Cannabis for chronic pain: cardiovascularsafety in a nationwide Danish study
The recreational use of cannabis has been associated with increased cardiovascular risks, but less is known about the risks with medical cannabis for chronic pain. Using a Danish registry of >1.8 million patients with chronic pain, the use of medical cannabis was associated with a 2-fold higher risk of developing new-onset arrhythmias within 6 months […]
Differentiating Migraine, Cervicogenic Headache and Asymptomatic Individuals Based on Physical Examination Findings
Migraine and Cervicogenic headache (CGH) are common but often hard to differentiate due to overlapping symptoms. This review aims to evaluate physical examination differences between migraine, CGH, and asymptomatic individuals.
NSAIDs in CKD: Are They Safe?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients face unique challenges in pain management. Their altered drug processing and limited safety data for pain medications complicate treatment. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were historically avoided due to potential kidney damage,alternative options like opioids raise concerns. This review explores the potential benefits and risks of NSAID use in CKD patients, considering […]
Promoting Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in Pain Science
Historically, the fields of science and medicine have perpetuated discriminatory views based on race, ethnicity, and gender. Marginalized individuals have often been overlooked and mistreated. It’s time to change that narrative.
A Resounding Success: Recap of the 2024 PainSA Congress in Durban
The PainSA Congress in Durban this year was a resounding success! We at PainSA want to express our sincere gratitude to all the members who attended and made the event so informative and engaging. The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive, and attendance was significantly higher than last year. This year’s Congress delivered on its promise, featuring: · A […]
Reviewing the Potential Role of Artificial Intelligence in Delivering Personalized and Interactive Pain Medicine Education for Chronic Pain Patients
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more widespread in the medical field. This fascinating article explores some of the benefits and future directions of AI in the patient education of pain.
Scientific Evidence-Based Effects of Hydrotherapy on Various Systems of the Body
Hydrotherapy uses water (liquid, ice, steam) at various temperatures and pressures to treat health conditions. It’s an ancient practice used worldwide, but scientific evidence is lacking. This review aimed to gather existing research on hydrotherapy’s effects on different body systems.
The Importance of Stress in the Paradigm Shift From a Tissue- and Disease-based Pain Management Approach Towards Multimodal Lifestyle Interventions For Chronic Pain
Despite its impact on immune health, many clinicians hesitate to address stress (intolerance) in chronic pain patients, presenting an opportunity to integrate stress science into clinical practice. This editorial will discuss the emerging role of stress (intolerance) and its management in chronic pain patients.
Osteoarthritis In People Over 16
Osteoarthritis is a prevalent condition causing joint pain and stiffness, affecting millions. This article summarizes the latest NICE guidelines for diagnosing and managing the condition. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.p24
The Use of Very-Low-Dose Methadone for Palliative Pain Control and the Prevention of Opioid Hyperalgesia
Opioid dose escalation may cause hyperalgesia, mediated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) pathway. Methadone is an atypical opioid that inhibits hyperalgesia through NMDA blockade, especially at low doses. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of using very-low-dose methadone as the sole long-acting opioid agent in a hospice practice.