Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for JCM Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Clinical Advances in Pain Management

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Anesthesiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 13 February 2026 | Viewed by 9428

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jamal Hasoon

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
Interests: peripheral nerve stimulation; spinal cord stimulation; interventional pain procedures; prescription patterns in pain medicine; practice patterns in pain medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Omar Viswanath

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Interests: pain management; acute pain; chronic pain; neuralgia; anesthesiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic pain remains a global health challenge, affecting millions and significantly impacting quality of life. The field of pain management has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, driven by innovative interventional procedures, emerging pharmacological therapies, and a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying pain. This Special Issue, Clinical Advances in Pain Management, aims to showcase cutting-edge research and clinical strategies that are shaping the future of pain care.

This Special Issue covers a broad spectrum of cutting-edge topics in pain management. Among them are innovative minimally invasive therapies for conditions like spinal stenosis, advancements in neuromodulation techniques such as spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation, and significant breakthroughs in regenerative medicine approaches. This Special Issue also explores the use of ultrasound-guided regional blocks for acute and chronic pain, highlighting their efficacy and growing role in clinical practice. Additionally, it emphasizes evidence-based strategies for pharmacological management, focusing on optimizing opioid use.

With contributions from leading experts in pain medicine, this Special Issue seeks to provide clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals with actionable insights and practical updates to enhance patient care. By bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, this compilation emphasizes innovation, safety, and patient-centered approaches to tackling acute and chronic pain.

We invite you to explore these transformative advancements that continue to redefine pain management and improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Jamal Hasoon
Dr. Omar Viswanath
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

postoperative pain
acute pain
chronic pain
nociceptive
analgesia
analgesics
interventional pain procedures

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (8 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

14 pages, 1071 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability and Validity of the Japanese Version of the Multidimensional Evaluation Scale for Patient Impression Change (MPIC): A Brief Tool for Multidimensional Assessment in Interdisciplinary Pain Management

by Morihiko Kawate, Yihuan Wu, Yuta Shinohara, Saki Takaoka, Chisato Tanaka, Shizuko Kosugi and Kenta Wakaizumi

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(19), 6851; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14196851 - 27 Sep 2025

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain significantly impacts quality of life and may lead to physical and psychological dysfunction. Although various tools have been developed to assess pain-related conditions, many are composed of time-consuming multi-item questionnaires, limiting practicality in clinical settings. The Multidimensional Evaluation Scale for Patient Impression of Change (MPIC) was developed as a simple, retrospective tool to assess multiple domains targeted in interdisciplinary pain management. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Japanese MPIC in patients with chronic non-cancer pain. Methods: We recruited 101 participants from the Interdisciplinary Pain Center at Keio University Hospital between August 2022 and September 2024. Pretreatment measures included pain intensity, disability, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, psychological distress, and sleep quality. Baseline assessments encompassed pain intensity, disability, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, psychological distress, and sleep quality. Psychological distress was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for the initial cohort of 35 participants and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) for the subsequent 66 participants. Following the intervention, participants completed the MPIC, in addition to reassessments of pain intensity, disability, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, psychological distress (HADS or K6), and sleep quality. Retesting the MPIC was performed in a small subgroup of 20 participants for test–retest reliability analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), average variance extracted (AVE), Pearson’s correlations with pain-related measures, Cronbach’s alpha, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess construct validity, convergent validity, criterion validity, internal consistency, and reliability. Results: CFA indicated marginal fit (CFI = 0.86, RMSEA = 0.23, SRMR = 0.06), with factor loadings from 0.49 to 0.91. AVE supported convergent validity (0.58). Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93), and ICC was moderate (0.52). MPIC domains correlated significantly with changes in pain intensity, disability, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, sleep, and psychological distress (p < 0.05), supporting criterion validity. Conclusions: The Japanese MPIC provides preliminary evidence of validity and reliability, with acceptable internal consistency, marginal structural fit, and moderate test–retest reliability. These findings suggest that the MPIC may serve as a concise retrospective instrument for assessing multidimensional treatment outcomes within interdisciplinary pain management programs for chronic non-cancer pain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Pain Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1180 KB

Open AccessArticle

Battery Life of Pulse Generators in Spinal Cord Stimulation: Analysis and Comparison Between Surgical and Percutaneous Leads in Energy Efficiency

by Marta Antonia Gómez González, Nicolás Cordero Tous, Carlos Sánchez Corral, Beatriz Lechuga Carrasco, Manuel Alejandro Sánchez García, Rafael Gálvez Mateos and Gonzalo Olivares Granados

