paice, PhD, RN; Volunteer Corner; 2010 Advocacy Summit: A Resounding Success - Inspiring and Prompting Action; and Book Reivew: Managing Pain Before It Manages You. This online issue has been reformatted to make it easier to print.
The traditional PDF version is available in our Pain Community News archive. This issue is also available as an e-publication, allowing readers to virtually flip through its pages. Take a read and be sure to click the icon for “full screen” at the bottom left side of the screen. You can also zoom in and out as needed.
Why Does Feeling Low Hurt? Depressed Mood Increases the Perception of Pain
When it comes to pain, the two competing schools of thought are that it's either "all in your head" or "all in your body." A new study indicates that, instead, pain is an amalgam of the two.
Chronic Pain and Illness Have Negative Psychological Effects, Not Just Physical
Chronic pain and chronic illnesses both can be extremely detrimental to an individual's mental health. The experience of feeling constant pain and/or experiencing fatigue, exhaustion, and lifestyle limitations can be demoralizing and isolating to the individual suffering.
FDA Approves Opioid Patch for Chronic Pain
The Food and Drug Administration approved Butran Transdermal System CIII for the management of moderate to severe chronic pain in individuals requiring a continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesic for an extended period of time. Butrans is an analgesic patch that delivers continuous release of medication for seven days.
When Pain Becomes Chronic
Millions of Americans suffer from a hurting that doesn't go away. The consequences can be devastating.
All About Gout: Are You at Risk?
Gout can be painful, frustrating, and debilitating. Find out the causes, symptoms, and treatments of gout.
Gout Survey Offers Peek at the Pain
Most gout patients believe the disease isn't taken seriously and that their complaints of pain are often dismissed as overreaction, survey finds.
Botox Offers a Shot of Pain Relief
Toxin being used for more than cosmetic procedures.
Evaluation of Treatments for Muscle Cramps
A new American Academy of Neurology guideline that evaluates treatments for muscle cramps advises against the use of the drug quinine, an anti-malarial drug that has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pediatric Team Targets Kids' Pain
North Carolina pain management approach gains popularity.
More Time with the Computer and TV Could Mean More Back Pain and Headaches for Teens
Teens and screens are often inseparable, but there could be a price to pay for all that time spent in front of the television and computer. A new study finds that, for adolescents, there may be an association between screen time and back pain and headaches.
Clearing the Air on Cluster Headaches
They've been called more painful than broken bones, burns, or intense back pain from childbirth. They've been compared to having a red-hot poker stuck through your eye. We're not talking about commonplace stress headaches, or the spinal headaches some people get as a result of spinal anesthesia, or even severe, chronic migraines. These “worst of the worst” headaches are called cluster headaches.
Exercise is Beneficial for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Aerobic cardio exercise is safe for patients coping with rheumatoid arthritis, a new French review of prior research suggests. The study, published in the July issue of Arthritis Care & Research, also found that regular exercise can lead to less joint pain, higher functioning and an improved quality of life overall for these patients.
Studies Confirm Vitamin D Impact on Rheumatism
Several studies recently presented at the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism in Rome, Italy confirmed that vitamin D deficiency is a common feature in patients with a range of painful rheumatic and related autoimmune disorders. What is less clear, however, is the amount of vitamin D supplementation that would provide a benefit.
Rheumatoid Arthritis on the Rise in Women
One of the most common forms of arthritis is on the rise among women in the U.S., according to a study. Researchers found cases of rheumatoid arthritis in women increased by 2.5% per year from 1995 to 2007, while it fell in men by 0.5%.
New National Survey Reveals Significant Decline in the Misuse of Prescription Drugs
The misuse of prescription drugs decreased significantly between 2007 and 2008 among those aged 12 and older, including among adolescents, according to 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. However, the national survey showed that the overall level of current illicit drug use has remained level at about 8 percent.
How Susceptible are Young U.S. Consumers to Purchasing Drugs From Rogue Internet Pharmacies?
Websites of many rogue sellers of medications are accessible through links in email spam messages or via web search engines. This study examined how well students enrolled in a U.S. higher education institution could identify clearly unsafe pharmacies. At least a quarter of participants could not see multiple signs of danger displayed by rogue Internet pharmacies; many more are likely to be misled by online sellers that use professional design, veil untrustworthy features, and mimic reputable websites. (Please read our Q&A: Keeping the Internet Safe for Pain Medication Access.)
Virtual Autopsies in Utah Shed Light on Pain
There has been a multi-year campaign in Utah to educate health care providers and patients about the safe use of pain medication. As part of the project, interviews were conducted with surviving friends and relatives of people with chronic pain who had died of an overdose of their prescribed pain medication. It is hoped that these finding will provide insights to reduce treatment-related mortality in patients who require opioids for chronic pain management.
The Pain Monitor is a monthly electronic publication of the American Pain Foundation. We want to keep you abreast of recent media attention given to topics that are related to pain care or living with pain. This information is provided for educational and information purposes only. Readers may wish to print the information and discuss it with their doctor. Always consult with health care providers before starting or changing any treatment. Below are links to news articles, feature stories and timely information that have come to our attention. Please pass them along to others who might benefit. We encourage you to send any comments you may have to the authors or publishers directly. Every voice counts when working towards improving pain care in our nation.
