Scientific poster abstracts from the 24th annual meeting of the American Academy of Pain Medicine

Conclusion: This research suggests that relatively modest exercise leads to improved mood and physical capacity, which has further implications for mortality risk. Further, it suggests that brief exercise is a safe, cost-free, nonpharmacologic strategy for immediately reducing depression and anxiety.

Investigators: Amy M. Burleson, PsyD The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, University Hts, OH, Edward C. Covington, MD The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, Judith Scheman, PhD The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH

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Five-Year Follow Up of Back Pain Patients

Purpose: Lower back disorders are significant and increasing problem in USA and Europe. We assessed progression and current condition of patients with back pain 5y after initial treatment. (100 patients.) 93% of patients found BPSC treatment useful.

Conclusion: Significant symptomatic improvement is found in patients five years after initial treatment in BPSC. Time out of work is significantly increased in patients pursuing litigation compared with patients with spontaneous onset of back pain.

Investigators: Adnan Zubovic, MD Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre and John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom, Mary Cassels II AMNCH Tallaght, Dublin, IL, Eimear Cassidy AMNCH Tallaght, Frank Dowling AMNCH Tallaght.

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Decline in Medication Costs for Patients with Chronic Non-Malignant Pain Completing a Pain Rehabilitation Program: A Prospective Analysis of Admission, Dismissal, and 6-Month Follow-up

Introduction: Chronic pain is both a prevalent and costly problem in our society. Pain rehabilitation programs have been shown to be cost-effective treatments for chronic non-malignant pain (CNMP). A treatment goal for some rehabilitation programs is the reduction in the use of pain-related medication. Medication costs represent a relatively small but significant portion of the cost of chronic pain. Medication costs changes following pain rehabilitation programs have not been analyzed in previous studies. (177 patients)

Conclusions: Patients benefited from significant medication cost savings at the completion of the 3 week outpatient pain rehabilitation program and maintained significant savings after 6 months. This study adds to the current literature on the economic value of comprehensive pain programs.

Investigators: Julie L. Cunningham, PharmD Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902 Jeffrey D. Rome Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905 Cynthia O. Townsend Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905 Jennifer L. Kerkvliet Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905

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Determinants of the Chronic Pain Experience in Black and White Men