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(18), 6646; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14186646 - 21 Sep 2025

Viewed by 253

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established therapy for chronic neuropathic pain. Although rechargeable and non-rechargeable pulse generators (PGs) are widely used, their real-world battery life and the influence of lead type on energy efficiency remain underexplored. Objective: To evaluate PG battery longevity and compare the performance of surgical versus percutaneous leads in terms of energy efficiency. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 283 PGs implanted at Hospital Virgen de las Nieves (Granada, Spain) from 1996 to 2023. Data on patient demographics, pain etiology, lead type and placement, stimulation modality, and PG status were extracted. A competing risks analysis was used to assess PG shutdown and early explantation over time. Results: Of the PGs analyzed, 43.5% were non-rechargeable and 56.5% rechargeable. Rechargeable PGs showed significantly longer battery life (mean: 82.7 vs. 38.9 months, p < 0.05), with a lower probability of shutdown at 50, 100, and 150 months. No significant differences in battery longevity were observed regarding lead location, stimulation type, or pain etiology. A trend toward longer battery life was observed with percutaneous leads, although not statistically significant. Conclusions: Rechargeable PGs demonstrated superior longevity compared to non-rechargeable models and should be considered the preferred option in most cases. While both surgical and percutaneous leads are effective, percutaneous systems may offer improved battery efficiency. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and assess cost-effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Pain Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 840 KB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Prospective Follow-Up of Spinal Interventional Pain Procedures and Physical Therapy Compliance on Outcomes in Chronic Pain Patients

by Wael Saleem, Jo Ann LeQuang, Muntaha Elayyan, Mustafa Rezk, Zeineb Fourati, Ahmad Hajaj, Mohammed Orompurath, Shaif Jarallah, Flaminia Coluzzi and Joseph V. Pergolizzi, Jr.

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(17), 6271; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14176271 - 5 Sep 2025

Viewed by 542

Abstract

Background/Objective: The long-term implications of spinal interventional pain procedures (IPPs) remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate pain intensity, overall health quality, and disability over a four-year period following an IPP, while also assessing physical therapy (PT) compliance, the need for repeated procedures, and analgesic consumption. Methods: A prospective observational study with retrospective registration was conducted on patients with chronic spinal pain at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar. Patients were assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the EuroQol 5-Dimension Index (EQ-5D). Additional tools included the EQ-Health Visual Analog Scale and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC). Follow-ups were performed at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months. Results: A total of 766 patients were initially recruited, of whom 174 met the inclusion criteria. All patients demonstrated significant improvement across all outcome measures compared to the baseline. No significant differences were observed in pain or functional outcomes between PT-compliant and non-compliant groups. By the end of this study, 56.9% of patients reported reduced analgesic use, while 43.1% reported increased use. The patient satisfaction data showed that 55% (62/113) of those receiving a single IPP were satisfied, compared to 54% (33/61) in the multiple IPP group. The PGIC satisfaction scores revealed no statistically significant differences (p = 1). Overall health status, as measured by the EQ-5D Health scale, also showed no meaningful differences between groups. Conclusions: Despite several limitations, patients reported sustained improvement and satisfaction four years post-IPP. PT compliance did not appear to significantly influence long-term outcomes. Further research is needed to identify factors affecting post-IPP recovery and medication usage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Pain Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 204 KB

Open AccessArticle

Repeat Genicular Nerve Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation: Retained Efficacy or Diminishing Returns?

by James N. Nitz, Barnabas T. Shiferaw, Michael J. Bartley, Jarod R. Moyer, Kylie K. Ruprecht, Andrew Y. Matta and Alaa Abd-Elsayed

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(12), 4194; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14124194 - 12 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 985

