| 1. |
- Alkassabi, O., et al.
(author)
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Risk Factors to Persistent Pain Following Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Literature Review
- 2022
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1660-4601. ; 19:15
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Musculoskeletal (MSK) injury is one of the major causes of persistent pain. Objective: This systematic literature review explored the factors that lead to persistent pain following a MSK injury in the general population, including athletes. Methods: A primary literature search of five electronic databases was performed to identify cohort, prospective, and longitudinal trials. Studies of adults who diagnosed with a MSK injury, such as sprains, strains or trauma, were included. Results: Eighteen studies involving 5372 participants were included in this review. Participants' ages ranged from 18-95 years. Most of the included studies were of prospective longitudinal design. Participants had a variety of MSK injuries (traumatic and non-traumatic) causing persistent pain. Multiple factors were identified as influencing the development of persistent pain following a MSK injury, including high pain intensity at baseline, post-traumatic stress syndrome, presence of medical comorbidities, and fear of movement. Scarcity of existing literature and the heterogeneity of the studies made meta-analysis not possible. Conclusions: This systematic review highlighted factors that might help predict persistent pain and disability following MSK injury in the general population, including athletes. Identification of these factors may help clinicians and other health care providers prevent the development of persistent pain following a MSK injury.
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| 2. |
- Araújo Almeida, Lucas, et al.
(author)
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Do Patients with Chronic Spinal Pain and Comorbid Insomnia Have More Features of Central Sensitization? A Case-Control Study
- 2023
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In: Healthcare (Switzerland). - 2227-9032. ; 11:24
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Chronic spinal pain (CSP) is a major public health problem worldwide, frequently related to sleep problems. Central sensitization (CS) may worsen the clinical picture of CSP patients with insomnia. The aim of this study was to compare self-reported and objectively measured clinical outcomes between insomniac CSP patients with comorbid insomnia with and without symptoms of CS. Methods: A case-control study on baseline self-reported sleep, functioning, and psychological distress through online questionnaires. Objective sleep and physical activity parameters and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were assessed through polysomnography, actigraphy, and digital algometry, respectively. Independent sample t-test and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to examine possible differences in the outcome measures between the groups. Results: Data from 123 participants were included and revealed no statistically significant group for objective sleep and physical activity parameters. The CS group, however, presented with worse self-reported sleep (quality sleep, insomnia severity, and dysfunctional beliefs about sleep), increased mental and physical fatigue, and higher psychological distress (anxiety and depressive symptoms), and reported lower PPTs. Conclusions: symptoms of CS may influence perceived sleep and affect functional health and well-being perception but do not seem to affect objective sleep and physical activity.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Beckwée, David, et al.
(author)
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Exercise therapy for knee osteoarthritis pain: how does it work? A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
- 2024
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In: BMJ open. - 2044-6055. ; 14:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Muscle strengthening training (MST) and behavioural graded activity (BGA) show comparable effects on knee osteoarthritic (KOA) pain, but the mechanisms of action remain unclear. Both exercise-induced anti-inflammation and central sensitisation are promising pathways for pain relief in response to exercise therapy in patients with KOA: MST has the potential to decrease inflammation and BGA has the potential to decrease central sensitisation. Hence, this study aims to examine inflammation and central sensitisation as mediators for the effect of MST and/or BGA on pain in patients with KOA. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Knee OsteoArthritis PAIN trial started on 10 January 2020 (anticipated end: April 2024). The three-arm clinical trial aims to recruit 90 KOA patients who will be randomly allocated to 12 weeks of (1) MST, (2) BGA or (3) care as usual. Assessments will be performed at baseline, 13 and 52 weeks after finishing the intervention. Outcomes, including pain (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score), were chosen in line with the OARSI recommendations for clinical trials of rehabilitation interventions for OA and the IMMPACT/OMERACT recommendations for the assessment of physical function in chronic pain clinical trials. Inflammation as well as features of central sensitisation (including conditioned pain modulation, offset analgesia, temporal summation of pain and event-related potentials following electrical stimulation), will be considered as treatment mediators. A multiple mediators model will be estimated with a path-analysis using structural equation models. In July 2023, all 90 KOA patients have been included and 42 participants already finished the study. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study obtained ethics approval (B.U.N. 143201941843). Unravelling the mechanisms of action of exercise therapy in KOA will not only be extremely valuable for researchers, but also for exercise immunology and pain scientists and clinicians. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04362618.
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| 5. |
- Bilterys, T., et al.
