Search Results (43)

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is often associated with cutaneous pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of cutaneous pain on the prevalence of anxiety, depression, quality of life (QoL) and stigmatization in patients with AD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a group of 113 adults with AD (61% females; mean age 34.48 ± 13.20 years). The severity of AD was evaluated using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI). The intensity of cutaneous pain in the past week was measured using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), a Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Psychosocial burden was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Anxiety Generalized Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the 6-Item Stigmatization Scale (6-ISS). Results: Individuals with AD who reported cutaneous pain in the past week scored significantly higher in HADS (p < 0.001), HADS-A (p < 0.001), HADS-D (p = 0.002), GAD-7 (p < 0.001), PHQ-9 (p < 0.001), DLQI (p < 0.001) and 6-ISS (p < 0.001) than the rest of the cohort. More individuals with cutaneous pain had anxiety (36 (48.0%) vs. 7 (18.4%), p = 0.002), depression (21 (28.0%) vs. 2 (5.3%), p = 0.006) and abnormal HADS scores (46 (61.3%) vs. 9 (23.7%), p < 0.001) compared to the rest of participants. Significant correlations were observed between all studied pain assessment tools and all studied psychometric assessments. Conclusions: The prevalence and severity of anxiety, depression, stigmatization, and impaired QoL are higher in adults with AD suffering from cutaneous pain compared to those without pain. This symptom is significantly associated with disease burden. Full article

Background/Objections: One of the most common surgical procedures performed internationally is the cesarean section. It is known to be associated with intense postoperative pain and a slow recovery process. Focusing on surgical techniques, especially the type of fascial closure, is an area that has received very little attention when it comes to postoperative pain and rapid recovery. Using a mixed-methods approach, the primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of guide-suture-assisted modified fascial closure on postoperative pain and early mobilization after cesarean sections. Methods: Women undergoing elective cesarean sections with Pfannenstiel’s incision were the study participants of this prospective, single-center, randomized mixed-methods study. Participants were enrolled in the study and randomized to either classical continuous fascial closure or guide-suture-assisted modified fascial closure, which was carried out in a 1:1 ratio. Quantitative data assessed postoperative pain through the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and functional recovery was assessed through walking distances at postoperative 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed through conventional content analysis to understand the patients’ perceptions of pain and recovery experiences. Results: The first 24 h postoperative period pain levels were significantly lower for the modified fascial closure group versus the classical closure group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the modified closure group had a significantly better functional recovery, evidenced by walking greater distances at 12, 24, and 48 h postoperative. Qualitative results indicated improved comfort and stronger early mobilization confidence, in addition to less movement apprehension, consistent with the above results, among those with the modified technique. Conclusions: The modified fascial closure technique with guide suture was linked to less pain in the early postoperative period and better functional recovery after cesarean section. This technique is a good candidate for addition to standard obstetric procedures since it is cost effective, easily added, and surgical practice will improve comfort for mothers and assist with early mobilization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating pain condition with complex pathophysiology and limited treatment efficacy. Whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) has shown promising results in other chronic pain syndromes, but no studies to date have examined its use in CRPS. To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and potential benefits of WBC in a female patient with CRPS of the ankle. Methods: A 65-year-old female outpatient with type I CRPS at the right ankle underwent 15 WBC sessions (3 min at −110 °C) over two weeks, without any concurrent pharmacological or rehabilitative interventions. Assessments at baseline and post-intervention included standardized measures of pain (VAS, SF-MPQ), disability (PDI), catastrophizing (PCS), mobility (TUG, Chair Stand Test), strength and ROM (goniometry, MRC), psychosocial status (SF-36, WHO-5, PSQI, BDI, STAI), and MRI of the right knee and ankle. Results: Post-treatment, the patient showed substantial improvements in pain (VAS −66.7%, SF-MPQ −51.7%), function (TUG −31.8%), muscle strength, psychological well-being, and quality of life. MRI and edema measurements indicated stabilization or regression of inflammatory features. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: This case suggests that WBC may represent a safe, well-tolerated, non-pharmacological intervention for CRPS, with potential to improve pain, function, and well-being. Full article

