Pain managementPub Date : 2026-04-24DOI: 10.1080/17581869.2026.2658843
Anupama B Prabhu, G Arun Maiya, Vivek Pandey, Kiran K V Acharya, Prabu Raja G, James M Elliott, Mira Meeus
{"title":"Factors associated with persistent shoulder pain following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a scoping review.","authors":"Anupama B Prabhu, G Arun Maiya, Vivek Pandey, Kiran K V Acharya, Prabu Raja G, James M Elliott, Mira Meeus","doi":"10.1080/17581869.2026.2658843","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17581869.2026.2658843","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rotator cuff (RC) tears are among the most common and disabling musculoskeletal conditions of the shoulder. When conservative management fails, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is performed. Some patients, however, report persistent shoulder pain following the surgical procedure. To improve patient outcomes, it is essential to identify factors associated with persistent pain following ARCR, which is the aim of this scoping review.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) recommendations. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, and Scopus databases. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the articles.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The main factors associated with persistent shoulder pain are classified under Biological factors, Psychological factors, and Social determinants of health.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review identifies a few consistent biological (preoperative higher pain intensity, preoperative narcotic use), psychological (depression/anxiety), and social (female sex, smoking and, workers' compensation claims) factors associated with persistent shoulder pain. This information can assist in the early identification of participants at risk for persistent pain and guide patient expectations and counseling.</p>","PeriodicalId":20000,"journal":{"name":"Pain management","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147778365","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain managementPub Date : 2026-04-24DOI: 10.1080/17581869.2026.2663941
Natália Aparecida Casonato, Filipe Estevão Sette, Marialice Gyaraki da Silva, Jessica Bianca Aily, Gerson Jhonatan Rodrigues, Stela Marcia Mattiello
{"title":"Beyond pain: how socioeconomic and psychosocial factors shape medication use in knee osteoarthritis - a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Natália Aparecida Casonato, Filipe Estevão Sette, Marialice Gyaraki da Silva, Jessica Bianca Aily, Gerson Jhonatan Rodrigues, Stela Marcia Mattiello","doi":"10.1080/17581869.2026.2663941","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17581869.2026.2663941","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims: </strong>Chronic pain and disability are the main symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Pharmacological therapy is widely employed for pain relief, although its efficacy and safety vary with clinical, socioeconomic, and psychosocial conditions. The objective of this research was to explore the relationships among pain medication profiles and psychosocial, economic, and educational factors in people with KOA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study included 211 adults with KOA; medication use was verified via Drugs.com®. Multivariable logistic regression analyzed the associations of pain intensity (NPRS), pain catastrophizing (PCS), kinesiophobia (TSK), education, and income with polypharmacy and potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Higher PCS scores were associated with increased odds of polypharmacy (OR = 1.34; 95% CI 1.01-1.68) and potential DDIs (OR = 2.16; 95% CI 1.01-4.62). Income above five minimum wages further raised these odds (polypharmacy OR = 6.07; DDIs OR = 12.08). In contrast, Secondary and Higher Education were protective against DDIs (OR = 0.32 and 0.26, respectively). Model fit was satisfactory (Tjur's R<sup>2</sup> = 0.204 for polypharmacy; 0.182 for DDIs).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Socioeconomic and psychosocial factors significantly influence the medication profile and pain experience of individuals with KOA, highlighting the importance of integrating clinical, social, and cognitive determinants in patient management.</p>","PeriodicalId":20000,"journal":{"name":"Pain management","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147778430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain managementPub Date : 2026-04-23DOI: 10.1080/17581869.2026.2660326
Julie R Brewer, Pearl Lee, Nadine Levey, Joseph W Ditre, Neal Chen, Chaitanya Mudgal, Abhiram R Bhashyam, Rohit Garg, David Ring, Ana-Maria Vranceanu, Jafar Bakhshaie
{"title":"Patient perspectives on non‑traumatic painful upper‑extremity conditions, co-occurring risky substance use, and an integrated web-based mind-body intervention addressing both conditions.","authors":"Julie R Brewer, Pearl Lee, Nadine Levey, Joseph W Ditre, Neal Chen, Chaitanya Mudgal, Abhiram R Bhashyam, Rohit Garg, David Ring, Ana-Maria Vranceanu, Jafar Bakhshaie","doi":"10.1080/17581869.2026.2660326","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17581869.2026.2660326","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study explored patient experiences with non-traumatic painful upper-extremity conditions (NPUCs) and co-occurring risky substance use and assessed perspectives on the acceptability and usability of Web-TIRELESS, an integrated web-based mind-body intervention addressing both conditions concurrently.