Breaking News

This section includes a wide variety of pain management stories, arranged by date and type (not significance), which have appeared in the popular media (print, broadcast, and on-line) in the last month. Because of the volume of stories, only the first few are included on the main page. Be sure to click on "More Stories" at the bottom of each front page section.

Pain Stories In The News

OxyContin makers admit deception: addiction danger from painkiller was understated
May 11, 2007
The manufacturer of the potent painkiller OxyContin and three current and former executives at the company yesterday pleaded guilty to falsely marketing the drug in a way that played down its addictive properties and led to scores of people becoming addicted. Story

Priced out of pain relief: insurers balk at high costs of promising new treatments
May 8, 2007
Health insurers routinely require patients to pay a portion of their medication costs. But the stakes are becoming a lot higher as an increasing number of high-priced biologic drugs come to market. Story

7 More Pain Stories In The News

Pain Studies In The News

Percutaneous radiofrequency treatment effective for refractory pain syndromes:
May 4, 2007
Percutaneous conventional radiofrequency (CRF) and pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) are minimally invasive and safe procedures that provide substantial pain relief in patients for a prolonged period when carefully selected and precisely performed. Story

Employers who recognize the impact of migraine may help to improve workplace productivity
May 3, 2007
Data presented today at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology reinforced the benefit for employers to acknowledge and assess the impact of migraine to potentially improve workplace productivity. Story

29 More Pain Studies In The News

Policy and Law

Pain doctor is guilty of drug trafficking: in retrial, physician convicted again of prescribing large quantities of narcotics
April 28, 2007
William E. Hurwitz was convicted yesterday for the second time of trafficking in narcotics, handing prosecutors another victory in a nationwide debate over the prescribing of dangerous narcotics to patients who may abuse or sell the medication. Story

Prescription Addiction, Diversion, and Abuse

Methadone-associated deaths not caused primarily by methadone diverted from methadone treatment programs
April 11, 2007
Methadone-associated deaths are not being caused primarily by methadone diverted from methadone treatment programs, according to a panel of experts convened by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Story

For Your Patients

How do shoes affect your feet?
May 8, 2007
In the centuries since our ancestors first wrapped their feet in woven grasses and animal skins to protect them from rough surfaces, function has clashed with fashion in the design of our shoes. The crocodile-hide loafers and cowboy boots that cross paths with dress oxfords on today's city streets are often chosen for what they say about their wearer rather than for comfort. Story

News From Industry Sources

Tart cherries provide natural and tasty alternative to supplements for arthritis
May 8, 2007
The same compounds that make cherries red are also responsible for the anti-inflammatory benefits. Anthocyanins appear to help reduce inflammation and aid in the prevention, management or treatment of arthritis and gout. Story

Cluster headache pain reduced with zolmitriptan nasal spray: presented at AAN
May 8, 2007
Zolmitriptan nasal spray is effective therapy for the difficult-to-treat and severe condition known as cluster headache. Story

9 More News From Industry Sources Stories

Research Abstracts Stay up-to-date on the latest research! This section of Currents offers complete abstracts on a wide variety of pain and pain management topics that have been selected from the National Library of Medicine. All Abstracts

Some include:

Brushwood DB.
Debunking myths of negligence in pain management practice. Abstract

Fishman SM.
Aspirin, NSAIDs, and COX-2 inhibitors, glucosamine and chondroitin, neurontin for pain, antidepressants for pain, topical analgesics: Ben Gay versus capsaicin. Abstract

Forrest JB, Nickel JC, Moldwin RM.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome and male interstitial cystitis: enigmas and opportunities. Abstract

Nalamachu S, Crockett RS, Gammaitoni AR, et al.
A comparison of the lidocaine patch 5% vs naproxen 500 mg twice daily for the relief of pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome: a 6-week, randomized, parallel-group study. Abstract

Shin BC, Ha CH, Song YS, et al.
Effectiveness of combining manual therapy and acupuncture on temporomandibular joint dysfunction: a retrospective study. Abstract

