Articles tagged with Chronic Pain
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Researchers have discovered a neural circuit hidden in an understudied region of the brain plays a critical role in turning temporary pain into chronic pain. Silencing this pathway can prevent or halt chronic pain, offering new hope for treating severe chronic pain with injections or infusions targeting specific brain cells.
An updated Cochrane review of 21 clinical trials involving over 2,100 adults found no high-quality evidence that cannabis-based medicines reduce neuropathic pain more than placebo. Small improvements were reported by patients using products with both THC and CBD, but these changes were not clinically meaningful.
A new study from Murdoch University found that 66% of participants with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) experienced migraines that started or worsened after CRPS onset. This research highlights the connection between CRPS and migraine, suggesting a possible common cause for both conditions.
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant advancements in cancer treatment, demonstrating the effectiveness of immunotherapy before and after surgery in improving lung cancer patient outcomes. Additionally, a new study shows promise in using CAR T cell therapy to treat large B-cell lymphoma, reducing relapse rates.
Two new studies found that around 1 in 8 day-case surgery patients are admitted to hospital for complications, while 1 in 14 develop chronic pain at the operative site. Chronic post-surgical pain is more common in certain procedures and among patients with medical problems, with orthopaedic and breast surgeries showing higher rates.
A recent study found that back pain can predict sleep problems years later in men over 65, leading to a 12% to 25% increase in sleep issues. Men with back pain are more likely to experience poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness.
A systematic evidence review finds that cannabis products with higher levels of THC provide short-term pain relief, but at the cost of increased side effects. CBD-based products, on the other hand, show almost no benefit in reducing pain.
Estrogen activates previously unknown pathways in the colon, triggering pain and increasing sensitivity to certain foods. This explains why women are more likely to suffer from IBS and provides potential new ways to treat the condition.
Research reveals cannabis use may promote deep, restorative sleep critical for physical restoration and immune function, but at the cost of reduced emotional regulation and memory integration. Chronic cannabis users experience diminishing benefits as use increases.
Chronic pain prevalence differs between rural and urban adult cancer survivors, with rural areas showing higher rates despite having fewer resources. Limited access to pain specialists and insurance challenges contribute to these disparities.
A cohort study found that participation in New York's medical cannabis program was associated with lower rates of opioid prescription during a 18-month follow-up. The study controlled for unregulated cannabis use, suggesting that medical cannabis may be an effective alternative to opioids for managing chronic pain.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that adults with chronic pain who used medical cannabis had a 22% reduction in opioid use. The study, led by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, suggests that supervised use of medical cannabis can relieve chronic pain and reduce reliance on prescription opioids.
A recent study found that only one-third of patients with sickle cell disease received guideline-adherent pain treatment within the first hour at emergency departments. The study analyzed data from over 398,000 visits and found disparities in treatment based on age, sex, and insurance status.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown sodium-binding site on GlyT2, which supplies the energetic drive required for glycine transport. The study also uncovered a distinctive allosteric binding pocket for lipid-based inhibitors, providing a foundation for rational design of improved analgesics.
Researchers tracked 120 older veterans taking gabapentinoids and loop diuretics, finding that only 4 doctors correctly identified the gabapentinoids as the cause of leg swelling. The study highlights the dangers of 'prescribing cascades' and emphasizes the need for regular monitoring and alternative treatment options.
Researchers are investigating training caregivers on ear acupressure to help alleviate chronic pain in people with dementia. The one-year initiative aims to recruit 30-40 participants, plus caregivers, and assess the feasibility and acceptability of this non-pharmacological technique.
Researchers found that mindfulness-based program MORE increased interoceptive awareness, reducing the risk of prescription opioid misuse in individuals with chronic pain. Participants who demonstrated lower trust in their body signals and difficulty regulating attention to bodily sensations were at higher risk for opioid misuse.
A new study published in the Hypertension Journal found that chronic pain in adults may increase their risk of developing high blood pressure, with depression playing a significant role. The study analyzed data from over 200,000 adults and found that widespread pain was associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University's Wood Neuro Research Group uses advanced brain imaging and a digital visualization tool to better understand how pain is processed in the brain for people with sickle cell disease. The team found that patients had reduced connectivity across key brain networks linked to pain perception, partic...
Headache disorders affect nearly one in every three people, causing significant disability and health loss. Migraine and medication overuse drive most of the global burden, emphasizing the need for improved prevention, management, and access to care.
