Oncologic chronic pain is often difficult to control, especially in anatomical areas with multiple and complex innervation, such as the pelvic/perineal region. The ganglion impar block (GIB) is a procedure with growing interest and varied applicability. It has been used in several benign and malignant causes of pelvic and perineal pain refractory to pharmacological treatment. We conducted a review of all articles published in PUBMED® until the 30th of October 2022 regarding GIB in oncologic pain. 19 articles were identified with a total of 278 patients. Both chronic cancer pain and chronic postcancer treatment pain patients were included. We reviewed the various techniques, approaches, and therapeutic options that were employed. No serious adverse effects were reported. GIB appears to be an effective and safe procedure that should be considered in patients with intractable perineal cancer-related pain.

Chronic pain is a public health problem suffered by 20% of the world\'s population. Pharmacological approaches are insufficient, so a multi-therapeutic approach that also includes non-pharmacological therapies (psychological therapies, meditation, physical exercise, healthy habits, etc.) is proposed. The aim of this review was to review the existing scientific evidence on the effect of multicomponent programs with non-pharmacological therapies in people with chronic non-oncologic pain. To this end, a search for scientific articles was carried out in three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO) and 17 articles were selected, following the PRISMA recommendations. The patients who participated in these programs were mostly women, aged 18 to 80years, working or on sick leave due to pain, with secondary education or less and married. The most frequent pain was musculoskeletal, mainly low back pain. All the articles studied the effectiveness of two or more therapies, highlighting psychological therapies, physical exercise and education. Positive results were obtained in the reduction of different variables such as pain, pain catastrophizing, anxiety and depression, in addition to improving functionality and quality of life. It has also been shown that patients\' prior expectations regarding the intervention influence its effectiveness. Although throughout the review there was great heterogeneity in the interventions, in the evaluation methods and in the results themselves, it can be concluded that multicomponent programs show positive results in the management of chronic pain, and should therefore be incorporated as a routine therapeutic treatment.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationship of the pre-operative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to the timing of epidural analgesia administration and post-operative acute and chronic pain in thoracotomy.
METHODS: The study was conducted on 60 patients, with NLR ≥ 2 (Group A) and NLR < 2 (Group B). Each group was divided into subgroups pre-emptive analgesia (Group P) and control group (Group C). Epidural analgesic solution was administered as a bolus before the surgical incision in Group P and at the end of the operation in Group C. NRS was questioned postoperatively at the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 24th h, 1st, and 3rd months and also additional analgesic needs were recorded.
RESULTS: In Group A, the pain scores of the patients who received pre-emptive epidural analgesia were lower at the post-operative 2nd, 4th, and 8th h and analgesic consumption was less in the post-operative first 24 h.
CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that pre-emptive epidural analgesia reduced pain levels and additional analgesic consumption in the acute post-operative period in patients with pre-operative NLR ≥ 2.
OBJECTIVE: Este estudio investigó la relación de la relación neutrófilos/linfocitos (NLR) preoperatoria con el momento de la administración de la analgesia epidural y el dolor agudo y crónico posoperatorio en la toracotomía.
UNASSIGNED: El estudio se realizó en 60 pacientes, como NLR ≥ 2 (Grupo A) y NLR < 2 (Grupo B). Cada grupo se dividió en subgrupos de analgesia preventiva (Grupo P) y grupo control (Grupo C). La solución analgésica epidural se administró en bolo antes de la incisión quirúrgica en el Grupo P y al final de la operación en el Grupo C. La NRS se cuestionó posoperatoriamente a las 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 horas, 1 y 3 meses también adicionales Se registraron las necesidades analgésicas.
RESULTS: En el Grupo A, los puntajes de dolor de los pacientes que recibieron analgesia epidural preventiva fueron menores a las 2, 4 y 8 horas postoperatorias y el consumo de analgésicos fue menor en las primeras 24 horas postoperatorias.
UNASSIGNED: Se observó que la analgesia epidural preventiva redujo los niveles de dolor y el consumo adicional de analgésicos en el postoperatorio agudo en pacientes con NLR preoperatorio ≥ 2.

