Practical Advices for Treating Chronic Pain in the Time of COVID-19: A Narrative Review Focusing on Interventional Techniques

Abstract

Background: Since the management of chronic pain has become even more challenging secondary to the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks, we developed an exhaustive narrative review of the scientific literature, providing practical advices regarding the management of chronic pain in patients with suspected, presumed, or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We focused particularly on interventional procedures, where physicians are in closer contact with patients.

Methods: Narrative Review of the most relevant articles published between June and December of 2020 that focused on the treatment of chronic pain in COVID-19 patients.

Results: Careful triage of patients is mandatory in order to avoid overcrowding of hospital spaces. Telemedicine could represent a promising tool to replace in-person visits and as a screening tool prior to admitting patients to hospitals. Opioid medications can affect the immune response, and therefore, care should be taken prior to initiating new treatments and increasing dosages. Epidural steroids should be avoided or limited to the lowest effective dose. Non urgent interventional procedures such as spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal pumps should be postponed. The use of personal protective equipment and disinfectants represent an important component of the strategy to prevent viral spread to operators and cross-infection between patients due to the SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks.

Keywords: COVID-19; analgesics; chronic pain; disinfectants; opioid; pain management; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; spinal cord stimulation; telemedicine.