Expanded Distribution of Pain as a Sign of Central Sensitization in Individuals With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis.
AbstractBackgroundExpanded distribution of pain is considered a sign of central sensitization (CS). The relationship between recording of symptoms and CS in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) has been poorly investigated.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine whether the area of pain assessed using pain drawings relates to CS and clinical symptoms in people with knee OA.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study.MethodsFifty-three people with knee OA scheduled to undergo primary total knee arthroplasty were studied. All participants completed pain drawings using a novel digital device, completed self-administration questionnaires, and were assessed by quantitative sensory testing. Pain…
Short stem total hip arthroplasty: Potential explanations for persistent post-surgical thigh pain.
Abstract: Short stem uncemented femoral implants were developed with the aim of preserving proximal bone stock for future revisions, improving biomechanical reconstruction, aiding insertion through smaller incisions and potentially decreasing or limiting the incidence of thigh pain. Despite all the advantages of short stem designs, it remains unclear whether they are able to limit post-surgical thigh pain. In patients with short stem hip arthroplasty and persistent thigh pain, it is of the utmost importance to understand the potential etiologies of this chronic pain for selecting the appropriate treatment strategy. Therefore, this manuscript explores the hypothetical etiologies of persisten…
Central pain processing in patients with shoulder pain : a review of the literature
Background Shoulder pain is a common health problem in which changes in shoulder structure cannot always explain the patient's perceived pain. Central sensitization (CS) might play a role in a subgroup of these patients. Methods The literature was systematically reviewed to address the role of CS in patients with shoulder pain. Electronic databases PubMed and Web of Knowledge were searched for relevant studies. Results Eighteen full-text articles were included, methodological quality was scored, and information was extracted. Studies were clustered on those studying patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) shoulder pain and those studying patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP). In particul…
Conditioned Pain Modulation Is Not Impaired in Individuals with Frozen Shoulder: A Case-Control Study
Frozen shoulder (FS) is a poorly understood condition resulting in substantial shoulder pain and mobility deficits. The mechanisms behind FS are not yet fully understood, but, similar to other persistent pain states, central pain mechanisms may contribute to ongoing symptoms in this population. The objective of this research was to investigate conditioned pain modulation (CPM) in people with FS compared with pain-free individuals. A total of 64 individuals with FS and 64 healthy volunteers participated in this cross-sectional study. CPM was assessed by using the pressure pain threshold (PPT) and an occlusion cuff (tourniquet test) as the test and conditioning stimulus, respectively. The abs…
Preoperative pain neuroscience education combined with knee joint mobilization for knee osteoarthritis : a randomized controlled trial
Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to first compare the effects of a preoperative treatment combining pain neuroscience education (PNE) with knee joint mobilization versus biomedical education with knee joint mobilization on central sensitization (CS) in patients with knee osteoarthritis, both before and after surgery. Second, we wanted to compare the effects of both interventions on knee pain, disability, and psychosocial variables. Materials and Methods: Forty-four patients with knee osteoarthritis were allocated to receive 4 sessions of either PNE combined with knee joint mobilization or biomedical education with knee joint mobilization before surgery. All participants completed self…
Do sex and pain characteristics influence the effectiveness of pain neuroscience education in people scheduled for total knee arthroplasty? Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Abstract Objective This explorative study investigates the moderating effect of sex and baseline pain characteristics on the effectiveness of preoperative pain neuroscience education (PNE) plus knee joint mobilization versus biomedical education plus knee joint mobilization in patients who have knee osteoarthritis and are scheduled to undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods After baseline assessment of self-reported questionnaires (pain intensity, disability, symptoms of central sensitization and pain cognitions) and quantitative sensory testing, 44 participants with knee osteoarthritis were randomized into the PNE plus knee joint mobilization or biomedical education plus knee joint …
