Articles tagged with Chronic Pain
A Canadian research team found that daily cannabis users did not experience serious adverse events, while showing improvement in pain and quality of life. However, non-serious adverse events like headaches and respiratory problems were reported.
Researchers at TUM and Georgetown University have discovered a common gatekeeping system for tinnitus and chronic pain, which may play a central role in the development of both conditions. The study found significant loss of gray matter and compromised circuit function in regions important for emotional experiences.
Researchers have discovered that brain malfunctions in key areas, such as the nucleus accumbens and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, contribute to the development of tinnitus and chronic pain. These findings hold promise for developing targeted therapies for these debilitating disorders.
A Boston University School of Medicine program educates clinicians on safe opioid prescribing, resulting in improved knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practice. The program has empowered clinicians to make informed decisions about opioids for chronic pain sufferers.
A new therapy called HF10 has been shown to provide significantly greater long-term relief for chronic back and leg pain compared to traditional SCS therapy. The study found that patients receiving HF10 therapy experienced a higher percentage of pain reduction and reported higher levels of satisfaction.
A study of over 6,000 Kaiser Permanente members found that 58% used chiropractic care or acupuncture for chronic pain, yet many didn't discuss it with their primary care providers. The majority of patients would share this information if asked, highlighting the need for better care coordination.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered that stem cells from bone marrow can alleviate neuropathic pain in mice by increasing levels of the anti-inflammatory protein TGF-β1. The treatment remained effective for several weeks, outlasting traditional painkillers and offering new hope for chronic pain conditions.
A study by WSU researchers found that an online program can help people with chronic non-cancer pain manage their symptoms and reduce opioid use. Participants who used the program reported increased confidence and positive thinking, and made progress towards reducing or eliminating pain.
A new treatment approach uses a non-narcotic inhibitor to reduce excessive BH4 production, leading to pain relief without addiction or tolerance. The research, led by Boston Children's Hospital, shows promise for treating conditions like diabetic peripheral neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers discovered that chronic pain causes brain inflammation, altering mood and motivation regions. A new treatment approach may help restore dopamine release and reward-motivated behavior in patients with chronic pain.
Dr. Min Zhuo's team identified a molecule that can reduce chronic pain-related anxiety by blocking pre-LTP in neurons of the ACC, which mediates anxiety. The study reveals the biological basis for the link between pain and anxiety, with implications for treating both conditions.
Researchers have identified a key role for microglia in the development of chronic pain, including hyperalgesia and allodynia. Microglia-to-neuron signaling is crucial for these effects, which could lead to new treatments for chronic pain.
A new study suggests that dopamine contributes to chronic pain states by targeting A11 neurons. Removing these neurons can selectively diminish chronic pain in mice. The findings offer potential clues for developing new treatments for chronic pain.
A large Norwegian health study of over 10,400 adults found that people with insomnia have increased pain sensitivity. The effect was strongest in those with both insomnia and chronic pain, highlighting the need for treatments targeting both conditions.
A breakthrough study published in The Journal of Neuroscience reveals the critical role of a gene associated with a rare disease in pain processing. Lmx1b mutations cause reduced pain responses in patients, but removing this gene only in the spinal cord allows mice to survive, yet results in reduced sensitivity to stimuli.
Researchers at Saint Louis University discovered that targeting the A3 adenosine receptor can 'turn off' pain signals in the spinal cord, providing potential relief for patients with chronic pain. The study found that activating this receptor promotes GABA signaling, which is often lost or diminished in chronic pain conditions.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a key indicator of chronic pain in whiplash injuries: large amounts of fat in the neck muscles. This discovery enables early treatment and may help prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Scientists at TUM discovered that brain activity changes when transitioning from sensory to emotional processing during prolonged pain. The experiment showed that nerve cells in the brain trigger a different pattern of activity after applying a placebo cream, reducing perceived pain.
A new study by researchers from the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, the Regenstrief Institute, and Indiana University School of Medicine reports that a stepped-care strategy improved function and decreased pain severity in veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain, producing at least a 30 percent improvement in pain-related di...
Research identified seven compounds that block key pain signals to the brain, offering hope for new painkillers. The compounds show high levels of stability and potency, making them promising candidates for treating chronic pain.
