Murder Charges Brought Against Pharmacists for Epidural Steroid Fungal Meningitis Cases

new england compounding center fungal meninitis steroid injections murder chargesThe outbreak of fungal meningitis related to contaminated epidural steroid injections has led to murder charges being brought against the pharmacists who produced the fatal products. Over 2012 and 2013, 751 patients are know to have been infected with fungal meningitis after receiving injections of contaminated steroids for neck pain and back pain. Of those patients, 64 died, and two pharmacists at the New England Compounding Center have been charged this week with 25 counts of second-degree murder. Read more

Could A Natural Antioxidant, PQQ, Relieve Neck Pain?

PQQ for neck pain and nerve repairA study published in 2012 in the European Journal of Pharmacology suggests that pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a naturally occurring antioxidant, may offer a nutritional approach to neck pain management after nerve injury. The authors of the study looked at the effects of PQQ on rats with sciatic nerve injury, testing the animals for response to painful heat and mechanical trauma and found that the nutrient significantly reduced pain. Read more

Could A Medical Food be Better than Ibuprofen for Neck Pain?

theramine amino acid pain relief for chronic neck painA new study has found that a blend of amino acids (which make up proteins) could be better than ibuprofen for reducing inflammation and relieving back pain. The research was carried out to determine the efficacy and safety of Theramine, a medical food that could be free from side effects, unlike the commonly used NSAID, ibuprofen. Read more

Chronic Pain Malpractice Lawsuits Increasing – Why?

neck pain management medical malpracticeMalpractice lawsuits related to chronic pain management have increased significantly over the past thirty years, according to a recent report presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists 2014 Annual Meeting. The number of people qualified as pain management specialists (anesthesiologists) has also increased, but not enough to meet the needs of a growing group of patients with constant pain. Read more