Abstract

Introduction: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the genicular nerve is an increasingly common treatment for chronic knee pain, refractory to conservative measures. However, RFA often provides significant but temporary relief, and patients return for repeat RFAs for the treatment of their pain. This study investigates the efficacy of repeat RFAs compared to the initial RFA for patients who receive repeat RFAs for chronic knee pain. Methods: This study is a retrospective chart review and analysis that was conducted between 2015 and 2023. Groups were determined by the number of RFA procedures that patients received, and a one-tailed ANOVA test was performed to assess the statistical significance of the initial RFA and the three repeat RFA groups. A one-way ANOVA was performed to analyze statistical differences between percent improvement, preoperative pain scores, and the duration of improvement using the visual analog scale (VAS). A p-value of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. A paired two-tailed T-test was carried out, individually comparing the initial RFA to the three repeat groups for percent improvement. A paired t-test was also carried out to compare initial and first repeat RFAs for preoperative pain score and duration of improvement. Results: A total of 42 patients underwent repeat RFA procedures, with 8 receiving bilateral treatments, totaling 50 knees and 116 procedures. The original RFA group demonstrated a mean percent improvement of 75% ± 25% (mean ± SD) and a duration of improvement of 9.46 ± 5.45 months. The first repeat group had a mean percent improvement of 66% ± 29% and a duration of improvement of 8.77 ± 7.32 months. The second repeat group had a mean percent improvement of 67% ± 24% and a duration of improvement of 10.00 ± 2.45 months. The third repeat group had a mean percent improvement of 85% ± 20% and a duration of improvement of 4.00 months. ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences among the groups in preoperative scores (p = 0.40), percent improvement (p = 0.25), or duration of improvement (p = 0.79). Paired t-tests showed a significant decrease in percent improvement in the first repeat RFA compared to the original RFA (p = 0.04), but no significant differences were observed in preoperative scores (p = 0.057) or duration of improvement (p = 0.175). No significant differences were found in percent improvement via paired T-test between the original RFA and the second (p = 0.75) or third repeats (p = 0.21). Conclusions: The repeat RFA of genicular nerves retains a clinically significant level of pain reduction for chronic knee pain. However, this study demonstrated decreased pain relief following the first repeat RFA compared to the initial RFA when analyzing individual knees sequentially via a paired T-test. An analysis of initial, first, second, and third repeat groups via ANOVA showed no difference in percent improvement, duration of pain relief, or preoperative pain scores. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Pain Management)

13 pages, 870 KB

Open AccessArticle

Retrospective Analysis of Cement Extravasation Rates in Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty, and Bone Tumor Radiofrequency Ablation

by Soun Sheen, Prit Hasan, Xiaowen Sun, Jian Wang, Claudio Tatsui, Kent Nouri and Saba Javed

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(9), 2908; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14092908 - 23 Apr 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1391

Abstract

Background: Percutaneous vertebral augmentation techniques, including vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and bone tumor radiofrequency ablation (BT-RFA), are commonly used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). While generally safe and effective, they carry risks, including cement extravasation, which can lead to pulmonary embolism or spinal cord compression. This study aims to compare the rate of cement extravasation across different vertebral augmentation techniques and identify potential risk factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a comprehensive cancer center on 1002 procedure encounters in 888 patients who underwent vertebral augmentation for painful VCFs. Data were collected on patient demographics, fracture pathology, procedure type, imaging guidance, and pain scores. Intraoperative and postoperative imaging were manually reviewed to assess cement extravasation. Statistical analyses were performed using pairwise comparisons with Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference adjustment to compare cement extravasation rates across the procedure groups and generalized linear mixed models to assess the association between the cement extravasation with other variables. Results: Cement extravasation occurred in 573 (57.2%) encounters. Kyphoplasty had the lowest rate of cement extravasation (46.2%) with significantly lower odds compared to vertebroplasty (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.30–0.58; p < 0.0001) and BT-RFA (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.42–0.77; p = 0.0009). Pathologic fractures and multilevel augmentations were linked to a 64% (p = 0.001) and 63% (p = 0.0003) increased odds of cement extravasation, respectively. Male sex and older age were protective factors. Conclusions: Cement extravasation is a common but largely asymptomatic complication of percutaneous vertebral augmentation. It is crucial to consider patient-specific risk factors when selecting an augmentation technique to optimize outcomes. Kyphoplasty may be the optimal choice for patients at increased risk of cement extravasation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Pain Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 933 KB

Open AccessArticle

Trends in Celecoxib Prescribing: A Single Institution 16-Month Review

by Ivo H. Cerda, Helen Jung, Maria C. Guerrero, Rodrigo Diez Tafur, Robert Jason Yong, Christopher L. Robinson and Jamal J. Hasoon

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(8), 2823; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14082823 - 19 Apr 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2143

