What is a meta-analysis?

This is an analysis that combines and investigates multiple clinical studies (after conducting a systematic review) to reach a precise conclusion or outcome on a specific topic. After gathering these studies, the scientific community combines the results to see the overall average.

How did we do?
18
Studies analyzed
1196
Patients
To evaluate the results, statistics such as standardized mean difference (SMD) and heterogeneity analysis were used.
Four databases were used: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane, including only randomized controlled trials.
Why?
26% of the population in Spain suffers from chronic pain.
29% of those patients required sick leave in the past year.
That same rate increased to 47% among employed individuals.

What types of pain exist?

Nociceptive
Pain from a blow or wound. It feels like a sharp pain or pressure in the affected area.
Neuropathic
Pain without a clear injury, due to a failure in how the brain processes it. It is diffuse, persistent, and difficult to locate.
Mixed
Pain that mixes inflammation and nerve failure. It feels like localized pressure and diffuse discomfort at the same time.

Results

4 ª Week

A significant improvement in quality of life was reported at 4 and 8 weeks.

6 ª Week

Pain was reduced starting from the sixth week and was maintained up to six months.

8 ª Week

Pain was reduced starting from the sixth week and was maintained up to six months.

It was concluded that PEA was effective in all three pain types:

PEA presents itself as a promising and safe option for managing chronic pain.

It could be a viable alternative to opioids.

Read the full meta-analysis here