Use of Opioids in Chronic Noncancer Pain – MM1505
Opioids play a much smaller role in the management of chronic noncancer pain than they do in that of severe acute pain and cancer pain. They are beneficial in a small subset of patients with chronic noncancer pain but there are pharmacological, psychological and societal concerns about their current widespread use for this indication.
Modern Medicine – May 2015
Effective Perioperative Pain Control Reduces Hyperalgesia – MM1504
Pain arising from impending or actual tissue injury has an important physiological role, protecting the body from injury and promoting healing once injury has occurred. However, if pain persists in the absence of ongoing nociceptive input from the periphery, or exceeds the pain normally caused by ongoing nociceptive input, it loses its physiological function. Pain of this nature is therefore called maladaptive or dysfunctional pain. Dysfunctional pain is thought to arise from altered processing of nociceptive information in the central nervous system.
Modern Medicine – April 2015
Managing Women with Persistent Pain – MM1503
Women frequently present to GPs with persistent, often multiple complaints of pain. Consultations can be challenging, so recognising the many facets of the pain problem and formulating a comprehensive approach to assessment and management may ease the pain for all affected women.
Modern Medicine – March 2015
Endometriosis: An Overlooked Condition – MM1503
Endometriosis is a progressive disease in most women and remains a challenging condition. It is greatly under diagnosed, especially in adolescents, primarily because of its variable presentation and the need for laparoscopy for diagnosis. Management is aimed at relieving pain, increasing fertility and preventing recurrence.
Modern Medicine – March 2015
Cyclobenzaprine Relieves Muscoskeletal Pain and Spasm – MM1502
Muscoskeletal disorders can affect the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments or a combination of these structures, resulting in pain which may range from mild to severe. In the US, back and neck pain (acute and chronic) is the second most common neurologic complaint after headache.
Modern Medicine – February 2015
Causes of Failed Spinal Anaesthesia – MM1502
Spinal (subarachnoid or intrathecal) anaesthesia has been regarded as one of the most reliable types of block methods, although the possibility of failure is well known. Knowing that spinal anaesthesia can fail requires the technique to be performed in a way that minimises the risk. Awareness of the possible mechanisms of failure can help to avoid them. This review looks at some of the mechanisms that can lead to failure.
Modern Medicine – February 2015
Cyclobenzaprine ER Single-dose for 24h Muscle Spasm Relief – MM1501
Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride extendedrelease capsules, marketed in South Africa as Myprocam, is indicated for the relief of muscle spasms associated with acute and painful musculoskeletal conditions. The once daily dose improves compliance with fewer peaks and troughs associated with the immediate release version.
Modern Medicine – January 2015
Breaking the Cycle of Acute Muscle Spasm – MM1501
A spasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles, often accompanied by a sudden burst of pain which normally ceases after a few minutes. The spasm-pain-spasm of skeletal muscle spasm causes local ischemia and pain, exacerbating the spasm, which in turn exacerbates the pain. Breaking the cycle can prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
Modern Medicine – January 2015
Breakthrough Pain in Patients with Chronic Noncancer Pain – MM1411
Management of breakthrough pain on a background of chronic noncancer pain – in such patients the term incident pain is preferred – is aimed at improving function and decreasing pain and distress rather than complete relief of pain.
Modern Medicine – November/December 2014
Pain Relief and the End of Life – MM1410
Good pain control is possible in most patients in the months, weeks and days preceding death. This leads not only to better patient care but also to a better bereavement experience for families.
Modern Medicine – October 2014
