RESED (Revista de la Sociedad Española del Dolor — Journal of the Spanish Pain Society) is the official scientific dissemination organ of the Spanish Pain Society (Sociedad Española del Dolor, SED). It is a multidisciplinary journal aimed at healthcare professionals, researchers and managers involved in the comprehensive management of pain.
Rethinking routine corticosteroid injections for knee osteoarthritis: prudence must not mean inertia
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of the Spanish Pain Society
Risk Factors for Developing Chronic Pelvic Pain in Patients with Endometriosis: A Narrative Review.
This narrative review is presented to elucidate the risk factors present in patients diagnosed with endometriosis that lead to the development of chronic pelvic pain. The ultimate goal is to establish more effective and personalized therapies, avoiding the consequences of persistent pain. Endometriosis is a chronic, benign gynecological disease characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. This ectopic tissue acts like the eutopic endometrium: it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds during the menstrual cycle. Despite being benign, endometriosis infiltrates tissues and causes an inflammatory reaction in the areas where it is implanted. Both are responsible for the clinical symptoms, including dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dyschezia, dysuria, and infertility. Endometriosis is a multifactorial disease with no known cause. Several mechanisms may contribute to pain, including direct compression or infiltration of nerves, inflammation, and nerve damage or dysfunction. Treatment of pain associated with endometriosis can be medical or surgical. A holistic understanding of the risk factors for the development of chronic pelvic pain in patients with endometriosis is essential. This understanding, along with a multidisciplinary approach, is key to proper diagnosis and treatment, with the ultimate goal of improving patients’ quality of life.
Physiological mechanisms of medical electroacupuncture and its clinical utility in nociplastic pain: a literature review
Chronic non-oncological nociplastic pain is a prevalent condition worldwide. The non-pharmacological therapeutic pillar is proposed as the first-line treatment, and the development of these tools should be encouraged. The aim of this review is to study the current basic and clinical evidence regarding the mechanisms and usefulness of acupuncture and electroacupuncture in pain relief, improvement in quality of life, and functionality in patients with fibromyalgia, temporomandibular disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome; and to provide an update on the pathophysiology of nociplastic pain, particularly in the clinical entities under study. A search was conducted for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of controlled clinical trials on acupuncture or electroacupuncture in the four nociplastic pain entities under study. Three biomedical electronic databases were reviewed: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Lilacs Plus. Out of 124 studies, thirty-nine met the inclusion criteria. A second literature search was performed regarding the pathophysiology of nociplastic pain and the mechanisms through which acupuncture and electroacupuncture could have positive effects on the outcomes studied. A qualitative analysis of the literature obtained from both searches was performed. The evidence found is of low quality but suggests the effectiveness of acupuncture and electroacupuncture on the outcomes and populations studied. There is a correlation between the pathophysiological mechanisms of nociplastic chronic pain and the signaling pathways modulated by acupuncture and electroacupuncture, which could explain their potential benefits in these clinical entities. This review suggests that acupuncture and electroacupuncture could be useful therapeutic tools for both somatic and visceral nociplastic pain. However, higher-quality clinical evidence is needed to confirm their effectiveness and expand their use, thereby strengthening their role as a first-line treatment in non-oncological chronic pain, which is a key component of the non-pharmacological approach.
Let's advance in anatomic thermology for interventional pain techniques, Letter to the Editor.
Analgesic Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block versus External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is considered one of the most common procedures globally. The associated postoperative pain is still a crucial problem after this procedure. We aimed to evaluate the analgesia of bilateral external oblique intercostal (EOI) versus bilateral erector spinae plane blocks effect in cases undergoing LC. Methods: A prospective randomized double-blind controlled study done on 93 cases who were listed for elective LC. Cases were randomized into three equal groups. Group A (ESP) had ultrasound (US) guided bilateral erector spinae plane block. Group B (EOI) had US guided bilateral EOI plane block. Group C (Control) had our institute’s standard analgesia plan with no block. Results: A significant difference was indicated between group A and B contrasted to group C regarding MAC consumption, intraoperative fentanyl consumption, time for first call of analgesia and post-operative 24 hours nalbuphine consumption (p-value <0.05). However, group A showed a significant greater time for first call of analgesia and lower 24 hours nalbuphine consumption than group B. Additionally, no significant difference was indicated between studied groups regarding nausea, vomiting, hematoma, and allergy (p-value ˃0.05). Conclusion: US-ESP block for LC supplies a better postoperative analgesia quality and longer duration, and reducing the postoperative analgesic consumption when contrasted to EOI plane block.