Specific versus non-specific exercises for chronic neck or shoulder pain : a systematic review
The current systematic review aimed to compare the effect of injury-focused (specific) exercises versus more general (non-specific) exercises on pain in patients with chronic neck or shoulder pain. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Two reviewers screened and selected studies, extracted outcomes, assessed risk of bias, and rated the quality of evidence. A total of nine eligible studies, represented in 13 articles, were identified, with a considerable risk of bias. One article investigated the acute effect of single bouts of exercise on pain and reported an immediate pain reduction after non-specific exercise. Regarding short-term effects, seven out of the nine studies found no …
A manual therapy and home stretching program in patients with primary frozen shoulder contracture syndrome : a case series
Abstract: Background Manual therapy has been demonstrated to reduce pain and improve function in patients with frozen shoulder contracture syndrome (FSCS), but no evidence exists to support one form of manual therapy over another. The purpose of this case series was to describe both short and long-term outcomes after a manual therapy program and home stretching exercises based on specific impairments in shoulder mobility and level of tissue irritability in patients with FSCS. Case Description Eleven patients with primary FSCS were treated with an individually tailored multimodal manual therapy approach once weekly for 12 visits coupled with home stretching exercises once a day, five days pe…
An Instrument-Assisted coracoid pain test: an exploratory diagnostic accuracy study
The coracoid pain test (CPT) could contribute to the diagnosis of frozen shoulder (FS) with palpation. However, due to assessor performance these values might be unreliable. Therefore, the aim was to explore the diagnostic accuracy of an instrument-assisted CPT and two alternative approaches (pain severity and side comparison) for assistance in the diagnosis of FS. Patients with FS and healthy age-matched controls were recruited. All participants underwent the instrument-assisted CPT on both shoulders with a pressure algometer. Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were determined for the three approaches. In total, 35 patients with FS and 35 healthy participants were included. Th…
How much Is needed? Comparison of the effectiveness of different pain education dosages in patients with fibromyalgia
AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effect of different dosages of pain neuroscience education (PNE) programs on central nociceptive processing in patients with fibromyalgia. Second, to compare the effects of different dosages of PNE programs on numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), disability, and psychological variables.DesignSingle-blind randomized controlled trial.SettingThree fibromyalgia centers in Spain (Valencia, Alcorcón, Alcalá de Henares).SubjectsSeventy-seven patients with fibromyalgia.MethodsParticipants were randomized to four groups of PNE: 1) high-dose PNE (N = 20), 2) low–concentrated dose PNE (N = 20), 3) diluted low-dose PNE (N = 20), and (4) control treatment (N = 17), conducte…
Applying Modern Pain Neuroscience in Clinical Practice: Criteria for the Classification of Central Sensitization Pain
Background: The awareness is growing that central sensitization is of prime importance for the assessment and management of chronic pain, but its classification is challenging clinically since no gold standard method of assessment exists. Objectives: Designing the first set of classification criteria for the classification of central sensitization pain. Methods: A body of evidence from original research papers was used by 18 pain experts from 7 different countries to design the first classification criteria for central sensitization pain. Results: It is proposed that the classification of central sensitization pain entails 2 major steps: the exclusion of neuropathic pain and the differentia…
Differences in myoelectric activity of the lumbar muscles between recurrent and chronic low back pain: a cross-sectional study
Abstract Background Altered lower back muscle activity is proposed as a contributing factor to the reoccurrence and chronicity of low back pain (LBP). This study compared lumbar muscle activity during trunk extension in patients with continuous chronic LBP (CLBP), non-continuous CLBP, recurrent LBP (RLBP) and healthy subjects. Methods In 75 subjects (16 continuous CLBP, 15 non-continuous CLBP, 23 RLBP, 21 healthy controls), surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of the lumbar erector spinae (ES), multifidus (MF), latissimus dorsi (LD) and gluteus maximus (GM) was recorded during the concentric, holding and eccentric phase of a modified Biering Sorenson exercise. Results Continuous CLBP pa…