Cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain

Web-Based Pain Coping Skills Training (PCST) for Managing Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Arthralgia in Breast Cancer Survivors: Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

BACKGROUND

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are a cornerstone of adjuvant systemic therapy for postmenopausal patients with hormone-receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer. Although AIs decrease cancer recurrence rates and improve survival rates, approximately 50 % of patients experience arthralgia-persistent pain related to worse patient outcomes and poor AI adherence. Current medical interventions for AI-associated arthralgia have limited efficacy and side effects that restrict their use among older patients.

OBJECTIVE

The SKIP-Arthralgia trial will test the efficacy of Pain Coping Skills Training (PCST), a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-informed intervention, delivered via a web-based program called painTRAINER®. PCST and similar CBT-informed pain interventions are efficacious in non-cancer pain and commonly delivered via the Internet, although they have not been tested as a treatment for AI-associated arthralgia.

METHODS

452 breast cancer survivors with AI-associated arthralgia will complete a baseline assessment before being randomized to either painTRAINER plus enhanced usual care (EUC; educational materials about AI therapy, arthralgia, and pain), or to EUC alone. Follow-up assessments will occur approximately 2 weeks after the 8- to 10-week intervention period (post-intervention) and at 3- and 6-months post-intervention. Primary outcomes are pain severity and interference at post-intervention. Secondary outcomes include emotional distress, AI adherence, and health-related quality of life.

DISCUSSION

This trial aims to fill a gap in evidence-based behavioral pain interventions for breast cancer survivors with AI-associated arthralgia by providing an effective, accessible intervention that could be implemented quickly, including in areas with limited PCST access. If successful, this study could enhance health outcomes for breast cancer survivors on AI therapy and improve adherence to this life-saving medication.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Biofeedback

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to understand the foundations of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and biofeedback, their indications for therapy, and evidence-based support.

RECENT FINDINGS

Both CBT and biofeedback are noninvasive therapy options for patients who are suffering from a variety of chronic pain conditions, including chronic low back pain, headache, fibromyalgia, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD). CBT has been shown to be effective in treating multiple chronic pain conditions.

Effective Interventions for Idiopathic Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women is a debilitating condition with symptoms that affect both medical and psychological systems, yet for those with idiopathic CPP (i.e., those without a known physiologic cause), no consensus for intervention exists.

AIM

A systematic review was conducted to identify the effectiveness of current biomedical, psychosocial, and integrative interventions for idiopathic CPP (ICPP).

METHOD

Five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycInfo, Web of Science) were systematically searched with multiple keywords for publications from 2008-2022. Articles were coded for sample characteristics, research design, type of intervention, and intervention outcomes.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies met criteria. The majority of the interventions (14 studies) were biomedical, either invasive (e.g., injections), or non-invasive (e.g., medications). Five studies evaluated integrative interventions that combined biomedical and psychosocial components (e.g., a multimodal pain treatment center). Invasive biomedical interventions were better at relieving short-term pain and non-invasive biomedical interventions were superior for long-term pain; integrated interventions reduced both short-term and long-term pain. Integrative interventions also improved mental health, sexual health, and QOL.

CONCLUSION

Although most interventions for ICPP have been biomedical, integrative interventions showed greater outcome effectiveness, suggesting a focus on integrative interventions in the future.

Fluoroscopy-Guided Transgluteal Pudendal Nerve Block for Pudendal Neuralgia: A Retrospective Case Series

Background/Objective: Pudendal neuralgia is a distressing condition that presents with pain in the perineum. While a positive anesthetic pudendal nerve block is one of the essential criteria for diagnosing this condition, this block can also provide a therapeutic effect for those afflicted with pudendal neuralgia. There are multiple ways in which a pudendal nerve block can be performed. The objective of this study is to share our results and follow-up of fluoroscopy-guided transgluteal pudendal nerve blocks. Methods: This is a retrospective case series. Included were 101 patients who met four out of the five Nantes criteria (pain in the anatomical territory of the pudendal nerve, pain worsened by sitting, pain that does not wake the patient up at night, and no objective sensory loss on clinical examination) who did not respond to conservative treatment and subsequently underwent a fluoroscopy-guided transgluteal pudendal nerve block. Therapeutic success was defined as a 30% or greater reduction in pain. Success rates were calculated, and the duration over which that success was sustained was recorded. Results: For achieving at least 30% relief of pain, using worst-case analysis, the success rate at two weeks was 49.4% (95% CI: 38.5%, 60.3%). In addition to pain relief, patients experienced other therapeutic benefits, such as reductions in medication use and improvements in activities of daily living. Conclusions: Fluoroscopy-guided transgluteal pudendal nerve block appears to be effective in patients who have pudendal neuralgia that is resistant to conservative therapy, with good short-term success.