Assessment of Quality of Life with the Use of Tapentadol in Adult Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study
Introduction: Low back pain is a common chronic condition and represents the second most frequent cause of medical consultations worldwide. It is estimated that up to 80% of the population experiences it at least once in their lifetime. Studies have reported that between 6.3% and 15.4% of individuals develop low back pain for the first time each year, with an annual recurrence risk ranging from 1.5% to 36%. Objective: To describe the quality of life using the SF-36 scale in patients aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of chronic low back pain who received pharmacological management prescribed by the pain clinic service with extended-release tapentadol for a minimum of 3 continuous months (12 weeks) at doses of 50 mg and 100 mg orally every 12 hours. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of chronic multifactorial low back pain lasting more than 3 months were included. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were extracted from electronic medical records. Data analysis employed the IQVIA Quality Metric scoring system, developed and validated by the creators of the SF-36 scale, to calculate individual and domain scores. A descriptive analysis of the variables was performed, considering their nature and distribution type, using measures of central tendency and dispersion. Statistical analyses were conducted using the R programming language, version 4.3.3, a free and open-source software. Results: Treatment with tapentadol resulted in significant improvements in most domains of the SF-36 scale, demonstrating a positive impact on the perceived quality of life of patients. All eight evaluated domains showed statistically significant p-values (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that extended-release tapentadol treatment can enhance the perceived quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain, positively influencing physical, emotional, and social aspects. These findings reflect notable improvements in functionality and overall well-being by alleviating pain, thereby enabling patients to improve mobility and social interactions.
Epidural, Subdural Hematoma and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Following Interlaminar Epidural Injection: A Case Report and Literature Review
Epidural injection is a widely used technique in Chronic Pain Units for the treatment of sciatica refractory to medical treatment. Neuroaxial hemorrhages secondary to this technique are uncommon but clinically significant due to the irreversible damage that can result from the lack of early diagnosis and treatment. We present a case of epidural and subdural hematoma with an atypical presentation following an interlaminar epidural injection with local anesthetic and corticosteroids. Additionally, we conduct a review of the literature and the management carried out, emphasizing the importance of clinical assessment and reevaluation, as well as the high index of clinical suspicion required for this condition.
Epidural blood patch in patient with idiopatic intracraneal hypotension
Relationship between the level of physical activity, sleep quality and anxiety with catastrophization in people with fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia (FM) has been described as a central sensitization syndrome characterized by primary, generalized chronic musculoskeletal pain (MCPE) with hyperalgesia at specific points, with other somatic symptoms, sleep and cognitive disturbances. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between level of physical activity, quality of sleep and anxiety with catastrophizing in people with Fibromyalgia (FM) who are treated at the Chile Pain Center, a psychological center specialized in persistent physical pain.
Caffeine in the treatment of fibromyalgia, therapeutic proposal.
Experience of hydromorphone for intense chronic pain treatment: the SS-PAIN study
Objective: Hydromorphone is a potent opioid administered as daily extended-release tablets with good tolerance and safety profile. The SS-PAIN study aims to assess the impressions of physicians on the effect of hydromorphone on sleep quality and its safety profile in patients with severe chronic pain in Spain. Material and methods: This is an ecological study of aggregated data collected from physicians who have experience in managing patients with severe chronic pain. Data were collected using a 35-question survey on the last five patients who came to the consultation to treat severe chronic pain. The questions were focused on the effects of extended-release hydromorphone and other opioids on sleep and their safety profile. Results: A total of 89 physicians answered the survey. The average time of their patients’ pain evolution was 10.7 months. Patients treated with hydromorphone had better and more prolonged sleep than with other opioids. According to the physicians, a mean of 19.2% vs 44.8% of patients had poor sleep quality, and 71.1% vs 55.4% slept more than 5 hours/night with hydromorphone or other opioids, respectively. Physicians considered that hydromorphone improved the patients’ quality of life mainly due to the daily dosage (85.4%) and its good safety profile (77.5%). The main aspects considered when administering hydromorphone as a treatment for pain management were polypharmacy (59.6%), adverse events (48.3%), and comorbidities (38.2%), being recommended for the elderly, immunosuppressed patients or those with impaired renal or hepatic function. Physicians considered that constipation (65.2%), somnolence (48.3%) and nausea (44.9%) were the main adverse events of hydromorphone. Nevertheless, hydromorphone was considered to be the opioid with less interactions (83.1%). Conclusions: Physicians consider that, based on the results of their last patients, extended-release hydromorphone is an adequate alternative for treating severe chronic pain due to the beneficial effects on sleep quality and safety profile, leading to the satisfaction of both the patient and the specialist.