NEWS
Pain Community News - Now Available
The Summer 2010 edition of APF's quarterly newsletter is now available. Articles include Spotlight on Back Pain; Ouch, My Aching Back; Top 10 Tips: Preventing and Finding Relief from Back Pain; Back Pain at a Glance; Pain & Sleep; Healing with H2O; Q&A: Ask an Integrative Medicine Expert; International Focus on Pain Care, Part 2: A Conversation with Judith Paice, PhD, RN; Volunteer Corner; 2010 Advocacy Summit: A Resounding Success - Inspiring and Prompting Action; and Book Reivew: Managing Pain Before It Manages You. This online issue has been reformatted to make it easier to print.
The traditional PDF version is available in our Pain Community News archive. This issue is also available as an e-publication, allowing readers to virtually flip through its pages. Take a read and be sure to click the icon for “full screen” at the bottom left side of the screen. You can also zoom in and out as needed.
Why Does Feeling Low Hurt? Depressed Mood Increases the Perception of Pain
When it comes to pain, the two competing schools of thought are that it's either "all in your head" or "all in your body." A new study indicates that, instead, pain is an amalgam of the two.
Chronic Pain and Illness Have Negative Psychological Effects, Not Just Physical
Chronic pain and chronic illnesses both can be extremely detrimental to an individual's mental health. The experience of feeling constant pain and/or experiencing fatigue, exhaustion, and lifestyle limitations can be demoralizing and isolating to the individual suffering.
FDA Approves Opioid Patch for Chronic Pain
The Food and Drug Administration approved Butran Transdermal System CIII for the management of moderate to severe chronic pain in individuals requiring a continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesic for an extended period of time. Butrans is an analgesic patch that delivers continuous release of medication for seven days.
When Pain Becomes Chronic
Millions of Americans suffer from a hurting that doesn't go away. The consequences can be devastating.
All About Gout: Are You at Risk?
Gout can be painful, frustrating, and debilitating. Find out the causes, symptoms, and treatments of gout.
Gout Survey Offers Peek at the Pain
Most gout patients believe the disease isn't taken seriously and that their complaints of pain are often dismissed as overreaction, survey finds.
Botox Offers a Shot of Pain Relief
Toxin being used for more than cosmetic procedures.
Evaluation of Treatments for Muscle Cramps
A new American Academy of Neurology guideline that evaluates treatments for muscle cramps advises against the use of the drug quinine, an anti-malarial drug that has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pediatric Team Targets Kids' Pain
North Carolina pain management approach gains popularity.
More Time with the Computer and TV Could Mean More Back Pain and Headaches for Teens
Teens and screens are often inseparable, but there could be a price to pay for all that time spent in front of the television and computer. A new study finds that, for adolescents, there may be an association between screen time and back pain and headaches.
Clearing the Air on Cluster Headaches
They've been called more painful than broken bones, burns, or intense back pain from childbirth. They've been compared to having a red-hot poker stuck through your eye. We're not talking about commonplace stress headaches, or the spinal headaches some people get as a result of spinal anesthesia, or even severe, chronic migraines. These “worst of the worst” headaches are called cluster headaches.
Exercise is Beneficial for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Aerobic cardio exercise is safe for patients coping with rheumatoid arthritis, a new French review of prior research suggests. The study, published in the July issue of Arthritis Care & Research, also found that regular exercise can lead to less joint pain, higher functioning and an improved quality of life overall for these patients.
Studies Confirm Vitamin D Impact on Rheumatism
Several studies recently presented at the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism in Rome, Italy confirmed that vitamin D deficiency is a common feature in patients with a range of painful rheumatic and related autoimmune disorders. What is less clear, however, is the amount of vitamin D supplementation that would provide a benefit.
Rheumatoid Arthritis on the Rise in Women
One of the most common forms of arthritis is on the rise among women in the U.S., according to a study. Researchers found cases of rheumatoid arthritis in women increased by 2.5% per year from 1995 to 2007, while it fell in men by 0.5%.
New National Survey Reveals Significant Decline in the Misuse of Prescription Drugs
The misuse of prescription drugs decreased significantly between 2007 and 2008 among those aged 12 and older, including among adolescents, according to 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. However, the national survey showed that the overall level of current illicit drug use has remained level at about 8 percent.
How Susceptible are Young U.S. Consumers to Purchasing Drugs From Rogue Internet Pharmacies?
Websites of many rogue sellers of medications are accessible through links in email spam messages or via web search engines. This study examined how well students enrolled in a U.S. higher education institution could identify clearly unsafe pharmacies. At least a quarter of participants could not see multiple signs of danger displayed by rogue Internet pharmacies; many more are likely to be misled by online sellers that use professional design, veil untrustworthy features, and mimic reputable websites. (Please read our Q&A: Keeping the Internet Safe for Pain Medication Access.)