A Treatment Algorithm for High-Tone Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

To develop evidence- and consensus-based clinical practice guidelines for management of high-tone pelvic floor dysfunction (HTPFD). High-tone pelvic floor dysfunction is a neuromuscular disorder of the pelvic floor characterized by non-relaxing pelvic floor muscles, resulting in lower urinary tract and defecatory symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. Despite affecting 80% of women with chronic pelvic pain, there are no uniformly accepted guidelines to direct the management of these patients.

METHODS

A Delphi method of consensus development was used, comprising three survey rounds administered anonymously via web-based platform (Qualtrics XM) to national experts in the field of HTPFD recruited through targeted invitation between September and December 2021. Eleven experts participated with backgrounds in urology, urogynecology, minimally invasive gynecology, and pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) participated. Panelists were asked to rate their agreement with rated evidence-based statements regarding HTPFD treatment. Statements reaching consensus were used to generate a consensus treatment algorithm.

RESULTS

A total of 31 statements were reviewed by group members at the first Delphi round with 10 statements reaching consensus. 28 statements were reposed in the second round with 17 reaching consensus. The putative algorithm met clinical consensus in the third round. There was universal agreement for PFPT as first-line treatment for HTPFD. If satisfactory symptom improvement is reached with PFPT, the patient can be discharged with a home exercise program. If no improvement after PFPT, second-line options include trigger or tender point injections, vaginal muscle relaxants, and cognitive behavioral therapy, all of which can also be used in conjunction with PFPT. Onabotulinumtoxin A injections should be used as third line with symptom assessment after 2-4 weeks. There was universal agreement that sacral neuromodulation is fourth-line intervention. The largest identified barrier to care for these patients is access to PFPT. For patients who cannot access PFPT, experts recommend at-home, guided pelvic floor relaxation, self-massage with vaginal wands, and virtual PFPT visits.

CONCLUSION

A stepwise approach to the treatment of HTPFD is recommended, with patients often necessitating multiple lines of treatment either sequentially or in conjunction. However, PFPT should be offered first line.

Chronic pelvic pain; more than just the bladder

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic pelvic pain is much of a burden to those who suffer from it. Additionally, in many patients medical doctors, such as urologists are unable to identify a cause or clear pathology that can explain the pain. Still numerous patients and doctors keep on searching for a cause, focussing particularly on the pelvic organs. Lots of diagnostics and treatment methods are used but often without success. In recent years, we have gained increased insight into the mechanisms of pain and adapted the terminology accordingly.

RECENT FINDINGS

Two aspects of chronic pelvic pain have gained more attention. First, the myofascial aspects, especially the role of the pelvic floor muscles in maintaining the pain and as a therapeutic option. Second, the role of the brain and the psychological aspects intertwine with the pain and its consequences also open up for alternative management options. In terminology chronic pain is now included in the ICD-11, a historical change. Introducing chronic primary pain (no cause found) helps us to look away from the organ and deal with the patient as a whole human being.

SUMMARY

The findings reported here are helpful for your daily practice. Looking from a broad perspective gives the patient the feeling of being seen and heard. Working together in a multidisciplinary team makes your work easier and gives more satisfaction.

VIDEO ABSTRACT

http://links.lww.com/COU/A44.

Multimodal non-invasive non-pharmacological therapies for chronic pain: mechanisms and progress

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain conditions impose significant burdens worldwide. Pharmacological treatments like opioids have limitations. Non-invasive non-pharmacological therapies (NINPT) encompass diverse interventions including physical, psychological, complementary and alternative approaches, and other innovative techniques that provide analgesic options for chronic pain without medications.

MAIN BODY

This review elucidates the mechanisms of major NINPT modalities and synthesizes evidence for their clinical potential across chronic pain populations. NINPT leverages peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal mechanisms to restore normal pain processing and limit central sensitization. However, heterogeneity in treatment protocols and individual responses warrants optimization through precision medicine approaches.

CONCLUSION

Future adoption of NINPT requires addressing limitations in standardization and accessibility as well as synergistic combination with emerging therapies. Overall, this review highlights the promise of NINPT as a valuable complementary option ready for integration into contemporary pain medicine paradigms to improve patient care and outcomes.