Wasan AD, Butler SF, Budman SH, et al.
Psychiatric history and psychologic adjustment as risk factors for aberrant drug-related behavior among patients with chronic pain. Abstract

Whitman SM.
Pain and suffering as viewed by the Hindu religion. Abstract

249 More Research Abstracts

Legislative and Administrative Updates

Branch of Government: (New York) State Assembly
Title: Assembly Bill 6811
Summary: Requires health care professionals to order, prescribe, administer and dispense pain-relieving medications in accordance with professional standards and guidelines.
Sponsor: Gottfried
Status: 03/20/2007 Introduced.
03/20/2007 To Assembly Committee on Health.
04/24/2007 From Assembly Committee on Health. [full text]

Branch of Government: (Oregon) Senate
Title: Senate Bill 230
Summary: The State Board of Psychologist Examiners shall have the power to deny renewal of a license, or renewal of a license that has lapsed for nonpayment of the renewal fee, unless the applicant completes, or provides documentation of previous completion of: (a) A pain management education program approved by the board and developed in conjunction with the Pain Management Commission established under ORS 409.500; or (b) An equivalent pain management education program, as determined by the board.
Sponsor: Courtney
Status: 01/11/2007 Introduced.
01/15/2007 To Senate Committee on Health Policy And Public Affairs .
02/05/2007 From Senate Committee on Health Policy And Public Affairs : Do pass.
02/26/2007 Passed Senate. *****To House.
03/01/2007 To House Committee on Health Care.
03/08/2007 Assigned to House Subcommittee On Health Policy.
03/13/2007 Returned to Full Committee.
03/28/2007 From House Committee on Health Care: Do pass.
04/03/2007 Passed House. [full text]

2 More Legislative and Administrative Updates

Practice Guidelines

Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
American Heart Association
Use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: an update for clinicians
[full text]

Back Pain
Work Loss Data Institute
Low back - lumbar & thoracic (acute & chronic)
[full text]

10 More Practice Guidelines

New Clinical Trials

ALABAMA

Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
City: Huntsville
Purpose: testing an investigational combination of two well-known medicines for pain relief and stomach protection in one pill

Fibromyalgia
City: Birmingham, Mobile
Purpose: This trial investigates the efficacy and safety of 4mg/day and 8mg/day of rotigotine as compared to placebo in reducing signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome.

48 More New Clinical Trials

Advocacy

Bridges to Excellence launches new spine care physician reward program
May 4, 2007
Initiative recognizes and rewards health care providers who deliver top-quality care for patients with low back pain. Story

Unexplainable aches and pains may be signs of an anxiety or depressive illness
May 1, 2007
Individuals often believe the cause of their discomfort and pain is an undiagnosed physical illness when, in fact, it is caused by Anxiety or Depressive Illness. To bring awareness to the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depressive illnesses and to assist individuals in finding help, 13 national health organizations have organized National Anxiety and Depressive Awareness Week May 6-12, 2007. Story

American Pain Society announces recipients of clinical centers of excellence in pain management awards
April 25, 2007
The American Pain Society (APS) announced recipients of its first Clinical Centers of Excellence in Pain Management Awards honoring the nation's outstanding pain care centers. Six multidisciplinary pain programs were selected. Story

Lagniappe (A little something extra)

Aspirin risk compares to driving cars, study finds
May 8, 2007
Taking Vioxx for a year is much more risky than a year of car travel, swimming or being a firefighter, which suggests that greater scrutiny of drug risks may be warranted. Story

How frequently do the chronically ill attend church?
May 2, 2007
In a survey of six hundred people done by Rest Ministries, a Christian organization that serves those who live with chronic illness or pain, 44.4% of the respondents said that they attended "less frequently" since being diagnosed with a chronic illness. Story

2 More Lagniappe Stories

Editorial Team
Edward Duensing, Research
Lennie Duensing, Editorial

Design
Carol Harper