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In a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the authors compared the effects of surgery with physical therapy (PT) for patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS). 169 surgical candidates with LSS, ages 50 and older were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to surgery (87 patients) or PT (82 patients). The authors found that “the PT and surgery groups had the same amount of improvement in physical function at 2 years” and concluded that “surgery yielded similar effects to a PT regimen among patients with LSS who were surgical candidates.” Click here to read full article

In the European Journal of Pain, researchers studied the interplay between enduring and situation aging stereotype (AS) effects in older adults’ self-reports. The prospective study initially measured cultural AS endorsement, clinical pain severity and interference. Three months later, the effects of AS activation on reported clinical pain and experimentally reduced pain threshold and tolerance were measured. The results supported that the activation of negative AS would lead to, “higher cold presort task (CPT) pain threshold.” The study “stresses the influence of cultural AS in older adults’ pain experiences.” Click here to access full article

A recent study published in Pain Management Nursing explored “the role of clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and nurse practitioner (NP) as change champions during the implementation of an evidence-based pain protocol in long-term care (LTC). The authors conducted the study in two LTC homes in Ontario, Canada. Participant observation, nurses’ personal records, and interviews with interdisciplinary team members were used to explore perceptions about the NP and CNS role in implementing pain protocols. The study found that “nurses used a variety of effective strategies to promote pain management changes in practice” and concluded that CNS and NP are ideal champions to [...]

According to a recent population-based cohort study published in the journal, Arthritis and Rheumatology, radiographic hip osteoarthritis (RHOA) increased the risks of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among older women. The study analyzed data from 9704 women who were 65 years of age or older. The authors found that after a mean follow-up of 16 years, the prevalence of RHOA was 8 % at baseline and 11 % at year 8. The study concluded that RHOA was associated with an increased risk of all-cause and CVD mortality. Click here to read full article

A cross-sectional study printed in PM&R looked into the relation between knee pain/back pain and quality of life (QoL) in people 50 years and older. Taking data from the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2010, the results found from the study indicate “both men and women with knee pain and LBP had a lower QoL than those without them in all dimensions of the Eq-5D, Eq-5D index, and EQ-VAS scores.” A particular note is, in men, “LBP showed a stronger negative correlation with the EQ-VAS score than knee pain.” The researchers concluded, “LBP may be relatively more [...]

Recently published in Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety, researchers investigated the usage of NSAIDs in older patients. Due to their life-threatening side effects, NSAIDs are not favored in treatment of pain in the elderly. Using a cross-sectional analysis from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data, prescriptions for NSAIDs, opioids, and adjuvants agents were identified. The results of the study showcased an alarming “89% of the 206,879,848 weighted visits in the US from 2000 to 2007 recorded NSAIDs prescriptions (mean age = 75.4 years).” The study recommends, “investigating the appropriateness of the high prevalence of NSAIDs use among older patients.” Click [...]

Released by the Journal of Gerontological Nursing, researchers looked into “an individual example to provide a framework for assessment and clinical management” for older adults with trigeminal neuralgia. The article looks into “specific quality of life issues and related management approaches” and other guidelines for response to treatment. The strategies presented in the article gives “suggestions for supportive coaching” and “direction for health providers caring for older adults with TN.” Click here to read full article

An article in the European Spine Journal looked to compare the efficacy of pregabalin and opioids for chronic low back pain (LBP) in older adults. Holding a randomized controlled trial of pregabalin and opioids in 65 patients, 65 years or older and suffering from chronic LBP, the researchers discovered “pregabalin was effective for LBP in patients with lower limb symptoms, whereas opioids were effective for those without lower limb symptoms.” The researchers then concluded that “consideration of neuropathic pain and lower extremity symptoms may be an integral component in the selection of the appropriate medication for chronic LBP.” Click here to [...]

A new poll recently released by the National Sleep Foundation found that "pain is a key factor in the gap between the amount of sleep Americans say they need and the amount they’re getting." The national, random-sample survey establishes the broad impacts of pain-related sleep loss on millions of Americans. Click here to learn more about the 2015 Sleep in America Poll

The authors of a recent study published in Pain aimed to investigate “whether symptoms of depression are associated with Low Back Pain (LBP) after adjusting for various confounders, including genetics.” The authors conducted a large twins study and analyzed data from an established database (Murcia Twin Registry) of nearly 2,150 Spanish twins. Questionnaire responses were analyzed to determine whether participants with symptoms of depression had higher prevalence of back pain. The study found significant relationship between symptoms of depression and LBP in total sample analysis and found that this association was stronger on analysis of dizygotic twins. Click here to access [...]