Pain
Feature
Is kratom the answer to the opioid crisis?
Addiction experts say evidence remains sparse about the safety of the botanical product from Southeast Asia.
Primary Care Medical Abstracts
Abstract: The Opioid Crisis and the Need for Compassion in Pain Management
The author, from the University of Louisville School of Medicine, comments on the unintended consequences of restricting opioid prescribing.
Daily News Podcast
MDedge Daily News: Why the barber’s chair can help hypertension
And how excessive daytime sleepiness could lead to dementia.
From the Journals
Intramuscular steroid injection reduced hip OA pain up to 12 weeks
Results at 12 weeks called surprising.
Conference Coverage
The case for being open-minded about medical marijuana
LAS VEGAS – As part of an open approach, educate patients about effective alternative treatments to medical cannabis, an expert advises.
Feature
Opioid prescriptions got shorter in 2017
Pharmacy benefits manager reports increased use of drugs to treat opioid dependence.
From the Journals
Nonopioid analgesics have no major disadvantages vs. opioids for chronic pain
Chronic pain patients may be able to improve function without increasing risk of addiction.
Article
Opioid deaths in the ED increase nationally
Opioid overdose deaths have reached an all-time high across the country.
News
FDA alerts doctors to stop administering compounded products
Patients could be at risk for serious harms if they receive drugs manufactured by this company.
Applied Evidence
ACL injury: How do the physical examination tests compare?
The Lachman test is more accurate diagnostically than the anterior drawer test, although it’s used less often. The newer lever sign test may prove...
Applied Evidence
Limited evidence guides empiric Tx of female chronic pelvic pain
Treat patients based on experience and by applying options used for other chronic pain syndromes. Lifestyle modifications can help, but avoid...