Pain Management

Headache was a hot topic at the AAN Annual Meeting, and several studies have added to the literature. This slideshow summarizes the latest.

There is no nice straight line between use of prescription opioids and heroin addiction; in fact, the connections aren't really clear at all.

Using music in medicine is an ancient practice. Here we review recent research efforts to better understand and apply music’s healing powers.

If a treatment to reduce episodic back pain worked as well as exercise & education did in a recent study, it would be headline news.

VIDEO: Patient reports progressive weakness x1 month. Acute abdominal pain/emesis began earlier in the day. What's in your differential dx?

Another complaint of low back pain, another day in primary care. But make sure you ask these questions every time.

Need to convert from ICD9 to ICD10 or calculate equianalgesic opioid dosing? Find the apps for that, and 3 more time-savers, here.

The patient’s reach with his thumb helps distinguish between frozen shoulder and osteoarthritis. How high is enough to tell?

Most respondents to a SERMO survey supported mandatory registration and use of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs.

A pain management specialist reviews the strengths and points out the weaknesses in the proposed recommendations.

What does evidence say about the effect of opioids prescribed for cancer-related pain on length of survival?

We have learned over time that some widely used therapies actually provide little benefit for most patients. Now several new studies should make us rethink some others.

The math teacher and mother of 2 is also having memory and concentration problems. She denies feeling depressed. Your impression?

Here's intriguing evidence that certain structural changes in the brain may be related to chronic migraines.

A new study finds that low doses of fish oil improved pain and function in knee osteoarthritis more effectively than high doses. No clinical or structural advantage to an anti-inflammatory dose was found.

This common pain condition frequently raises “red flags.” Answer these questions to address some of the biggest concerns.

This chronic health problem is going strong. Read the latest news on its scope and potential solutions.

Chronic pain from failed back surgery is notoriously difficult to manage. Might medical marijuana hold promise?

Marijuana can be a valuable therapeutic tool for the nausea and vomiting that accompany chemotherapy, but it also can cause hyperemesis.

Would you consider oral steroids for a patient with acute radiculopathy due to a herniated disc? What's the clinical evidence of benefit?

The 35-year-old man is a new patient for you. He says he was given Vicodin when he had a similar injury a number of years ago. How do you proceed?

The child’s episodic tantrum-like behavior and crying was only briefly soothed. Watch the video-is there a clue here to a diagnosis?

NSAIDs may impair fertility in women with mild musculoskeletal pain. Damage is reversible once NSAIDs are discontinued, according to a new study.

When are antiviral drugs appropriate to treat "shingles" and what is the first-line treatment for post-infection pain?