Submit to Healthcare Review for Healthcare Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Problems for Managing Chronic Pain

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Pain Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 October 2022) | Viewed by 32485

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Tatsunori Ikemoto

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
Interests: managment of chronic musculoskeletal pain; pain psychology; osteoarthritis; rheumatoid arthritis; low back pain
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Young-Chang Arai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
Interests: treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain; treatment of cancer pain; Kampo medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In 2020, International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) proposed a revised definition of pain. The definition in note section indicates that pain is always subjective. Numerous articles have reported inconsistent relationships between pain intensity and actual tissue damage or functional disabilities, particularly in chronic pain condition (i.e., nociplastic pain). It has also been well known that pain management is influenced by biopsychosocial context. While, we must keep in mind that pain serves as a biological alarm of tissue insult.

Although Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT) recommendation asserted that clinical trials should assess outcomes representing six core domains: pain, physical functioning, emotional functioning, participant ratings of improvement and satisfaction with treatment, symptoms and adverse events, and participant disposition, it is difficult to define which type is the most appropriate outcome for each study sample. Also, it has been believed that surgical intervention is the ultimate treatment option for long-standing musculoskeletal pain conditions despite insufficient evidence. Therefore, we proposed the Special Issue focusing on “Problems for Managing Chronic Pain”.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to highlight problems and solutions for managing various chronic pain conditions such as headache, low back pain and arthritis pain.

Dr. Tatsunori Ikemoto
Dr. Young-Chang Arai
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

chronic pain
cancer pain
non-cancer pain
functional disability
emotional disability
musculoskeletal disorder
disease-specific outcome
treatment option
treatment strategy

Published Papers (12 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

17 pages, 2695 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Online Questionnaire with Fibromyalgia Patients Reveals Correlations among Type of Pain, Psychological Alterations, and Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Therapies

by Ilaria Demori, Elena Molinari, Fabio Rapallo, Viviana Mucci, Lucio Marinelli, Serena Losacco and Bruno Burlando

Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 1975; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10101975 - 09 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2338

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome with an unclear etiology. In addition to pain, FM patients suffer from a diverse array of symptoms and comorbidities, encompassing fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, mood disorders, sleep deprivation, and dizziness. Due to the complexity of FM, the diagnosis and treatment of it are highly challenging. The aim of the present work was to investigate some clinical and psychological characteristics of FM patients, and to uncover possible correlations with pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. We conducted a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study aimed at evaluating pain, psychological traits, and the self-perceived effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments in an Italian population of FM patients. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and inference analyses were performed. We found a prevalence of a neuropathic/nociplastic type of pain, which correlated with psychological traits such as anxiety, low mood, psychophysical discomfort, and the inability to relax. The pain type and psychological traits proved to play a role in determining the self-perceived effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Patients revealed a better response to non-pharmacological therapies, particularly dietary interventions, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy rather than pharmacological interventions. The sum of our data indicates that for better outcomes, the type of pain and psychological traits should be considered for tailor-made treatments considering non-pharmacological protocols as a complement to the use of drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems for Managing Chronic Pain)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strengths and Weaknesses of Cancer Pain Management in Italy: Findings from a Nationwide SIAARTI Survey

by Marco Cascella, Alessandro Vittori, Emiliano Petrucci, Franco Marinangeli, Antonino Giarratano, Cristina Cacciagrano, Emiliano Simone Tizi, Luca Miceli, Silvia Natoli and Arturo Cuomo

Healthcare 2022, 10(3), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10030441 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2755

