Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation - Volume 11, issue 3

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-1998-11301

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. iii-iii, 1998

Authors: Rucker, Karen S.

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-1998-11302

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 161-161, 1998

Authors: Staats, Peter S. | Galloway, Karen S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The treatment of pain in children, the elderly, and intensive care unit patients presents some unique problems. Here a unifying theme is emphasized: the difficulty in adequately assessing pain in patients who are often unable to communicate. Also addressed are the differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics from neonates to the elderly. Finally, common pain syndromes in each group, the associated treatments, and recent controversies are discussed. Because of changing demographics, pain treatment for these groups will become increasingly important. Only in the past 10 years has pediatric pain been treated with the same energy as adult pain; application of the …newest techniques still lags far behind these patients' adult counterparts. Pain treatment in the elderly will inevitably become a larger problem as our population ages. Finally, recent advances in technology enable us to sustain patients with increasingly severe illnesses. Thus, pain management in these special populations will take on progressively greater importance. Show more

Keywords: Pain, pediatric, geriatric, intensive care unit

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-1998-11303

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 163-174, 1998

Authors: Gerwin, Robert D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and fibromyalgia (FM) are common muscular pain syndromes. They are both characterized by tenderness, but MPS is further characterized by the myofascial trigger point that has a taut band and causes referred pain. FM can be either primary (idiopathic) or secondary. MPS is always secondary to some muscle stressor. The diagnosis of these conditions is generally made by physical examination. Algometry can quantify the tenderness. EMG of the trigger point and diagnostic ultrasound can provide objective evidence of the trigger point. Biochemical markers and other phenomena associated with FM have not yet been shown to be …either specific or sensitive enough to use as clinical indicators of the condition. Tryptophane is low in the serum and spinal fluid of FM patients, whereas substance P is elevated in the spinal fluid. Treatment of MPS is effective when the trigger point is inactivated and underlying mechanical or medical perpetuating factors are corrected. Treatment of fibromyalgia is more difficult as the drugs commonly used, such as the tricyclic antidepressants, which have uncertain benefits; and exercise, which clearly shows a short-term benefit, fail to provide long-lasting relief at 4 years. Show more

Keywords: Myofascial pain syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Trigger point, Tender point, Myalgia, Referred pain, Algometry, Muscle disorder

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-1998-11304

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 175-181, 1998

Authors: Abrams, Bernard M.

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-1998-11305

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 183-199, 1998

Authors: Saberski, Lloyd R.

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-1998-11306

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 201-203, 1998

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-1998-11307

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 205-205, 1998

Article Type: Calendar

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-1998-11308

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 207-207, 1998

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-1998-11309

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 209-209, 1998

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-1998-11310

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 211-212, 1998

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-1998-11311

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 213-214, 1998