Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in chronic pain management.
Chronic pain is one of the frequently encountered clinical problems that is difficult to cure. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy has been reported in chronic pain syndromes with promising results. In this review, we focus on the effectiveness of HBO in fibromyalgia syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, migraine, and cluster headaches. HBO may be beneficial if appropriate patients are selected. HBO is a reliable method of treatment. However, physicians performing HBO must be aware of oxygen toxicity. Another problem regarding HBO is the scarcity of centers administering it. Further research is required focusing on the optimal treatment protocol, the cost/benefit ratio, and the safety of HBO in chronic pain management.
Department of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine, Gulhane Military Medical Academy Haydarpasa Training Hospital, 34668 Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey. senoyildiz@yahoo.com
Senol
S
Yildiz
Gunalp
G
Uzun
M Zeki
MZ
Kiralp
D002908:Chronic Disease; D020918:Complex Regional Pain Syndromes / Q000628:therapy; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000628:therapy; D020773:Headache Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D009209:Myofascial Pain Syndromes / Q000628:therapy; D059408:Pain Management; D016896:Treatment Outcome