Pain

The Role of NSAIDs in Multimodal Analgesia for Post-operative Pain Relief

The Role of NSAIDs in Multimodal Analgesia for Post-operative Pain Relief – MM1610

Pain as defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Early and effective relief from pain in the post operative period is of increasing importance in order to improve patient comfort and to restore a patient’s daily function as early as possible. Choice of analgesics in the post-operative period should be guided by an individual’s needs.

An important goal of postoperative pain relief is to provide subjective comfort,
inhibit trauma-induced afferent pain transmission and to blunt the autonomic
and somatic reflex responses to pain, leading to enhanced restoration of
function and enhancing recovery of the ability to breathe, cough and ambulate
without limitations.

NSAIDs are increasingly being combined with opioids to reduce the incidence of opioid related adverse effects.

Modern Medicine – October 2016

October 31, 2016 by Pain

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants for Muscular Pain

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants for Muscular Pain – MM1608

Skeletal muscle relaxants are a heterogeneous group of medications commonly used to treat two different types of underlying conditions: spasticity from upper motor neuron syndromes and muscular pain or spasms from peripheral musculoskeletal conditions.

Drugs in the muscular pain or spasm group have traditionally been called “centrally acting” muscle relaxants and are used primarily to treat chronic back pain and painful fibromyalgic conditions.

Treatment goals include managing muscle pain and improving functional status so the patient can return to work or resume previous activities.

Modern Medicine – August 2016

August 29, 2016 by Pain

Osteoarthritis Factors Associated with Pain and Implications for Therapy

Osteoarthritis Factors Associated with Pain and Implications for Therapy – MM1608

Osteoarthritis is an umbrella term for several processes that lead to pain and cartilage loss. X-rays give limited information and only provide marginal assistance at tailoring therapy for the individual. MRI has great potential in this regard but targeted trials have been few to date. Bone marrow lesions and cartilage defects have independent associations with pain in people with osteoarthritis. Obesity and weak muscles are also independently associated with pain in osteoarthritis; therefore, weight loss, strengthening and aerobic exercises help improve symptoms. Pain in osteoarthritis is modified by central factors such as depression, catastrophisation, self-efficacy and a positive attitude. Targeting subchondral bone has the most potential to modify osteoarthritis given the failure of most therapies aimed at cartilage.

Modern Medicine – August 2016

August 29, 2016 by Arthritis Osteoarthritis Pain Rheumatology

Understanding and Treating Pain in the Elderly

Understanding and Treating Pain in the Elderly – MM1606

Painful conditions are among the most common reasons for older people to present for medical attention. Pain is not a normal part of ageing; its high prevalence in older people is secondary to the burden of pathology. A person’s response to analgesics is variable, with many being poor or non-responders.

Ineffective or poorly tolerated analgesics should be withdrawn before another medication is trialled. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended when usual approaches have failed as no single therapy has been shown to alleviate persistent pain in most patients.

Modern Medicine – June 2016

June 30, 2016 by Geriantology Gerontology Pain

Investigation of Patients Presenting with Headache

Investigation of Patients Presenting with Headache – MM1604

Authoritative advice is presented by the authors on the investigation of a common clinical problem, especially commissioned for family doctors and written by members of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
Headache in the primary care setting most often has a benign cause, usually a primary headache disorder. A systematic approach to headache diagnosis, including careful history taking and physical examination to screen for red flag features, will identify those patients who require further investigation, without putting those who clearly have a primary headache disorder through unnecessary tests.
Neuroimaging may identify incidental unrelated neurological abnormalities that can heighten patient anxiety and lead to practical and ethical dilemmas regarding management.

Modern Medicine – April 2016

April 21, 2016 by Headache Pain

Osteoarthritis Improvement Through Diet Alkalinisation

Osteoarthritis Improvement Through Diet Alkalinisation – MM1508

A study conducted at the MEDSAC hospital in Somerset West, Western Cape by researchers from the University of Stellenbosch, found that the dietary supplementation with A Vogel Multiforce (MF) Alkaline Powder significantly reduced pain, tenderness and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis of the hands.

Modern Medicine – August 2015

August 25, 2015 by Arthritis Nutrition Pain

Appropriate Dosing for Pain Control

Appropriate Dosing for Pain Control – MM1507

One of the main objectives in controlling acute pain, apart from patient comfort, is to prevent “wind up” or “central sensitisation” of the pain processing mechanism both peripherally and centrally – spinal cord and brain. This makes controlling of the pain easier as well as helping prevent the development of chronic pain or chronic post-procedure pain. The desired pain control can be achieved not only by using effective medications but also by using these medications in appropriate dosages.

Modern Medicine – July 2015

July 30, 2015 by Pain
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