Use of unsaponifiable extract therapy from avocado and soybean oils for the treatment of pain in patients with osteoarthritis in Colombia. A descriptive observational study in primary care.
Introduction Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition that causes pain and disability, limiting the daily activities of millions of adults worldwide. It is estimated that the global prevalence of OA is 3.8%, this being higher in women older than 60 years. It has been shown that the use of alternative therapies such as the extract of unsaponifiables from avocado and soybean oils can reduce joint pain and stiffness and may result in considering a reduction in the dose of conventional pharmacological treatment. Objective To establish the clinical effect and safety of therapy with unsaponifiable extracts from avocado and soybean oils in patients attended by a group of primary care general practitioners in Colombia. Materials and methods A real-life prospective cohort study was carried out, in a 6-month follow-up period, including patients over 18 years of age who attended the primary care consultation in 12 Colombian cities, who had a diagnosis OA clinicians, who had a prescription for pharmacological therapy for the treatment of pain and who were candidates for receiving Persea gratissima Mill insaponifiables 100 mg.; Glycine max (L) Merr. unsaponifiables 200 mg. Baseline variables and clinical variables such as the anatomical location of the OA, analog scale of pain, edema, and stiffness were collected. Patients who attended three check-ups over six months were considered fully adherent patients, and patients with low adherence were those who only attended one check-up during follow-up. Results 117 patients entered the study, 74% were women, mostly 65 years of age or older. The average of the visual analog scale of pain was 6.6 ± 1.69 at the beginning, while at 6 months of follow-up the average was 2.6 ± 1.32. Other symptoms such as edema and stiffness also decreased, especially in patients who had full adherence. Conclusions As other studies have shown, therapy with unsaponifiable extracts from avocado and soybean oils shows a considerable decrease and improvement in joint pain and other associated symptoms.
18 months after the launch of the manuscript submission platform in the Journal of the Spanish Society of Pain; An analysis of their successes and challenges.
21 Congreso de la Sociedad Española del Dolor Málaga 2025
Comité Editorial Revista de la Sociedad Española del Dolor
Editorial by the President of the Spanish Pain Society
Ilioingional-iliohypastric block for inguinal hernioplasty in fragile patients
Introduction: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most performed surgical procedures each year and the incidence is reported to be up to 60 % of moderate to severe postoperative pain, which is why, one would expect to perform this type of surgery with minimal anesthetic risks, rapid recovery and prompt medical discharge, ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric block is a safe anesthetic option for fragile patients with multiple cardiopulmonary comorbidities and anatomical alterations that difficulty neuraxial anesthetic techniques. Case presentation: We present the clinical case of an 88-year-old adult patient ASA III, for elective inguinal hernioplasty, under regional anesthesia: Ilioinguinal-Iliohypogastric block under ultrasound guidance plus sedation, complementary analgesic management with paracetamol and anti-inflammatory drugs, discharge from outpatient surgery to his home and postoperative control without complications. Discussion: Inguinal herniorrhaphy is undoubtedly one of the most frequent surgical procedures in any hospital, increasingly required in fragile adult patients, so it is very important to choose an individualized anesthetic technique that allows early recovery and good postoperative pain control, regional anesthesia: Ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric block offers such advantages, in addition to being part of the strategy to provide multimodal analgesia with other adjuvants as we have demonstrated in this case report and as described in the current literature, compared to general or neuraxial anesthesia. Conclusion: Inguinal hernioplasty with regional anesthesia using ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric block is a safe and effective technique, which makes it ideal for patients in the geriatric age group considered fragile due to their multiple pathologies and polymedication and should be increasingly considered for this type of patient, especially with the objective of avoiding perioperative complications and better pain control postoperative.
