Search results for: back pain

Opioid Makers Paid Millions to Advocacy Groups

Nate Raymond | February 14, 2018

(Reuters)—Five opioid manufacturers, including OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma LP, have paid more than $10 million to advocacy groups and doctors tied to them, many of whom amplified industry messages supporting the use of the painkillers, a U.S. Senate report said on Monday.1 The report, released by Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), says groups who received the…

Service Dogs Aid RA Patients with Mobility, Chores, Companionship & More

Karen Appold | January 30, 2018

Patients with severe RA can struggle with walking, getting dressed, carrying items and more, all of which can negatively affect their quality of life. But according to Bharat Kumar, MD, service dogs can help RA patients by providing both physical and emotional support, aiding patient mobility and quality of life…

Sleep Tips for RA Patients & Rheumatologists

Carina Stanton | January 23, 2018

A lack of quality sleep may exacerbate depression and pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to Michael R. Irwin, MD. Here are some tips for rheumatologists on how to discuss sleep with patients and help patients reduce sleep disturbance…

Potential Therapeutic Target for SpA

Lara C. Pullen, PhD | January 23, 2018

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in the joints of patients may drive the pathology of spondyloarthritis through the production of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). A recent study found that both GM-CSF-producing CD4 T cells and the GM-CSF+ Th17 cells expressed high levels of GPR65—indicating that both GM-CSF and GPR65 may be therapeutic targets for spondyloarthritis…

Delaware Sues Opioid Manufacturers, Distributors Over Epidemic

Nate Raymond | January 22, 2018

(Reuters)—Delaware on Friday became the latest state to file a lawsuit accusing corporations of helping fuel the national opioid epidemic, suing a wide range of companies involved in making, distributing and selling prescription painkillers.1 The lawsuit, filed by Delaware Attorney General Matt Denn in a state court, targeted drugmakers Purdue Pharma LP and Endo International…

Use Epidural Steroid Injections Cautiously in Patients with Fracture Risk

Scott Baltic | January 22, 2018

NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Use of epidural steroid injections (ESIs) “should be approached with prudence,” particularly in patients who are at risk for osteoporotic fractures, such as women of postmenopausal age, according to authors of a systematic review. Although the literature presents a mixed picture, ESIs in doses as low as 80 mg methylprednisolone equivalents seem…

Kentucky Accuses McKesson of Helping Fuel the Opioid Epidemic

Nate Raymond | January 22, 2018

(Reuters)—Kentucky’s attorney general on Monday accused drug distributor McKesson Corp. of helping fuel the opioid epidemic by failing to halt shipments of suspiciously large or frequent orders by pharmacies of prescription painkillers. The complaint by Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear was filed in a state court and was one of a flurry of lawsuits by…

Ethics Forum: Should Doctors Recommend Fitness/Diet Monitoring Devices?

Sara M. Rothberger, PhD, Linda S. Ehrlich-Jones, RN, PhD, & Christine A. Pellegrini, PhD | January 19, 2018

The Case A 58-year-old patient with knee osteoarthritis has been decreasing her physical activity over the past several years due to painful joints, which has resulted in significant weight gain. At her appointment, you encourage her to engage in more physical activity and eat a well-balanced diet. A few weeks later, the patient returns to…

2017 ACR/ARHP Honors & Awards, Part 2

Richard Quinn | January 19, 2018

SAN DIEGO—At the 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in San Diego in November, the ACR and the ARHP honored a group of distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to rheumatology research, education and patient care. This month, The Rheumatologist speaks with the ARHP winners about their individual contributions. In addition, we profile the new class…