OBJECTIVE: To examine and map alcohol consumption in children and adolescents with chronic pain (CP).
METHODS: A scoping review of international databases (CINAHL, WOS, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Embase, and MEDLINE) and grey literature was conducted between September 2022 and February 2023. Documents addressing the relationship between alcohol consumption and CP in children and adolescents, published in English and Spanish between 2012 and 2023, were included. Those papers with a population suffering from CP derived from neurodegenerative diseases, chronic infectious diseases or cognitive impairment were excluded. We assessed the level of evidence (LE) and the degree of recommendation (DR) of the studies included in accordance with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Finally, 11 documents were considered out of the 479 reviewed.
RESULTS: The relationship between substance consumption and CP in adolescents is a scarcely investigated topic. While there is a trend towards lower rates of alcohol consumption in youth with pain, there is evidence suggesting an association, particularly in cases of intense pain. The use of various substances, both legal and illegal, for pain management underscores the importance of comprehensively addressing this phenomenon in this population.
CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed to assess the relationship between alcohol consumption in children and adolescents with CP.

Glomus tumors are a rare, benign neoplasm arising from the neuroarterial structure known as the glomus body, which is a specialized arteriovenous shunt involved in temperature regulation. They account for less than 2% of soft tissue tumors and between 1% and 4.5% of tumors in the hand.. Despite their first descriptions appearing almost 100 years ago, late and missed diagnoses are common, leading to significant suffering. The classic diagnostic triad includes spontaneous pain, a sensation of pressure and tenderness, and cold hypersensitivity. Magnetic resonance imaging remains the most useful imaging modality. The abolition of pain after inflating a blood pressure cuff above the systolic blood pressure level (ischemia test) is highly diagnostic.Therefore, we suggest the routine use of this simple test in cases of upper limb pain of unclear etiology . Surgical excision is the treatment of choice and is curative.

BACKGROUND: 25.9% of Spanish people suffer from chronic pain. An integrated, interdisciplinary approach is recommended, with pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, involving patients in their self-care.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and impact on resources of a program with non-pharmacological therapies in the control of non-oncological chronic pain in the short and medium term.
METHODS: Quasi-experimental before-after study, follow-up 3-6 months, measuring: pain, well-being, quality of life, self-esteem, resilience, anxiety/depression (validated scales); patient-reported outcomes of workshop impact on pain management, habits and mood; ED and office visits; drug consumption and employment status.
RESULTS: One hundred and forty-two patients completed the program; 131 (92.3%) were women, age: 56.0. Decreased: pain (scale 0-10) (start: 6.0; end of workshop: 4.0; 3 months: 5.0); anxiety (12.9; 10.4; 8.8) and depression (12.3; 7.23; 6.47) (scales 0-21). They increased: well-being (scale 0-10) (4.0; 6.0; 4.0); quality of life (scale 0-1) (0.418; 0.580; 0.536); health status (scale 0-100) (47.5; 60.0; 60.0); self-esteem (scale 9-36) (24.1; 27.5; 26.7); resilience (scale 6-30) (14.8; 17.4; 18.6). Patient-reported outcomes were performed by 136 patients at the end of the workshop and 79 at 3 months: pain decreased (end of program: 104, 76.5%; 3 months: 66, 83.5%); medication decreased (96, 76.2%; 60, 78.9%); habits improved (112, 88.2%; 69, 90.8%). Forty patients (37.4%) reduced visits to the emergency room, 40 (37.4%) reduced scheduled visits. Overall satisfaction: 9.8 out of 10.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients learn to mitigate their pain, participate in their self-care and improve their quality of life, self-esteem and emotional state. The effects remained for 3-6 months.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the patient journey of people with fibromyalgia (FM) in Latin American countries in order to identify problems in health care and other areas that may be resolvable.
METHODS: Qualitative study with phenomenological and content analysis approach through focus groups and patient journey (Ux; User Experience) methodology. Nine virtual focus groups were conducted with FM patients and healthcare professionals in Argentina, Mexico and Colombia recruited from key informants and social networks.
RESULTS: Forty-three people participated (33 were clinicians and 10 were patients). The agents interacting with the patient in their disease journey are found in three spheres: healthcare (multiple medical specialists and other professionals), support and work life (including patient associations) and socioeconomic context. The line of the journey presents two large sections, two loops and a thin dashed line. The two major sections represent the time from first symptoms to medical visit (characterized by self-medication and denial) and the time from diagnosis to follow-up (characterized by high expectations and multiple contacts to make life changes that are not realized). The two loop phases include (1) succession of misdiagnoses and mistreatments and referrals to specialists and (2) new symptoms every so often, visits to specialists, diagnostic doubts, and impatience. Very few patients manage to reach the final phase of autonomy.
CONCLUSIONS: The journey of a person with FM in Latin America is full of obstacles and loops. The desired goal is for all the agents involved to understand that self- management by the patient with FM is an essential part of success, and this can only be achieved with early access to resources and guidance from professionals.