(author)
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Predictors for physical activity and its change after active physical therapy in people with spinal pain and insomnia: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
- 2022
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In: Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy. - : Elsevier BV. - 1413-3555. ; 26:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In healthy people and people with nonspecific chronic spinal pain (nCSP) and/or insomnia, participation in physical activity on a regular basis has several physical and psychological health benefits. However, people with chronic conditions often tend to reduce physical activity participation which can lead to deconditioning over time. Currently, there are no known predictors for an (in)active lifestyle (before and after physical therapy treatment) in people with chronic spinal pain and comorbid insomnia. Objective: To examine predictors of pre-treatment moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and to examine determinants for a change in MVPA in response to 14-weeks of active physical therapy treatment in people with nonspecific chronic spinal pain (nCSP) and comorbid insomnia. Methods: Baseline data and post-treatment data were analyzed for 66 participants. A linear multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine which factors predict MVPA at baseline. Linear mixed-effects modeling was used to identify determinants for change in MVPA in response to an active physical therapy treatment. Results: Physical fatigue (b = -0.9; 95%CI: -1.59, -0.15), less limitations in functioning as a result of emotional problems (b = 0.1; 95%CI: 0.03, 0.10), mental fatigue (b = -1.0; 95%CI: -1.67, -0.43), lower general sleep quality (b= 0.7; 95%CI: 0.22, 1.17), and body mass index (b = -0.5; 95%CI: -0.93, -0.16) were significant predictors of baseline MVPA. The regression model explained 33.3% of the total variance in baseline MVPA. The change of MVPA in response to the treatment ranged from a decrease of 17.5 to an increase of 16.6 hours per week. No determinants for change in MVPA after treatment could be identified. Conclusion: People with nCSP and comorbid insomnia are more likely to engage in MVPA if they report, at baseline, lower sleep quality, fewer limitations in functioning resulting from emotional problems, lower body mass index, as well as less physical and mental fatigue.
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| 6. |
- Bilterys, T., et al.
(author)
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Relationship, differences, and agreement between objective and subjective sleep measures in chronic spinal pain patients with comorbid insomnia: a cross-sectional study
- 2023
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In: Pain. - 0304-3959. ; 164:9, s. 2016-2028
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sleep disturbances are one of the most frequent reported problems in people with nonspecific chronic spinal pain (nCSP) and presents an additional treatment challenge. Interventions targeting sleep problems are mainly based on subjective sleep complaints and do not take objective sleep into consideration. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship and conformity between self-reported and objectively measured sleep parameters (ie, questionnaire vs polysomnography and actigraphy). The baseline data of 123 people with nCSP and comorbid insomnia who are participating in a randomized controlled trial were analyzed. Pearson correlations were used to investigate the relationship between objective and subjective sleep parameters. Differences between objective and subjective sleep parameters were analyzed using t tests. Bland-Altman analyses were performed to quantify and visualize agreement between the different measurement methods. Except for the significant moderate correlation between perceived time in bed (TIB) and actigraphic TIB (r = 0.667, P < 0.001), all other associations between subjective and objective measures were rather weak (r < 0.400). Participants underestimated their total sleep time (TST) (mean difference [MD] = -52.37 [-67.94, -36.81], P < 0.001) and overestimated sleep onset latency (SOL) (MD = 13.76 [8.33, 19.20], P < 0.001) in general. The results of this study suggest a discrepancy (differences and lack of agreement) between subjective and objective sleep parameters in people with nCSP and comorbid insomnia. No or weak associations were found between self-reported sleep and objectively measured sleep. Findings suggest that people with nCSP and comorbid insomnia tend to underestimate TST and overestimate SOL. Future studies are necessary to confirm our results.
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| 7. |
- Coppieters, I., et al.
(author)
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The Role of Serotonergic and Noradrenergic Descending Pathways on Performance-Based Cognitive Functioning at Rest and in Response to Exercise in People with Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Study
- 2023
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In: Clinics and Practice. - 2039-7275. ; 13:3, s. 684-700
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- (1) Background: Dysregulation in serotonergic and noradrenergic systems may be implicated in the neurobiophysiological mechanisms underlying pain-related cognitive impairment in chronic whiplash-associated disorders (CWAD). This study aimed to unravel the role of serotonergic and noradrenergic descending pathways in cognitive functioning at rest and in response to exercise in people with CWAD. (2) Methods: 25 people with CWAD were included in this double-blind, randomized, controlled crossover study. Endogenous descending serotonergic and noradrenergic inhibitory mechanisms were modulated by using a single dose of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (Citalopram) or a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (Atomoxetine). Cognitive performance was studied at rest and in response to exercise (1) without medication intake; (2) after intake of Citalopram; and (3) after intake of Atomoxetine. (3) Results: After Atomoxetine intake, selective attention improved compared with the no medication day (p < 0.05). In contrast, a single dose of Citalopram had no significant effect on cognitive functioning at rest. When performing pairwise comparisons, improvements in selective attention were found after exercise for the no medication condition (p < 0.05). In contrast, after intake of Citalopram or Atomoxetine, selective and sustained attention worsened after exercise. (4) Conclusions: A single dose of Atomoxetine improved selective attention only in one Stroop condition, and a single dose of Citalopram had no effect on cognitive functioning at rest in people with CWAD. Only without medication intake did selective attention improve in response to exercise, whereas both centrally acting medications worsened cognitive performance in response to a submaximal aerobic exercise bout in people with CWAD.
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| 8. |
- De Baets, L., et al.
