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 Studies In The News

More than a pill: complementary medicine can help with chronic pain
October 9, 2007
Michigan University study says various methods can complement, not compete with conventional medicine. Story

Antidepressants and painkillers -- a dangerous combination
October 8, 2007
Taking antidepressants together with painkillers can substantially increase the risk of bleeding from the stomach, according to new research Story

More Pain Studies In The News

Pain Stories In The News

Health care's sore losers: lengthy wait times for proper pain treatment can drive many suffering Canadians to self-medicate
October 9, 2007
The median wait time at public facilities was 12 times longer than at private clinics, he says. While people relying on public facilities will wait about six months, you can get an appointment at a private clinic in about two weeks. Story

Postoperative pain is an under appreciated, under treated problem in the United States
October 3, 2007
The American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) has issued a 10-step action plan to address the factors that may lead to inappropriate medication use and potential adverse events for patients after surgery. According to studies cited in the report, up to 75 percent of patients experience pain after surgery. However, many receive inadequate treatment, which can result in extended hospitalization, delayed healing and mobility, higher morbidity and mortality, and the development of a chronic pain state. Story

More Pain Stories In The News

Proper mattress can improve sleep comfort, reduce pain, says American Chiropractic Association
October 8, 2007
A good night's sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle; however, an estimated 70 million Americans complain of sleeplessness. Tin this article, the American Chiropractic Association offers advice to help consumers select comfortable mattresses and pillows that can help limit unnecessary back and neck pain. Story

Cleveland Clinic releases new knee pain and repair guide
October 8, 2007
Cleveland Clinic's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has released a downloadable guide for patients considering knee repair. Produced by the staff at Cleveland Clinic, the guide explains the causes of knee pain as well as the options for repairing and relieving pain in easy-to-understand terminology. Story

Paying for CAM treatments [NCCAM fact Sheet]
If you are using (or thinking about using) complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)A group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine.,¹ you may have financial questions about paying for treatment. This fact sheet answers some frequently asked questions on this topic. Story

News From Industry Sources

National baby boomer pain poll reports: 50 is the new 40, but can the body keep moving?
September 28, 2007
Results from a new national “Pain Poll” survey of 50-something baby boomers showed that while 77 percent of boomers think “50 is the new 40”, unfortunately 55 percent of baby boomers said that their aches and pains have affected their ability to maintain an active lifestyle. Story

Prexige receives not approvable letter in the US despite being one of the most studied COX-2 inhibitors
September 27, 2007
Novartis has received a "not approvable" letter from the US Food and Drug Administration for its COX-2 inhibitor Prexige® (lumiracoxib) as a once-daily treatment for patients suffering from osteoarthritic pain. Story

More News From Industry Sources

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:

Foster NE.
Beliefs and preferences: do they help determine the outcome of musculoskeletal problems? Abstract

Haynesa S., Gemmell H.
Topical treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee Abstract

Karoly P, Ruehlman LS.
Psychosocial aspects of pain-related life task interference: an exploratory analysis in a general population sample. Abstract

Obermann M, Katsarava Z.
Management of medication-overuse headache. Abstract

Pascual ML, Fleming RR, Gana TJ, et al.
Open-label study of the safety and effectiveness of long-term therapy with extended-release tramadol in the management of chronic nonmalignant pain. Abstract

Szczurko O, Cooley K, Busse JW, et al.
Naturopathic care for chronic low back pain: a randomized trial. Abstract

341 More Research Abstracts

Legislative and Administrative Updates

Branch of Government: U. S. House of Representatives
Title: Resolution supporting efforts to increase childhood cancer awareness , treatment, and research.
Summary: Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress should support … medical education curricula designed to improve pain management for cancer patients
Sponsor: Representative Lois Capps D-CA
Latest Action: 09/25/2007 - House agreed to (by voice vote) [full text]

Branch of Government: U.S. Senate
Title: Resolution supporting efforts to increase childhood cancer awareness , treatment, and research
Summary: Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that Congress should support … medical education curricula designed to improve pain management for cancer patients
Sponsor: Isakson (R-GA)
Latest Action: 09/25/2007 - Senate agreed to (by unanimous consent) [full text]

Branch of Government: U.S. Senate
Title: SRS 332
Summary: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs should increase their investment in pain management research
Sponsor: Mikulski (D-MD)
Latest Action: 09/26/2007 - Referred to the Senate Committee on Armed Services. [full text]

Branch of Government: Illinois. State Senate
Title: S.B. 1861
Summary: Creates the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Education Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health, subject to appropriation, shall establish the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Education Program to promote public awareness of the syndrome and the importance of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Sponsor: Dahl
Latest Action: 09/18/2007 – Introduced -- To Senate Committee on Rules. [full text]

Practice Guidelines

Back Pain
American Academy of Neurology
Assessment -- use of epidural steroid injections to treat radicular lumbosacral pain.
[full text]

American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society
Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Back Pain
[full text]

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

More Practice Guidelines

New Clinical Trials

Arizona

Back Pain
City: Phoenix
Summary: A study assessing whether the Stabilimax NZ™ is at least as safe and effective as the control therapy of fusion in patients receiving decompression surgery for the treatment of clinically symptomatic spinal stenosis at one or two contiguous vertebral levels from L1-S1.

Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
City: Phoenix
Summary: A clinical research study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication in reducing gastric ulcers in patients with chronic pain.

More New Clinical Trials

Advocacy

The American Pain Foundation and The HealthCentral Network collaborate to develop enhanced internet resources for people with pain
September 18, 2007
The HealthCentral Network, Inc. and the American Pain Foundation (APF) have launched a blog on the topic of pain. The blog is available at HealthCentral's Chronic Pain site, http://www.chronicpainconnection.com/. The site will also feature videos of first-person experiences with pain. Story

Lagniappe (A little something extra)

Chili anaesthetic turns off pain
October 3, 2007
A key ingredient in chili peppers, combined with a local anesthetic, could be just what is needed for ending pain in the dentist's chair and on the operating table without the potentially dangerous side effects and numbing aftermath of traditional anesthesia. Story

American Animal Hospital Association; American Association of Feline Practitioners publish pain management guidelines for dogs & cats.
September 2007
Pain management in dogs and cats has undergone a dramatic evolution in the past decade. Current approaches focus on anticipation and prevention of pain, as well as both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management techniques. The veterinary team plays an essential role in educating pet owners about recognizing and managing pain in their pets. Story

Editorial Team
Edward Duensing, Research
Lennie Duensing, Editorial

Design
Carol Harper