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been shown to negatively affect health in adulthood. Estimates of associations between ACEs and chronic painful conditions are lacking.Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate associations between exposure to ACEs and chronic pain and pain-related disability in adults.Methods: We searched 10 electronic databases from inception to February 2023. We included observational studies assessing associations between direct ACEs (childhood sexual, physical, emotional abuse, or neglect) alone or in combination with indirect ACEs (witnessing domestic violence, household mental illness), and adult chronic pain (≥3 months duration) and pain-related disability (daily activities limited by chronic pain). Pairs of reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study risks of bias. Random-effect models were used to calculate pooled adjusted odds ratios [aOR]. Tau square [T2], 95% prediction intervals [95%PI] and I2 expressed the amount of heterogeneity, and meta-regressions and subgroup meta-analyses investigated sources of heterogeneity (PROSPERO: CRD42020150230).Results: We identified 85 studies including 826,452 adults of which 57 studies were included in meta-analyses. Study quality was generally good or fair (n = 70). The odds of reporting chronic pain in adulthood were significantly higher among individuals exposed to a direct ACE (aOR, 1.45, 95%CI, 1.38-1.53). Individuals reporting childhood physical abuse were significantly more likely to report both chronic pain (aOR, 1.50, 95CI, 1.39-1.64) and pain-related disability (1.46, 95CI, 1.03-2.08) during adulthood. Exposure to any ACEs alone or combined with indirect ACEs significantly increase the odds of adult chronic painful conditions (aOR, 1.53, 95%CI, 1.42-1.65) and pain-related disability (aOR, 1.29; 95%CI, 1.01-1.66). The risk of chronic pain in adulthood significantly increased from one ACE (aOR, 1.29, 95%CI, 1.22-1.37) to four or more ACEs (1.95, 95%CI, 1.73-2.19).Conclusions: Single and cumulative ACEs are significantly associated with reporting of chronic pain and pain-related disability as an adult.
Previous meta-analyses highlighted the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences on physical, psychological, and behavioural health across the lifespan.We found exposure to any direct adverse childhood experience, i.e. childhood sexual, physical, emotional abuse, or neglect alone or combined, increased the risk of reporting chronic pain and pain-related disability in adulthood.The risk of reporting chronic painful disorders increased with increasing numbers of adverse childhood experiences.

Chronic low back pain causes disability and socioeconomic impact. High-intensity exercise shows positive results in other diseases, but there is no evidence on this pathology. The aim is to determine its efficacy on health-related quality of life, disability, pain intensity and adherence to treatment in people with chronic low back pain. A literature review is conducted in Pubmed, PEDro and Scopus, including randomized clinical trials, clinical practice guidelines and systematic reviews in Spanish, English or Portuguese (2012-2022). In addition, a snowball search is performed. Eight randomized clinical trials (n=379) are incorporated. Different high-intensity exercise modalities are analyzed, which seem to improve health-related quality of life and reduce disability and pain intensity. These data should be taken with caution given the small number of studies and the risk of bias presented.

Background: Validation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) screening tools across various populations to ensure accurate PTSD estimates is important. Because of the high symptom overlap between PTSD and pain, it is particularly important to validate PTSD screening tools in trauma-exposed chronic pain patients.Objective: The present study is the first seeking to validate the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) in a sample of trauma-exposed, treatment-seeking chronic pain patients.Method: The validation and optimal scoring of the PCL-5 were investigated using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) in chronic pain patients exposed to traffic or work-related traumas (n = 84). Construct validity was investigated using confirmatory factor analyses testing six competing DSM-5 models in a sample of mixed trauma-exposed chronic pain patients (n = 566), and a subsample of chronic pain patients exposed to traffic or work-related trauma only (n = 202). Furthermore, concurrent validity and discriminant validity were investigated using correlation analysis.Results: The results showed moderate (κ = .46) diagnostic consistency between the PCL-5 and the CAPS-5 using the DSM-5 symptom cluster criteria, and the overall accuracy of the scale (area under the curve = .79) was highly acceptable. Furthermore, the Danish PCL-5 showed excellent construct validity both in the full sample and in the subsample of traffic and work-related accidents, with superior fit of the seven-factor hybrid model. Excellent concurrent validity and discriminant validity were also established in the full sample.Conclusion: The PCL-5 appears to have satisfactory psychometric properties in trauma-exposed, treatment-seeking chronic pain patients.
The present study is the first seeking to validate the PCL-5 using the CAPS-5 in chronic pain patients following traffic and work-related injury.The results showed moderate diagnostic consistency and acceptable overall accuracy using the DSM-5 criteria.Excellent construct, concurrent, and discriminant validity was established in chronic pain patients following mixed traumatic exposure and traffic and work-related trauma only.