Researchers have discovered a novel delivery method for CBD that effectively targets the brain's nerve cells, providing pain relief without adverse side effects. The study found that CBD-IN, a nano-micelle formulation of CBD, calms overactive nerve circuits in the areas responsible for sensing touch and pain.
New research from the University of South Australia highlights the need for personalized, multidisciplinary and empathetic care for people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers found that gaps in support lead many individuals to rely on trial-and-error approaches to manage their pain, resulting in reduced quality of life.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center identified distinct cellular microenvironments in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma tumors, providing a framework to develop therapies that engage the patient's immune system. Additionally, a study found widespread misbeliefs about the cancer risks of alcohol among Americans, highlighting the need f...
The analysis explores how reduced fentanyl production costs affect the structure and conduct of the illegal opioid supply industry. It also assesses potential consequences for drug law enforcement organizations, finding modest declines in expenditures and income-generating crime.
A study led by Julie Pilitsis, MD, PhD, found a possible connection between chronic pain and eosinophilia, a white blood cell condition, in patients undergoing spinal cord stimulation or implanted pain medicine pumps. The study suggests that eosinophilia may be an immune biomarker for chronic pain.
Researchers have identified a group of cells called Y1 receptor-expressing neurons in the brainstem's lateral parabrachial nucleus as critical for regulating long-term pain states. These neurons integrate information about hunger, fear and thirst, allowing pain signals to be modulated by other brain circuits signaling more urgent needs.
Researchers discovered a new enzyme produced by Bacteroides fragilis that activates pain signaling. The enzyme is targeted with nanoparticles to develop treatments for gut pain in inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. The studies aim to restore balance between good and bad bacteria to reduce symptoms.
A new study found that 2/3 people with chronic pain reach for comfort foods to cope, offering pleasure, distraction, and relief from negative emotions. However, this can lead to weight gain, which worsens pain and increases health risks.
A pooled data analysis found tramadol to be ineffective in easing chronic pain, with a small and clinically insignificant effect. The use of tramadol was also associated with an increased risk of serious side effects, including heart disease and certain cancers.
A large study from University Hospitals Connor Whole Health found that recreative and music-assisted relaxation/imagery interventions were 37% and 48% more likely to reduce pain intensity than receptive only interventions. Longer sessions and explicit pain management goals also contributed to increased pain reduction.
Chronic back pain is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, arthritis, depression, and other conditions. A study found that people with back pain are more likely to report severe activity limitations due to comorbidities.
A new study found that healthy habits such as optimism, good sleep, and social support are strongly linked to healthier brains. Study participants who reported the most protective factors had brains eight years younger than their chronological age, and their brains aged more slowly over time.
Scientists at NYU Pain Research Center identified the EP2 receptor as the main cause of inflammatory pain but not inflammation. Blocking this receptor silenced pain responses without affecting inflammation, offering a new strategy for treating prostaglandin-mediated pain.
Researchers identified a promising treatment for PTSD, chronic pain, and alcohol misuse in rats. The study found that PPL-138 selectively reduced anxiety-like behavior, pain responses, and alcohol consumption in those with trauma-related anxiety.
Salk scientists pinpoint gracile nucleus as brain area responsible for differentiating between painful and non-painful touch, with dysfunction leading to chronic pain. Altered neuronal activity in the dorsal column nuclei drives mechanical allodynia, causing the brain to misinterpret innocuous light touch as painful.
Researchers at UT Dallas discovered a connection between chronic sickle cell disease pain and the bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract. By transplanting beneficial bacteria into mice with sickle cell disease, they alleviated chronic pain, highlighting the role of gut microbiomes in driving chronic pain.
A new clinical trial is testing an intervention to reduce staff stress and improve methadone treatment retention for opioid use disorder. The four-year study will examine the effectiveness of a multi-modal intervention in reducing work-related trauma and traumatic stress symptoms among methadone treatment staff.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital report an alternative local anesthetic, 2',6'-pipecolylxylidine (PPX), that selectively blocks pain while leaving motor function intact. PPX has been found to be less toxic than conventional anesthetics and may enable longer-lasting pain relief.
A study funded by the NIH found that acupuncture treatment significantly improved physical function and reduced pain in older adults with chronic low back pain, compared to usual medical care. The study showed a modest but positive effect of acupuncture on disability scores, anxiety symptoms, and pain intensity.
