Image-guided radiofrequency ablation significantly reduces the level of pain experienced by cancer patients with bone meta-stases, limiting the need for strong narcotic pain management, and supporting improved patient frame of mind, according to a study published in the journal Cancer. More »

A 45-year-old woman presented to the emergency department (ED) with a 3-day history of an acutely painful, swollen, and erythematous thumb (photograph, top). More »

The CDC and the Arthritis Foundation (AF) are spearheading a new initiative designed to reduce the effect of osteoarthritis (OA) on Americans. In response to the recommendations outlined in this action plan, the AF also is cooperating with the Ad Council and the American College of Rheumatology in... More »

Prolonged standing on a sloped surface rather than on a level surface results in decreased subjective low back pain (LBP) and associated biomechanical changes, according to researchers at the Regis University School of Physical Therapy in Denver. Nelson-Wong and Callaghan1 noted that occupations... More »

Results of a study by Greek researchers suggest that percutaneous disc decompression, a newly developed outpatient procedure for herniated vertebral discs, has better long-term effects than conservative therapy. More »

Unless you have been living on a desert island for the past 2 years, you are well aware that the development of DSM-V is well under way. More »

Parsonage-Turner syndrome affects mainly the lower motor neurons of the brachial plexus or individual nerves or nerve branches. The typical presentation is sudden, often excruciating neck and arm pain followed by marked muscle weakness and wasting of the shoulder girdle and upper arm. More »

A 44-year-old Hispanic woman was evaluated for a 1-day history of left knee pain and swelling. Two months earlier, the patient had started to walk as part of a weight loss program and had walked on a treadmill the day before the onset of pain. The pain was localized to the left knee, worsened with... More »

Chronic pain is known to be a cause of disability in older patients. It also is an overlooked and potentially important risk factor for falls and fall-related injuries in this age-group. More »

A serious underlying condition rarely is present in patients with low back pain (LBP), but the pain can be intense and severely limit home and work activities. For most patients with LBP, the cause is a nonspecific mechanical process; for those with acute symptoms, the course is self-limited.... More »