What a pain in the back: a review of current treatment options with a focus on naproxen sodium.

Non-specific low back pain (LBP) represents a challenging and prevalent condition that is one of the most common symptoms leading to primary care physician visits. While established guidelines recommend prioritizing non-pharmacological approaches as the primary course of action, pharmacological treatments are advised when non-pharmacological approaches are ineffective or based on patient preference. These guidelines recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or skeletal muscle relaxers (SMRs) as the first-line pharmacological options for acute or subacute LBP, while NSAIDs are the exclusive first-line pharmacological option for chronic LBP. Although SMRs are generally effective for acute LBP, the available evidence does not support the view that they improve functional recovery, and their comparative efficacy to NSAIDs and other analgesics remains unknown, while studies have shown them to introduce adverse events without significantly reducing LBP. Moreover, opioids continue to be widely prescribed for LBP, despite limited evidence for effectiveness and known risks of addiction and overdose. Broader use of non-opioid pharmacotherapy, including the appropriate use of OTC options, is critical to addressing the opioid crisis. The balance of evidence indicates that NSAIDs have a favorable benefit-risk profile when compared to other available pharmacological treatment options for non-specific LBP, a condition that is primarily acute in nature and well-suited for self-treatment with OTC analgesics. While clinical guidelines do not differentiate between NSAIDs, evidence indicates that OTC naproxen sodium effectively relieves pain across multiple types of pain models, and furthermore, the 14-h half-life of naproxen sodium allows sustained, all day pain relief with reduced patient pill burden as compared to shorter acting options. Choosing the most appropriate approach for managing LBP, including non-pharmacological options, should be based on the patient's condition, severity of pain, potential risks, and individual patient preference and needs.

Diagnostic Approaches for COVID-19 and Its Associated Complications.

With almost 4 million deaths worldwide from the COVID-19 pandemic, the efficient and accurate diagnosis and identification of COVID-19-related complications are more important than ever. Scales such as the pneumonia severity index, or CURB-65, help doctors determine who should be admitted to the hospital or the intensive care unit. To properly treat and manage admitted patients, standardized sampling protocols and methods are required for COVID-19 patients. Using PubMed, relevant articles since March 2020 on COVID-19 diagnosis and its complications were analyzed. Patients with COVID-19 had elevated D-dimer, thrombomodulin, and initial factor V elevation followed by decreased factor V and factor VII and elevated IL-6, lactate dehydrogenase, and c-reactive protein, which indicated coagulopathy and possible cytokine storm. Patients with hypertension, newly diagnosed diabetes, obesity, or advanced age were at increased risk for mortality. Elevated BUN, AST, and ALT in severe COVID-19 patients was associated with acute kidney injury or other organ damage. The gold standard for screening COVID-19 is reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using sputum, oropharyngeal, or nasopharyngeal routes. However, due to the low turnover rate and limited testing capacity of RT-PCR, alternative diagnostic tools such as CT-scan and serological testing (IgM and IgG) can be considered in conjunction with symptom monitoring. Advancements in CRISPR technology have also allowed the use of alternative COVID-19 testing, but unfortunately, these technologies are still under FDA review and cannot be used in patients. Nonetheless, increased turnover rates and testing capacity allow for a bright future in COVID-19 diagnosis.

Fluoroscopically guided caudal epidural steroid injections for lumbar spinal stenosis: a restrospective evaluation of long term efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis is a frequent cause of disability in the elderly population. Epidural steroid injections are a commonly used conservative modality in the treatment of patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. Relatively few studies have specifically addressed the efficacy of epidural steroid injections for spinal stenosis, with success rates varying from 20% to 100%. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of fluoroscopically guided caudal epidural steroid injections in the management of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review and follow-up study. METHODS: All the patients who had undergone at least one fluoroscopically guided caudal epidural steroid injection between 1995 and 2002 were reviewed. All of the caudal epidural steroid injections were done with fluoroscopic guidance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual Numeric Scale (VNS), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), North American Spine Society Patient Satisfaction Index (NASS), and subsequent surgery. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients selected from chart review met inclusion criteria. Eighty (84%) completed the follow-up questionnaire by mail or telephone interview. Patients received an average of 1.6 epidural steroid injections. Twelve patients subsequently underwent surgical procedures. A VNS improvement of 50% or greater was seen in 35% of patients. A functional improvement of 2 points or greater was seen on the RMDQ in 36% of patients. Long-term success of treatment was seen in 35% of patients. The concurrent presence of degenerative spondylolisthesis was the only variable which was found to have a significant positive correlation with successful outcomes (P < 0.009). CONCLUSION: Caudally placed fluoroscopically guided epidural steroid injections offered a safe, minimally invasive option for managing pain caused by lumbar spinal stenosis. The concurrent presence of degenerative spondylolisthesis appears to be an independent positive prognostic factor for successful outcome.

