Researchers successfully targeted and enhanced alpha oscillations in the somatosensory cortex, resulting in significant decreases in symptoms associated with chronic lower back pain. The study suggests that non-invasive treatment strategies like transcranial alternating current stimulation may one day be used to treat chronic pain.
Researchers at Brown University have developed an electroencephalography-based test to measure pain levels, providing a more objective approach than the traditional visual analogue scale. The test uses brain activity oscillations to determine pain levels and has shown promise in evaluating medication efficacy in animal models.
A study of over 8,000 older women found that frequent back pain was associated with a 24% increased risk of death. Disability measured after back pain helped explain this association, suggesting that better management of back pain could prevent disability and improve life expectancy.
Researchers found four subgroups with varying degrees of pain sensitization, with the highest degree associated with persistent knee pain. Identifying these subgroups may lead to novel approaches for preventing persistent knee pain.
A new study from Université de Montréal finds that increased pain sensitivity is a key risk factor for persistent knee pain in osteoarthritis. The research identified four subgroups characterized by varying degrees of pain sensitization, with the highest degree linked to the greatest risk of developing persistent knee pain.
A team of scientists at McGill University Health Centre has identified the effective dose of cannabidiol (CBD) for safe pain relief without the risk of addiction or euphoria. The study found that low doses of CBD alleviate both pain and anxiety in animal models of chronic pain, offering a potential alternative to THC and opioids.
A randomized controlled trial found that parental educational tools on pain relief during vaccinations increased use of pain interventions at future infant vaccinations, knowledge and confidence in parents' ability to manage infant pain.
Researchers analyzed pain scores of 808 obese children who underwent non-cardiac surgery and found no correlation between BMI and pain. Current protocol for managing postsurgical pain in children should continue, with opioid use decreasing slightly with increased BMI.
A study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2018 found that dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation therapy significantly improves chronic back pain, with a median pain score decrease of 33% after follow-up. DRG stimulation disrupts pain signals by targeting specific nerves, avoiding unnecessary stimulation of nerve fibers from non-painful areas.
Researchers have discovered three genetic variants associated with chronic back pain, which may provide clues for understanding its occurrence. The study found that these variants are linked to genes controlling skeletal development and spinal cord function.
A study found that pain treatment is more efficient when provided by a stranger, revealing the analgesic effect of surprise. Participants experienced reduced neural pain responses and subjective pain judgments after being treated by someone from a different social group.
A new study found that pregabalin, a common painkiller, is not effective in controlling chronic pain after traumatic nerve injury. However, it did show promise in relieving post-surgical pain for patients who underwent certain procedures.
A US children's hospital implemented a first-of-its-kind project to eliminate or reduce pain from elective needle procedures, improving patient satisfaction and staff concerns. The 'Children's Comfort Promise' project introduced four research-proven strategies, which saved time and reduced staff turnover.
A systematic review of 25 clinical trials found little evidence that invasive surgery reduces chronic pain. The study's findings raise concerns about the widespread use of these procedures without rigorous testing.
Researchers found that brain anatomy and psychological traits can predict which patients will respond to sugar pills, resulting in reduced pain and cost savings. The study suggests that clinicians should consider prescribing sugar pills for chronic pain patients, potentially opening up a new field.
A study found a clear geographical split in opioid prescribing in England, with the North showing higher rates of chronic pain, anxiety, and poor general health. Opioid use was linked to intensity of pain, educational attainment, and general health, highlighting the need for alternative pain management strategies.
A new study reveals a strong association between back pain, smoking, drinking, anxiety, depression, and school absenteeism in adolescents. Researchers found that teens experiencing frequent back pain are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors and report mental health problems.
Researchers found that nearly 9% of people who died by suicide in 18 states between 2003 and 2014 had chronic pain documented in their incident records. Chronic pain was associated with risk factors for suicide, but previous studies primarily examined nonfatal suicidal behaviors.
A study published in Neurology found that medical marijuana, specifically THC, reduces connections between brain areas processing emotions and sensory signals, providing pain relief for radicular nerve pain. The more pain relief experienced, the greater the reduction of these brain connections.
Researchers found Dectin-1 critical for onset of pain in fungal infection, with inhibition blocking pain and resolving inflammation. A novel signaling mechanism was identified, from Dectin-1 to TRP channels, which could lead to new treatments for severe fungal pain.