Background: Mothers caring for children with physical disabilities experience sustained physical and psychological demands; however, evidence simultaneously examining physical activity, functional limitation, pain, caregiver burden, and mental health within local caregiving contexts remains limited. Objective: This pilot study aimed to explore the multidimensional associations between physical and psychological health outcomes and health-related quality of life in mothers caring for children with physical disabilities in Türkiye. Methods: Forty volunteer mothers residing in Yalova, Türkiye, were assessed using the IPAQ–SF, BDI, SF-36, ZBI, ODI, DASH, and SF-MPQ. Data were analyzed in SPSS 26.0 using correlation analyses and exploratory multiple linear regression models, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Descriptive statistics, Pearson or Spearman correlation analyses, and exploratory multiple linear regression models were applied. Results: The mean age was 38.52 ± 9.10 years. Depression (BDI) and functional limitation showed pronounced negative associations with quality-of-life domains (e.g., General Health: r = −0.749, p < 0.001). Moderate physical activity was associated with higher vitality, social functioning, and mental health (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest co-occurring links between psychological distress and physical functioning in caregiving mothers. Within the exploratory scope of this pilot study, multidisciplinary approaches that integrate physiotherapy and psychosocial support may be relevant for supporting caregiver health needs. Full article

Objective: Although recognition of fibromyalgia (FMS) in men is growing, the mechanisms that contribute to their psychological distress remain poorly understood. This study aims to clarify how FMS alters men’s psychological distress and to identify potential protective and risk factors involved in this process in this often-underrepresented population. Methods: This study comprised a total of 225 men aged 18–75; of these, 102 were men with FMS (based on self-report) and 123 were healthy peers (HPs), all of whom completed questionnaires on demographics, anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), body appreciation (BAS-2), masculine self-esteem (MSES), illness-related shame (CISS), and pain intensity (SF-MPQ). Results: Men with FMS reported significantly higher depression and anxiety, lower body appreciation, and compromised masculine identity. Between-group analysis showed body appreciation mediated the fibromyalgia–distress relationship. However, within the FMS group, compromised masculine identity and illness-related shame were the strongest pathways to distress, while body appreciation showed no effect. Moderation analysis confirmed body appreciation buffered distress in controls but not in men with FMS. Conclusion: Masculine identity threats and illness-related shame constitute central mechanisms of psychological distress in men with FMS. Body appreciation operates differently in this population than in healthy men. Findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive interventions addressing identity disruption and emphasizing functionality over appearance-based acceptance. Full article

Purpose: This study aimed to translate the Pain Effects Scale (PES) into Arabic, evaluate its cultural adaptation, and assess its psychometric properties (validity and reliability) among patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Method: The translation and cultural adaptation followed published guidelines. A total of 121 patients with MS completed the PES and several other assessments: the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), to evaluate construct validity. Reliability was assessed after two weeks using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s α). Results: The Arabic version of Pain Effects Scale PES-Ar demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.910) and strong test–retest reliability (ICC (2,1) = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.85–0.92). The corrected item–total correlations for all six items ranged from 0.591 to 0.840. No floor or ceiling effects were observed. Content validity indices were high (I-CVI and S-CVI = 1.00). Construct validity was supported by moderate correlations with PHQ-9 (r = 0.677), MFIS (r = 0.66), and SF-MPQ (r = 0.586), and a weak correlation with the MSIS-29. Conclusions: The PES-Ar showed strong validity and reliability for assessing the impact of pain in Arabic-speaking individuals with MS in Saudi Arabia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a common oral condition in older women and is characterized by a multifactorial etiology. To date, no standardized treatment strategy has been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of topical application of capsaicin (0.025 mg/cm²) in the form of a mucoadhesive bilayer polymer reducing burning sensations in BMS. The study assessed levels of depression, sleep disturbances, and quality of life. Material and Methods: The proof-of-concept study included 29 patients with symptoms of BMS. The peripheral origin of BMS was confirmed by lingual nerve block. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Depression, sleep disturbances, and quality of life were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQoL). Results: A reduction in pain was observed in over 86% patients. Decrease in burning at treatment sites was recorded immediately after treatment and also at the 3-month follow-up. Gender, taste disturbances, depression, and age were found to have a significant effect on final NRS-11 scores. Conclusions: Significant reduction in pain intensity was achieved in nearly all treated patients, with adverse effects being rare. Full article