(author)
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The interplay between symptoms of insomnia and pain in people with osteoarthritis: A narrative review of the current evidence
- 2023
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In: Sleep Medicine Reviews. - 1087-0792. ; 70
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and clinical pain is the major symptom of OA. This clinical OA-related pain is firmly associated with symptoms of insomnia, which are reported in up to 81% of people with OA. Since understanding the association between both symptoms is critical for their appropriate management, this narrative review synthesizes the existing evidence in people with OA on i) the mechanisms underlying the association between insomnia symptoms and clinical OA-related pain, and ii) the effectiveness of conservative non-pharmacological treatments on insomnia symptoms and clinical OA-related pain. The evidence available identifies depressive symptoms, pain catastrophizing and pain self-efficacy as mechanisms partially explaining the cross-sectional association between insomnia symptoms and pain in people with OA. Furthermore, in comparison to treatments without a specific insomnia intervention, the ones including an insomnia intervention appear more effective for improving insomnia symptoms, but not for reducing clinical OA-related pain. However, at a withinperson level, treatment-related positive effects on insomnia symptoms are associated with a longterm pain reduction. Future longitudinal prospective studies offering fundamental insights into neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms explaining the association between insomnia symptoms and clinical OA-related pain will enable the development of effective treatments targeting both symptoms.
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| 9. |
- De Kooning, M., et al.
(author)
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Unravelling Impaired Hypoalgesia at Rest and in Response to Exercise in Patients with Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders: Effects of a Single Administration of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor versus Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor
- 2023
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In: Journal of Clinical Medicine. - 2077-0383. ; 12:15
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- (1) Background: Noradrenaline and serotonin have modulatory roles in pain signaling and in exercise-induced hypoalgesia. Patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders often show impaired exercise-induced hypoalgesia. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the isolated effect of activating serotonergic or noradrenergic descending pathways on hypoalgesia at rest and in response to exercise in patients with chronic WAD by using respectively a single dose of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI). (2) Methods: Twenty-five people with chronic WAD participated in this double-blind randomized controlled crossover experiment. Serotonin and noradrenaline concentrations were modulated by the oral ingestion of a single dose of citalopram (i.e., SSRI) or atomoxetine (i.e., SNRI). Quantitative sensory testing (including pressure pain thresholds and conditioned pain modulation) was measured before and after exercise in combination with no medication (1), atomoxetine (2), or citalopram (3) at three different test days. (3) Results: Random-intercept linear mixed models analysis was used to analyze pain outcomes (i.e., pain at rest and exercise-induced hypoalgesia) before and after exercise over the three conditions in patients with chronic WAD. No differences in pain at rest were found between the three conditions before exercise. The effect of exercise on pain outcome measures was not influenced by medication intake. The occupational status of the participants had a significant influence on the effect of exercise and medication on pain outcomes (p < 0.05). Patients working full-time had some positive effect of atomoxetine on pain facilitation (p < 0.05). Unemployed patients had some negative effect of citalopram on pain tolerance and experienced exercise-induced hypoalgesia (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: A single dose of citalopram or atomoxetine did not result in changes in hypoalgesia at rest and in response to exercise. These results do not support the use of SSRI or selective NRI to overcome impaired hypoalgesia at rest or in response to exercise in people with chronic WAD. Effect of exercise and medication on pain in patients with chronic WAD is influenced by the occupational status.
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| 10. |
- de Zoete, R. M. J., et al.
(author)
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Differential Structural Brain Changes Between Responders and Nonresponders After Physical Exercise Therapy for Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain
- 2023
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In: Clinical Journal of Pain. - 0749-8047. ; 39:6, s. 270-277
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives:Physical exercise therapy is effective for some people with chronic nonspecific neck pain but not for others. Differences in exercise-induced pain-modulatory responses are likely driven by brain changes. We investigated structural brain differences at baseline and changes after an exercise intervention. The primary aim was to investigate changes in structural brain characteristics after physical exercise therapy for people with chronic nonspecific neck pain. The secondary aims were to investigate (1) baseline differences in structural brain characteristics between responders and nonresponders to exercise therapy, and (2) differential brain changes after exercise therapy between responders and nonresponders. Materials and Methods:This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Twenty-four participants (18 females, mean age 39.7 y) with chronic nonspecific neck pain were included. Responders were selected as those with >= 20% improvement in Neck Disability Index. Structural magnetic resonance imaging was obtained before and after an 8-week physical exercise intervention delivered by a physiotherapist. Freesurfer cluster-wise analyses were performed and supplemented with an analysis of pain-specific brain regions of interest. Results:Various changes in grey matter volume and thickness were found after the intervention, for example, frontal cortex volume decreased (cluster-weighted P value = 0.0002, 95% CI: 0.0000-0.0004). We found numerous differences between responders and nonresponders, most notably, after the exercise intervention bilateral insular volume decreased in responders, but increased in nonresponders (cluster-weighted P value <= 0.0002). Discussion:The brain changes found in this study may underpin clinically observed differential effects between responders and nonresponders to exercise therapy for people with chronic neck pain. Identification of these changes is an important step toward personalized treatment approaches.
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| 11. |
- Elma, Omer, et al.