Healthcare practitioner and other professionals' perspectives on gabapentinoid misuse and dependence: a systematic review of qualitative studies
Background and objective: The global rise in gabapentinoid prescriptions for chronic pain has been striking. However, this trend has been accompanied by growing concerns about misuse and dependence. This qualitative systematic review aimed to synthesise the perspectives of healthcare practitioners and other professionals on these emerging challenges. Databases and Data Treatment: Six databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO) were searched to May 2025. Eligible studies used qualitative or mixed methods to explore professional views on gabapentinoid misuse or dependence. Studies focusing solely on patient perspectives or therapeutic use were excluded. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis, and confidence in the findings was evaluated using GRADE-CERQual. Results: After screening 1584 records, 19 original studies were included. Most were conducted in substance use treatment and law enforcement settings, where professionals frequently encounter vulnerable populations and more severe patterns of misuse than in general clinical care. Reported drivers of misuse included polydrug use, opioid substitution, psychological distress and poor access to non-pharmacological care. Signs of misuse included early refills, dose escalation and reluctance to taper. Professionals described ethical tensions in prescribing and dispensing and proposed harm reduction strategies, including prescriber education, regulatory reform, expanded treatment access and public awareness. Conclusions: Gabapentinoid misuse is shaped by clinical, social and structural factors. Tackling these challenges requires systemic responses that go beyond individual prescribers. Lessons from opioid policy responses should inform balanced, compassionate and evidence-informed strategies to reduce harm and improve care. Significance Statement: This is the first systematic review to synthesise professional perspectives on gabapentinoid misuse and dependence, drawing on studies from Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa. Integrating insights from healthcare, law enforcement and policy settings, it reveals the structural drivers behind rising misuse—including opioid regulation, socioeconomic hardship and limited access to alternatives—and highlights gaps in clinical guidance. The findings offer actionable, cross-sector strategies to support safer prescribing, informed policy and more effective harm reduction.
Caudal epidural haemorrhagic patch: a safe alternative for spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome
Introduction: In the differential diagnosis of headache, spontaneous intracranial hypotension should be considered. Initial treatment is conservative; however, it is often ineffective. An epidural blood patch is recommended if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, or earlier in cases of severe clinical presentation. Case presentation: A 24-year-old patient was admitted to the Neurology Department with bilateral pressing headache associated with neck stiffness and nausea, with a 25-day history. The patient had previously been evaluated twice in the Emergency Department without improvement despite prescribed treatment. No cerebrospinal fluid leak was identified on imaging studies. A diagnosis of spontaneous intracranial hypotension was established. Due to persistent symptoms, a caudal epidural blood patch was performed 13 days after admission, resulting in complete and immediate resolution of symptoms. The patient was discharged three days after the blood patch, asymptomatic. Discussion: In spontaneous intracranial hypotension, treatment is not standardized. Traditionally, a non-targeted epidural blood patch has been performed via the lumbar approach; however, the caudal approach is a valid and safe option, as it avoids the risk of accidental dural puncture and the consequent potential clinical worsening. Conclusion: The caudal approach may be a safer alternative to the interlaminar approach for performing an epidural blood patch; however, further studies are needed.
Phantom limb pain. Understanding and therapeutic approach beyond mirror therapy
The phantom limb pain is defined as a kind of neuropathic pain, however, it has its own characteristics due to the cortical changes that occur after an amputation and the phantom limb sensation that involves. The present review of the literature offers a synthesis of the pathophysiological theories, its presentation and clinical evaluation. Finally, explore the different treatment strategies both non -pharmacological and pharmacological, offering information on the usefulness of techniques and their relationship with the disease, as well as the results of the studies, mainly of the clinical trials and the systematic reviews and meta -analysis, to expose the best therapeutic options.