A new program, Skills TO Manage Pain (STOMP), aims to address the unique needs of people living with HIV and chronic pain. The NIH-funded trial will evaluate the effectiveness of peer-led group sessions and sponsorship in managing pain.
A study at Toronto General Hospital found that nearly half of patients who did not take opioids before surgery were able to wean off completely. The Transitional Pain Program uses non-opioid medications, psychological techniques, and exercise prescriptions to help patients manage pain. Patients who were on high doses of opioids before ...
A UTA professor led a federal advisory group to publish recommendations for preventing acute and chronic pain, highlighting the need for better public education and a precision medicine approach. The report found that psychosocial factors significantly impact pain experience and treatment responses.
A new study investigates pre-existing perceptions about pain medications in individuals with chronic pain, revealing that personalized care by a pharmacist can have a significant impact on patient experiences and outcomes.
A new mobile application called Painimation uses animations to assess and monitor pain better than traditional measurement tools. The study found that over 80% of patients enjoyed using the app and it provided similar or more information about pain type and cause than existing questionnaires.
A modified botulinum toxin compound Derm-BOT successfully targets and silences pain signals from neurons in the spinal cord of mice, providing long-lasting pain relief. The compound is non-toxic, safe to manufacture, and avoids adverse effects associated with opioids.
A recent study published in CMAJ found anticonvulsants to be ineffective for chronic low back pain and lumbar radicular pain, with a higher risk of adverse events.
A WSU study found that stopping long-term opioid therapy does not make chronic, non-cancer-related pain worse, and in some cases, improves it. The researchers analyzed data from 551 VA patients who discontinued opioid therapy for at least a year, finding that their pain did not worsen but rather remained similar or improved slightly.
Two studies presented at EULAR 2018 found that sleep problems predict the onset of chronic widespread pain and are associated with chronic pain in adolescents. Sleep difficulties, fatigue, and anxiety were identified as key predictors of chronic pain.
Researchers discovered a naturally occurring protein called apolipoprotein A-I binding protein (AIBP) that inhibits inflammatory response underlying chronic pain processing. A single spinal injection of AIBP alleviated chemotherapy pain in mice for two months with no side effects.
A recent study revealed that pain tolerance is strongly associated with friendships, particularly among males. The study found that friends tend to have similar pain tolerance levels, which may be due to social transmission or peer pressure.
Researchers are studying how stress produces pain and developing a potential treatment for stress-related chronic pain conditions. The team, led by Dr. Frank Porreca, will analyze neurons in the amygdala that respond to stress through signaling at the kappa opioid receptor.
A new study reveals that disrupted insulin signalling in pain sensory neurons is the underlying cause of diabetes-induced pain in fruit flies. Increasing insulin signalling reverses pain hypersensitivity in these model flies, suggesting a potential treatment for diabetic neuropathy patients.
Researchers found that childhood adversity is strongly associated with mood and sleep problems in adulthood, which lead to greater physical pain. However, optimism and feeling in control can mitigate this connection.
Researchers created PainTracker, a pain assessment adaptable to primary care clinics, addressing patient treatment history, goals and expectations, pain intensity and quality-of-life issues. The tool has dramatically transformed doctors' ability to assess and manage chronic pain, with 40-60% of patients having inadequate pain management.
Scientists at EMBL Rome developed a light-sensitive chemical that selectively binds to nerve cells causing neuropathic pain, leading to pain relief. The method avoids targeting single molecules and shows promise for managing chronic pain in humans.
A randomized clinical trial found that a program combining education and exercise training reduced pain and improved thoughts of pain compared to usual care. The treatment targets fear of movement and pain catastrophizing, common problems with chronic spinal pain.
A pen and paper chart, EPAT, helps doctors regularly record pain levels using a traffic light system, leading to reduced pain in cancer patients, and improved monitoring of medications and side effects. The study suggests this simple approach can put pain management at the forefront of routine care, with potential benefits for patients.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that hunger suppresses chronic pain by targeting specific brain cells. The study discovered that activating a group of 300 neurons responsible for prioritizing hunger over pain significantly reduced inflammatory pain responses, while acute pain responses remained intact.