(author)
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Impaired Carbohydrate Metabolism among Women with Chronic Low Back Pain and the Role of Dietary Carbohydrates: A Randomized Controlled Cross-Over Experiment
- 2024
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In: JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE. - 2077-0383. ; 13:7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Impaired glucose regulation is suggested to be related to chronic low back pain (CLBP), although it is not clear how they interact with each other. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to investigate differences in postprandial glycemic responses (PPGRs) (the first sign of impaired glucose metabolism) to high- (sucrose) and low-glycemic index (GI) (isomaltulose) beverages in normoglycemic women with CLBP and healthy controls (HCs) and explore whether any group that showed greater PPGRs to high-GI beverage intake would benefit when the high-GI beverage was replaced with a low-GI beverage. Secondly, this study aimed to explore the association between PPGR and pain in patients with CLBP. Methods: This study was registered at clinicaltrials.org (NCT04459104) before the start of the study. In this study, 53 CLBP patients and 53 HCs were recruited. After 11-12 h of fasting, each participant randomly received isomaltulose or sucrose. Blood glucose levels were measured during the fasting state and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after the beverage intake, and each participant underwent experimental pain measures. Results: Compared to the HCs, the CLBP group showed significantly higher PPGRs to sucrose (p < 0.021). Additionally, the CLBP group showed a significantly higher decrease in PPGR (p = 0.045) when comparing PPGR to sucrose with PPGR to isomaltulose. Correlation analysis revealed a positive association between self-reported pain sensitivity and PPGR to sucrose, while there was no association found between any experimental pain measures and glycemic responses. Conclusions: Overall, these findings suggest that normoglycemic CLBP patients might have a higher risk of developing impaired glucose tolerance than the HCs and might benefit more when high-GI foods are replaced with low-GI ones.
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| 12. |
- Elma, Oemer, et al.
(author)
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Proinflammatory Dietary Intake Relates to Pain Sensitivity in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Case-Control Study
- 2024
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In: JOURNAL OF PAIN. - 1526-5900 .- 1528-8447. ; 25:2, s. 350-361
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nonspecific chronic low back pain (nCLBP) has been associated with nutrition. Yet, it is not clear how nutritional factors and nCLBP relate to one another. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate differences in diet quality and dietary intake levels between nCLBP patients and healthy controls (HCs) and explore the association between nutritional factors and pain sensitivity in nCLBP. In this case -control study, 106 participants (ie, n = 53 nCLBP and n = 53 HCs) were recruited and completed a 3 -day food diary to assess their dietary intake, which allowed to generate individual diet quality scores (ie, the Healthy Eating Index -2015 and Dietary Inflammatory Index). Additionally, each participant underwent an experimental pain assessment (quantitative sensory testing) and filled out selfreported pain questionnaires. Compared to HCs, the nCLBP group showed significantly lower diet quality, higher inflammatory scores, and a lower intake of total protein, total fat, dietary fiber, omega -3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin A, beta -carotene, vitamin E, and magnesium. Pain sensitivity mainly showed a negative correlation with nutritional intakes known for anti-inflammatory properties (ie, vitamins E, D, A, B6, B12, and zinc). Interestingly, total fat, cholesterol, saturated, and monounsaturated fat intakes were found to be inversely associated with pain sensitivity. Overall, patients with nCLBP have a lower diet quality, eat more proinflammatory, have less intake of nutrients known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, and drink less water compared to HCs. Accordingly, pain sensitivity was mainly found to be positively associated with proinflammatory dietary intake. Perspective: This study emphasizes the association between a proinflammatory diet and nCLBP. Among nCLBP patients, positive association between increased pain sensitivity and the proinflammatory potential of a diet, highlighting the potential for individualized pain management strategies and leading to the development of novel therapeutic methods. (R) 2023 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of United States Association for the Study of Pain, Inc
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| 13. |
- Elma, Ö, et al.
(author)
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Diet can exert both analgesic and pronociceptive effects in acute and chronic pain models: a systematic review of preclinical studies
- 2022
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In: Nutritional neuroscience. - 1028-415X. ; 25:10, s. 2195-2217
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Although diet is an essential aspect of human health, the link between diet and pain is still not well understood. Preclinical animal research provides information to understand underlying mechanisms that allow identifying the needs for human research. Objectives: This study aims to give a systematic overview of the current evidence from preclinical studies regarding the analgesic and pronociceptive effects of various diets in non-neuropathic, non-cancer, or non-visceral acute and chronic pain models. Study Design: A systematic Review Setting: This study examined studies that investigate the analgesic and pronociceptive effects of various diets in non-neuropathic, non-cancer, or non-visceral acute and chronic pain models. Methods: This review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42019133473. The certainty of evidence was examined by a modified GRADE approach. Results: After the screening process twenty-four eligible papers were included in this review. Nineteen studies examined acute pain, nine studies chronic inflammatory pain, and four studies assessed both acute and chronic pain models. Limitations: Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, a meta-analysis was not included in this study. Conclusions: In animal models, excessive saturated, monounsaturated or omega-6 polyunsaturated fat ingestion and diets rich in fats and carbohydrates can decrease pain sensitivity in acute nociceptive pain, whereas it can induce mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia in chronic inflammatory pain. Additionally, diets rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients, as well as a calorie-restricted diet can promote recovery from primary mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia in chronic inflammatory pain. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
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| 14. |
- Escriche-Escuder, A., et al.
(author)
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Pain neuroscience education in persistent painful tendinopathies: A scoping review from the Tendon PNE Network
- 2023
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In: Physical Therapy in Sport. - 1466-853X. ; 63, s. 38-49
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: to conduct and report a scoping review of the available evidence of the effects and content of pain neuroscience education for patients with persistent painful tendinopathies.Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and grey literature databases were searched from database inception to May 2022. Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials, non-controlled clinical trials, cohort studies, case series, case studies including people with persistent painful tendinopathy aged & GE;18 years, a pain education intervention, and in English were included. Studies were excluded if they were crosssectional studies, reviews, editorials, abstracts, or full-text not available or if included heterogeneous study cohorts, patients with tendon rupture, or patients with systemic diseases.Results: five studies (n = 164) were included. Pain neuroscience education entailed face-to-face discussion sessions or educational materials including videos, brochures, paper drawings, and review questions. All studies used pain neuroscience education in conjunction with other interventions, obtaining significant benefits in outcomes related to pain, physical performance, or self-reported function, among others.Conclusions: The application of pain neuroscience education in conjunction with other interventions seemed to improve several outcomes. However, considering the current knowledge about tendon pain and the scarcity of well-designed trials studying pain neuroscience education in tendinopathy, additional research is needed.
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| 15. |
- Fernandez-de-las-Penas, C., et al.
(author)
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Neuropathic Pain Associated or Not with a Nociplastic Condition
- 2023
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In: Biomedicines. - 2227-9059. ; 11:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has been traditionally classified as primarily a neuropathic condition with or without pain. Precision medicine refers to an evidence-based method of grouping patients based on their susceptibility to biology, prognosis of a particular disease, or in their response to a specific treatment, and tailoring specific treatments accordingly. In 2021, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) proposed a grading system for classifying patients into nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic phenotypes. This position paper presents data supporting the possibility of subgrouping individuals with specific CTS related-pain into nociceptive, neuropathic, nociplastic or mixed-type phenotypes. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a neuropathic condition but can also be comorbid with a nociplastic pain condition. The presence of extra-median symptoms and the development of facilitated pain processing seem to be signs suggesting that specific CTS cases can be classified as the nociplastic pain phenotype. The clinical responses of therapeutic approaches for the management of CTS are inconclusive. Accordingly, the ability to identify the predominant pain phenotype in patients with CTS could likely be problematic for producing efficient treatment outcomes. In fact, the presence of a nociplastic or mixed-type pain phenotype would explain the lack of clinical effect of treatment interventions targeting the carpal tunnel area selectively. We propose a clinical decision tree by using the 2021 IASP classification criteria for identifying the predominant pain phenotype in people with CTS-related pain, albeit CTS being a priori a neuropathic pain condition. The identification of a nociplastic-associated condition requires a more nuanced multimodal treatment approach to achieve better treatment outcomes.
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| 16. |
- Fernandez-de-las-Penas, C., et al.
(author)
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Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Nociceptive Condition Comorbid with Neuropathic or Nociplastic Pain
- 2023
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In: Life. - : MDPI AG. - 2075-1729. ; 13:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Myofascial pain syndrome is featured by the presence of myofascial trigger points (TrPs). Whether TrPs are primary or secondary phenomena or if they relate to central or peripheral nervous system disorders is controversial. Referred pain, a cardinal sign of TrPs, is a central phenomenon driven by peripheral input. In 2021, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) proposed a clinical criteria and grading system for classifying patients with pain on nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic phenotypes. Myofascial TrP pain has been traditionally categorized as a nociceptive phenotype; however, increasing evidence supports that this condition could be present in patients with predominantly nociplastic pain, particularly when it is associated with an underlying medical condition. The clinical response of some therapeutic approaches for managing TrPs remains unclear. Accordingly, the ability to classify myofascial TrP pain into one of these phenotypes would likely be critical for producing more successful clinical treatment outcomes by a precision medicine approach. This consensus paper presents evidence supporting the possibility of subgrouping individuals with myofascial TrP pain into nociceptive, nociplastic, or mixed-type phenotype. It is concluded that myofascial pain caused by TrPs is primarily a nociceptive pain condition, is unlikely to be classified as neuropathic or nociplastic, but can be present in patients with predominantly neuropathic or nociplastic pain. In the latter cases, management of the predominant central pain problem should be a major treatment goal, but the peripheral drive from TrPs should not be ignored, since TrP treatment has been shown to reduce sensitization-associated symptomatology in nociplastic pain conditions, e.g., fibromyalgia.
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| 17. |
- Fernandez-de-las-Penas, C., et al.
(author)
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Phenotyping Post-COVID Pain as a Nociceptive, Neuropathic, or Nociplastic Pain Condition
- 2022
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In: Biomedicines. - : MDPI AG. - 2227-9059. ; 10:10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pain after an acute Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) condition (post-COVID pain) is becoming a new healthcare emergency. Precision medicine refers to an evidence-based method of grouping patients based on their diagnostic/symptom presentation and then tailoring specific treatments accordingly. Evidence suggests that post-COVID pain can be categorized as nociceptive (i.e., pain attributable to the activation of the peripheral receptive terminals of primary afferent neurons in response to noxious chemical, mechanical, or thermal stimuli), neuropathic (i.e., pain associated with a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system and limited to a "neuroanatomically plausible" distribution of the system), nociplastic (i.e., pain arising from altered nociception despite no clear evidence of actual or threatened tissue damage causing the activation of peripheral nociceptors or evidence for disease or lesion of the somatosensory system causing the pain), or mixed type (when two pain phenotypes co-exist). Each of these pain phenotypes may require a different treatment approach to maximize treatment effectiveness. Accordingly, the ability to classify post-COVID pain patients into one of these phenotypes would likely be critical for producing successful treatment outcomes. The 2021 International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) clinical criteria and grading system provide a framework for classifying pain within a precision pain medicine approach. Here we present data supporting the possibility of grouping patients with post-COVID pain into pain phenotypes, using the 2021 IASP classification criteria, with a specific focus on nociplastic pain, which is probably the primary mechanism involved in post-COVID pain. Nociplastic pain, which is usually associated with comorbid symptomology (e.g., poor sleep quality, fatigue, cognitive-emotional disturbances, etc.) and is considered to be more difficult to treat than other pain types, may require a more nuanced multimodal treatment approach to achieve better treatment outcomes.
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| 18. |
- Fernández-de-las-Peñas, César, et al.
(author)
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Precision management of post-COVID pain: An evidence and clinical-based approach
- 2023
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In: European Journal of Pain (United Kingdom). - : Wiley. - 1090-3801 .- 1532-2149. ; 27:9, s. 1107-1125
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Pain after a SARS-CoV-2 acute infection (post-COVID pain) is becoming a new healthcare emergency but remains underestimated and most likely undertreated due to a lack of recognition of the phenomenon and knowledge of the underlying pain mechanisms. Evidence supporting any particular treatment approach for the management of post-COVID pain is lacking. Large variability in the patient response to any standard pain treatments is clinically observed, which has led to calls for a personalized, tailored approach to treating patients with chronic post-COVID pain (i.e. ‘precision pain medicine’). Applying the global concerted action towards precision medicine to post-COVID pain could help guide clinical decision-making and aid in more effective treatments. Methods The current position paper discusses factors to be considered by clinicians for managing post-COVID pain ranging from identification of the pain phenotype to genetic consideration. Results The ability of clinicians to phenotype post-COVID pain into nociceptive, neuropathic, nociplastic or mixed type is suggested as the first step to better planification of a treatment programme. Further, the consideration of other factors, such as gender, comorbidities, treatments received at the acute phase of infection for onset-associated COVID-19 symptoms, factors during hospitalization or the presence of emotional disturbances should be implemented into a treatment programme. Conclusions Accordingly, considering these factors, management of post-COVID pain should include multimodal pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities targeting emotional/cognitive aspects (i.e. psychological and/or coping strategies), central sensitization-associated mechanisms (i.e. pain neuroscience education), exercise programmes as well as lifestyle interventions (e.g. nutritional support and sleep management). Significance: This position paper presents an evidence-based clinical reasoning approach for precision management of post-COVID pain.
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| 19. |
- Fernandez-de-las-Penas, C., et al.
(author)
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Sensitization-Associated Post-COVID-19 Symptoms at 6 Months Are Not Associated with Serological Biomarkers at Hospital Admission in COVID-19 Survivors: A Secondary Analysis of a Cohort Study
- 2022
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In: Journal of Clinical Medicine. - : MDPI AG. - 2077-0383. ; 11:12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Individuals who survived coronavirus disease, 2019 (COVID-19), often have symptoms of sensitization, but the extent to which these symptoms relate to serological biomarkers remains unclear. Therefore, this secondary analysis evaluated the association between serological biomarkers at hospital admission with sensitization-associated post-COVID-19 symptoms in a sample of previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors. Sixty-seven individuals hospitalized due to SARS-CoV-2 infection in one urban hospital of Madrid (Spain) during the first wave of the pandemic were assessed a mean of 6.0 (SD 0.8) months after hospital discharge. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) was used as rough tool to estimate the presence of sensitization-associated post-COVID-19 symptoms (>= 40/100 points). Levels of 16 serological biomarkers collected at hospital admission were obtained from medical records. Twenty-four (35.8%) patients reported sensitization-associated post-COVID-19 symptoms (CSI >= 40 points). Subjects reporting sensitization-associated symptoms had lower ferritin and hemoglobin levels than those not reporting sensitization-associated post-COVID-19 symptoms; however, these differences were small. We observed significant but small negative associations of the CSI score with ferritin (r: -0.251, p = 0.04) and hemoglobin (r: -0.292, p = 0.017) levels. No other significant difference was found. In conclusion, this secondary analysis did not find significant associations between the investigated serological biomarkers at hospital admission and sensitization-associated post-COVID-19 symptoms at 6 months after hospitalization in COVID-19 survivors.
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| 20. |
- Fernandez-de-las-Penas, C., et al.
(author)
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Sensitization symptoms are associated with psychological and cognitive variables in COVID-19 survivors exhibiting post-COVID pain
- 2023
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In: Pain Practice. - : Wiley. - 1530-7085 .- 1533-2500. ; 23:1, s. 23-31
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective To investigate the association between demographic, clinical, psychological, cognitive, and health-related variables and the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors exhibiting "de novo" post-COVID pain. Methods Seventy-seven (n = 77) COVID-19 survivors with "de novo" post-COVID pain completed demographic (age, height, and weight), clinical (duration and intensity of the pain), psychological (depressive/anxiety levels and sleep quality), cognitive (catastrophizing and kinesiophobia levels), and health-related quality of life variables as well as the CSI. A multivariable correlation analysis was conducted to determine the association between variables, and a stepwise multiple linear regression model was performed to identify CSI predictors. Results Patients were assessed a mean of 6.0 (SD 0.8) months after hospital discharge. Twenty-six (33.7%) individuals showed indications of sensitization-associated symptoms (CSI score >= 40 points). The CSI score was positively associated with pain intensity (r: 0.371), anxiety (r: 0.784), depressive (r: 0.709), catastrophizing (r: 0.620), and kinesiophobia (r: 0.359) levels (all, p < 0.001). The stepwise regression analysis revealed that 60.2% of CSI was explained by anxiety levels and pain intensity. Conclusion This study found that psychological and cognitive variables were associated with the CSI score in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors with "de novo" post-COVID pain. Anxiety levels and the intensity of pain symptoms were independently associated with CSI score suggesting a significant overlap with psychological construct. The "de novo" post-COVID pain association with CSI may indicate changes in the pain processing important for managing the pain.
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| 21. |
- Fernández-de-las-Peñas, César, et al.
(author)
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Serological Biomarkers at Hospital Admission and Hospitalization Treatments Are Not Related to Sensitization-Associated Symptoms in Patients with Post-COVID Pain
- 2023
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In: Pathogens. - 2076-0817. ; 12:10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Current evidence suggests that a group of patients who had survived coronavirus disease, 2019 (COVID-19) and developed post-COVID pain can exhibit altered nociceptive processing. The role of serological biomarkers and hospitalization treatments in post-COVID pain is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of serological biomarkers and treatments received during hospitalization with sensitization-associated symptoms in COVID-19 survivors with post-COVID pain. One hundred and eighty-three (n = 183) patients who had been hospitalized due to COVID-19 in one urban hospital of Madrid (Spain) during the first wave of the pandemic were assessed in a face-to-face interview 9.4 (SD 3.4) months after hospitalization. Levels of 19 serological biomarkers, hospitalization data, and treatments during hospitalization were obtained from hospital records. Sensitization-associated symptoms (Central Sensitization Inventory, CSI), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), pain catastrophism (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), and anxiety/depressive level (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS) were assessed. The prevalence of post-COVID pain was 40.9% (n = 75). Twenty-nine (38.6%) patients had sensitization-associated symptoms. Overall, no differences in hospitalization data and serological biomarkers were identified according to the presence of sensitization-associated symptoms. The analysis revealed that patients with sensitization-associated symptoms exhibited higher lymphocyte count and lower urea levels than those without sensitization-associated symptoms, but differences were small. Pain catastrophism and depressive levels, but not fatigue, dyspnea, brain fog, anxiety levels, or poor sleep, were higher in individuals with sensitization-associated symptoms. In conclusion, this study revealed that sensitization-associated post-COVID pain symptoms are not associated with serological biomarkers at hospital admission and hospitalization treatments received.
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| 22. |
- Foubert, A., et al.
(author)
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Associations between psychological factors, pressure pain thresholds and conditioned pain modulation and disability in (sub)-acute low back pain: a three-month follow-up study
- 2023
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In: Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1066-9817 .- 2042-6186. ; 31:4, s. 270-278
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The clinical presentation and pain experience of patients with (sub)-acute low back pain ((S)ALBP) can strongly vary in clinical practice. However, despite growing evidence that psychological factors are associated with disability in chronic pain conditions including low back pain, studies examining the influence of psychological factors, quantitative sensory testing (QST) (i.e. pressure pain thresholds (PPTs)) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) on future disability are still lacking in (S)ALBP.ObjectiveThis prospective cohort study aims to determine associations between baseline psychological factors, PPTs and CPM in (S)ALBP and disability after 3 months.MethodsFifty-two patients with (S)ALBP underwent a baseline PPT evaluation in rest and during a CPM protocol. Patients were asked to fill in self-report questionnaires: the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) and the Illness Perception Questionnaire - Brief version (IPQ-B). At 3-month follow-up, participants were asked to fill in the QBPDS again. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine associations between baseline factors and disability at follow-up.ResultsThirty-eight patients participated at follow-up. Because of the multicollinearity issue, the TSK score was selected for analyses and the PCS and IPQ-B score were excluded from the model. No significant associations between baseline factors and disability at follow-up were found.ConclusionNeither baseline psychological factors nor PPTs or CPM in (S)ALBP were significantly associated with disability after 3 months. Our multiple linear regression analysis was likely underpowered to detect significant associations.
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| 23. |
- Hendrix, J., et al.
(author)
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The interplay between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain in health and disease: Potential role of autonomic regulation and epigenetic mechanisms
- 2020
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In: Antioxidants. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-3921. ; 9:11, s. 1-25
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Oxidative stress can be induced by various stimuli and altered in certain conditions, including exercise and pain. Although many studies have investigated oxidative stress in relation to either exercise or pain, the literature presents conflicting results. Therefore, this review critically discusses existing literature about this topic, aiming to provide a clear overview of known interactions between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain in healthy people as well as in people with chronic pain, and to highlight possible confounding factors to keep in mind when reflecting on these interactions. In addition, autonomic regulation and epigenetic mechanisms are proposed as potential mechanisms of action underlying the interplay between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain. This review highlights that the relation between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain is poorly understood and not straightforward, as it is dependent on the characteristics of exercise, but also on which population is investigated. To be able to compare studies on this topic, strict guidelines should be developed to limit the effect of several confounding factors. This way, the true interplay between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain, and the underlying mechanisms of action can be revealed and validated via independent studies. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
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| 24. |
- Hurth, A., et al.
(author)
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Assessment of Central Sensitization in Breast Cancer Survivors: Convergent Validity and Use of the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) and Its Short-Form as a Clustering Tool
- 2021
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In: Clinics and Practice. - : MDPI AG. - 2039-7275 .- 2039-7283. ; 11:3, s. 607-618
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) measurement properties in patients having nonspecific, noncancer pain are well-established. However, studies examining the reliability and validity of either the CSI or the Central Sensitization Inventory short-form version (CSI-9) in breast cancer survivors (BCS) are scarce. The purpose was to evaluate convergent validity and internal consistency of the CSI and CSI-9. Additionally, the relevance of a new cluster calculator using the CSI was explored. The cross-sectional multi-center study included 65 BCS and 37 healthy volunteers. Patients filled out multiple questionnaires assessing pain, number of painful areas, anxiety, depression and quality of life. The relevance of a cluster calculator was explored by known-group comparisons and boxplot description. All hypotheses were formulated before data analysis. The majority of hypotheses on the correlations between the CSI or CSI-9 and other health outcomes were confirmed (22 out of 27). The CSI and CSI-9 have excellent (alpha = 0.92) and good (alpha = 0.86) internal consistency, respectively. The CSI cluster calculator might be an interesting tool to use to have a patient's overall condition snapshot. Generally, the study findings support the construct validity and internal consistency of the CSI, which underline the use of this self-reported instrument in BCS. The CSI-9 shows promising results, but should be further evaluated.
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| 25. |
- Huysmans, Eva, et al.
(author)
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Effect of perioperative pain neuroscience education in people undergoing surgery for lumbar radiculopathy: a multicentre randomised controlled trial
- 2023
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In: BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA. - 0007-0912 .- 1471-6771. ; 131:3, s. 572-585
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Perioperative education should be improved to decrease unfavourable outcomes after lumbar surgery. This trial aimed to compare effectiveness in terms of pain, quality of life, pain cognition, surgical experience, healthcare use, work resumption, and cost-effectiveness of perioperative pain neuroscience education (PPNE) vs traditional biomedical education (perioperative biomedical education [PBE]) in people undergoing surgery for lumbar radiculopathy.Methods: In this multicentre RCT (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02630732), patients undergoing surgery for lumbar radiculopathy in three Belgian hospitals were randomised to receive PPNE or PBE. Both groups received one preoperative and one postoperative one-to-one education session and a booklet (balanced interventions), with an essentially different content (PPNE: biopsychosocial; PBE: biomedical). Pain was the primary outcome (Visual Analogue Scales thorn quantitative sensory testing). Assessments were at 3 days, 6 weeks, and 6 and 12 months after surgery.Results: Between March 2016 and April 2020, participants were randomly assigned to PPNE (n=58) or PBE (n=62). At 12 months, PPNE did not lead to significantly better pain outcomes, but it did result in more favourable 36-item Short Form Health Survey physical component (additional increase: 46.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.16-79.73; medium effect), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (additional decrease: 3.15; 95% CI: 0.25-6.04; small effect), and Pain Catastrophising Scale (additional decrease: 6.18; 95% CI: 1.97-10.39; medium effect) scores. Females of the PPNE group showed higher probability for work resumption (95% vs 60% in the PBE group). PPNE was cost-effective compared with PBE (incremental costs: V-2732; incremental quality-adjusted life years: 0.012).Conclusions: Perioperative pain neuroscience education showed superior clinical and cost-effectiveness than perioperative biomedical education in people undergoing surgery for lumbar radiculopathy.
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