Chronic pain in patients with chronic kidney disease is common and associated with improper use of pain medications. An estimated 26 million people in the US have CKD, making it a significant concern for patient safety.
Two studies found that morphine equivalent doses of opioids over 100mg/day increase drug overdose risk, while antidepressant use can mitigate this risk. A third study revealed a 'catch-22' where patients without depression are more likely to overdose when taking opioids with sedatives.
A new report by an independent panel found that evidence-based approaches to treating chronic pain are lacking, with no existing algorithm for determining the best treatment approach. The panel recommends multidisciplinary care incorporating patients' perspectives and emphasizes the need for more research on opioids and other treatments.
The NIH panel recommends a more tailored approach to treating the estimated 100 million Americans with chronic pain. A combination of evidence-based and multidisciplinary approaches is needed to balance patient perspectives, desired outcomes, and safety.
A recent NIH report warns of dose-dependent risks of long-term opioid therapy, while an ACP policy paper tackles clinical documentation in electronic health records. These guidelines aim to improve care and documentation practices among healthcare professionals.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital has found evidence of neuroinflammation in key brain regions of chronic pain patients. The study, published in the journal Brain, identifies a possible way to measure pain and may lead to new treatment strategies.
A new study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) increases brain activation to natural healthy pleasures, reducing opioid cravings. Participants who received eight weeks of MORE instruction exhibited increased brain activity in response to enjoyable experiences.
A new study published in PAIN found that chronic pain patients without opioid treatment have an increased risk of death compared to those with pain but without opioid use. Long-term opioid users had a higher risk of death due to causes other than cardiovascular and cancer mortality, as well as a four times higher risk of toxicity poiso...
A Northwestern University study found that smokers are three times more likely to develop chronic back pain and that quitting the habit may reduce vulnerability to this condition. The research also identified a key brain region involved in addictive behavior and motivated learning.
According to a WSU study, nearly one in five US adults suffer from persistent pain, with significant economic and social costs. Persistent pain affects daily life, work, family, and social interactions, increasing the risk of mental illness and addiction.
A study published in the Journal of Pain Research found that individuals with chronic pain pay more frequent and longer attention to pain-related words than those without. This discovery uses state-of-the-art eye-tracking technology to better understand how people attend to pain stimuli.
The NIH/NCCAM initiative aims to enhance options for managing pain and associated problems in US military personnel, veterans, and their families. The research will focus on nondrug approaches to address chronic pain, PTSD, drug abuse, and sleep issues.
Researchers found that men and women have similar pain tolerance levels, with resilience being the main determining factor. Patients who accept their chronic pain experience less anxiety, depression, and improved quality of life.
A team of researchers at the University of Calgary has discovered a new mechanism that can reverse chronic pain conditions. They found that interfering with the communication between a specific enzyme and calcium channels in nerve cells can shut off pain signals.
New research suggests states with medical marijuana laws have 25% lower prescription opioid overdose death rates compared to those without. This could be due to people choosing alternative treatments for chronic pain, or the law changing how prescription medications are abused.
A new study found that controlling pain during childbirth and post delivery may reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Women who had epidural anesthesia during labor had a significantly lower rate of depression compared to those without pain control.
A new study published in JAMA found that patients enrolled in a 12-month telecare program experienced significant improvement in chronic pain management, with twice the likelihood of pain reduction compared to usual care. The program also showed increased patient satisfaction.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding CRPS by replicating its symptoms in mice using antibodies from patients with the condition. The study suggests that autoantibodies may be the underlying cause of CRPS, offering hope for potential treatments.
A study found that nearly half of deployed soldiers reported combat injuries, with 44% experiencing chronic pain and 15.1% using opioids in the past month. The researchers emphasized the urgent need to address chronic pain and opioid misuse among military personnel.
A pilot study found that self-administered hand shiatsu pressure techniques can help participants with chronic lower-back pain fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The study's findings suggest that this low-cost alternative may be a valuable tool in addressing the sleep deprivation that often exacerbates chronic pain.
Researchers create systematic map of pain acuity distribution across body, revealing surprising similarities with touch sensitivity. The study uses lasers to cause pain in healthy volunteers and a rare patient lacking touch sensation, demonstrating that pain acuity does not rely on touch.