Abstract

Objectives: Despite guidelines, a large percentage of cancer patients continue to suffer from ineffectively treated pain. The authors undertook this survey to assess the strengths and weaknesses of cancer pain management in Italy. Design: This was a prospectively administered survey. Participants: The participants were anesthesiologists of the Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care (SIAARTI). Intervention: A 58-item questionnaire covered the demographics and features of cancer pain management in the Italian context. Results: The authors received responses from 611 pain therapists of 279 centers. Only 22% of physicians are exclusively pain therapists. Seventy-five percent are specialists in anesthesiology, intensive care, and pain medicine. Most pain centers are hospital or university facilities (78%). The strengths of cancer pain management in Italy are the careful opioid prescriptions, the use of strategies for the treatment of neuropathic pain, patient/healthcare provider partnerships, and breakthrough cancer pain management. Weaknesses to be addressed include poor adherence to guidelines, inadequate attention toward the patient’s quality of life, insufficient use of minimally invasive techniques, lack of teamwork approaches, inappropriate timing of pain specialist engagement, and poor telemedicine use. Conclusions: Despite several strengths, further efforts are needed to improve the care of patients suffering from cancer pain in Italy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems for Managing Chronic Pain)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 1287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Pain at Work Toolkit for Employees with Chronic or Persistent Pain: A Collaborative-Participatory Study

by Holly Blake, Sarah Somerset and Sarah Greaves

Healthcare 2022, 10(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10010056 - 29 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3543

Abstract

Self-management tools for people with chronic or persistent pain tend to focus on symptom reporting, treatment programmes or exercise and do not address barriers to work, facilitators of work ability, or workplace pain self-management strategies. We developed the Pain at Work (PAW) toolkit, an evidence-based digital toolkit to provide advice on how employees can self-manage their pain at work. In a collaborative-participatory design, 4-step Agile methodology (N = 452) was used to co-create the toolkit with healthcare professionals, employers and people with chronic or persistent pain. Step 1: stakeholder consultation event (n = 27) established content and format; Step 2: online survey with employees who have persistent pain (n = 274) showed employees fear disclosing their condition, and commonly report discrimination and lack of line manager support. Step 3: online employer survey (n = 107) showed employers rarely provide self-management materials or education around managing pain at work, occupational health recommendations for reasonable adjustments are not always actioned, and pain-related stigma is common. Step 4: Toolkit development integrated findings and recommendations from Steps 1–3, and iterative expert peer review was conducted (n = 40). The PAW toolkit provides (a) evidence-based guidelines and signposting around work-capacity advice and support; (b) self-management strategies around working with chronic or persistent pain, (c) promotion of healthy lifestyles, and quality of life at work; (d) advice on adjustments to working environments and workplace solutions to facilitate work participation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems for Managing Chronic Pain)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spirituality in Coping with Pain in Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Sharon Shyrley Weyll Oliveira, Rayzza Santos Vasconcelos, Verônica Rabelo Santana Amaral, Hélder Fernando Pedrosa e Sousa, Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis, Diogo Guedes Vidal and Katia Nunes Sá

Healthcare 2021, 9(12), 1671; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9121671 - 02 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2011

Abstract

Spirituality has been identified as an adaptive coping strategy and a predictor of better quality of life in cancer patients. Despite the relevance of spirituality in the health–disease process, it is noted that the assessment of the impact of spirituality in coping with pain is still incipient. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of spirituality in coping with pain in cancer patients. This quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out in a medium-sized hospital and a cancer patient support institution located in northeastern Brazil. A questionnaire with sociodemographic and clinical variables was used and the following instruments were applied: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ); Neuropathic Pain 4 Questions (DN4); Spiritual Wellbeing Scale (SWBS); WHOQOL Spirituality, Religiousness and Personal Beliefs (WHOQOL-SRPB). Most people with no pain had higher scores on the SWBS. Neuropathic pain was identified in 23 patients and was associated with the highest level of spirituality used as a way of coping with pain. As faith increases, pain decreases in intensity by 0.394 points. On the other hand, as inner peace increases, pain increases by 1.485 points. It is concluded that faith is a strategy for coping with pain, in particular neuropathic pain, minimizing its intensity. On the other hand, greater levels of inner peace allow to increase the awareness of the painful sensation. It is expected that these findings may be useful to integrate spirituality care in healthcare facilities as a resource for positive coping for people in the process of becoming ill, contributing to the therapeutic path and favouring a new meaning to the experience of the disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems for Managing Chronic Pain)

14 pages, 1096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Observational Study Comparing Fibromyalgia and Chronic Low Back Pain in Somatosensory Sensitivity, Motor Function and Balance

by José Antonio Mingorance, Pedro Montoya, José García Vivas Miranda and Inmaculada Riquelme