Chronic Pelvic Pain Profiles in Women Seeking Care in a Tertiary Pelvic Pain Clinic

OBJECTIVE

Female chronic pelvic pain (CPP) has multiple pain generators and significant psychosocial sequalae. Biopsychosocial-based phenotyping could help identify clinical heterogeneity that may inform tailored patient treatment. This study sought to identify distinct CPP profiles based on routinely collected clinical information and evaluate the validity of the profiles through associations with social histories and subsequent health care utilization.

METHODS

Women (18-77 years, n = 200) seeking care for CPP in a tertiary gynecological pelvic pain clinic between 2017 and 2020 were included. Baseline data of pain intensity, interference, catastrophizing, acceptance, overlapping pelvic pain syndromes, and co-occurring psychiatric disorders were subject to a partition around medoids clustering to identify patient profiles. Profiles were compared across social history and subsequent treatment modality, prescribed medications, and surgeries performed.

RESULTS

Two profiles with equal proportion were identified. Profile 1 was vulvodynia and myofascial pelvic pain-dominant characterized by lower pain burden and better psychological functioning. Profile 2 was visceral pain-dominant featuring higher pain interference and catastrophizing, lower pain acceptance, and higher psychiatric comorbidity. Patients in Profile 2 had 2-4 times higher prevalence of childhood and adulthood abuse history (all P < .001), were more likely to subsequently receive behavioral therapy (46% vs 27%, P = .005) and hormonal treatments (34% vs 21%, P = .04), and were prescribed more classes of medications for pain management (P = .045) compared to patients in Profile 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment-seeking women with CPP could be separated into two groups distinguished by pain clusters, pain burden, pain distress and coping, and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Non-pharmacological therapies for treating chronic pelvic pain in women: A review

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is an intricate condition with multiple etiologies that lead to indefinite pain mechanisms. Physicians and researchers are challenged in its treatment, and the combined therapy of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment has been recognized as a multidisciplinary approach cited by guidelines and adopted in clinical practice. As an alternative therapy for CPP, non-pharmacologic therapies benefit patients and deserve further study. This study reviews the literature published from January 1991 to April 2022 on non-pharmacologic therapies for CPP in adult women. Based on a survey, this review found that the most commonly used non-pharmacological therapies for CPP include pelvic floor physical therapy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, neuromodulation, and dietary therapy. By evaluating the efficacy and safety of each therapy, this study concluded that non-pharmacological therapies should be included in the initial treatment plan because of their high degree of safety and low rate of side effects. To fill the lack of data on non-pharmacologic therapies for CPP, this study provides evidence that may guide treatment and pain management.

Multidisciplinary treatment for functional urological disorders with psychosomatic comorbidity in a tertiary pelvic care center-A retrospective cohort study

Background

Functional urological disorders are highly prevalent, frequently interrelated, and characterized by a chronic course and considerable treatment resistance. From our point of view, poor treatment outcomes are often attributable to underlying but undetected mental disorders.

Objective

To investigate the effect of integrated outpatient care by a urologist and a psychiatrist on the symptomatology of patients with functional urological disorders in a tertiary referral Pelvic Care Centre.

Setting

Retrospective observational cohort study in functional urological disorders in combination with psychosomatic co‐morbidity. When treatment by a urologist alone was not sufficient, the suitability for a multidisciplinary approach was considered i) if there was a susceptibility for psychiatric comorbidity, ii) if diagnostic procedures did not reveal a treatable somatic cause, or iii) if multiple failed somatic treatments did not relieve complaints. Patients underwent urological treatments before, without reduction of complaints, no treatable somatic cause could be found after diagnostic procedures; or patients suffered from psychiatric comorbidity.

Method

Outcome was measured using patient global impression of improvement, hospitality anxiety and depression scale (HADS), global assessment of functioning (GAF), and a health consumption questionnaire.

Results

A significant reduction in HADS‐depression score was found (p = 0.001) after multidisciplinary treatment. The GAF score increased from 61 to 80, leading to no more than slight impairment in social, occupational, or school functioning. Patients reported their situation as better in comparison with before multidisciplinary treatment. An association was found between pelvic pain and anxiety (p = 0.032) and panic disorder (p = 0.040). Psychological trauma was found to be associated with depression (p = 0.044), with an odds ratio of 2.93 (1.01–8.50). Psychological trauma coincided in 62.3% of patients with urological pain syndromes and in 83.3% with pelvic pain.

Conclusion

Overall results indicate that functional urological patients, previously refractory to urological treatment, benefit from an integrated care approach by urologists and psychiatrists. Explanation about the bladder–brain axis and the alarm falsification model enlightens understanding of urological and psychological contributions to functional syndromes and creates an opportunity for integrated care.