Virtual Autopsies in Utah Shed Light on Pain
There has been a multi-year campaign in Utah to educate health care providers and patients about the safe use of pain medication. As part of the project, interviews were conducted with surviving friends and relatives of people with chronic pain who had died of an overdose of their prescribed pain medication. It is hoped that these finding will provide insights to reduce treatment-related mortality in patients who require opioids for chronic pain management.
Fibromyalgia
Is Fibro the Cause? A Toolkit for People Living with Fibromyalgia
Do you or a loved one have pain all over? Do you feel overly tired or have difficulties concentrating? If so, fibromyalgia may be the cause. The American Pain Foundation (APF) developed this toolkit to help you learn more about fibromyalgia, how to recognize signs and symptoms and seek treatment. This guide is full of helpful articles, tips and resources. Use our new worksheet, Is Fibro the Cause?, to help track your symptoms and talk with your health care provider. Don't forget to use APF's Targeting Chronic Pain Notebook to keep track of your pain and how it affects you each day.
Let's Talk Pain
Communication Skills Aid in Expressing Pain
Some individuals with special needs may lack the necessary communication skills to express their wants, needs, or feelings. They may not be able to alert others to the fact that they are experiencing a physical problem.
Military/Veterans
Chronic Pain Often Follows U.S. Soldiers Home
Many vets may believe they should have to live in pain doing just that. About nine in 10 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who registered for care with the Department of Veterans Affairs are experiencing pain. APF Action Network Leader Darisse Smith, a former Army captain, helicopter pilot and triathlete, was one of them.
Yoga
Yoga For Pain Relief
While we are advancing literally every single day in this field, there are some things that we delve into the past to re-evaluate, like yoga for pain relief.
SCIENCE & MEDICINE
Evidence-based Review of Radiofrequency Ablation Techniques for Chronic Sacroiliac Joint Pain
SI joint pain is a common cause of axial low back pain, affecting between 15% and 25% of people. In patients who obtain significant but short-term benefit from diagnostic blocks, RF denervation may provide a reasonable treatment alternative.
Integrative Approaches to Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome whose diagnosis and treatment are complex and challenging to many clinicians A comprehensive, integrative care program for the person with fibromyalgia that recognizes body, mind, and spirit can encourage favorable outcomes.
The Face of a Mouse in Pain
Have you ever wanted to know whether a mouse is in pain? It turns out that mice, just like people, display a distinctive "Ouch!" facial expression when they're suffering acute pain. It consists of narrowing of the eyes, bulging nose and cheeks, ears pulled back, and whiskers either pulled back or forwards.
Topical NSAIDs Provide Effective Local Pain Relief
A new systematic review conducted by Cochrane Researchers shows that topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are more effective than placebos for treating short-term pain and have few side effects.
COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
Movement Therapies May Reduce Chronic Pain
Yoga, tai chi, qigong and other exercises appear to help people suffering from cancer, arthritis, fybromyalgia, multiple sclerosis and other problems.
Chiropractic Care and Alternative Treatments Provide Immense Relief for Back Pain
A new study conducted discovered that a vast mass of persons who are treated with CAM therapies for back pain state receive immense advantages from the treatments.
Reiki Draws on Body's Own Energy to Promote Healing
The hands-on alternative healing practice called Reiki is based on the idea that people have an energy source that supports the body's ability to heal itself. Reiki practitioners help guide people to their energy source by placing their hands lightly on or just above the body in a series of 12 to 15 positions until they feel the flow of energy.
Meditation Reduces the Emotional Impact of Pain
Massage therapy is one of many holistic health-care practices that address pain. New research shows people who meditate regularly find pain less unpleasant because their brains anticipate the pain less.
EVENTS
Public
August 28-29, 2010
Facial Pain Association National Conference
Rochester, MN
October 21-23, 2010
Alliance of State Pain Initiatives 21st Annual Meeting: A Decade of Change
Atlanta, GA
Professional
July 30, 2010
Southern California Cancer Pain Initiative
5th Annual Promoting Excellence in Pain Management & Palliative Care for Social Workers
Duarte, CA
August 21 - 26, 2010
Intensive Review of the Specialty of Pain Medicine
Chicago, IL
August 27 - 29, 2010
2nd International Course on Pain Medicine
Montreal, Canada
August 29 - September 2, 2010
International Association for the Study of Pain
Montreal, Canada
September 8 - 11, 2010
PAIN Week 2010
Las Vegas, NV
September 21-24
American Academy of Pain Management
Las Vegas, NV
September 22-25
American Society for Pain Management Nursing
Minneapolis, MN
September 22 - 24, 2010
American Association of Integrative Medicine
2010 National Conference
Orlando, FL
September 24, 2010
5th Annual Florida Pain Summit
Orlando, FL
September 24, 2010
2nd Annual Pain and Palliative Care Conference: Challenges of Caring for the Chronically Ill
Grand Rapids, MI
October 5-8, 2010
18th International Congress on Palliative Care
Montréal, Canada
November 2-3, 2010
Capital Hospice 12th Annual Josefina Magno Conference
Breathing In, Breathing Out: Inspiration for Holistic Care
Springfield, VA
November 11-14, 2010
International Multidisciplinary Forum on Palliative Care
Budapest, Hungary
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