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Celecoxib, a COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is widely prescribed for pain management due to its efficacy and improved gastrointestinal safety profile compared to traditional NSAIDs. Understanding prescription trends and their comparison to other NSAIDs provides valuable insight into prescribing behaviors in clinical settings. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed celecoxib prescriptions written by three pain management physicians in a single institution over a 16-month period from 1 January 2023 to 30 April 2024. Prescription data were collected and grouped into four 4-month intervals to assess temporal trends. Additionally, we compared celecoxib prescriptions to other commonly prescribed NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, meloxicam, naproxen, and diclofenac. Results: A total of 143 celecoxib prescriptions were identified during the study period, with a steady increase observed across consecutive intervals: 8 prescriptions from January–April 2023, 22 from May–August 2023, 46 from September–December 2023, and 67 from January–April 2024. In comparison, a total of 165 prescriptions were written for other NSAIDs over the same period, with 26 prescriptions from January–April 2023, 41 from May–August 2023, 45 from September–December 2023, and 53 from January–April 2024. While prescriptions for both celecoxib and other NSAIDs increased over time, the rate of celecoxib prescriptions showed a steeper rise. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate a notable increase in celecoxib prescriptions in this pain management clinic, outpacing the growth of other NSAIDs. This trend may reflect increasing provider preference for COX-2 selective inhibitors due to their favorable safety profile and efficacy. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying factors driving these prescribing patterns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Pain Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

12 pages, 655 KB

Open AccessReview

Supra Inguinal Fascia Iliac Versus PENG Block for Post-Operative Pain Management of Hip Arthroplasty: A Narrative Review

by Shahab Ahmadzadeh, Megan S. Walker, Mary O’Dell Duplechin, Drake P. Duplechin, Charles J. Fox, Sahar Shekoohi and Alan D. Kaye

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(12), 4050; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14124050 - 7 Jun 2025

Viewed by 1557

Abstract

Effective post-operative pain management following hip arthroplasty is critical to improving recovery, reducing opioid consumption, enhancing mobility, and reducing the risk of complications for patients. Multimodal anesthesia strategies, including the supra inguinal fascia iliac block (SIFIB) and the periarticular nerve group (PENG) block have become the new point of focus as opposed to traditional methods previously used. This narrative review compares the SIFIB and the PENG block in their efficacy to treat post-operative pain management. Mechanism of action, safety, patient outcomes, and clinical applications are compared between the two blocks for evaluation. Clinical studies have indicated that both blocks reduce post-operative pain and reduce opioid use. In contrast, SIFIB has shown to be more preferred in more complex procedures such as total hip arthroplasty, which requires extensive nerve coverage despite its longer onset time. The SIFIB has been shown to carry a higher risk of impairing motor function, making the PENG highly preferred in patients where quick mobility improvement is prioritized. The PENG block also showed slightly higher efficacy in reducing pain associated with post-operative passive limb movements, and a slight decrease in opioid consumption in comparison to SIFIB in the early post-operative time frame. Although the PENG shows more benefits in the early stages of post-operative recovery, the SIFIB shows similar outcomes to PENG over longer durations of recovery. Future studies can aid in establishing a framework for tailoring block selection to individual patient needs to optimize clinical outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Pain Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

14 pages, 2103 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Patient-Reported Outcomes with Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Low Back Pain from Vertebral Plana Deformities: A Case Series

by Saba Javed, Loc Lam, Angela Nwankwo and Zaur Komachkov

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(11), 3964; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14113964 - 4 Jun 2025

Viewed by 1177

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) as a treatment for vertebra plana fractures, focusing on its impact on pain intensity, physical function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, social role participation, and pain interference. The goal was to assess whether PNS could serve as a minimally invasive alternative for managing pain in patients with severe vertebral fractures. Methods: Four patients with lumbar vertebra plana fractures received PNS implants for 60 days. Pain scores and PROMIS-29 domains (physical function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, social participation, and pain interference) were assessed at 30, 60, 90, 180, and 365 days post-implantation. Data analysis included mean and standard deviation calculations. Results: PNS led to marked improvements in pain-related outcomes. The average pain intensity scores dropped from 8.5 at baseline to 4.25 at one year, and pain interference scores declined from 61.75 to 54.75. Physical function initially decreased but improved from 38.5 at three months to 46.75 at one year. Changes in depression, anxiety, fatigue, and social participation were minimal, reflecting their multifactorial nature and limited response to pain relief alone. Conclusions: This case series suggests that PNS may significantly reduce pain and pain interference while enhancing physical function in patients with vertebra plana fractures. Its sustained benefits highlight PNS as a promising minimally invasive treatment, especially for those ineligible for traditional procedures. However, the limited improvement in psychological and social domains underscores the need for comprehensive care strategies. Further research is warranted to explore the broader role of PNS in managing vertebral fracture pain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Pain Management)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Clinical Advances in Pain Management

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI