Distortions to the passage of time during chronic pain: A mixed method study
ConclusionChronic pain causes widespread distortion to the passage of time. The slowing of time during pain means that periods of pain feel subjectively longer than periods without, exacerbating patient distress.SignificanceThis study examined how chronic pain impacts on the experience of time. Chronic pain substantially slowed the passage of time for most people, subjectively lengthening the period of time that pain lasted for, exacerbating distress. Given the importance of time processing in clinical assessments of pain, medication adherence and therapeutic interventions, these findings underscore the importance of raisi...
Source: European Journal of Pain - December 1, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Ruth Ogden, David Moore, Andrea Piovesan, Helen Poole Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Cerebellar somatotopy of the trigemino ‐cervical complex during nociception
AbstractIntroductionThe somatotopic organization of the human cerebellum processes somato-motoric input. Its role during pain perception for nociceptive input remains ambiguous. A standardized experimental trigeminal nociceptive input in functional imaging might clarify the role of the cerebellum in trigeminal nociception. Also of interest is the greater occipital nerve, which innervates the back of the head, and can influence the trigeminal perception due to functional coupling within the brainstem, forming the so-called trigemino-cervical complex.MethodsIn our preregistered study (clinicaltrials.gov: NTC03999060), we sti...
Source: European Journal of Pain - November 29, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Hauke Basedau, Arne May, Jan Mehnert Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

The evolving landscape of publishing in the field of pain: An automated bibliometric analysis from 1975 to 2020
ConclusionsOver the last 45  years, more than 60,000 pain-related papers have been published. Papers develop over the years from mono-disciplinary to multi-disciplinary studies. The overall publication profile including preclinical, human (experimental/clinical) and translational papers was almost similar inEur. J. Pain and PAIN ®.SignificanceThe bibliometric analysis of a pain journal provides information on which specific areas of research are published, how this may have changed over the years and how a journal is positioned compared with other journals in the field. (Source: European Journal of Pain)
Source: European Journal of Pain - November 28, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: L. Arendt ‐Nielsen, J. T. Pedersen, S. Dreier, T. A. Nielsen, A. L. Høj, L. Thomsen Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Morphological changes of the limbic system associated with acute and chronic low ‐back pain: A UK biobank imaging study
ConclusionsOur results suggest that acute LBP is associated with dramatic morphometric increases in the limbic system and mesolimbic pathway, which may reflect an active brain response and self-regulation in the early stage of LBP.SignificanceOur study suggests that LBP in the acute phase is associated with the brain morphometric changes (increase) in some limbic areas, indicating that the acute phase of LBP may represent a crucial stage of self-regulation and active response to the disease's onset. (Source: European Journal of Pain)
Source: European Journal of Pain - November 27, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Valeria Sacca, Thalia Celeste Chai ‐Zhang, Sierra Hodges, Judith Amores, Seyhmus Guler, Nevyana Todorova, Caroline Merritt McDonald, Tian Ge, Jian Kong Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Contextual factors in persistent severe back pain: A longitudinal analysis among German employees
ConclusionsIn a high-risk subgroup with several co-existing conditions, this analysis highlights (mental) health, social and personal (contextual) factors associated with long-term unfavourable back pain progression.SignificanceBack pain is a condition that often has a chronic or recurrent course, threatening participation in many areas of life. In this study it was found that the unfavourable condition of severe back pain can remain stable for long periods of time in a significant proportion of sufferers. Contextual factors (self-efficacy, fear-avoidance beliefs, caregiving burden) as well as additional health problems sh...
Source: European Journal of Pain - November 23, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Julia ‐Marie Zimmer, David Fauser, André Golla, Matthias Bethge, Wilfried Mau Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

How do we explain painful non ‐traumatic knee conditions to adolescents? A multiple‐method study to develop credible explanations
ConclusionsSix credible explanations for the six most common diagnoses of non-traumatic knee pain were developed. We identified three domains to consider when tailoring credible explanations to adolescents experiencing non-traumatic knee pain.SignificanceThis study provides credible explanations for the six most common diagnoses of non-traumatic knee pain. Additionally, we identified three key domains that may need to be addressed to reduce diagnostic uncertainty in adolescents suffering from pain complaints. Based on our findings, we believe that clinicians will benefit from exploring adolescents' own perceptions of why t...
Source: European Journal of Pain - November 22, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: C. Djurtoft, M. K. Bruun, H. Riel, M. S. Hoegh, B. Darlow, M. S. Rathleff Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

CFA ‐treated mice induce hyperalgesia in healthy mice via an olfactory mechanism
ConclusionThese results demonstrate that CFA-induced inflammatory pain can modulate nociception in bystander mice via an olfactory mechanism involving dynamic changes in volatile compounds detectable in the rodent bedding.SignificanceSocial context can influence nociceptive sensitivity. Recent studies suggested involvement of olfaction in this influence. In agreement with this idea, the present study shows that the presence of mice with inflammatory pain produces nociceptive hypersensitivity in nearby conspecifics. This enhanced nociception occurs via olfactory cues present in the mouse bedding. Analysis of the bedding fro...
Source: European Journal of Pain - November 21, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Yangmiao Zhang, Wentai Luo, Mary M. Heinricher, Andrey E. Ryabinin Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

It takes two: The relative contributions of parent versus child ‐led regulatory behaviours on toddler vaccination pain
ConclusionsMeasuring both parent and child regulatory behaviours was important for fully understanding pain-related distress regulation. Toddlers' use of parent-focused regulatory behaviours (e.g. proximity seeking) suggests that they signal to their parent directly when they are struggling to regulate post-needle. The only parent behaviour that supported this regulation was rocking at 18  months, suggesting a greater need to understand the sensitivity of parent behaviours post-needle.SignificanceTo our knowledge, this is the first study to examine both parent and child regulatory behaviours following vaccination at diff...
Source: European Journal of Pain - November 21, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: H. G. Gennis, D. B. Flora, C. M. McMurtry, D. Flanders, E. Weinberg, D. Savlov, H. Garfield, R. Pillai  Riddell Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