Healthcare 2021, 9(11), 1533; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9111533 - 10 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2161

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic low back pain (CLBP) have shared pathophysiology and have a considerable impact on patients’ daily activities and quality of life. The main objective of this study was to compare pain impact, somatosensory sensitivity, motor functionality, and balance among 60 patients with FM, 60 patients with CLBP, and 60 pain-free controls aged between 30 and 65 years. It is essential to know the possible differences existing in symptomatology of two of the major chronic pain processes that most affect the population, such as FM and CLBP. The fact of establishing possible differences in sensory thresholds, motor function, and proprioceptive measures among patients with FM and CLBP could bring us closer to a greater knowledge of the chronic pain process. Through an observational study, a comparison was made between the three groups (FM, CLBP, and pain-free controls) evaluating functional performance, postural balance, kinematic gait parameters, strength, depression, fatigue, and sensitivity to pain and vibration. Patients with chronic pain showed worse somatosensory sensitivity (p < 0.001) and motor function (p < 0.001) than pain-free controls. Moreover, patients with FM showed greater pain impact (p < 0.001) and bigger somatosensory (p < 0.001) and motor deficiencies (p < 0.001) than patients with CLBP. Further research should explore the possible reasons for the greater deterioration in patients with FM in comparison with other chronic pain conditions. Our results, showing the multiple areas susceptible of deterioration, make it necessary to adopt interdisciplinary interventions focused both on physical and emotional dysfunction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems for Managing Chronic Pain)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Current Understanding of Pain Neurophysiology among Physiotherapists Practicing in Saudi Arabia

by Ahmed Alhowimel, Faris Alodiabi, Dalyah Alamam, Mazyad Alotaibi and Julie Fritz

Healthcare 2021, 9(9), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9091242 - 21 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2396

Abstract

To ensure the effective management of patients’ pain, it is important that physiotherapists have a good understanding of the neuroscience behind pain. A major barrier to adequate pain management is that, for patients, there is limited access to clinicians who are knowledgeable about pain. This study examined the level of knowledge regarding pain neurophysiology among physiotherapists currently practicing in Saudi Arabia. Method: The study was a cross-sectional web-based survey that utilized the 12-item Revised Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe levels of knowledge regarding pain neurophysiology and to examine differences in knowledge based on the characteristics of the participating physiotherapists (gender, educational level, experience, practice region, and country where their highest educational level was attained). Results: One hundred and eleven physiotherapists (58.6% male) from various regions and educational backgrounds participated in the study. Out of a maximum Revised Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire score of 12, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) was 6.7 ± 2.2; 90% of physiotherapists scored 9 (75%) or less. None of the examined characteristics of the participants were associated with knowledge. Conclusion: Physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia showed limited knowledge of the neurophysiology of pain; however, this was not related to the personal characteristics that were examined. The continuation of education in modern pain science is recommended for physiotherapists, especially those dealing with patients suffering from chronic pain. Clinical Relevance: The physiotherapists who took part in this study displayed limited knowledge of pain neuroscience; this limited knowledge might suggest the need for a more bio-anatomical approach to pain management. There is a need for tailored medical education to address pain neuroscience knowledge in current physiotherapist practitioners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems for Managing Chronic Pain)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Cut-off Value of Physical Activity for Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

by Takuya Okamoto, Tatsunori Ikemoto, Hirofumi Miyagawa, Tomohiro Ishida, Machiko Akao, Takuya Takata, Kyosuke Kobayakawa, Yuki Yamanashi, Masayuki Inoue, Yuichiro Nakaso, Takahiro Ushida and Masataka Deie

Healthcare 2021, 9(8), 1063; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9081063 - 19 Aug 2021