Background/Objectives: Scaling is central to non-surgical periodontal therapy; however, it is often perceived as uncomfortable, particularly in periodontitis. Psychological distress may amplify pain and reduce adherence. This comparative pilot study assessed whether ultrasonic technology influences patient-reported pain and psychoemotional status while quantifying the contribution of the periodontal condition and baseline psychological factors. Methods: A monocentric split-mouth design enrolled 42 adults (21 with stage I–III, grade B periodontitis; 21 periodontally healthy). Maxillary scaling was performed with Device nr.1 and mandibular scaling was performed with Device nr.2, and no anesthesia was used. Pain was measured immediately post-procedure using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ; sensory and affective subscales). Psychological status was assessed pre- and post-session with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Construct validity was examined via exploratory factor analysis. The Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank, Spearman’s ρ, and Cliff’s δ were applied (α = 0.05). Results: The overall pain was low. Between devices, sensory pain did not differ, whereas affective pain was modestly lower with the “No Pain” device (p = 0.017). Periodontitis was the dominant determinant of pain: higher sensory (U = 509.00, p = 0.0004; δ = 0.42) and affective scores (U = 290.00, p < 0.0001; δ = 0.67) occurred irrespective of device, while device-related effects were negligible (sensory δ = −0.03) to small (affective δ = 0.27). Somatic distress correlated with affective pain (ρ = 0.25, p = 0.023) and was borderline for sensory pain (ρ = 0.21, p = 0.060); emotional distress showed no significant associations. During the session, K10 scores decreased and RSES values increased, indicating immediate psychoemotional benefits. Conclusions: Pain perception during scaling is shaped primarily by periodontal status and psychological distress rather than by ultrasonic technology per se. Although the electronic module to dynamically adjust the power of the instrument technology may attenuate the affective component, standardized atraumatic techniques and routine psychosocial screening are likely to yield greater gains. The observed short-term improvements in distress and self-esteem support integrating patient-reported outcomes into individualized, patient-centered periodontal care. Full article

Lumbar disk herniation is a common cause of pain in people older than 30, often associated with workload, where the therapeutic approach includes different methods of treatment; therefore, the aim of the study was to inspect the effectiveness of different methods of treating pain caused by lumbar disk herniation in relation to pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory parameters before and after two weeks of therapy. There were twenty-eight participants with a diagnosis confirmed by a specialist who also assigned the participant to a clinically appropriate type of treatment. Pain and disability were assessed using the SF-MPQ and ODI (Title: Immune Response During the Conservative and Minimal Invasive Treatment of Pain Caused by Lumbar Disc Herniation, Clinical Trials Number (NCT06545812), Initial Release 23 July 2024, Last Release 27 August 2025). In addition to the above questionnaires, serum samples were collected before and after therapy for analysis of inflammatory biomarkers. Although there was no statistically significant difference, the tendency of decreases in IL-1 beta and IL-8 in the median levels (interquartile range) was observed after conservative treatment. The results indicate role of inflammatory mechanisms in the treatment of disk herniation and support the benefits of a conservative approach through the regulation of pain, disability, and cytokine activity. Full article