The role of stigma in health and functioning in chronic pain: Not just catastrophizing
ConclusionsThe SSCI-8 provides an adequate measure to capture stigma experiences. Stigma is uniquely associated with pain-related outcomes and should be further considered in pain research and clinical practice in the future.SignificanceThis study points to the importance of a social perspective on pain-related outcomes. We may need to more fully appreciate the way that people with chronic pain are treated by both health care providers and others can have an impact on their well-being. Potential negative impacts of stigmatizing responses to people with chronic pain are highlighted by the current results. (Source: European Journal of Pain)
Source: European Journal of Pain - November 21, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Amani Lavefjord, F. T. A. Sundstr öm, M. Buhrman, L. M. McCracken Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Correlation between migraine and cerebral small vessel disease: A case –control study
ConclusionsMigraine was associated with WMHs and VRSs. Aura, attack duration, attack frequency, age and education level were risk factors for image abnormalities of CVSD in migraineurs.SignificanceThis study provides a novel and comprehensive landscape of CSVD MRI features in young migraineurs, and it fills the blank of CMBs and VRSs which received less attention, with more persuasive, more reliable and stronger evidence of the association between CSVD and migraine. Our results also imply some new feature of TTH and the possible pathophysiology of the migraine course as well as new clues for the early management of migrain...
Source: European Journal of Pain - November 21, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Yanan Zhang, Yanbo Li, Li He Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Placebo analgesia in physical and psychological interventions: Systematic review and meta ‐analysis of three‐armed trials
ConclusionsThe observed placebo analgesia has mechanistic and methodological implications, though its clinical importance may be limited. Control intervention design affects placebo effects, highlighting the importance of considering methodology in RCT interpretation. Review limitations include a small number of long-term studies and sample heterogeneity.SignificanceThis systematic review directly quantifies placebo effects from physical and psychological ‘sham’ control interventions and compares them to treatments’ overall effectiveness. By doing so, the review enhances our understanding of placebo effects, their re...
Source: European Journal of Pain - November 21, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: David Hohenschurz ‐Schmidt, Jules Phalip, Jessica Chan, Greta Gauhe, Nadia Soliman, Jan Vollert, Sigrid Juhl Lunde, Lene Vase Tags: REVIEW ARTICLE Source Type: research

Effects of cervical stabilization training in patients with headache: A single ‐blinded randomized controlled trial
ConclusionsThis study suggests that CST reduces headaches and neck pain by improving the cervical musculoskeletal system in patients with headache.SignificanceThe CST improved the headache frequency, duration and intensity, neck pain intensity, cervical posture, activation of deep cervical flexor muscles and endurance of cervical muscles in patients with headache. In addition, improvements in the cervical musculoskeletal system contributed to a reduction in the intensity of headaches and neck pain. Therefore, CST may be preferred in the treatment of headaches, especially with coexisting neck pain. (Source: European Journal of Pain)
Source: European Journal of Pain - November 17, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: H. Altmis  Kacar, C. Ozkul, A. Baran, A. Guclu‐Gunduz Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

The long ‐term incidence of chronic post‐surgical pain after coronary artery bypass surgery – A prospective observational study
ConclusionsThis study identified a CPSP incidence of 23.6% at a mean of 6.8  years after CABG surgery, with the highest pain proportion at SVG harvest sites. CPSP was associated with neuropathic pain symptoms and had a significant impact on IADLs. This emphasizes the need for long-term follow-up of CABG patients.SignificanceThis study highlights the impact of CPSP 7  years following cardiac surgery and highlights the effect of surgical site, neuropathic pain and the importance of including pain assessment and management in the long-term follow-up of cardiac surgical patients. Strategies to address and prevent chronic p...
Source: European Journal of Pain - November 16, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: E. Charlton, K. J. Atkins, L. Evered, B. Silbert, D. A. Scott Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

If only they knew! A non ‐inferiority randomized controlled trial comparing deceptive and open‐label placebo in healthy individuals
ConclusionThe study indicates that OLP may perform just as well as DP and could provide support for the use of OLP as an ethical alternative to DP when they are to be used in a clinical setting. If only patients knew about the placebo nature of some treatments they are receiving, unnecessary lies could be avoided while maintaining similar placebo effects.SignificanceThis study is the first to show non-inferiority of placebos administered honestly, also called OLP, compared to DP in reducing pain. This suggests that OLP could be as effective as their deceptive counterparts while having the ethical advantage of not being req...
Source: European Journal of Pain - November 15, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: L. Druart, S. E. Graham  Longsworth, H. Terrisse, C. Locher, C. Blease, C. Rolland, N. Pinsault Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin for the treatment of upper back myofascial pain syndrome: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
ConclusionThe currently available studies show conflicting results. Their overall low methodological quality does not allow for solid evidence of superiority over other comparison treatments. Further insights are needed to properly profile patients who could benefit more from this peculiar injective approach.SignificanceThe randomized controlled trials included in this review compared using botulinum toxin to treat upper back MPS with placebo or active treatments (e.g., dry needling or anaesthetics) showing mixed results overall. Despite the lack of clear evidence of superiority, our study suggests that the use of botulinu...
Source: European Journal of Pain - November 11, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: G. Leonardi, A. Alito, S. Portaro, B. Di  Matteo, S. Respizzi, E. Kon, G. Massazza, C. Sconza Tags: REVIEW ARTICLE Source Type: research