Chronic Pain
Gregory T. Carter, MD, MS, Consulting Editor Much has happened in the field of chronic pain in the past few decades. Things continue to change, even in the way chronic…
PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION
Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy and Myelopathy
This article is a guideline covering a wide array of cervical conditions seen in the workers’ compensation, as well as the nonworkers’ compensation, population. The guideline is intended to provide…
Diagnosis and Treatment of Work-Related Proximal Median and Radial Nerve Entrapment
Proximal median (PMNE) and radial (RNE) nerve entrapment syndromes are uncommon. This article provides an evidenced-based treatment guideline for PMNE and RNE based on the available literature. Arriving at an…
Work-Related Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex regional pain syndrome can be a debilitating disorder, which, in its earliest stages, can be prevented by aggressive rehabilitation based on reactivation. It is critical to follow international criteria…
Work-Related Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Outcomes of surgery for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) in workers’ compensation are poor in a majority of patients, partly due to nonspecificity of diagnosis. Most cases have no objective…
Shoulder Conditions
The following guideline covers a wide array of shoulder conditions seen in the workers’ compensation, as well as the nonworkers’ compensation, population. The guideline is intended to help establish work…
Work-Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy, and its risk of occurrence in the presence of repetitive, forceful angular hand movements, or vibration, is common. It is critical…
Diagnosis and Treatment of Work-Related Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow
Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is the second most common entrapment neuropathy after carpal tunnel syndrome and occurs most commonly at the elbow due to mechanical forces that produce…
Guideline for Prescribing Opioids to Treat Pain in Injured Workers
Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of opioids to treat chronic noncancer pain. Opioids are also being prescribed in stronger potencies and larger doses for musculoskeletal…
Introduction to Evidence-Based Decision Making in a Public Workers’ Compensation Agency
Peer-reviewed medical literature plays a decisive role in policy development at the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). L&I relies on multiple evidence-based mechanisms to make coverage decisions…
