Pain Medicine on clinical pain practice
In a cohort of individuals on long-term opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain, greater opioid dose in oral morphine equivalents was associated with higher odds of mental health issues and concerning behaviors related to opioids.
Rivers et al proposed a preliminary set of diagnostic criteria for myofascial pain syndrome, which includes pain reproducible with palpation that may also be referred, taught muscles, stiffness, limited range of motion, and pain that worsens with stress.
Alford et al reported an evaluation of a three-hour Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program called Safe and Competent Opioid Prescribing Education (SCOPE of Pain). Post-program, providers reported improved knowledge, attitudes, and confidence, and safer opioid prescribing.