Viewed by 1785

Abstract

Background: We aimed to determine a cut-off value for physical activity (PA), measured using an accelerometer, between patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who decided to undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and those who continued conservative treatment. Methods: Forty-two participants were assigned to either a TKA group or a non-TKA group (21 per group). They were instructed to wear an accelerometer throughout the day. Average daily steps (steps/day), average daily time of light PA (LPA) (min/day), and average daily time of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (min/day) were measured for seven days. Variables between the two groups were compared using univariate analyses, and then a stepwise logistic regression was conducted to determine which variables best correlated with undergoing TKA. The PA cut-offs were analysed using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: Pain severity (p = 0.002), KL grade (p = 0.001), and MVPA (p = 0.012) differed significantly between the groups. The most useful cut-off value was 5.84 (min/day) for MVPA (AUC = 0.773), although only pain severity and KL grade were found to be significant contributors to undergoing TKA. Conclusions: Our results revealed there was a significant decrease in PA levels (MVPA cut-off, 5–6 min/day) in the TKA group compared with the non-TKA group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems for Managing Chronic Pain)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 697 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementation of the Multidisciplinary Guideline on Chronic Pain in Vulnerable Nursing Home Residents to Improve Recognition and Treatment: A Qualitative Process Evaluation

by Lizanne E. van den Akker, Margot W. M. de Waal, Paul J. E. M. Geels, Else Poot and Wilco P. Achterberg

Healthcare 2021, 9(7), 905; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9070905 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2605

Abstract

The recognition and treatment of pain in nursing home residents presents challenges best addressed by a multidisciplinary approach. This approach is also recommended in the applicable Dutch guideline; however, translating guidelines into practical strategies is often difficult in nursing homes. Nevertheless, a better understanding of guideline implementation is key to improving the quality of care. Here we describe and qualitatively evaluate the implementation process of the multidisciplinary guideline ‘Recognition and treatment of chronic pain in vulnerable elderly’ in a Dutch nursing home. The researchers used interviews and document analyses to study the nursing home’s implementation of the guideline. The project team of the nursing home first filled out an implementation matrix to formulate goals based on preferred knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors for the defined target groups. Together with experts and organizations, pharmacotherapy audit meetings were organized, an expert pain team was appointed, a policy document and policy flowchart were prepared, and ‘anchor personnel’ were assigned to disseminate knowledge amongst professionals. Implementation was partially successful and resulted in a functioning pain team, a pain policy, the selection of preferred measurement instruments, and pain becoming a fixed topic during multidisciplinary meetings. Nevertheless, relatively few professionals were aware of the implementation process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems for Managing Chronic Pain)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Experiences of Adults with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

by Soo Jin Kwon and Yoonjung Kim

Healthcare 2021, 9(7), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9070878 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1570

Abstract

Complex regional pain syndrome is a rare, intractable disease causing chronic pain. For improved subjective and personal experience, an individualized treatment approach based on a thorough understanding of the patient’s perceptions is required for pain management. In this study, we examined the experiences and challenges of 11 Korean patients diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome. The patients described their experiences during in-depth, face-to-face interviews, and data were subjected to a thematic analysis. We identified the following three main themes: “my own non-stereotyped pain,” “complex emotions caused by pain,” and “a careful life endured alone.” Enduring pain alone was difficult, and the lack of support from family members, caregivers, or society amplified the patients’ hardships. As these patients often felt alone when coping with internal difficulties, including pain, they frequently coped through self-management of the condition. The importance of offering realistic support to complex regional pain syndrome patients is underscored via a multifaceted approach and may aid in the development of educational programs for medical personnel, families, and caregivers of these patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems for Managing Chronic Pain)

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

17 pages, 709 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions for Managing Chronic Pain on Pain Reduction, Anxiety, Depression and Mood: A Systematic Review

by Ka Po Wong, Mimi Mun Yee Tse and Jing Qin

Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 2047; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10102047 - 17 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3362

Abstract

(1) Background: Patients diagnosed with chronic pain suffer from long-term pain, which negatively affects their daily lives and mental health. Virtual reality (VR) technologies are considered a therapeutic tool to manage pain perception and mental health conditions. This systematic review aimed to appraise the efficacy of VR in improving pain intensity, anxiety, depression and mood among patients with chronic pain; (2) Methods: Five electronic databases were systematically searched using the terms representing VR and chronic pain. Quality assessment was conducted using Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and Newcastle-Ottawa scale; (3) Results: Seventeen peer-reviewed articles were included in this review. It was found that VR was able to reduce pain intensity in patients with phantom limb pain, chronic headache, chronic neck pain and chronic low-back pain. The effects of VR on the improvement of anxiety, depression and mood were not determined due to the inadequate amount of clinical evidence; (4) Conclusions: VR, especially immersive VR, improves pain outcomes and its effects may vary depending on the approach and study design. More research is still needed to investigate the clinical use of VR in patients with chronic pain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems for Managing Chronic Pain)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 554 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Concept of Quantitative Sensory Testing and Pressure Pain Threshold in Neck/Shoulder and Low Back Pain

