Earlier studies have shown that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) A118G (rs1799971) in the opioid receptor mu 1 (OPRM1) gene may affect pain sensitivity. In the present study we investigated whether the A118G SNP could predict clinical outcome regarding progression of pain intensity and disability in patients with low back pain and sciatica after lumbar disc herniation. Patients (n = 258...

BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia (FM) is a pain condition with associated symptoms contributing to distress. The Fibromyalgia Survey Diagnostic Criteria and Severity Scale (FSDC) is a patient-administered questionnaire assessing diagnosis and symptom severity. Locations of body pain measured by the Widespread Pain Index (WPI), and the Symptom Severity scale (SS) measuring fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, co...

BACKGROUND Continuous low back pain is associated with the symptoms of the pregnancy period. In spite of the improvement of low back pain within 6 months after the delivery, some women may develop chronic problems. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dry cupping therapy at BL23 point on the intensity of low back pain in primiparous women.  METHODS In the present randomized clinical ...

BACKGROUND Massage therapy is an important element of rehabilitation in the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP). The objective of this study was to determine the relative efficacy of massage therapy between traditional massage and a new massage approach for CLBP. We also examined whether any reduction in pain was linked to interoceptive awareness and parasympathetic activation. METHODS ...

Objective The role of self-conscious emotions (SCEs) including shame, guilt, humiliation, embarrassment and pride are of increasing interest within health. Yet little is known about SCEs in the experience of chronic pain. This study explored the prevalence and experience of SCEs in chronic pain patients compared to controls and assessed the relationship between SCEs and disability in pain patie...

CONTEXT Pain is the most disturbing symptom of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. As many as 45% of patients with diabetes mellitus develop peripheral neuropathies. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of gabapentin monotherapy on pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week trial conducted between July 1996 and March 1997. SETT...