The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) has declared 2008 as the Global Year Against Pain in Women, highlighting the suffering caused by disparities in pain recognition and treatment. The campaign aims to increase awareness, empower women to seek proper treatment, and improve access to healthcare services.
A University of Missouri-Columbia study shows that complementary methods like acupressure, modifications, and relaxation techniques can complement conventional treatment for chronic pain. By providing patients with more control over their pain management, these approaches can alleviate side effects and improve overall well-being.
A combination of capsaicin and QX-314 selectively block pain-sensing neurons in rats, blocking pain without impairing movement or other sensations. The treatment has great potential to improve pain treatment during childbirth, dental procedures, and surgery, offering a promising alternative to current nerve blocks.
The American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society released joint guidelines on diagnosing and treating low back pain, emphasizing that clinicians should not routinely order imaging tests. Non-pharmacologic treatments like acupuncture and spinal manipulations can provide relief for those with severe pain.
Researchers found that the widely-used numeric rating scale (NRS) fails to identify about a third of patients with pain serious enough to impair day-to-day functioning. The study highlights the limitations of universal pain screening and suggests that other methods may be more effective in addressing this common problem in primary care.
Researchers will evaluate a new approach to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to target movement-evoked pain after surgery, with the goal of decreasing pain and improving function in older adults. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of active TENS to placebo TENS and standard care.
A recent study found that chronic pain patients taking opioid therapy are at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. The research, published in Pain Medicine, suggests a direct dose-response relationship between central sleep apnea and methadone and benzodiazepines.
Associate Professor Jennie Ching-I Tsao of the UCLA Pediatric Pain Program has been selected as a winner of the Mayday Pain & Society Fellowship. The program provides tools and skills to advocate for better treatment of pain, including media communication and policy engagement. Tsao's research focuses on biopsychosocial models of pain ...
A new study is expected to reveal the true cost of persistent pain in Australia, with an estimated 1 in 5 Australians suffering from relentless pain. The research aims to identify priority actions to ease suffering and save healthcare dollars.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have uncovered the structure of a key pain molecule, P2X receptors, using microscopic slime moulds. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new painkillers for chronic conditions like migraine and backache.
A Northwestern University researcher has found that old memory traces in the prefrontal cortex may trigger chronic pain. The discovery led to a new drug, D-Cycloserine, which controls persistent nerve pain by targeting the emotional suffering of pain.
This article discusses various aspects of pain management, including the impact of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on patient satisfaction. The study found that patients with both conditions were more likely to have a chronic medical condition and greater physical and psychosocial stressors.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have confirmed that chronic pain affects attention and memory in 67% of participants. Chronic pain can disrupt the maintenance of the memory trace required to hold information for processing.
Researchers use Functional Anesthetic Discography (FAD) to diagnose lower back pain cause, finding 19 out of 29 discs showed favorable response to anesthetic injection. The study suggests that not all patients with disc disease experience pain relief, indicating potential spinal contributors.
A new literature review shows that patients with chronic neck pain who undergo chiropractic spinal manipulation experience significant improvements in pain levels, with no serious adverse effects reported. Mobilization therapy also proves effective in achieving full recovery after six to seven weeks of treatment.
A new study published in the journal Sleep found that sleep disturbance increases spontaneous pain in women. The study, conducted by Michael T. Smith and colleagues, used polysomnography to assess 32 healthy females and found that fragmented sleep profiles led to impaired natural pain control mechanisms.
A study by University of Manchester researchers reveals that arthritis pain activates the brain's emotional and fear centers, processing emotions and aversive conditioning. The findings suggest a more intense emotional response to arthritic pain compared to experimental pain.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that arthritis pain is processed in brain areas associated with emotions and fear. The medial pain system, including the cingulate cortex and amygdala, was activated during arthritic pain, suggesting a stronger emotional impact than experimental pain.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that multiple regions of the brain are involved in determining pain location, contradicting conventional wisdom. The research used functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify areas of brain activity while participants evaluated the spatial location of a thermal stimulus.
A recent study found that few women in underserved populations receive treatment for musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy. Researchers suggest expanding musculoskeletal care to address the issue, particularly among those with a history of pain in previous pregnancies.