A new study found that dogs with noise sensitivity and musculoskeletal pain exhibit increased avoidance behaviors and a later age of onset compared to those without pain. The researchers suggest that veterinarians should thoroughly examine dogs with behavior problems associated with noise for potential underlying pain.
Researchers uncover mechanism behind neuropathic pain and develop innovative treatment blocking FLT3 molecule. The treatment shows immediate and long-lasting therapeutic effects in animal subjects, reducing hyperalgesia and allodynia.
A recent study found that a specific manipulation of dopamine receptors impairs chronic pain in male mice but has no effect on females. The researchers suggest that different types of cells drive the development of pain in males and females, leading to the potential for sex-specific pain relief medications.
A randomized clinical trial found that opioid medications did not improve pain-related function over 12 months compared to nonopioid medications. Nonopioid medications resulted in less intense pain and fewer medication-related symptoms.
Researchers found that literacy-adapted group cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and simplified pain education (EDU) significantly improved pain and physical function in patients with chronic pain. The study suggests that CBT can be simplified to improve accessibility without reducing its potency.
Researchers at UIC will study molecular neurobiology of chronic pain and develop new drug treatments for sickle cell disease patients experiencing chronic pain. The funding aims to understand the role of protein kinases in chronic pain and identify potential therapeutic targets.
A team of researchers has devised a decoy molecule to disrupt the inception and persistence of pain memories. The RNA-based medicine reduces pain-associated behaviors by blocking the creation of pain-signaling proteins.
A study found that genetic variations account for 7-12% of chronic postsurgical pain cases, while clinical risk factors like age and sex contribute to 3-6%. Patients under 65 years old, males, and those with a prior history of chronic pain were at increased risk.
A UCL-led research team has identified a rare genetic mutation that causes one Italian family to be unusually insensitive to pain. The study, published in Brain, found that the mutation affects the ZFHX2 gene and regulates other genes connected to pain signalling.
New research suggests that stressed newborns may not display typical pain behavior despite increased brain activity in response to pain. The study found a disconnect between brain wave patterns and behavioral responses in stressed babies, highlighting the need for alternative methods to assess infant pain.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown cellular communication method between neurons and immune cells in neuropathic pain. Blocking this method could prevent neuropathic pain without side effects.
Acupuncture has strongest evidence for effectiveness in reducing chronic pain, while yoga and other therapies also show positive preliminary evidence. These integrative medicine approaches can help improve pain and reduce opioid use, according to a review of current evidence.
Recent revisions to major international guidelines for the management of low back pain recommend shifting from pain medicines to non-medicinal approaches such as yoga, mindfulness, and physiotherapy. GPs are now unlikely to prescribe pain medicines, encouraging a more holistic approach to treating LBP.
Scientists discovered that sensory neurons in the head and face are directly connected to the brain's emotional pathways, explaining why people experience greater fear and emotional suffering from these types of pain. This finding may lead to more effective treatments for chronic headaches and neuropathic face pain.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for chronic pain that can reduce reliance on opioids and improve quality of life. By teaching patients coping strategies, CBT helps them manage their pain and behaviors associated with it.
Researchers found widespread disruptions in brain white matter across several regions, linked to higher pain levels and fatigue. The study suggests poor white matter health may contribute to persistent widespread pain experienced by Gulf War veterans.
A new $9 million study will compare two approaches to relieving noncancer chronic pain and reducing opioid use. The study will assess which approach leads to lower or discontinued opioid use and greater pain relief among people who have been using opioids over the long term.
A study published in Frontiers in Neurology has found strong associations between healthy lifestyle factors and reduced pain levels in people with multiple sclerosis. Regular exercise was shown to increase pain threshold and tolerance, while a balanced diet and no smoking were also linked to lower pain levels.
A new study from King's College London reveals the molecular basis of chronic nerve pain in diabetes, identifying HCN2 as a key player. The findings suggest that targeting this protein could lead to effective treatments for painful diabetic neuropathy, a condition affecting up to one in four people with diabetes.
Chronic pain affects 39-85% of people living with HIV, with neuropathic pain being a significant concern. Guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary treatment approach using non-drug options such as cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, and physical therapy.
A review suggests using a holistic and multimodal approach to treat acute pain in patients with opioid dependence. The recommended strategies include education for healthcare providers and patients, screening tools to assess risk factors, and psychological tools such as relaxation techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy.