Sep
5
2023
Smokers suffer more chronic back pain. This was the result of the analysis of a questionnaire performed by Monique Zimmermann-Stenzel and her colleagues and published in the Deutsches Ärzteblatt International
In 2003, the Robert Koch Institute interviewed more than 8000 private persons in the course of a telephone health survey in Germany. This included questions on social and demographic themes, as well as health and life style. On the basis of the collected data, the authors examined whether there was an association between smoking and chronic back pain.
Their evaluation showed that smokers or former smokers suffer chronic back pain much more often than do non-smokers. The number of years the subjects had been smoking or had smoked was decisive. Subjects who had consumed tobacco for more than 16 years had a two-fold greater probability of suffering chronic back pain than subjects who had smoked for less than 10 years. The probability of back pain was further multiplied for subjects who had smoked for longer than 26 years. On the other hand, the frequency with which the subjects consumed tobacco and the quantities smoked did not play a role.
However, the authors pointed out that tobacco consumption does not necessarily cause chronic back pain. It is just as possible that people with chronic back pain smoke to alleviate the pain. The exact association between smoking and back pain will have to be clarified in appropriate studies. These could offer additional possibilities to prevent chronic back pain or smoking motivated by this.
(Dtsch Arztebl Int, 2008; 105[24]: 441-8) http://www.aerzteblatt.de/v4/archiv/pdf.asp?id=60552
Sep
5
2023
People who have migraines — either chronic or episodic — are more likely to suffer from serious skin pain and sensitivity, new research shows.
As many as two-thirds of those affected by migraines may also experience a condition called cutaneous allodynia. Cutaneous allodynia is skin sensitivity and pain so severe that everyday activities like brushing your hair or wearing jewelry can cause pain.
“The phenomenon of cutaneous allodynia seems to be correlated to true migraine,” said headache expert Dr. Bruce Silverman, a neurologist at Providence Hospital and Medical Centers in Southfield, Mich. “For those with migraine and cutaneous allodynia, the idea of treating prior to the onset of symptoms may offer a greater response.”
To assess the prevalence of cutaneous allodynia, researchers led by Dr. Marcelo Bigal, of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, surveyed almost 17,000 people who experienced headaches. Their questionnaires asked about the type of headaches suffered, how often, whether or not their quality of life was affected, whether or not they suffered from depression, or if they had any other illnesses that might cause pain. Survey participants were also asked to complete the allodynia symptom checklist (ASC), an assessment tool previously designed by the study’s authors.
The study, which is in the April 22 issue of the journal Neurology, found that almost 12,000 people reported suffering from migraines. Another 1,491 had headaches that were probably migraines, and 3,345 experienced other types of headaches, such as tension headaches.
Of those who reported having chronic migraines — daily headaches — 68 percent also experienced cutaneous allodynia. In those with episodic migraines, 63 percent also experienced the condition. Just 42 percent of those with suspected migraine reported cutaneous allodynia, and about 37 percent of those with other types of headaches reported allodynia, as well.
In people with migraine, cutaneous allodynia was more common in women, in those who had headaches more often, in people with a higher body mass index, and in those disabled or depressed.
http://www.healthcentral.com/migraine/news-250285-31.html
Sep
5
2023
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in the February 2007 evaluated the perceptions of research, frequency in use of research findings in practice, and the level of research skills of chiropractors and massage therapists in Canada. The study was conducted by the Health Systems and Workforce Research Unit of the Calgary Health Region in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The study, titled “How important is research-based practice to chiropractors and massage therapists?” stated chiropractors and massage therapists reported a generally positive perception toward research and acknowledged the importance of research to validate their practice.
A survey was mailed to members of the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (833 practitioners) and the
Massage Therapist Association of Alberta (650 practitioners). Only 483 questionnaires were returned (response rate, 33%). Chiropractors had a higher response rate (39%) compared to massage therapists (160 respondent; 24%). Chiropractors and massage therapists reported an overall positive perception toward research, acknowledging the importance of research to validate their practice.
However, a positive perception does not necessarily translate into practice, which was confirmed in the study: although almost 80% of the respondents strongly agreed with the statement that research adds credibility to their practice, only about 25% reported that they apply research in their practice in a consistent manner.
Chiropractors and massage therapists in this study indicated minimal use of evidence-based information sources, such as peer-reviewed journals and electronic databases, and instead indicated a preference for handbooks and consulting with colleagues.
While both groups felt comfortable using the library, they had little confidence in their research skills and overall application of research in practice was limited. Significant differences were found between the 2 professional groups, with chiropractors reporting more research skills and evidence-based practice.
It appears that in Canada neither chiropractors nor massage therapists consistently apply research
in practice, which may result from a lack of research education and research skills. The differences between the 2 professional groups may be attributed to the chiropractic profession’s relatively more research-focused professional training. Strategies to encourage greater research uptake and evidence-based behavior by practitioners include professional association incentives, such as education credits or practitioner cooperatives that would provide time and support for research.