Epidural steroid injections provide small but temporary pain relief for lower back pain radiating down a leg. Long-term pain relief beyond three months is not guaranteed.
A study published in Neurology found that smoking marijuana reduced nerve pain in people with HIV-associated sensory neuropathy by 34%, compared to 17% for those who received a placebo. The study also showed significant relief from chronic pain, with an average reduction of 72%.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a supplemental therapy teaching pain coping and biofeedback skills can reduce jaw disorder pain and health-care costs. The therapy improved pain management and reduced doctor visits among study participants.
Chronic pain has increased by 26% among US workers over the past decade, with most employees experiencing moderate to severe pain while still attending work. Employers are encouraged to invest in workplace wellness programs addressing chronic pain, as only 22% currently include such components.
A study at UNC Chapel Hill found that specific genetic variants of the COMT gene can affect pain processing by altering messenger RNA secondary structure. The discovery may lead to more effective treatments for TMJD and other chronic pain conditions.
Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to track water molecule movement in brains of chronic back pain patients and healthy controls. Chronic back pain was associated with more directed diffusion in pain-processing regions, suggesting complex brain organization and hyperactivity.
A study published in Neurology found that pregabalin significantly reduced severe pain and anxiety problems in patients with moderate to severe nerve pain after spinal cord injury. The medication was effective in relieving pain, improving sleep, and overall well-being.
A study analyzed 227 adult patients with neck pain who participated in a larger prospective, randomized, open-label study. After four weeks, patients reported a 30.7% reduction in pain intensity, suggesting that Kadian offers broad utility for even the most disabling types of chronic pain.
Researchers found that synthetic antioxidants significantly reduced pain-like behavior in mice with inflamed hind paws, with 70-90% reduction during acute phase and 78-98% reduction during tonic phase. This suggests that antioxidants may fight chronic pain by helping the body break down free radicals.
Research shows that people who feel in control of their lives are less effective at coping with pain when it's beyond their control. Teaching psychological coping strategies helps reduce pain effects. The study suggests acceptance-based therapy may be a more effective approach to managing persistent pain.
Researchers at OHSU School of Dentistry identify interaction between two proteins in nerve cells carrying pain information from the head and neck to the brain. This finding may help develop therapies for migraines and other craniofacial pain conditions.
Researchers found that a specific gene variation is associated with lower pain sensitivity and reduced risk of chronic pain. The study suggests that individuals with this genetic marker may be less sensitive to pain and have a lower risk of developing neuropathic pain.
A specific gene variant, GCH1, affects both acute and chronic pain sensitivity in humans. The protective version of the gene reduces the risk of developing chronic post-surgical pain.
A study by University of Rochester researchers found that young age, extensive surgery, and severe post-operative pain are risk factors for developing chronic pain after breast cancer surgery. The study suggests that counseling and analgesic drugs immediately after surgery may help prevent long-term problems.
Research at Mayo Clinic found that 16% of men experience moderate or higher pain during prostate biopsies, with the injection of lidocaine causing more pain than ultrasound insertion. The location of biopsy, specifically the prostate apex, is a significant predictor of pain scores.
Researchers at Kent State University found that guided imagery significantly reduced patients' chronic pain experiences, making it easier to control. The study, published in Pain Management Nursing, suggests alternative therapies like guided imagery can complement medication therapy for effective pain management.
Researchers have identified a protein called TRPM8 that mediates sensations of coolness and is expressed in nerve cells in the skin, responding to both cool temperatures and cooling chemicals like mint oil. This discovery has great potential for relieving chronic pain patients with approaches using cooling compounds
A new synthetic treatment has been discovered that uses cooling chemicals to kill pain, targeting the TRPM8 receptor in human skin. This approach may offer a more effective and safer alternative to conventional painkillers for chronic pain patients.
Research suggests Transcendental Meditation can modify brain function to reduce trait anxiety and stress reactivity, improving outcomes for those with acute and chronic pain. The study's findings have implications for pain management and treatment of conditions like depression and anxiety.
A study published by the University of Kentucky found that smokers with chronic pain tend to smoke at higher rates than those without pain. However, over half of these smokers are considering quitting. The research suggests that addressing smoking cessation as part of pain management could lead to improved health outcomes.