Effectiveness of transforaminal epidural steroid injections in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliotic stenosis and radiculopathy.

BACKGROUND: The use of epidural steroid injections as a treatment for patients with degenerative lumbar scoliotic spinal stenosis and radiculopathy has received sparse attention in the literature. Even though it has been reported that patients with scoliosis may respond differently than other patient groups to conservative therapeutic interventions for low back pain and radiculopathy, patients with scoliosis have rarely, if ever, been excluded from clinical studies of epidural steroid injections. To date, there are no studies investigating the efficacy of fluoroscopic transforaminal epidural steroid injections as a treatment for patients with radiculopathy and radiographic evidence of degenerative lumbar scoliotic stenosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of fluoroscopically guided transforaminal epidural steroid injections as a conservative treatment for patients with degenerative lumbar scoliotic stenosis and radiculopathy. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: The study was performed in an academic outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation spine practice. Participants included 61 patients with radiographic evidence of degenerative lumbar scoliotic stenosis and radiculopathy. Patients who had undergone at least one fluoroscopic-guided transforaminal epidural steroid and anesthetic injection were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for worst pain experienced, North American Spine Society (NASS) satisfaction scale, amount of pain medication used, and adapted Stucki questionnaire to assess function and pain status. RESULTS: We obtained follow-up on 52 (85.2%) of 61 included patients. We defined a successful outcome as a patient who was both satisfied with his or her results and experienced at least a 2-points improvement in NRS, Summary Pain, and Summary Function scores. Using these criteria for success, 59.6% of our patients had a successful outcome at one week post-injection, 55.8% at one month post-injection, 37.2% at one year post-injection, and 27.3% had a successful outcome at two years post-injection (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopic transforaminal epidural steroid injections appear to be an effective nonsurgical treatment option for patients with degenerative lumbar scoliotic stenosis and radiculopathy and should be considered before surgical intervention.

Histologic characterization of coblation nucleoplasty performed on sheep intervertebral discs.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the histologic effects of coblation nucleoplasty on sheep intervertebral discs. DESIGN: In vitro histologic study. METHODS: Five sheep lumbar discs treated with nucleoplasty and two control discs were evaluated. Specimens were received frozen and thawed to room temperature. A segment consisting of the intervertebral disc and vertebral body above and below the disc was dissected. Using a posterolateral approach, a Perc-DLE SpineWand attached to a standard radiofrequency power generator was bluntly advanced to the annulonuclear junction of each disc. The SpineWand was advanced initially in cauterization mode 8mm into the disc and withdrawn in coagulation mode. The SpineWand was reinserted 8mm into the disc and secured in place. The specimens were fixed in 10% buffered formalin for 1-2 weeks. They were then decalcified in 10% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and embedded in paraffin. Specimens were subsequently stained with H & E, Alcian Blue, and Trichrome stain. They were examined under light microscopy and polarized light. RESULTS: There were no gross changes in disc appearance. In the experimental disc, the fenestration created by the procedure left a 1mm diameter hollow channel through which tissue was cauterized leaving little visible debris or residual material. In the area immediately surrounding the channel, the fibrocartilage cells and the collagen matrix arrangement remained intact and resembled the control untreated disc tissue. There was no loss or re-distribution of proteoglycans, no alterations in collagen orientation, nor any indication of damage to the matrix surrounding the probe channel. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency nucleoplasty creates a hollow channel leaving surrounding soft tissue intact in the immediate post-procedure period. In vivo studies will be necessary to delineate the longitudinal histologic effects of radiofrequency nucleoplasty on discs.

Are fluoroscopic caudal epidural steroid injections effective for managing chronic low back pain?

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine the efficacy of fluoroscopic caudal epidural steroid injections as a conservative treatment in patients with presumably chronic lumbar discogenic pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Epidural steroid injections have been used in the treatment of lumbar radicular pain with success. However, despite their widespread use, there are few, if any, reports of the efficacy of Epidural steroid injections in patients with predominantly axial lumbar pain. Prior studies have been limited by the use of non-fluoroscopically guided injections and failing to apply a specific injection approach (i.e. transforaminal, interlaminar, or caudal) to a specific patient population. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients with chronic axial low back pain and Magnetic Resonance Imaging evidence of disc pathology without stenosis were selected from chart review. All patients received at least one fluoroscopically guided caudal epidural injection with 12 mg of betamethasone and 8 cc of 0.5% lidocaine. Collected follow-up information included Roland-Morris Disability, Visual Numeric Pain Scale, and patient satisfaction scores. RESULTS: Only nineteen patients (23%) were determined to have a successful long- term (> 1 year) outcome and 65 (77%) were deemed failures. Average follow-up was 28.6 +/- 15.6 months. Successes were found to differ significantly from failures in pre-injection pain scores and patient satisfaction. Overall patient satisfaction was 45%. CONCLUSION: At greater than two year follow-up, the efficacy of fluoroscopically guided caudal epidural steroid injections in patients with chronic lumbar discogenic pain is poor. Patient satisfaction exceeds the reported rate of efficacy. Patients responding to injection have significantly lower pre-injection pain scores.

Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) for treatment of chronic lumbar discogenic pain: a minimum 2-year clinical outcome study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the long-term efficacy of IDET in the treatment of chronic lumbar discogenic pain. DESIGN: Prospective case series clinical outcome study. METHODS: IDET was performed on 62 consecutive patients with chronic discogenic pain of greater than 6 months duration and consecutively enrolled in a non-randomized prospective case series outcome study. Outcome measures included visual numeric pain scale (VNS) for low back (LB) and lower extremity (LE) pain, Roland-Morris disability scale (RM), and North American Spine Society (NASS) patient satisfaction index. Outcome success was defined as a change of more than 2 points on VNS and RM as well as a positive NASS satisfaction response. Data were collected at baseline and post-procedure at 1, 3, and 6 months and then annually for up to 4 years. RESULTS: Fifty-one out of 62 patients (82%) were available for a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Average age was 41.4 years; average symptom duration was 46 months; and average follow-up was 34 months. Overall, there was statistically significant improvement in LB-VNS, RM, and LE pain scores of 3.2, 6.6, and 2.3 (p<0.001), respectively. Twenty-seven of 51 (53%) patients demonstrated clinically significant VNS and RM improvements of greater than 2. On NASS index, 63% (32/51) responded positively. Neither the number of disc levels treated nor the insurance status of patients made any difference in outcome. CONCLUSION: IDET appears to be an effective treatment for chronic lumbar discogenic pain in a well-selected group of patients with favorable long-term outcome.

Cervical zygapophysial joint pain maps.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the patterns of referred pain in patients with proven cervical zygapophysial joint pain. DESIGN: The pain drawings were analyzed of patients with neck pain or headache who underwent controlled, diagnostic blocks, to test whether a zygapophysial joint was the source of their pain. The distribution of pain reported by each patient who had a positive response to blocks at a particular segmental level was copied onto a grid map in order to construct a composite map of the pain patterns of that segment. Based on the prevalence of a particular joint being symptomatic and the frequency with which it referred pain to particular areas, maps were constructed to indicate the probability of a particular joint being the source of pain in a given area. RESULTS: As reported by patients, the location and distribution of pain from particular cervical zygapophysial joints varies considerably; more so than in studies of normal volunteers. Nevertheless, segmental patterns could be identified. Although the pain patterns of adjacent segments overlap, those of remote segments do not. Furthermore, certain guidelines could be derived by which practitioners might distinguish pain from adjacent segments. CONCLUSION: Pain maps based on areas in which patients are relieved of pain by controlled blocks provide a more representative guide to the recognition of the segmental origin of cervical zygapophysial joint pain than do maps derived from normal volunteers.

Clinical outcomes of ultrasound-guided aspiration and lavage in calcific tendinosis of the shoulder.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided aspiration and lavage in the treatment of patients with calcific tendinosis of the shoulder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review resulted in 44 patients who were identified as having received ultrasound-guided aspiration of calcific tendinosis of the shoulder between 2000 and 2003. Of these, 36 patients were interviewed by telephone for pre- and posttreatment assessment of pain, shoulder function, prior shoulder surgery, injury, and prescribed treatment modalities with a follow-up time of 8 months to 3.1 years (mean = 22.5 months). L'Insalata score, numeric rating scale (NRS), and patient satisfaction score served as outcome measures. RESULTS: Our criteria for a successful outcome included (1) 12-point or greater improvement in the L'Insalata shoulder rating questionnaire, (2) 2-point or greater improvement in the NRS, (3) patient satisfaction rating of "good", "very good", or "excellent", (4) patients' willingness to undergo the procedure again if they experienced recurrent symptoms, and (5) 1 month or less of analgesic medication use after the aspiration procedure. We determined that ultrasound-guided aspiration of calcific tendinosis of the shoulder resulted in a successful outcome for 75% (27/36) of patients with a mean 20.2-point improvement in the L'Insalata shoulder rating questionnaire score and a mean 6.4-point improvement in the NRS (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This retrospective study suggests that ultrasound-guided aspiration and lavage of calcific shoulder deposits appears to be an efficacious therapeutic modality for treatment of calcific tendinosis. Further studies involving prospective randomized controlled trials would be helpful to further assess the long-term efficacy of this procedure as a minimally invasive treatment for calcific tendinosis of the shoulder.