Background: Chronic pain represents a major therapeutic challenge due to the limited efficacy and tolerability of conventional pharmacological treatments. Equisetum arvense L., a medicinal plant with potent antioxidant properties, and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous fatty acid amide with well-established anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, are increasingly recognised as promising nutraceutical agents. Methods: This prospective, single-centre clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel oral supplement (Assonal^®PEA) combining 600 mg of PEA and 300 mg of Equisetum arvense L. in improving the reduction of pain and quality of life in patients with chronic pain, also obtaining information on the patient’s state of satisfaction after the treatment. Fifty patients suffering from chronic pain (low back pain and radiculopathy) for two months were enrolled and received the supplement over eight weeks in a tapered regimen (two tablets daily for two weeks, followed by one tablet daily). Results: Clinical outcomes were evaluated using validated instruments, including the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Global Perceived Effect (GPE), and EuroQol-5D-5L. Results showed a significant decrease in pain intensity (NPRS: −3.8 points; VRS: −2.1 points; p < 0.0001), along with meaningful improvements in patient-perceived benefit, pain descriptors, and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L: +35%; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: These findings endorse the use of this novel PEA–Equisetum arvense formulation as a safe, well-tolerated, and potentially effective supplementary intervention for managing chronic pain. No adverse events were reported, and the overall response rate reached 94%. Full article

Background: Pain is a multifaceted and debilitating symptom in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, especially those undergoing surgical resection followed by chemotherapy. The interplay between inflammatory, neuropathic, and psychosocial components often renders conventional analgesia insufficient. Psychobiotics—probiotic strains with neuroactive properties—have recently emerged as potential modulators of pain perception through neuroimmune and gut–brain axis pathways. Methods: This post hoc analysis is based on the ProDeCa randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which originally aimed to assess the psychotropic effects of a four-strain psychobiotic formulation in postoperative gastrointestinal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. In the current analysis, we evaluated changes in pain perception among non-depressed and depressed participants, who received either psychobiotics or placebo, along with standard analgesic regimes. Pain was assessed at baseline, after a month of treatment, and at follow-up, 2 months thereafter, using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), capturing both sensory and affective components, as well as with the Present Pain Intensity and the VAS scores. Results: Psychobiotic-treated participants—particularly the non-depressed ones—exhibited a significant reduction in both quantitative and qualitative pain indices over time compared with placebo-treated ones. Improvements were noted in total pain rating index scores, sensory and affective subscales, and present pain intensity. These effects were sustained up to 2 months after intervention. In contrast, placebo groups demonstrated worsening in pain scores, probably influenced by ongoing chemotherapy and disease progression. The analgesic effect was less pronounced but still observable in the subgroup with symptoms of depression. Conclusions: Adjunctive psychobiotic therapy appears to beneficially modulate pain perception in gastrointestinal oncology patients receiving chemotherapy, with the most pronounced effects being in non-depressed individuals. These findings suggest psychobiotics as a promising non-opioid add-on for comprehensive cancer pain management and support further investigation in larger pain-targeted trials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic orofacial pain disorder characterized by persistent intraoral burning sensations without visible mucosal lesions. Although its biopsychosocial complexity is increasingly recognized, cross-cultural comparison data remain limited. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 60 patients with BMS (30 Italian, 30 Romanian) who underwent standardized clinical, psychological, and sleep evaluations. Data collected included sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, diagnostic history, comorbidities, and symptomatology. The assessment tools used included the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Short Form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Statistical comparisons were conducted using Mann–Whitney U and Fisher’s exact tests with Bonferroni correction. Results: No significant differences were observed in age, sex, or body mass index. Italian patients had fewer years of education (p = 0.001), higher pain intensity (NRS, p < 0.001), poorer sleep quality (PSQI, ESS, p = 0.001), and more frequent pre-existing sleep disorders (p < 0.001). Romanian patients showed higher levels of anxiety (HAM-A, p < 0.001), longer diagnostic delays (p = 0.002), and more dysesthetic or perceptual symptoms, including tingling and oral dysmorphism (p < 0.05). Stressful events before onset were more common among Romanians (p < 0.001), while Italians more often received a correct diagnosis at first consultation (p = 0.005). Conclusions: This first cross-national comparison of BMS in Western and Eastern Europe shows that cultural, healthcare, and clinician education differences can shape symptom profiles, comorbidities, and diagnostic delays, underscoring the need for personalized, country-specific management strategies. Full article