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Nineteen adults with NPUCs and risky substance use completed individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using a hybrid deductive-inductive thematic analysis approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four themes emerged: (1) Challenges managing pain: Patients reported functional deterioration, emotional distress, and frustration with limited symptom relief, often associated with maladaptive coping strategies, including substance use. (2) Motivations for substance use and change: Alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco were commonly used to manage pain, stress, or sleep difficulties. Participants had limited awareness of the reciprocal relationship between pain and substance use and expressed low motivation to change. (3) Intervention preferences: Web-TIRELESS was viewed positively for its flexibility, privacy, and accessibility. Participants preferred credible, evidence-based, and practical pain-coping content. (4) Barriers and facilitators: Barriers included skepticism about efficacy, low motivation, and technological accessibility. Facilitators included live-human support, streamlined content, and accountability reminders.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patients prefer flexible, accessible, and evidence-based psychosocial interventions addressing pain and substance use simultaneously. Upon integrating patient suggestions, Web-TIRELESS may effectively bridge gaps in integrated orthopedic care.</p>","PeriodicalId":20000,"journal":{"name":"Pain management","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147778384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain managementPub Date : 2026-04-22DOI: 10.1080/17581869.2026.2660148
Ellie I Davidson, Kee Howe Wong, Smita L A Almeida, Matthew R D Brown
{"title":"A case report exploring the use of subcutaneous Botox for the treatment of neuropathic pain in active head and neck cancer.","authors":"Ellie I Davidson, Kee Howe Wong, Smita L A Almeida, Matthew R D Brown","doi":"10.1080/17581869.2026.2660148","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17581869.2026.2660148","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Patients with head and neck cancer commonly experience severe neuropathic pain. This pain is often challenging to treat and may be refractory to standard analgesic approaches. We describe the use of subcutaneous Botox injections to manage pain in such a patient. A patient with poorly differentiated carcinoma of the right base of skull with perineural invasion presented to the pain clinic with intractable facial pain. Subcutaneous Botox injections were performed. The patient experienced a significant reduction in the intensity of her pain following subcutaneous Botox injections. Subcutaneous Botox injections represent a safe and effective option for patients with head and neck cancer experiencing neuropathic pain refectory to standard analgesic medications.</p>","PeriodicalId":20000,"journal":{"name":"Pain management","volume":" ","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147778155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain managementPub Date : 2026-04-20DOI: 10.1080/17581869.2026.2660895
M van Liefland, P J van Tilborg, M Szmukala, Z Zhang, C Kramers, G J Lammers, R Khatami, R Fronczek
{"title":"Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of low sodium oxybate for nocturnal cluster headache attacks in chronic cluster headache: protocol for a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, trial (SUNCET).","authors":"M van Liefland, P J van Tilborg, M Szmukala, Z Zhang, C Kramers, G J Lammers, R Khatami, R Fronczek","doi":"10.1080/17581869.2026.2660895","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17581869.2026.2660895","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cluster headache presents with severe headache attacks that typically occur during sleep. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of low sodium oxybate (LXB), a sleep-deepening drug, for nocturnal attacks in chronic cluster headache.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, bi-center trial, we will include 52 participants (18-75 years) with chronic cluster headache and ≥4 nocturnal attacks per week. Participants with a contraindication for LXB will be excluded. After a 4-week baseline phase, participants will be randomized to receive either LXB or placebo as a twice nightly regimen during the treatment phase. All participants will undergo a 6-week titration phase followed by a 4-week stable dose treatment phase. The primary outcome is the change from baseline in the average weekly frequency of nocturnal cluster headache attacks during the 4-week stable dose treatment phase, comparing the LXB group to the placebo group. Secondary and exploratory outcomes include change in daytime attack frequency, the improvement of sleep quality and sleep continuity parameters.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The results of this trial could have a substantial impact on the treatment for chronic cluster headache, particularly for patients suffering from frequent nocturnal attacks.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial registration: </strong>The www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier is NCT06950281.</p>","PeriodicalId":20000,"journal":{"name":"Pain management","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147723641","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain managementPub Date : 2026-04-20DOI: 10.1080/17581869.2026.2661842
Huan-Ji Dong, Anna Wahl, Maria Henström Engblom, Marie Löf, Lucy Kocanda, Katherine Brain, Bijar Ghafouri
{"title":"Response to comment on \"Nutrition care in pain rehabilitation-success and lessons from practice\".","authors":"Huan-Ji Dong, Anna Wahl, Maria Henström Engblom, Marie Löf, Lucy Kocanda, Katherine Brain, Bijar Ghafouri","doi":"10.1080/17581869.2026.2661842","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17581869.2026.2661842","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":20000,"journal":{"name":"Pain management","volume":" ","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147729593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain managementPub Date : 2026-04-20DOI: 10.1080/17581869.2026.2661843
Meer M Abdulkarim, Sherzad W Mahmood, Fahmi H Kakamad