A randomized clinical trial found that acupuncture provided greater improvements in back pain-related disability compared to usual medical care alone. The study suggests that acupuncture needling is an effective and safe treatment option for older adults with chronic low back pain.
Researchers found that improving diet quality reduced chronic musculoskeletal pain from 50% to 24%, while also decreasing pain-related quality of life. The study suggests that adopting a healthier diet may lead to meaningful reductions in pain and improve overall wellbeing.
The trial will evaluate the effectiveness of EAET on nearly 700 war veterans across seven US Department of Veterans Affairs centers. Previous research by Dr. Brandon Yarns found that EAET provided significant pain relief compared to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy among older adults.
Researchers have identified two key brainstem regions involved in pain relief, with distinct patterns of activity depending on the location of pain. This discovery may pave the way for safer, more targeted treatments for chronic pain without relying on opioids.
Despite long-held assumptions, a new study reveals that the brain's somatosensory cortex holds a stable 'body map' even after limb loss. The findings have significant implications for treating phantom limb pain and restoring sensation in prosthetic limbs via brain-computer interfaces.
A new Cochrane review has found no clear evidence of benefit for ketamine in treating chronic pain conditions. The review identified an increased risk of adverse effects such as delusions and vomiting. High-quality trials are needed to determine the role of ketamine in chronic pain care.
A new study finds that up to 18% of women are advised to stop breastfeeding due to medication, while chronic illness increases this number to 58%. The research highlights the need for accurate and balanced information about medication safety during breastfeeding.
A three-year follow-up study of a personalized program of cognitive functional therapy (CFT) found clinically significant improvements in pain-related activity and pain intensity compared to usual care. The treatment produced large benefits that were sustained over time, offering potential for major human and economic impact.
A study using anonymized patient records from UC health centers found over 600 correlations between endometriosis and other conditions, including infertility, autoimmune disease, and certain cancers. The research supports the growing understanding of endometriosis as a multi-system disorder.
Remote, scalable cognitive behavioral therapy-based treatments improved pain and quality-of-life outcomes for individuals with high-impact chronic pain. These lower-resource treatments could increase availability of evidence-based nonpharmacologic pain treatments.
A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that Elenagen significantly reduced chronic osteoarthritis pain scores in dogs, achieving a 90% success rate. The therapy works by reprogramming aged or dysfunctional mesenchymal stem cells, which then produce anti-inflammatory signals and restore their regenerative capacity.
A survey from the Orlando Health Spine Center found that Americans often opt for short-term relief methods such as rest (44%), over-the-counter pain relievers (42%), and hot/cold therapies (29%) when dealing with neck and back pain. In contrast, only 5% consider surgery as a top option for pain relief.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences found a two-way relationship between micronutrient deficiencies and chronic pain. People with severe deficiencies in vitamins D, B12, folate, and magnesium were more likely to have severe chronic pain.
A study using AI language models analyzed sentiments and emotions expressed by almost 400 pediatric patients on social media, finding that 94% of comments were negative, with sadness and fear prevalent. The study highlights the need for integrated care approaches to support vulnerable young patients managing complex medical conditions.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a brain circuit that gives physical pain its emotional tone, revealing a potential target for treating chronic and affective pain conditions. The study found that a group of neurons in the thalamus can mediate the emotional side of pain in mice.
A study from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that the brain's braking system fails in chronic pain, leading to increased pain signals. This discovery opens the door to targeted therapies and may help prevent pain from becoming chronic.
A study published in The Journal of Pain found that nature exposure can help people with chronic lower back pain by providing a sense of escapism, social connection, and physical exercise. Researchers recommend incorporating accessible design features into natural spaces to improve inclusivity.
A new brain training game has shown promise in treating nerve pain, with participants experiencing significant reductions in pain and comparable relief to opioids. The PainWaive technology uses EEG headsets to track brain activity and respond in real time, providing a potential non-invasive alternative for chronic pain management.
Researchers found corticosteroid injections accelerated structural knee degeneration, while hyaluronic acid injections slowed down damage. The study challenges common clinical practice and suggests alternative pain management strategies for patients with osteoarthritis.
A study by University College London researchers found that depressive symptoms worsen long before pain begins in middle-aged and older adults. Early mental health interventions may help prevent or reduce later aches and pains.
A new review study published in The Lancet suggests that specific types of psychological treatment can help relieve chronic pain through physical changes in the brain. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is highlighted as a method that shows clear effects, and researchers believe that apps and other self-help tools may also be benefici...