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Addiction, Tolerance, and Dependence—An Interview with Dr. Jennifer Schneider
As a follow-up from last month's feature on the role of opioids in pain management, this month features an interview with pain management specialist Dr. Jennifer Schneider. Dr. Schneider discusses the differences between physical dependence, tolerance and addiction, some of the reasons for the misconceptions about opioids in the medical community and more. Click here to read the interview.

Ergonomics as a Tool for Pain Management
By Greg Worrell, PhD, CPE
The ways in which we work can cause pain, and even some of our leisure activities can cause pain. Work or play that involves repetitive motions, awkward postures, high muscle force or tools that vibrate or dig into the body can cause pain. Ergonomics can help you to "work smarter," whether you are actually at work or doing chores at home. Click here to read more about the role of ergonomics.

Patient Spotlight—Thinking Outside the Box
By Tracy Zuckerman
Tracy shares her perspective on living with reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, now called complex regional pain syndrome, in this month's patient spotlight. She writes, "CRPS is not just a diagnosis, it's an illness that takes you on a journey and teaches you to ‘think outside the box' if you let it! This illness is neither who I am nor who I wish to become." Read more about Tracy's experiences on this journey.

Healing Steps to Wellness — Joint Pain
By Michael W. Loes, MD, MD(H)
Millions of Americans suffer from arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation's leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15. This month's column focuses on supplements and things you can do to help mitigate your joint pain.

New Medication Available — Hydromorphone (Extended Release)
By Michael Loes, MD, MD(H)
In January of 2005, an extended release formulation of hydromorphone (Palladone) was made available. It is a once-a-day delivery system indicated for chronic pain in patients who are opioid tolerant. Click here to read more about this medication.

Remember to Mail Your Fibromyalgia Awareness Letter!
In November, we ran an article about the Million Letter Campaign designed to increase national awareness of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. The goal of the letter-writing campaign is to send one million letters about fibromyalgia on May 1, 2005, to various news outlets and the White House so that the letters will reach the recipients in time for Fibromyalgia Awareness Day on May 12, 2005. Learn how to make a difference today by mailing a letter!

The National Pain Foundation's Letter to the DEA
Read the National Pain Foundation's response to the Drug Enforcement Administration's call for comments on the prescribing of controlled substances.

Research News
Read the latest information about a new anesthetic solution for treating interstitial cystitis, nerve stimulation for migraine, breakthrough pain, and more.

What's New Index
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