Chronic Pain
Chronic idiopathic musculoskeletal pain diagnoses stem from pain history, not physical exam
Physicians tapering patients off opioids can turn to HHS guide
Opioid-related hospitalizations surge for rheumatic diseases, rise led by OA, fibromyalgia, RA

ATLANTA — The incidence of opioid-related hospitalizations among patients with musculoskeletal conditions increased markedly over the past 2 decades, with continued growth among patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, according to a presentation at the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting.
Chronic pain, depression link presents 'chicken or the egg' puzzle

SAN DIEGO — Although chronic pain impacts more than 100 million patients in the United States, contributing significantly to national medical costs, clinicians continue to struggle with whether pain represents a symptom or the disease itself, according to a presenter at the 2019 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology West.
Lofexidine, ketamine, cannabinoids: possible alternatives to opiates for chronic pain
Prescription opioid use linked to higher mortality risk for patients with reduced kidney function
Abbott receives FDA approval for recharge-free neurostimulation system
Most people consider medical marijuana safe for pain despite limited research
Arthritis Foundation issues first CBD guidance for adults with arthritis

Although cannabidiol — better known as CBD — may help patients with arthritis alleviate their pain, insomnia and anxiety, there have been no rigorous clinical studies to confirm these effects, and the product should never be used to replace DMARDs that prevent permanent joint damage, according to guidance from the Arthritis Foundation.