Functional outcomes in patients with chronic nonmalignant pain on long-term opioid therapy.

Objectives: Although long-term opioid therapy for chronic nonmalignant pain (CNMP) is widely accepted, it is controversial as to whether long-term benefits outweigh detrimental side effects. This study examines the effect of long-term opioid therapy on quality of life in terms of both physical and mental health in patients with CNMP.

Methods: We retrospectively studied a cohort of patients with CNMP.

Epidural infusion of opiates and local anesthetics for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type-I (CRPS-I) is a neuropathic pain syndrome resulting from complex pain mechanisms that involve several levels and components of the nervous system. CRPS-I consists of multiple signs, including autonomic dysfunction, in the form of edema, vasomotor changes, motor dysfunctions, muscle spasms, tremors and dystonia, as well as burning pain, hypersensitivity and allodynia that could present in any combination. The treatment is progressive physical therapy rehabilitation program.