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Luebke L, Lopes CG, Myka Y, Lumma A, Adamczyk WM, Carvalho GF, Scholten-Peeters GGM, Luedtke K, Szikszay TM. Assessing the influence of non-ischaemic A-fiber conduction blockade on offset analgesia: an experimental study. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024:104611. [PMID: 38908497 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Offset analgesia (OA) is believed to reflect the efficiency of the endogenous pain modulatory system. However, the underlying mechanisms are still being debated. Previous research suggested both, central and peripheral mechanisms, with the latter involving the influence of specific A-delta-fibers. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of a non-ischaemic A-fiber conduction blockade on the OA response in healthy participants. A total of 52 participants were recruited for an A-fiber conduction blockade via compression of the superficial radial nerve. To monitor fiber-specific peripheral nerve conduction capacity, quantitative sensory testing was performed continuously. Before, during and after the A-fiber block, an individualized OA-paradigm was applied to the dorsum of both hands (blocked and control side were randomized). Pain intensity of each heat stimulus was evaluated by an electronic visual analogue scale. A successful A-fiber conduction blockade was achieved in thirty participants. Offset analgesia has been verified within time (before, during, after blockade), and condition (blocked and control side) (p < 0.01, d > 0.5). Repeated measurements ANOVA showed no significant interaction effects between OA within condition and time (p = 0.24, η²p = 0.05). Hence, no significant effect of A-fiber blockade was detected on OA during noxious heat stimulation. The results suggest that peripheral A-fiber afferents may play a minor role in OA compared to alternative central mechanisms or other fibers. However, further studies are needed to substantiate a central rather than peripheral influence on OA. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the observation of offset analgesia before, during and after a successful A-fiber conduction blockade in healthy volunteers. A better understanding of the mechanisms of offset analgesia and endogenous pain modulation in general may help to explain the underlying aspects of pain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Luebke
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), University of Luebeck, Lübeck, Germany; Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Luebeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Clara Gieseke Lopes
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Program Musculoskeletal Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yasmin Myka
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), University of Luebeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Annika Lumma
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), University of Luebeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Wacław M Adamczyk
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), University of Luebeck, Lübeck, Germany; Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Luebeck, Lübeck, Germany; Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
| | - Gabriela F Carvalho
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health, Safety and Society, Furtwangen University, Furtwangen, Germany
| | - Gwendolyne G M Scholten-Peeters
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Program Musculoskeletal Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kerstin Luedtke
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), University of Luebeck, Lübeck, Germany; Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Luebeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Tibor M Szikszay
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), University of Luebeck, Lübeck, Germany; Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Luebeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Li CN, Keay KA, Henderson LA, Mychasiuk R. Re-examining the Mysterious Role of the Cerebellum in Pain. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1538232024. [PMID: 38658164 PMCID: PMC11044115 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1538-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is considered a multidimensional experience that embodies not merely sensation, but also emotion and perception. As is appropriate for this complexity, pain is represented and processed by an extensive matrix of cortical and subcortical structures. Of these structures, the cerebellum is gaining increasing attention. Although association between the cerebellum and both acute and chronic pain have been extensively detailed in electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies, a deep understanding of what functions are mediated by these associations is lacking. Nevertheless, the available evidence implies that lobules IV-VI and Crus I are especially pertinent to pain processing, and anatomical studies reveal that these regions connect with higher-order structures of sensorimotor, emotional, and cognitive function. Therefore, we speculate that the cerebellum exerts a modulatory role in pain via its communication with sites of sensorimotor, executive, reward, and limbic function. On this basis, in this review, we propose numerous ways in which the cerebellum might contribute to both acute and chronic pain, drawing particular attention to emotional and cognitive elements of pain. In addition, we emphasise the importance of advancing our knowledge about the relationship between the cerebellum and pain by discussing novel therapeutic opportunities that capitalize on this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal N Li
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Kevin A Keay
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience) and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Luke A Henderson
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience) and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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Tedeschi R, Berti L, Platano D. "Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in managing pain and recovery: A clinical case of radial capitellum fracture". Int J Surg Case Rep 2024; 114:109120. [PMID: 38061089 PMCID: PMC10755055 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.109120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The management of pain and functional recovery following a radial capitellum fracture poses a significant clinical challenge, especially in individuals whose professions, such as physiotherapy, demand optimal joint functionality. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) emerges as a potential non-pharmacological intervention for pain management, necessitating exploration in the context of orthopedic injuries. CASE PRESENTATION A 41-year-old male physiotherapist presented with a MASON 2 radial capitellum fracture following a fall, experiencing notable pain (NPRS 6/7) and functional impairment (DASH 45/100, PRTEE 43/100). Conservative management, involving immobilization and potential surgical consideration, was employed, followed by tDCS for pain management. Post-tDCS, significant improvements were observed in pain and functional scores (NPRS to 0, DASH to 14.2, PRTEE to 7), alongside enhancements in range of motion and muscle strength. CLINICAL DISCUSSION The application of tDCS showcased notable efficacy in pain reduction and functional improvement, highlighting its potential in augmenting pain management strategies post-fracture. However, the variability in responses and lack of standardized application protocols necessitate further research to optimize its clinical utility. The balance between immobilization for fracture healing and mobilization for preventing stiffness and facilitating recovery was pivotal in managing the fracture and ensuring functional improvement. CONCLUSIONS This case underscores the potential of tDCS in managing pain and facilitating functional recovery in radial capitellum fractures, warranting further exploration and standardization of its application in clinical practice. The integrated, patient-centric approach, involving interdisciplinary collaboration and personalized care, was crucial in ensuring positive outcomes and provides a framework for managing similar orthopedic cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Tedeschi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (DIBINEM).
| | - Lisa Berti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (DIBINEM); Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Platano
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (DIBINEM); Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
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Tang C, Guo G, Fang S, Yao C, Zhu B, Kong L, Pan X, Li X, He W, Wu Z, Fang M. Abnormal brain activity in lumbar disc herniation patients with chronic pain is associated with their clinical symptoms. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1206604. [PMID: 37575297 PMCID: PMC10416647 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1206604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lumbar disc herniation, a chronic degenerative disease, is one of the major contributors to chronic low back pain and disability. Although many studies have been conducted in the past on brain function in chronic low back pain, most of these studies did not classify chronic low back pain (cLBP) patients according to their etiology. The lack of etiologic classification may lead to inconsistencies between findings, and the correlation between differences in brain activation and clinical symptoms in patients with cLBP was less studied in the past. Methods In this study, 36 lumbar disc herniation patients with chronic low back pain (LDHCP) and 36 healthy controls (HCs) were included to study brain activity abnormalities in LDHCP. Visual analogue scale (VAS), oswestry disability index (ODI), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS) were used to assess clinical symptoms. Results The results showed that LDHCP patients exhibited abnormally increased and diminished activation of brain regions compared to HCs. Correlation analysis showed that the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in the left middle frontal gyrus is negatively correlated with SAS and VAS, while the right superior temporal gyrus is positively correlated with SAS and VAS, the dorsolateral left superior frontal gyrus and the right middle frontal gyrus are negatively correlated with VAS and SAS, respectively. Conclusion LDHCP patients have brain regions with abnormally increased and abnormally decreased activation compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, some of the abnormally activated brain regions were correlated with clinical pain or emotional symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Tang
- Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangxin Guo
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sitong Fang
- Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongjie Yao
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bowen Zhu
- Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingjun Kong
- Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanjin Pan
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinrong Li
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weibin He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiwei Wu
- Research Institute of Tuina, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Fang
- Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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