Practical approach to a patient with chronic pain of uncertain etiology in primary care.

Chronic pain of uncertain etiology often presents a challenge to both patients and their health care providers. It is a complex condition influenced by structural and physiological changes in the peripheral and central nervous systems, and it directly influences, and is modulated by, psychological well-being and personality style, mood, sleep, activity level and social circumstances. Consequently, in order to effectively treat the pain, all of these need to be evaluated and addressed.

The GC-MS metabolomics signature in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome directs to dysbiosis as an aspect contributing factor of FMS pathophysiology.

Introduction: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome. Previous analyses of untargeted metabolomics data indicated altered metabolic profile in FMS patients.

Objectives: We report a semi-targeted explorative metabolomics study on the urinary metabolite profile of FMS patients; exploring the potential of urinary metabolite information to augment existing medical diagnosis.

Screening for Adult ADHD in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Objective: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common chronic pain disorder associated with altered activity of neurotransmitters involved in pain sensitivity such as dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline. FMS may significantly impact an individual's functioning due to the presence of chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Dyscognition may be more disabling than the chronic pain but is mostly under-recognized.

A diagnostic biomarker profile for fibromyalgia syndrome based on an NMR metabolomics study of selected patients and controls.

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome. A plausible pathogenesis of the disease is uncertain and the pursuit of measurable biomarkers for objective identification of affected individuals is a continuing endeavour in FMS research. Our objective was to perform an explorative metabolomics study (1) to elucidate the global urinary metabolite profile of patients suffering from FMS, and (2) to explore the potential of this metabolite information to augment existing medical practice in diagnosing the disease.

South African guideline for the use of chronic opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain.

Chronic pain may have a significant impact on health-related quality of life and can be difficult to manage. In carefully selected patients, and as part of a comprehensive pain management strategy, opioid analgesia may help to achieve long-term pain control with a manageable side-effect profile and a low risk of serious adverse effects. However, appropriate evaluation, including biopsychosocial screening and risk screening is essential before initiating an opioid and during continued therapy.

Myofascial pain syndrome and its suggested role in the pathogenesis and treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome.

Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic muscle pain disorder in one or more muscles or groups of muscles accompanied by local and referred pain, decreased range of motion, weakness, and often autonomic phenomena. Patients are readily recognized by their history of muscle pain and the presence of myofascial trigger points, which are specific areas of hyperirritability in a muscle that cause local and referred pain on palpation. Failure to recognize MPS often leads to over-investigation, unnecessary medical intervention, and iatrogenic harm with serious cost implications.