{"title":"Comment on \"Nutrition care in pain rehabilitation-success and lessons from practice\".","authors":"Meer M Abdulkarim, Sherzad W Mahmood, Fahmi H Kakamad","doi":"10.1080/17581869.2026.2661843","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17581869.2026.2661843","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":20000,"journal":{"name":"Pain management","volume":" ","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147723654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain managementPub Date : 2026-04-20DOI: 10.1080/17581869.2026.2660144
Daniel J McCoy, Logan M Olson, Neil B Sandson, Catherine Marcucci
{"title":"Autoinduction and suzetrigine: potential clinical implications.","authors":"Daniel J McCoy, Logan M Olson, Neil B Sandson, Catherine Marcucci","doi":"10.1080/17581869.2026.2660144","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17581869.2026.2660144","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":20000,"journal":{"name":"Pain management","volume":" ","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147723648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain managementPub Date : 2026-04-19DOI: 10.1080/17581869.2026.2661844
Maja Green, Bart Billet, Maria Kappell, Shari Kappell, Krishnan Chakravarthy
{"title":"Adaptive dual-modality neuromodulation for chronic pain and muscle dysfunction: real-world insights from the NXTSTIM™ EcoAI digital platform.","authors":"Maja Green, Bart Billet, Maria Kappell, Shari Kappell, Krishnan Chakravarthy","doi":"10.1080/17581869.2026.2661844","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17581869.2026.2661844","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic musculoskeletal pain is often inadequately managed with pharmacologic therapy. Although transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) are established noninvasive modalities, conventional systems lack personalization and adherence monitoring.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate real-world outcomes associated with the EcoAI adaptive dual-modality (TENS+EMS) neuromodulation platform for chronic pain management.</p><p><strong>Design, setting and participants: </strong>Retrospective analysis of de-identified symptom diaries from 2,135 adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain using EcoAI at home in the United States between January 2023 and September 2025.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>AI-modulated TENS/EMS delivered via wearable surface electrodes with continuous algorithmic adjustment based on patient feedback. Three modes were available: Relieve (pain-focused TENS), Relax (combined TENS+EMS), and Strengthen (EMS-focused).</p><p><strong>Main outcomes and measures: </strong>Primary outcome was change in pain intensity measured on a 0-10 numeric rating scale. Secondary outcomes included muscle stiffness, fatigue, weakness, and spasm frequency measured on 0-4 ordinal scales. Longitudinal mixed-effects models assessed outcomes, with adherence evaluated as a modifier.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant improvements occurred in muscle weakness, fatigue, and spasm frequency among Strengthen-module users, while pain and stiffness remained stable. Higher adherence and baseline pain predicted greater pain reduction. No device-related adverse events occurred. Conclusion: Adaptive AI-guided TENS/EMS improved neuromuscular symptoms in real-world use significantly.</p>","PeriodicalId":20000,"journal":{"name":"Pain management","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147723631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain managementPub Date : 2026-04-16DOI: 10.1080/17581869.2026.2658080
Theresa R Lii, Pilleriin Sikka, Ben Deverett, Omar K Altirkawi, Boris D Heifets
{"title":"Protocol and pilot results for a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial of ketamine under propofol sedation for chronic pain and depression.","authors":"Theresa R Lii, Pilleriin Sikka, Ben Deverett, Omar K Altirkawi, Boris D Heifets","doi":"10.1080/17581869.2026.2658080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17581869.2026.2658080","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Ketamine shows promise for treatment-refractory chronic pain and depression, but randomized trials risk unblinding from ketamine's acute dissociative effects. Propofol sedation may mitigate this, though it has not been prospectively tested as a masking strategy outside of surgical contexts.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This protocol describes a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group superiority trial enrolling 42 adults (including 6 pilot participants) with chronic pain and comorbid depression. Intravenous ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) or placebo (saline) will be administered under propofol sedation spanning the 40-minute infusion and 40 minutes post-infusion. The primary outcome is change in mean daily pain intensity (0-10 Numeric Rating Scale), assuming a detectable difference of 1.5 points. Secondary outcomes include depression severity and blinding measures.</p><p><strong>Feasibility results: </strong>Six pilot participants completed procedures without serious adverse events. While 5/6 guessed ketamine immediately post-sedation, only 2/6 correctly identified allocation at subsequent assessments. Expectancy and confidence ratings varied widely without favoring either treatment.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Propofol-enhanced masking may reduce expectancy bias and improve interpretability for ketamine trials. Pilot results suggest propofol sedation can be used safely and effectively as a blinding tool, offering a framework for studying other psychoactive therapeutics.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial registration: </strong>www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier is NCT06317636.</p>","PeriodicalId":20000,"journal":{"name":"Pain management","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147691689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}