Use of capsaicin 8 % patch in refractory chronic neuropathic pain: study of two cases series
Introduction: Despite the multiple oral and interventional treatments available, localized neuropathic pain remains undertreated and has low response rates. Topical treatment has emerged as an alternative for various patient populations with localized neuropathic pain. Objectives: To evaluate the results of repeated use of capsaicin patch 8 % (PC8) in localized neuropathic pain in daily clinical practice, assessing the response through spontaneous pain, mechanical allodynia and treated painful area. Study design: observational, retrospective, descriptive case series study. Setting: all patients were treated with PC8 at Clínica RedSalud Providencia or Hospital Clínico Mutual de Seguridad CChC, Santiago de Chile between 2022 and 2024. Methods: Patients with probable or definite localized neuropathic pain, 'irritable nociceptor' sensory profile (static or dynamic mechanical allodynia), and DN4 Questionnaire ≥ 3/7 were selected. The primary outcome of therapeutic efficacy was the decrease in spontaneous pain intensity, mechanical allodynia and size of the painful area between baseline and the last treatment. Improvement in quality of life, reduction of concomitant consumption of oral analgesics and tolerability of the drug were also evaluated. Monthly evaluations were performed, with periodic applications of PC8 following European standards and according to the technical file. Quality of life was evaluated with the EuroQoL-5D-3L scale. Results: Of 12 patients analyzed, in two series of six each, the first presented post-traumatic/post-surgical painful scars with neuropathic component ('Scars'), and the second, post-herpetic neuralgia ('PHN'). Three or four applications of PC8 were performed every 3 months, with an average follow-up of 10 months in each series. The entire 'Scars' series had a ≥ 30 % reduction in baseline spontaneous pain intensity and half had ≥ 50 % reduction. In addition, with respect to mechanical allodynia intensity, half presented ≥ 30 % decrease, and ⅓ of the sample ≥ 50 %. All patients presented painful area contraction ≥ 50 %. In the 'PHN' series, with respect to baseline spontaneous pain intensity, ⅔ of patients had a reduction ≥ 30 % and half had a reduction ≥ 50 %. Likewise, regarding mechanical allodynia intensity, half had a reduction ≥ 30 % and 1 patient (17 %) decrease ≥ 50 %. All patients presented painful area contraction ≥ 50 %. 80 % of patients in the 'Scars' series and 40 % in the 'PHN' series reduced opioid consumption due to combination of oral treatment with PC8. All patients improved their quality of life and 11/12 patients (83 %) were reintegrated socially and occupationally at the end of treatment. Discussion: It is suggested that the capsaicin 8 % patch is a valuable option for the treatment of localized neuropathic pain, providing a significant reduction in spontaneous pain intensity, mechanical allodynia and painful area. In addition, it reduces the consumption of oral drugs, particularly opioids, and improves quality of life, accompanied by good tolerability. This research has limitations inherent to a retrospective study and includes a small number of patients, so prospective studies with similar methodology and population, but with a larger sample size, are suggested.
Radiofrequency generators available in Spain for pain treatment
Introduction: The first generator for the application of radiofrequency lesions was created by Cosman in 1952, but its use in the field of pain did not occur until the 1970s. Since then, radiofrequency generators have improved in terms of safety, ergonomics, portability, and the possibilities for current administration. Materials and methods: We conducted a market survey of radiofrequency generators available in our country for pain treatment and analysed their technical characteristics. The information was obtained from the manufacturers themselves and the technical descriptions of each product. Results: The generators currently available include: Accurian™, Coolif™, Cosman G4™, Diros URF-3AP™, Inomed Lesion Generator LG2™, IonicRF™, LG4 RF Lesion Generator™, Multigen2 RF™, Neurotherm 2000IX™, RFE-4™, Spring2™, and Top TLG-20 multilesion ™. Each of these offers something unique compared to the others. Conclusions: We have a wide range of radiofrequency generators, all of which are intuitive and safe, covering the entire spectrum of neuroablative and neuromodulatory techniques described. The specific needs of the users must be aligned with the options provided by the various generators.
Prevalence of low back pain, level of disability and lumbar disc degeneration in exposed workers to heavy loads handling
Introduction: Few studies have established the impact of occupational stress with extremely high repetitive loads on the lumbar spine on the frequency of pain, the severity of functional limitation and the characteristics of disc damage. The present study sought to establish the prevalence of low back pain, the level of disability and the degree of disc degeneration in coteros in the city of Manizales (Colombia). The hypothesis proposed for the study is that the manual manipulation of heavy loads is responsible for a high prevalence of low back pain, the presence of lumbar degenerative changes and a significant degree of disability in the coteros of the city of Manizales. Methods: A total of 58 coteros were recruited between 2021 and 2022 in the market square of the city of Manizales, Colombia. The participating subjects with an average age of 34.8 ± 11.8 years and more than one year of experience in the occupation signed the informed consent and completed a demographic survey that included data about low back pain. The subjects attended a simple nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine. The NIOSH method was used to determine the Lifting Index in a simple task of lifting loads greater than 40 kg, performed repetitively in the workplace. The level of disability was quantified using the Oswestry questionnaire. The degree of disc degeneration was established by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine and categorized according to the criteria proposed by Pfirrmann. Results: The parameters of the NIOSH equation showed that the average value of the Lifting Index in coteros is 15.9 ± 3.4. The prevalence of low back pain in coteros was 55.2 %. The intensity of pain measured using a visual analogue scale in the affected subjects had an average value of 55.4 ± 16.3 mm/100 mm. The assessment of the level of disability according to the Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire showed that only 9.4 % of the affected subjects have a moderate level of disability while the remaining 84.4 % reported a minimal level. 6.3 % did not report disability. The degree of disc degeneration is mild to moderate at all lumbar levels and tends to be more prevalent in subjects over 46 years of age, especially in the last 2 lumbar levels, showing average disc damage values of 3.77 ± 0.48 according to the Pfirrmann scale (0-5). Conclusions: In coteros of Manizales, despite exposure to mechanical stress with Lifting Index well above the highest value allowed, the prevalence of low back pain is relatively low and the level of disability is minimal or null. Degenerative disc changes are rare, even in those coteros with a long time in this occupation, and these changes appear mainly with advancing age and at the lower lumbar levels.