Researchers found that patients with chronic widespread pain have significantly lower levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 compared to healthy controls. These findings may contribute to the development of new diagnostic tools and treatment approaches for chronic widespread pain.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered a protein switch that activates chronic pain. The switch is an enzyme called protein kinase G (PKG), which sets off processes generating pain messages when activated. Turning PKG off relieves pain, making it a potential target for therapy.
Researchers discovered that heat, specifically above 40 degrees Celsius, blocks pain receptors by inhibiting chemical messengers. This finding has implications for developing pain relief drugs targeting P2X3 receptors.
A new study by McGill University researchers demonstrates that mice can display empathetic behavior, increasing their own pain sensitivity when exposed to the pain of a familiar mouse. This form of emotional contagion sheds light on the role of social interaction in pain management.
Researchers found that targeting women's depression can help reduce disability associated with chronic pain. Women are more likely to experience higher levels of depression and greater pain intensity than men, and may respond differently to treatments.
Chronic pain in elderly population projected to increase by 75% between 2010 and 2030, with limited effective treatment options. Dr. Debra Weiner emphasizes the need for more research to better treat chronic pain in older adults.
Researchers found sex differences in brain regions responsible for pain transmission, with males and females responding differently to pain stimuli. Persistent pain activates this pathway more strongly in males than females, highlighting the need for tailored pain treatments.
Researchers measured pain in premature infants through brain scans during routine care procedures, finding evidence of processed pain in the higher levels of the brain. The study highlights the need for effective pain management in preterm babies, who experience repeated painful procedures daily.
Researchers have made significant advancements in managing chronic pain in spinal cord injury patients. Studies show that specific pain patterns are stable over time, while others can be improved through treatment. Additionally, virtual reality systems have been shown to provide natural movement control and flexibility for balance trai...
The American Academy of Pain Medicine calls for a balance between treating legitimate pain and preventing misuse, with healthcare professionals at the forefront. Government initiatives have shifted regulatory authority from health agencies to law enforcement, leading to tension and imbalance in pain care.
A study found that less than half of residents with predictably recurrent pain were prescribed scheduled pain medication, highlighting the need for improved pain management practices. The use of evidence-based process measures is intended to address persistent problems in pain management and improve overall quality of life.
Researchers found that obese participants exhibited a greater physical response to electrical stimulation than non-obese individuals, indicating lower tolerance for painful stimuli. The study suggests that obese people may not cognitively experience pain during exercise, increasing the risk of severe pain later on.
Research on hurricane Katrina victims reveals a correlation between self-reported pain, stress, and fear. The study also found that patients demonstrated resilience in coping with chronic pain after the disaster, focusing on survival rather than pain.
A large-scale study found that glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate provided significant pain relief for participants with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis pain, but not those with mild pain. The treatment was shown to be effective in reducing pain by 20% or more compared to placebo.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that 22.4% of people with chronic pain did not inform their physician about it, likely due to poor experiences or barriers to healthcare. The study highlights the need for better pain management and increased awareness among healthcare professionals.
Researchers found that using a low-level heat wrap therapy (CLHT) for three consecutive days significantly reduced pain intensity and improved pain relief, with benefits maintained in the follow-up period. The study showed CLHT to be a safe and effective alternative for treating acute low back pain.
The average annual cost of treating and managing adolescent pain is over £8,000 per patient, with a conservative estimate of £3.8 billion for the UK as a whole. Chronic pain in adolescence has significant financial and social consequences, including high levels of distress, increased healthcare usage, and reduced academic performance.
Researchers used real-time functional MRI to show healthy subjects and patients with chronic pain can control brain activity to modulate pain levels. The study suggests a potential new treatment approach for chronic pain patients without relying on expensive equipment.
Researchers explore rheumatic pain mechanisms, debunking common misconceptions. Comprehensive treatment approaches are discussed, including exercise, dietary supplements, and opioid analgesics.
A study found that anxiety, blood pressure readings and responses to a heat test before surgery can predict post-surgical pain severity and medication requirements. The researchers identified six groups of predictive factors accounting for 90% of the total variances in patients' pain levels.