There is growing evidence for an important role of central sensitization (CS) in the development and maintenance of chronic pain. Consequently, alleviation of CS might be helpful, as was demonstrated for pregabalin. For tapentadol this is unknown. Tapentadol is a drug with a dual mechanism: 1) it acts on the mu-opioid receptor (ยต-OR) and 2) it inhibits the reuptake of noradrenalin in the central nervous system3. The noradrenergic effect might involve a modulation of descending pain pathways and thereby reduce or alleviate CS. The aim of the present study is to determine the alterations in CS parameters by tapentadol in patients with chronic visceral (endometriosis) pain and deep somatic (low back) pain, using pregabalin as comparator.Background
Aim
There is growing evidence for an important role of central sensitization (CS) in the development and maintenance of chronic pain. This accounts for patients with chronic low back pain radiating to the leg (CLBPr) as well. Care as Usual (CaU) in these patients consists of diagnostic segmental nerve root blocks (dSNRB) followed by therapeutic interventions, i.e. a therapeutic segmental nerve root block (tSNRB) or pulsed radiofrequency (pRF). However, it is unknown if these procedures affect the amount of CS in these patients. The aim of the present study is to determine the alterations in the presentation of CS in CLBPr patients during care as usual.Background
Aim
