Such interventions would have the potential to reduce the prevalence of chronic pain in the population .
Although certain risk factors can identify individuals who are most likely to develop chronic pain , few interventions to prevent chronic pain have been identified .
To facilitate the identification of preventive interventions , an IMMPACT meeting was convened to discuss research design considerations for clinical trials investigating the prevention of chronic pain .
We present general design considerations for prevention trials in population s that are at relatively high risk for developing chronic pain .
Perioperative Pregabalin Improves Pain and Functional Outcomes 3 Months After Lumbar Discectomy
BACKGROUND : Patient outcome after lumbar discectomy for radicular low back pain is variable and the benefit is inconsistent . Many patients continue to experience pain 3 months after surgery . Pregabalin , a membrane stabilizer , may decrease perioperative central sensitization and subsequent persistent pain . METHODS : Forty patients undergoing lumbar discectomy were r and omly allocated to receive either pregabalin ( 300 mg at 90 minutes preoperatively and 150 mg at 12 and 24 hours postoperatively ) or placebo at corresponding times in a double-blinded manner . Our primary outcome was the change in the present pain intensity ( PPI ) ( visual analog scale [ VAS ] , 0–100 mm [ PPI-VAS , McGill Pain Question naire ] ) from preoperatively to 3 months postoperatively . RESULTS : The decrease in PPI-VAS score at 3 months was greater in patients who received pregabalin ( 37.6 ± 19.6 mm ) ( mean ± SD ) than those who received placebo ( 25.3 ± 21.9 mm ) ( P = 0.08 ) . The Rol and Morris disability score at 3 months was less in patients who received pregabalin ( 2.7 ± 2.4 ) than in those who received placebo ( 5.6 ± 4.8 ) ( P = 0.032 ) . Pregabalin administration was associated with greater pain tolerance thresholds in both lower limbs compared with placebo at 24 hours postoperatively . CONCLUSION : Perioperative pregabalin administration is associated with less pain intensity and improved functional outcomes 3 months after lumbar discectomy
Such interventions would have the potential to reduce the prevalence of chronic pain in the population .
Although certain risk factors can identify individuals who are most likely to develop chronic pain , few interventions to prevent chronic pain have been identified .
To facilitate the identification of preventive interventions , an IMMPACT meeting was convened to discuss research design considerations for clinical trials investigating the prevention of chronic pain .
We present general design considerations for prevention trials in population s that are at relatively high risk for developing chronic pain .