Article
Anesthesiology
Martin Knight, James Inklebarger, Albert E. Telfeian, Kai -Uwe Lewandrowski
Summary: This study focused on paravertebral and iliac cluneal trigger points and proposed a diagnostic and therapeutic protocol for radiofrequency ablation. The study found that most patients experienced significant relief of low back pain after radiofrequency ablation, and there were no complications such as infection, dysesthesia, numbness, or paralysis.
Review
Anesthesiology
William Schnapp, Kenneth Martiatu, Gaetan J. -R. Delcroix
Summary: This article reviews the evidence for the efficacy and safety of basivertebral nerve ablation as a treatment for chronic low back pain, and discusses the biases and gaps in current knowledge. Further research is needed to understand the association between Modic changes and low back pain.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chun Tseng, Kuo-Tai Chen, Yi-Chin Fong, Chung-Wei Lin, Li-Wei Sun, Chien-Min Chen, Guan-Chyuan Wang
Summary: This study used biportal endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (BERA) to treat patients with low back pain. The advantage of BERA is its ability to directly identify and ablate the innervating nerve to the joint, allowing for a more expanded working angle compared to traditional single-port endoscopy. The study showed clinically relevant improvements in both visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores at 1-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up time points after surgery, with an overall patient satisfaction score of 89.1%.
Article
Anesthesiology
Ji Yeon Kim, Hyeun Sung Kim, Pang Hung Wu, Il-Tae Jang
Summary: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) surgery for discogenic back pain showed significant improvement in pain and disability scores, with a marked increase in paravertebral muscle cross-sectional area postoperatively. Intraoperative video evaluation revealed neovascularization and adhesion adjacent to the disc and pedicle.
Review
Anesthesiology
Nagy Mekhail, Sam Eldabe, Erin Templeton, Shrif Costandi, Richard Rosenquist
Summary: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety profiles of percutaneous and minimally invasive interventions for chronic low back pain. The results showed that basivertebral nerve (BVN) ablation, biological therapy, and multifidus stimulation provided significant and long-lasting improvements in pain and disability compared to other interventions. BVN ablation had the best safety profile, with no serious adverse events reported. Rating: 8/10.
CLINICAL JOURNAL OF PAIN
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lady Christine Ong Sio, Brian Hom, Shuchita Garg, Alaa Abd-Elsayed
Summary: Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has been widely used for treating chronic pain, although its mechanism of action remains largely unknown. The gate control theory proposed by Melzack and Wall in the 1960s has been the mainstay for understanding its mechanism. This review article discusses the mechanism of action, safety, and effectiveness of PNS in treating chronic pain, as well as current PNS devices available in the market.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Zachary L. Mccormick, Timothy Curtis, Amanda Cooper, Margo Wheatley, Matthew Smuck
Summary: In patients with vertebrogenic pain, the utilization of conservative care, opioids, lumbosacral spinal injection (LSI), and lumbosacral radiofrequency ablation (LRFA) was significantly reduced up to 5 years post basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA). The rate of lumbar fusion surgery was also significantly lower compared to similar populations.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Wei Li, Yinan Gong, Jingyi Liu, Yongming Guo, Huiling Tang, Siru Qin, Yadan Zhao, Songtao Wang, Zhifang Xu, Bo Chen
Summary: Chronic low back pain involves pathophysiological mechanisms of lumbar structures, including sensitization of both peripheral and central systems. Dysfunction in the processing of sensory information in the brain and the pain modulatory system contributes to pain amplification in the central nervous system. Abnormalities in brain biochemical metabolism, activation of glial cells, and inflammation also play significant roles in the development of chronic low back pain.
JOURNAL OF PAIN RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Ryan S. D'Souza, Max Y. Y. Jin, Alaa Abd-Elsayed
Summary: The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) for the treatment of low back pain (LBP). The review found that PNS may provide modest to moderate pain relief in patients with LBP, although the evidence is currently limited.
