Effects of Common Analgesic Medications on Sleep: A Topical Review
Findings from a recent review highlight the impact of common analgesic medications on sleep patterns in people with chronic pain.
Can Clinician Empathy Affect Chronic Pain?
A clinician's empathy during a clinic encounter with a person with chronic pain can have a statistically significant impact on outcomes, a new study found.
Triptans and Ischemic Events: A New Study Parses the Risk
Labeling for triptan medications warns of potential for ischemic events but is the concern theoretical or real? A new study tests the association.
Initiating Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain: Does Which Medication Matter?
A new study compared opioid utilization trajectories of patients initiating tramadol, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Key takeaways at-a-glance, here.
The Most Effective Medications for Acute Migraines: Patient Perspectives
Which medications are most effective for acute migraine management? A recent study assessed which ones appeared to work best based on reported patient experience.
Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Neuropathic Pain in Older Adults
A recent review analyzed the effectiveness of nonpharmacologic therapies for neuropathic pain in older adults. Results in our new slide show.
Knee Pain: Evaluation and Treatment of the Most Common Etiologies
Knee pain is the presenting symptom for ~5% of primary care visits. Following are highlight of a JAMA review covering the 3 most common etiologies.
Treatment for Cluster Headache: European Academy of Neurology Guidelines
Cluster headache is rare and can be disabling. It can be misdiagnosed, particularly as migraine, but treatments are very different. Learn more in a short slide show.
Opioids, Pain, and Sleep: How Do They Interact With Each Other?
A recent study of patients with chronic low back pain sheds light on the association between sleep and opioid use on pain severity and interference.
Hypnosis for Pediatric Pain: Findings from a New Literature Review
Is there evidence to support hypnosis for pediatric pain? A new review examined available studies to find out.
Chronic Pain in America: Who is at Greatest Risk?
A recent CDC report showed that approximately 20% of Americans experienced chronic pain in 2021 and certain groups were most vulnerable. Details in our new slideshow.
Are Migraines Different in Women and Men?
Migraine disproportionately affects women, a disparity typically ascribed to hormonal differences. A new study takes a new look at the issue.
Nonopioid Medications for Management of Acute Low Back Pain: What Works Best?
Which of the 3 nonopioid analgesics most commonly used to treat acute LBP is/are most effective? A new systematic literature review offers 1 view of the data.
Combination Pharmacotherapy for Neuropathic Pain: Is it Better than Monotherapy?
Is combination pharmacotherapy better for neuropathic pain than monotherapy? A recent systematic review and meta-analysis has answers.
2022 CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids: A 10-question Quiz
Get up-to-date on the newest guidance for clinicians managing acute, subacute, and chronic pain in adults with this quick quiz.
Gabapentin and US Overdose Deaths: 10 Questions
Gabapentin-involved overdose deaths doubled in Q2 2020 compared to Q1 2019, the CDC reports. What do you know, and maybe not know, about the troubling trend?
Nonpharmacologic Treatments for Fibromyalgia: What Works for Which Symptoms?
Is acupuncture effective in reducing pain? Can exercise help patients with fibromyalgia sleep better? New systematic review and meta-analysis provides insight.
Acupuncture for Acute Pain
Is acupuncture therapy effective for acute perioperative pain and acute pain in the emergency department? A review of the latest evidence, here.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
A new review summarized the current evidence about diagnosis and treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. What are the key takeaways for primary care?
Dyspareunia in Women: 10 Questions for Consideration in Primary Care
Dyspareunia significantly impacts quality of life for the women it affects but they may not talk about it. Answer these 10 questions about the condition and you'll be ready to ask.
Chronic Pain Management in America: A 10-question Quiz
A cross-sectional study found that US adults with chronic pain use a variety of pain management techniques, including opioid and nondrug therapies. Key results in this 10-question quiz.
10 Questions on Migraine Impact, Diagnosis, & Treatment Based on the OVERCOME Study
Lifetime use of opioids for migraine was found to be higher than for triptan medications. Try these 10 questions on other OVERCOME findings.
Virtual Reality as a Treatment for Chronic Pain
Is virtual reality a viable option for chronic pain management? A new scoping review suggests it has potential. Here, key findings for primary care.
Painful Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment: A Guideline Topline
The American Academy of Neurology recently issued a guideline on oral and topical treatments for painful diabetic neuropathy. Here, a concise summary for clinicians.
Platelet-rich Plasma Injections for Osteoarthritis: How Effective Are They?
Platelet-rich plasma, in theory, seems like a logical and potentially beneficial treatment for osteoarthritis. Our pain expert reviews 2 recent studies that are telling.
Hypnosis for Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Literature Review
In the first review of its kind, authors found encouraging evidence supporting the use of hypnosis for chronic neuropathic pain treatment. Find key results in our new slideshow.
Sexual Function & Chronic Pain: Results of a Systematic Review
The impact on sexual function of chronic pain conditions has received little research inquiry and requires much more focused clinical attention.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: 11 Questions on Etiology, Diagnosis, Treatment
Complex regional pain syndrome is often a medical challenge. Try this in-depth quiz on the etiology, the differential diagnosis, and most effective therapies.
Common Elective Orthopedic Procedures: Does Research Support Their Use?
What does the evidence show for the clinical effectiveness of 10 of the most common elective orthopedic procedures? A recent umbrella review sheds light.
Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women: An Overview
From etiology to treatment, get a quick review of the latest guidance for managing chronic pelvic pain in our new slideshow.