XX Congreso de la Sociedad Española del Dolor -
Validation of the CUDIT-R scale to detect cannabis misuse in latin american population
Introduction: The use of the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol carries a risk of developing Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), associated with mental disorders, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and an increased risk of perioperative complications. The proper use of medical cannabis requires identifying patients at risk of developing CUD. Objective: Translate into Spanish and validate the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test - Revised (CUDIT-R) to detect cannabis misuse in Latin American population over 18 years of age. Materials and methods: Analytical observational study for validation of a questionnaire. The CUDIT-R was translated and applied in Latin Americans, who used cannabis in the last six months. Collinearity was evaluated with the Bartlett Test and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Test. In the exploratory factorial analysis, factors with eigenvalues greater than 70 were relevant, Promax rotation was used. Criterion validity was evaluated with Spearman's correlation coefficient. The internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's Alpha and correlation of the domains divided in two with the Spearman-Brown formula. Results: With 465 complete responses, the sensitivity of the CUDIT-R was 60.77 %, with a specificity of 85.06 %. Internal consistency and criterion validity were acceptable, and improved when questions 1 and 8 were removed. Its performance was not optimal in the population evaluated. Conclusions: CUDIT-R can be useful to detect risk of presenting CUD. The questions 1 and 8 affect the unidimensionality of the instrument, but they provide useful information for patient management. It is necessary to validate the scale in different population groups.
Ghost pain. An old type of pain with new analgesic approaches
XX Congreso de la Sociedad Española del Dolor 2024
A pain research strategy for Europe: a european survey and position paper of the European Pain Federation EFIC
Background: Pain is the leading cause of disability and reduced quality of life worldwide. Despite the increasing burden for patients and healthcare systems, pain research remains underfunded and under focused. Having stakeholders identify and prioritize areas that need urgent attention in the field will help focus funding topics, reduce ‘research waste’, improve the effectiveness of pain research and therapy and promote the uptake of research evidence. In this study, the European Pain Federation (EFIC) developed a Pain Research Strategy for Europe. Methods: The study used multiple methods, including literature searches, multidisciplinary expert debate, a survey and a final consensus meeting. The crosssectional survey was conducted among 628 European pain researchers, clinicians, educators and industry professionals to obtain the rating and hierarchy of pain research priorities. The final consensus meeting involved a multidisciplinary expert panel including people with lived experience from 23 countries. The survey results guided discussions where top priorities were agreed. Results: Content analysis identified nine survey themes, of which five emerged as top priorities: (i) understand the pathophysiology of pain; (ii) understand and address comorbidities; (iii) critically assess current therapies; (iv) develop new treatments; and (v) explore the biopsychosocial impacts of pain. Physical, psychological and social approaches were prioritized at the same level as pharmacological treatments. The top priorities were endorsed by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The panel emphasized the importance of also clearly communicating the concepts of prediction, prevention selfmanagement and personalized pain Management in the final strategy. Conclusions: The content of the final top research priorities' list reflects a holistic approach to pain management. The equal importance given to physical, psychological and social aspects alongside pharmacological treatments highlights the importance of a comprehensive biopsychosocial-orientated research strategy. The expert panel's endorsement of five top priorities, coupled with an emphasis on communicating the concepts of prediction, prevention, self-management and personalized pain management, provides a clear direction for future basic, translational and clinical research. Significance: EFIC has developed a Pain Research Strategy for Europe that identifies pain research areas deserving the most focus and financial support. Implementation and wide dissemination of this Strategy is vital to increase the conduct of urgent pain projects, pain research funding and the implementation of research findings into practice, to ultimately decrease the personal, societal and financial burden of pain.