CURRENT PAIN AND HEADACHE REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Chun Ho Wong, Timmy Chi Wing Chan, Stanley Sau Ching Wong, Marc Russo, Chi Wai Cheung
Summary: This review evaluates the analgesic efficacy and safety of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) alone or in combination with spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for managing chronic low back pain and persistent spinal pain syndrome. The results suggest that PNFS can effectively reduce back pain and improve physical functioning. However, high-quality evidence supporting the long-term analgesic efficacy and safety of PNFS is still lacking.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Byron Chalidis, Pericles Papadopoulos, Panagiotis Givissis, Charalampos Pitsilos
Summary: According to a systematic review of 9 studies, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was found to be more effective than intra-articular injections in relieving pain and improving joint function, despite a higher incidence of non-serious adverse events.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Josep C. Benitez-Martinez, Beatriz Garcia-Haba, Samuel Fernandez-Carnero, Daniel Pecos-Martin, Eleuterio A. Sanchez Romero, Francisco Selva-Sarzo, Juan Nicolas Cuenca-Zaldivar
Summary: This study aimed to examine the impact of a tape with magnetic particles applied to the lumbar area on abductor muscle strength and surface electromyography in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. The results showed that the tape application increased the muscle strength of the Gluteus Medius and hip musculature.
JOURNAL OF PAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Alaa Abd-Elsayed, Mitchell K. Keith, Nancy N. Cao, Kenneth J. Fiala, Joshua M. Martens
Summary: This study suggests the potential role of PNS therapy in improving pain levels in patients with various neuropathies. However, further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of PNS therapy for pain management and complications associated with PNS device placements.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Steven Char, Max Y. Jin, Vinicius Tieppo Francio, Nasir Hussain, Eric J. Wang, Mahmoud Morsi, Vwaire Orhurhu, Larry J. Prokop, Adam Fink, Ryan S. D'Souza
Summary: This review synthesized data from prospective studies on the efficacy of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) for neuropathic pain. The results showed that there is limited and low-quality evidence supporting the effectiveness of PNS for peripheral neuropathic pain, with modest improvement in pain and neurological function. Only PNS for phantom limb pain had moderate level evidence.
Article
Anesthesiology
Marc Caragea, Tyler Woodworth, Tim Curtis, Michael Blatt, Cole Cheney, Todd Brown, Daniel Carson, Keith T. Kuo, Dustin Randall, Emily Y. Huang, Andrea Carefoot, Masaru Teramoto, Megan Mills, Amanda Cooper, Taylor Burnham, Aaron Conger, Zachary L. McCormick
Summary: In this study, it was found that approximately half of the patients experienced clinically meaningful improvements in knee pain after genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (GNRFA). Factors associated with higher likelihood of treatment success included more advanced osteoarthritis, no use of opioids, antidepressants, or anxiolytics, and targeting more than 3 nerves.
Editorial Material
Anesthesiology
Steven P. Cohen, Daniel Ciampi de Andrade
Article
Anesthesiology
Steven P. Cohen, Chachrit Khunsriraksakul, Yongjae Yoo, Evan Parker, Christelle D. K. Samen-Akinsiku, Nirav Patel, Seffrah J. Cohen, Xiaoning Yuan, Jianguo Cheng, Jee Youn Moon
Summary: This study aimed to determine factors associated with response to ketamine infusion. The results showed that pain relief after sympathetic blocks and post-block temperature increase were positively associated with response to ketamine infusion, while psychiatric factors were not associated with treatment response.
Article
Anesthesiology
Dora Janela, Fabiola Costa, Maria Molinos, Robert G. Moulder, Jorge Lains, Justin K. Scheer, Virgilio Bento, Vijay Yanamadala, Steven P. Cohen, Fernando Dias Correia
Summary: This study provides evidence of the potential benefits of a structured and multimodal home-based DCP in managing upper extremity musculoskeletal pain conditions in patients with elevated fear-avoidance beliefs in a real-world context.
Review
Anesthesiology
Eric J. Wang, Gerard Limerick, Ryan S. D'Souza, Katie Lobner, Kayode A. Williams, Steven P. Cohen, Thomas J. Smith
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review to synthesize reported cases of complications arising from the use of scrambler therapy (ST). The results showed that ST has a significantly lower complication rate compared to invasive neuromodulation devices, making it a safe alternative treatment for patients who cannot undergo invasive procedures.
Article
Anesthesiology
Yian Chen, Eric Wang, Brian D. Sites, Steven P. Cohen
Summary: Chronic pain can be classified as acute or chronic based on duration and nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic mechanisms. The current classification system, although helpful for diagnosis, has significant overlap and lacks standardized definitions for chronic pain. This hinders the development of mechanism-based treatments, particularly in perioperative pain management. The document aims to provide a clinical reference for acute pain physicians to improve pain management decision-making in the perioperative period.
REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Wanwipha Malaithong, Nuj Tontisirin, Rattaphol Seangrung, Siwadol Wongsak, Steven P. Cohen
Summary: There is a lack of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of bipolar-radiofrequency ablation in treating knee osteoarthritis.
REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Steven P. Cohen, Tina L. Doshi, Edward Dolomisiewicz, David E. Reece, Zirong Zhao, Mirinda Anderson-White, Angelia Kasuke, Eric J. Wang, Annie Hsu, Shelton A. Davis, Yongjae Yoo, Paul F. Pasquina, Jee Youn Moon
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the association between cervical nonorganic pain signs and epidural corticosteroid injection outcomes as well as coexisting pain and psychiatric conditions. The results showed that nonorganic signs were correlated with treatment outcomes, pain, and psychiatric comorbidities. Screening for these signs and psychiatric symptoms may contribute to improving treatment outcomes.
MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Anesthesiology
David Sherwood, Aaron Yang, Christine Hunt, David Provenzano, Lynn Kohan, Robert W. Hurley, Steven P. Cohen, Vinil Shah, Zachary L. McCormick
Letter
Anesthesiology
Steven P. Cohen, Chachrit Khunsriraksakul, Seffrah J. Cohen, Jee Youn Moon
Editorial Material
Anesthesiology
Steven P. Cohen, Puneet Mishra, Mark Wallace, Alethia Sellers, Elias Veizi, Robert W. Hurley
REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sang S. Pak, Dora Janela, Nina Freitas, Fabiola Costa, Robert Moulder, Maria Molinos, Anabela C. Areias, Virgilio Bento, Steven P. Cohen, Vijay Yanamadala, Richard B. Souza, Fernando Dias Correia
Summary: This study compares the clinical outcomes of digital physical therapy and conventional in-person physical therapy for patients with chronic shoulder pain (CSP). The findings show that fully remote digital programs can be a viable care delivery model for CSP, with scalability and effectiveness assessed through comparison with high-dosage in-person rehabilitation.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Steven P. Cohen, Leonardo Kapural, Lynn Kohan, Sean Li, Robert W. Hurley, Richard Vallejo, Yashar Eshraghi, Pradeep Dinakar, Shravani Durbhakula, Douglas P. Beall, Mehul J. Desai, David Reece, Sandy Christiansen, Min Ho Chang, Adam J. Carinci, Michael DePalma
Summary: Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, with sacroiliac joint pain comprising up to 30% of cases of axial lower back pain. In this study, cooled radiofrequency ablation was found to provide superior improvements in low back pain compared to standard medical management in patients with sacroiliac joint pain.
REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Anabela C. Areias, Maria Molinos, Robert G. Moulder, Dora Janela, Justin K. Scheer, Virgilio Bento, Vijay Yanamadala, Steven P. Cohen, Fernando Dias Correia, Fabiola Costa
Summary: Digital interventions have the potential to address health inequities in musculoskeletal pain management. This study examined a completely remote multimodal musculoskeletal digital care program and its impact on engagement and clinical outcomes based on social deprivation. The findings suggest that a patient-centered digital care program can improve pain, mental health, and productivity across different social deprivation levels.
NPJ DIGITAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Eric J. Wang, Jay Karri, Nuj Tontisirin, Steven P. Cohen
Summary: There is a complex relationship between chronic pain and infections, as bacterial and viral infections can cause pain through various mechanisms. Treating infections may relieve pain by reducing inflammation and immune activity, and certain antimicrobial therapies have been shown to have analgesic effects. These effects can be categorized into reducing pro-inflammatory processes and inhibiting signaling processes necessary for pain perception. Some antimicrobial classes and medications have demonstrated analgesic efficacy independent of their reduction of infectious burden. This article comprehensively reviews the existing literature on antimicrobial agents with analgesic effects in preclinical or clinical studies.
KOREAN JOURNAL OF PAIN
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Eric J. Wang, Edward Dolomisiewicz, Jay Karri, Nuj Tontisirin, Steven P. Cohen
Summary: The discovery and development of antimicrobial therapies have been a significant advancement in modern medicine, providing analgesia as a secondary benefit in addition to eliminating pathogens. However, there are significant gaps in understanding the analgesic potential of antimicrobials and their mechanisms. Considering the global concern of antimicrobial resistance, the potential analgesic benefits of certain antimicrobial agents should be taken into account when choosing among treatment options.
KOREAN JOURNAL OF PAIN
(2023)