Spinal cord stimulation as a method of reducing opioids in severe chronic pain: a case report and review of the literature.

Opioid addiction and abuse are growing problems in the United States, particularly in Appalachian areas, which has led to a major social health problem costing millions of dollars in lost wages, medical care and lost productivity. In some patients with chronic moderate to severe pain, opioids are indicated and can be successfully used with proper monitoring. In this report, we present a case where the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) led to an elimination of opioids, a return to work, and to productive function.

Intrathecal ziconotide and opioid combination therapy for noncancer pain: an observational study.

Background: Intrathecal ziconotide is used to manage severe chronic pain. Although ziconotide is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for monotherapy, it is sometimes used in combination with other intrathecal drugs for the management of intractable pain conditions in clinical practice.

Objectives: Evaluate the safety and tolerability of ziconotide combination therapy.

The use of continuous intrathecal infusion of octreotide in patients with chronic pain of noncancer origin: an evaluation of efficacy in a prospective double-blind fashion.

Objective.  We evaluated the efficacy of octreotide when administered in a continuous fashion by intrathecal infusion. Materials and Methods.