***** PAIN TREATMENT TOPICS—e-NOTIFICATION *****
 
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## Please go to survey, now, at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/pain-topics
 
*** News/Research UPDATES This Week ***
<> Meds for Fibromyalgia Compared & Contrasted
The perfect medication for treating fibromyalgia syndrome has apparently yet to be discovered, as a recent systematic review comparing duloxetine, milnacipran, and pregabalin found. Each of these medications approved for fibromyalgia has particular strengths and weaknesses that may affect prescribing decisions and patient outcomes.
## Learn more at:
http://updates.pain-topics.org/2010/06/meds-for-fibromyalgia-compared.html

<> Vitamin D for Pain: Dosing & Testing Suggestions
The potential benefits of vitamin D for various chronic pain conditions continue to generate much interest. As a followup to our earlier reports on this topic, we offer further recommendations for appropriate vitamin D dosing and patient monitoring that should be of interest to practitioners.
## See recommendations at:
http://updates.pain-topics.org/2010/06/vitamin-d-for-pain-dosing-testing.html

<> Value of Opioid Agreements and UDT Challenged
Experts in pain management often recommend opioid treatment agreements and urine drug testing (UDT) as strategies for reducing opioid analgesic misuse or abuse. However, a systematic review of the research literature failed to discover any solid evidence to justify the use of these strategies in everyday clinical practice.
## Read research details at:
http://updates.pain-topics.org/2010/06/value-of-opioid-agreements-and-udt.html

<> Previously Noted UPDATES of Interest…
> A Better Way to Diagnose Fibromyalgia
http://updates.pain-topics.org/2010/06/better-way-to-diagnose-fibromyalgia.html
> Older Patients Denied Adequate Pain Relief
http://updates.pain-topics.org/2010/06/older-patients-denied-adequate-pain.html
> Tai Chi May Offer Benefits for Chronic Pain
http://updates.pain-topics.org/2010/06/tai-chi-may-offer-benefits-for-chronic.html
> June 2010 – Pain Product Announcements & Warnings
http://updates.pain-topics.org/2010/06/june2010-pain-product-announcements.html
> Which Patients With Pain Are Likely Drug Abusers? (with comments)
http://updates.pain-topics.org/2010/05/which-patients-with-pain-are-likely.html
* You can see ALL present/past UPDATES indexed with links at:
http://pain-topics.org/news_research_updates/
 
*** New CME Courses Posted ***
<> Stemming the Tide of Opioid Abuse & Diversion With Abuse-Deterrent Choices
This activity provides updated information on opioid use and abuse, with a focus on current and developing abuse-deterrent medication options.
## Details at: http://pain-topics.org/education_CME_locator/index2.php#StemTide

<> Optimizing Disease Control to Manage RA-Associated Pain in Adults
Discusses the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), patient evaluation, and disease presentation. Biologic and non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are described in terms of risk-benefit considerations.
## Details at: http://pain-topics.org/education_CME_locator/index2.php#ManageRA
 
*** Pain-Topics.org Welcomes RSDSA as an Affiliate ***
Founded in 1984, the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association (RSDSA) promotes greater public and professional awareness and earlier recognition of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS, formerly RSD). The organization educates those afflicted with the syndrome, their families, friends, insurance and healthcare providers on the disabling pain it causes. They also encourage individuals with CRPS to offer each other emotional support within affiliate groups.
## Learn more at: http://pain-topics.org/sponsors_affiliates/index.php#RSDSA
 
*** AAPM Conference—September 21-24, 2010 ***
Registration for the AAPM (American Academy of Pain Management) 21st Annual Clinical Meeting in Las Vegas, NV, is now available online. This is the only educational conference that truly addresses multimodal and integrative approaches for pain management and attracts healthcare professionals representing diverse disciplines. It is a genuinely unique learning and networking opportunity. We’ll be there.
## Get the scoop at: http://pain-topics.org/newsroom.php#affiliates
 
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Let us hear from you…
your feedback & comments are always appreciated.
Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD; Executive Director
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http://Pain-Topics.org