Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in chronic pain management

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Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2006 Apr;10(2):95-100.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in chronic pain management.

Yildiz S, Uzun G, Kiralp MZ.

Department of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine, Gulitary Medical

Academy Haydarpasa Training Hospital, 34668 Kadikoy, Istanbul,

Turkey.

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.