A new online training module improved medical student clinical skills in evaluating chronic pain, with 93% of exposed students passing an exam compared to 60% of non-exposed students. The module is the first curriculum resource created through the NIH Pain Consortium's Centers of Excellence in Pain Education program.
A study published in Pain journal found a genetic link between four common chronic pain syndromes, including IBS, musculoskeletal pain, pelvic pain, and dry eye disease. The research team analyzed over 8,000 twin pairs and concluded that each of the conditions is heritable, with a common genetic pathway estimated to be 66% heritable.
A study found that certain genes, such as DRD1 and COMT, are associated with low, moderate, or high pain perception. The discovery may lead to new therapies and better understanding of chronic pain.
Women with PVD (vulvar vestibulitis) who regulate their emotions in a satisfactory manner are more fulfilled sexually and relationally. Effective emotional communication can improve pain management and overall quality of life for couples.
A study by the University of Warwick found that sleep quality is a key driver of daytime physical activity in chronic pain patients. Engaging in physical activity can be a crucial treatment process for managing chronic pain. By improving sleep quality, sufferers may overcome their motivation to stay inactive due to pain.
Chronic pain researchers found that individuals with chronic tension-type headache exhibited impaired neuroplasticity, affecting their brain's ability to change and adapt. This discovery could lead to more targeted treatments for patients.
A comprehensive review by the American Psychological Association highlights psychologists' expertise in addressing chronic pain. Successful treatment approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, and hypnosis, which offer more relief than prescription drugs or surgery.
Chronic musculoskeletal pain affects an estimated 100 million Americans, with low back pain and degenerative joint processes being common causes. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not effective in many chronic pain scenarios, but antidepressants and anticonvulsants can provide remarkable relief.
Researchers at University of Utah developed Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement, reducing opioid misuse and pain-related impairment in chronic pain patients. The new treatment combines mindfulness training, reappraisal, and savoring to address underlying processes involved in chronic pain and opioid misuse.
Chronic pain affects an estimated 20-25% of the population worldwide and is caused by various factors such as nerve injuries and osteoarthritis. Researchers found that serotonin release from the brain stem into the spinal cord activates TRPV1, making it hyperactive in injured V2 and uninjured V3 branches.
A voxel-based morphometry study reveals regional gray matter volume abnormalities in chronic back pain patients compared to upper back pain patients. Gray matter atrophy affects perception and modulation of chronic pain, with subcortical increases found only in low back pain patients.
Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, have identified a new natural compound in a traditional Chinese medicine plant that relieves chronic pain. The compound, dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB), acts on dopamine receptors and shows promise for treating low-level chronic pain without losing effectiveness over time.
Researchers used brain imaging to track pregabalin's effects on fibromyalgia patients, finding reduced glutamate levels and decreased insula connectivity. This study suggests a future of targeted brain imaging approaches for chronic widespread pain treatment.
A new study suggests that early life stress can lead to increased sensitivity to pain in adulthood, particularly if followed by later stress exposure. The study found that rats subjected to early-life maternal neglect showed enhanced muscle pain in response to mild stress as adults.
Research by Tel Aviv University researchers shows that torture survivors experience diminished pain inhibition and heightened pain excitation, leading to dysfunctional pain regulation. Non-physical forms of torture, such as psychological oppression and humiliation, may also contribute to chronic pain and poor pain regulation.
Researchers develop a new molecule combining elements of Botox and tetanus toxin to alleviate inflammatory pain, offering potential relief for chronic pain conditions and epilepsy. The engineered molecule could improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic pain with a single injection providing prolonged pain relief.
Researchers analyzed conversations between chronic pain patients and their physicians about opioid treatment, revealing three patterns of physician responses: reassurance, avoidance, and gathering information. The study emphasizes the crucial role of a strong therapeutic alliance in discussing risks and benefits of opioid treatment.
BMC has been approved to receive two research awards from PCORI, focusing on socio-legal barriers in cancer care and effective treatments for chronic pain. The hospital's commitment to innovative health care delivery is highlighted through these studies.
A new Pain and Interoception Imaging Network (PAIN) will feature hundreds of brain scans and clinical information to tease out similarities and differences between chronic-pain conditions. The database aims to improve research and treatment development for conditions like migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.