by Hidenori Suzuki, Shu Tahara, Mao Mitsuda, Hironori Izumi, Satoshi Ikeda, Kazushige Seki, Norihiro Nishida, Masahiro Funaba, Yasuaki Imajo, Kiminori Yukata and Takashi Sakai

Healthcare 2022, 10(8), 1485; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10081485 - 07 Aug 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3031

Abstract

In recent years, several published articles have shown that quantitative sensory testing (QST) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) are useful in the analysis of neck/shoulder and low back pain. A valid reference for normal PPT values might be helpful for the clinical diagnosis of abnormal tenderness or muscle pain. However, there have been no reliable references for PPT values of neck/shoulder and back pain because the data vary depending on the devices used, the measurement units, and the area examined. In this article, we review previously published PPT articles on neck/shoulder and low back pain, discuss the measurement properties of PPT, and summarize the current data on PPT values in patients with chronic pain and healthy volunteers. We also reveal previous issues related to PPT evaluation and discuss the future of PPT assessment for widespread use in general clinics. We outline QST and PPT measurements and what kinds of perceptions can be quantified with the PPT. Ninety-seven articles were selected in the present review, in which we focused on the normative values and abnormal values in volunteers/patients with neck/shoulder and low back pain. We conducted our search of articles using PubMed and Medline, a medical database. We used a combination of “Pressure pain threshold” and “Neck shoulder pain” or “Back pain” as search terms and searched articles from 1 January 2000 to 1 June 2022. From the data extracted, we revealed the PPT values in healthy control subjects and patients with neck/shoulder and low back pain. This database could serve as a benchmark for future research with pressure algometers for the wide use of PPT assessment in clinics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems for Managing Chronic Pain)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

17 pages, 3712 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

A Novel Exercise Facilitation Method in Combination with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Using the Ikiiki Rehabilitation Notebook for Intractable Chronic Pain: Technical Report and 22 Cases

by Shinji Kimura, Masako Hosoi, Naofumi Otsuru, Madoka Iwasaki, Takako Matsubara, Yasuyuki Mizuno, Makoto Nishihara, Takanori Murakami, Ryo Yamazaki, Hajime Ijiro, Kozo Anno, Kei Watanabe, Takuya Kitamura and Shouhei Yamada

Healthcare 2021, 9(9), 1209; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9091209 - 14 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3038

Abstract

Recent clinical practice guidelines for chronic pain indicate, with a high evidence level, that the combination of exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise facilitation method in combination with CBT using the “Ikiiki Rehabilitation Notebook” for patients with intractable chronic pain. “Ikiiki” means active in Japanese. A total of 22 cases with chronic low back (n = 13), lower extremity (n = 8), or neck (n = 1) pain were treated using this notebook. Two cases dropped out, leaving 22 cases. Each case was evaluated in terms of the numerical rating scale (NRS) of the pain, activities of daily living (ADL), pain catastrophizing scale (PCS), and quality of life (QOL) at pretreatment and post-treatment. The endpoint of the method was to achieve the long-term goals set by the patients. The mean treatment period was 11.2 months. The outcomes were as follows: improvement of presenteeism: nine cases; enhanced participation in hobbies: seven cases; improved school attendance: two cases; return to work: one case; improvement of self-care and/or self-efficacy: three cases. The NRS, ADL, PCS, and QOL were significantly improved after the treatment. This method is possibly valuable for educating patients about the cause and treatment of chronic pain and actively facilitating exercise and social participation. Further studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness of using this notebook for the patient with intractable chronic pain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems for Managing Chronic Pain)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Problems for Managing Chronic Pain

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (12 papers)

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI