Treatment

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research is pleased to launch NIDCR 2030, a strategic visioning initiative designed to advance dental, oral, and craniofacial research over the next 15 years.

CDC launches the first in a series of interactive, online trainings for healthcare providers. These trainings feature the recommendations in the Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, providing sample scenarios, feedback, and resources.

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) will hold a seminar, "Natural Approaches to Chronic Pain," on Saturday, April 29 from 8 am-2 pm at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input on approaches to improve pediatric care. Through the RFI, CMS is specifically seeking input on approaches to improve the quality and reduce the cost of care for children and youth enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CMS is exploring concepts that encourage pediatric providers to collaborate with health-related social service providers at the state, tribal, and local levels and share accountability for health outcomes for children and youth enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP.

Proposal from DEA to go from temporary to permanent Schedule 1 scheduling for three synthetic cannabinoids. Comments due February 27th.

"Two years after the United States saw a record 27,000 deaths involving prescription opioid medications and heroin, doctors and regulators are sharply restricting access to drugs like Oxycontin and Vicodin. But as the pendulum swings in the other direction, many patients who genuinely need drugs to manage their pain say they are being left behind."

PCORI re-opens funding announcement, "Comparison of Surgical and Nonsurgical Options for Management of Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain."

CDC is looking for new panel members with expertise in prescription drug overdose. Nominations are due March 31, 2017. More information.

The new Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will be releasing a new funding announcement titled, "Optimal Treatment Sequences for Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain."

Tai Chi, a low-impact mind-body exercise, can be as effective as neck exercises in relieving persistent neck pain, according to results of randomized controlled trial reported in The Journal of Pain.

HHS has funded 44 states, four tribes and the District of Columbia in an effort to improve access to treatment, reduce opioid related deaths, improve drug misuse preventios efforts, and support data and analysis of overdoses.

The site features resources for clinician and patients, and treatment guides. Visit the site and take the Pledge to end the opioid crisis!

The deadline is near! Urge the Obama Administration and the Department of Health & Human Services to ensure implementation and funding for the National Pain Strategy (NPS). Sign and share the petition by August 12! Sign the petition.

The Journal of Pain Advises Clinicians on Treating Patients Who Use Marijuana

Doctors Should Consider Cognitive Therapies as Potential First-line Treatment

AUSTIN, May 12, 2016 – Increasing practitioner skepticism about the long-term safety of opioid pain medications for treating chronic pain and compelling evidence showing the benefits of cognitive-based therapies are convincing more and more physicians to consider referring their pain patients for psychological care.

Two U.S. Pain Treatment Centers Honored for Achievements in Multidisciplinary Pain Care

AUSTIN, May 12, 2016 – The American Pain Society (APS), www.americanpainsociety.org, today honored recipients of its annual Clinical Centers of Excellence in Pain Management Awards recognizing the nation's outstanding pain care centers. Two multidisciplinary pain programs were recognized.

AUSTIN, May 14, 2016 – Although numerous studies prove that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in chronic pain treatment, psychologists acknowledge they need to learn which components of CBT provide the best outcomes for different people with pain, according to UK-based clinical psychologist Lance McCracken, Ph.D. speaking in a plenary session today at the American Pain Society Annual Scientific Conference, www.americanpainsociety.org.

AUSTIN, May 11, 2016 – Although policy issues may change, the debate on how to treat people with chronic pain has been a decades-long battleground in the ongoing liberal-conservative tug of war in American politics, according to author and medical historian Keith Wailoo, Ph.D., keynote speaker today at the American Pain Society Annual Scientific Conference, www.americanpainsociety.org

National Pain Strategy Emphasizes Improved Self Care and Education To Help Reduce Pain-related Disability

AUSTIN, May 11, 2016 – The National Pain Strategy, released this year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, places strong emphasis on self management and patient education as critical pathways for improving treatment of chronic pain, especially the leading malady, back pain.

Up to $2 Million Pledged by Pfizer for Multiple Research Proposals

The American Pain Society (APS) today announced a new collaboration with Pfizer Independent Grants for Learning and Change (IGLC) to allocate up to $2 million to fund research grants focused on solutions to improve care for individuals with chronic pain.