Chronic musculoskeletal pain negatively affects patients’ quality of life, and pain perceptions may significantly influence rehabilitation outcomes. This study investigated the relationships among pain intensity, pain perceptions, and kinesiophobia in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain. No previous studies have examined these variables in combination. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 37 participants with non-specific chronic musculoskeletal pain for at least 6 months, affecting the neck (n = 8), lower back (n = 18), upper limbs (n = 5), lower limbs (n = 5), or shoulder (n = 1). The following validated tools were used: (a) Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory (PBPI), (b) the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), and (c) the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Spearman r correlation analyses were performed. Total kinesiophobia scores were positively correlated with (a) total pain intensity (McGill score) (r = 0.37, p = 0.022), (b) present pain intensity (PPI) (r = 0.52, p = 0.001), (c) pain duration (r = 0.51, p = 0.001), (d) the “mystery” factor of pain perception (r = 0.41, p = 0.013), and (e) the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (r = 0.42, p = 0.009). The total pain perception scores were positively associated with the “fear of injury” factor of kinesiophobia (r = 0.36, p = 0.028). The McGill pain scores were strongly correlated with both PPI (r = 0.63, p = 0.001) and VAS (r = 0.51, p = 0.001). There is a significant relationship between pain perception and kinesiophobia levels in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Limitations of the study include a small and heterogeneous sample regarding pain localization. Further research is required using larger, more homogeneous populations to confirm the present findings. Full article

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disabling pain condition, which is distinct from other pain syndromes by the presence of autonomic dysfunction and regional inflammatory changes. Objectives: To explore the impact of pharmacological treatment strategies, specifically scheduled, on-demand dosing regimens versus lack of medical treatment, on pain-related and functional outcomes in rehabilitation for individuals with CRPS. Methods: A total of 32 participants with CRPS were assigned to three treatment groups depending on analgesic treatment during the course of complex rehabilitation. Pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments were conducted using validated measures, including the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), PainDETECT, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Results: Significant improvements in pain and upper limb function (DASH scores) were observed across all groups (p < 0.05). No statistically significant changes were found in lower limb function (LEFS). Between-group comparisons revealed significant differences in post-treatment pain scores (SFMPQ-B), particularly between groups with a constant treatment regimen and those without treatment. Conclusions: There were no statistically significant changes compared to different treatment regimen groups. The constant treatment group showed slightly better average improvements in pain and disability compared to other groups. Statistically significant improvements in all CRPS patients were observed in pain-related and functional measures. Full article

Background: Non-specific low back pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide. The present study investigates non-specific low back pain, pain perceptions and disability due to pain among Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai and Boxing athletes. Methods: The study included 90 amateur athletes (aged 18–45 years; M = 28.97, SD = 5.88). The athletes completed the valid and reliable Pain Beliefs Perceptions Inventory (PBPI), the Quebec Pain Disability Scale (QPDS) and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) which includes the Visual Analogue Scale (10 cm VAS 0–10 rating system) and the Present Pain Intensity index (PPI). Results: The results revealed that the majority of athletes rated their pain as low (SF-MPQ: M = 12.34, SD = 8.91; VAS: M = 1.65, SD = 1.82; PPI: M = 2.10, SD = 1.08) with low disability due to pain (QPDS: M = 18.98, SD = 22.71). Also, the majority of athletes disagreed that their pain was mysterious or persistent with high duration (PBPI: M = 1.43, SD = 2.23). Between the three martial arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes showed statistically significantly (a) higher emotional and sensational pain intensity (x²(2) = 15.73; p < 0.001; x²(2) = 19.34; p < 0.001), (b) higher disability due to pain (x²(2)= 25.30; p < 0.001) and (c) more mysterious, more persistent pain with more duration (x²(2)= 9.32; p < 0.05) than Muay Thai and Boxing athletes. Also, a few correlations were found between age and pain perception only in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Boxing martial arts athletes. Conclusions: Further research is required to elucidate the biomechanical and psychological factors contributing to these differences between martial arts athletes. Full article