Articles tagged with Chronic Pain
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Researchers used brain imaging technique to examine patterns of brain connectivity in adults with chronic back pain and without. They found specific brain regions became less connected, predicting worsening chronic pain, suggesting potential biomarker for chronic pain perception.
Researchers have developed a computer algorithm that accurately predicts lower back pain in patients 76% of the time using brain scans. The study suggests structural changes in gray matter are associated with chronic lower back pain and may reflect pathology within the brain.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool are leading a £1.5 million project to trial `immunoglobulin' in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The study aims to explore the potential benefits of this new treatment approach for people with severe chronic pain.
A cross-sectional study of over 5,370 adolescents found a significant association between parental chronic pain and chronic pain in offspring. The study suggests that family pain models and shared environmental factors play an important role in the origin of chronic pain.
Researchers discovered a specific mutation in the sodium channel Nav1.7 that predicts which chronic pain patients will respond to carbamazepine treatment. The study offers hope for more systematic and effective treatment of chronic pain, potentially benefiting millions of Americans suffering from the condition.
A study of 29 randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective than no treatment or sham acupuncture for managing some types of chronic pain. Patients who received acupuncture had lower pain scores compared to those in control groups.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed novel compounds targeting the glycine receptor to treat chronic pain without sedative effects. The project aims to create a safe and effective oral tablet, addressing a huge unmet medical need for 20% of adults in Europe and the US.
A study by University of Melbourne researchers found that doctors often fail to warn patients of risks affecting quality of life, particularly chronic pain and sexual dysfunction. To avoid 'he said/she said' disputes, keeping a clear record of consent discussions is key.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that women with vulvodynia are at a higher risk for other chronic pain conditions. The study showed that millions of women suffer from unexplained vulvar pain that can severely impact daily life.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center are implementing a new model of care in primary care settings to decrease opioid misuse and addiction among patients with chronic pain. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of standardized practice guidelines and tools to improve provider monitoring and patient care.
Chronic pain patients with depression are more likely to misuse opioids, and primary care physicians should take a leading role in setting opioid prescribing standards. Safer alternatives like physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective treatments for chronic pain.
Researchers found that viewing media coverage of terrorist attacks increased pain levels and sensory component of pain in people already suffering from chronic pain. Stress and media exposure were also strongly related.
A Northwestern University study found that chronic pain develops when two brain sections communicate excessively, increasing the likelihood of chronic pain. Researchers predicted with 85% accuracy which participants would develop chronic pain based on brain scan data.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring protein involved in generating chronic pain in rats, which could lead to new therapeutic treatments. The discovery highlights the impact of molecular signalling events on nerve transmission and offers promising avenues for pain relief.
Researchers at UCSF have successfully treated chronic neuropathic pain in mice by transplanting immature embryonic nerve cells into the spinal cord. The transplanted cells integrated into the nerve circuitry, forming synapses and signaling pathways with neighboring neurons, leading to a significant reduction in pain hypersensitivity.
A recent study by McGill University researchers has identified a key gene affecting chronic pain sensitivity, offering a potential new approach to individualized therapy. The findings suggest that targeting the pore-forming function of P2X7 receptors may provide relief for patients with genetically inherited low pain sensitivity.
A study published in Archives of Surgery found that total extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty (TEP) associated with lower chronic pain and improved sensation after inguinal hernia repair. However, TEP was linked to a higher incidence of operative complications.
The study found that primary care physicians need training on monitoring opioids and assessing risk factors, whereas specialists emphasize the importance of formulating treatment plans and teaching medication safety. The findings highlight the need for targeted education programs to improve public health.
A team of scientists has identified a key player in the amplification of pain signals in the spinal cord, which could lead to the development of novel treatments for chronic pain. By removing an enzyme called PKG-1 from pain-sensing nerves, researchers found that LTP was abolished and pain-related memory and behavior were also altered.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that living in a poor neighborhood worsens chronic pain for young adults. The research highlights the importance of considering structural barriers and access to resources in pain management.
Researchers developed a visual tool to help doctors assess patients' pain levels by analyzing their movement patterns, providing a more precise assessment than traditional questionnaires. The new 'barcode' tool offers a dynamic view of a patient's condition, enabling doctors to monitor progress and adapt treatment accordingly.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered that erasing neuronal memories of pain can reduce both persistent pain and heightened sensitivity to touch. By blocking the activity of a protein kinase, they were able to reverse hypersensitivity to pain in neurons.
A new therapeutic strategy using a single injection of fibronectin has shown potential to improve patient outcomes in treating chronic neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury. This approach inhibits the development of mechanical allodynia, a common type of chronic pain experienced by spinal cord injury patients.
A major public health campaign is needed to address the epidemic of unnecessary suffering caused by acute and chronic pain in the US. The need for improved education, particularly among physicians, is highlighted as a key challenge.
A systematic review of chronic pain in children and adolescents found that most types of pain are more prevalent in girls than in boys, with headache being the most common studied pain type. The prevalence rates of childhood pain have increased over the last several decades, highlighting the need for early interventions.
A recent UCSF study suggests that combining cannabinoids with opiates may lead to greater pain relief for chronic pain patients. The study found that patients who received both treatments experienced significant reductions in pain scores, with some showing a 33% decrease in morphine use.
Researchers identified increased sensitivity to pain stimuli, altered heart rate responses, and genetic variations in patients with chronic TMJD. The study also found that socio-economic status does not correlate with TMJD incidence, contrasting with other chronic pain conditions.
A new UCI study reveals that many children suffer from chronic postoperative pain, with 13% reporting lingering pain for months after surgery. The researchers emphasize the need for improved pediatric care and effective pain management strategies within 48 hours of surgery.
Researchers have developed a diagnostic tool that uses brain activity patterns to give an objective physiologic assessment of pain, accurately predicting thermal pain in healthy subjects 81% of the time. The study aims to improve detection and treatment of chronic pain.
A new commentary in The FASEB Journal emphasizes the importance of using only FDA-approved diagnostic tools for chronic Lyme disease. Patients should demand proof of safety and benefit before beginning treatment, as some treatments have little scientific evidence to support their effectiveness.
Chronic pain affects an estimated 500,000 Canadians aged 12-44 and 38% of seniors living at home, highlighting the need for better care strategies. Experts recommend a broad approach to increase pain management expertise through education, technology, and supported self-care.
Researchers used a new imaging technique to study brain activity in patients with chronic low back pain, finding increased activity in specific brain regions during worsening pain episodes. The study provides insights into the basic physiology of pain processing and may lead to tailored therapies.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that nearly half of homeless people with chronic pain use street drugs to treat their condition, highlighting the need for improved approaches to managing chronic pain in this population. The study also highlights the importance of community outreach programs and education for healthcare provider...
The study highlights large gaps in the evidence base for treating chronic non-cancer pain, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach that considers physical and emotional functioning. Researchers urge further investigation into combination treatments to identify effective therapies for specific patient characteristics.
Despite new guidelines and educational efforts, up to 75% of surgical patients in the USA still fail to receive adequate post-op pain relief. New pain medications and techniques under development could help improve symptom relief for patients.
A molecular imaging procedure using PET/CT and F18 NaF radiotracer accurately diagnoses and manages chronic back pain by pinpointing the source of abnormal bone reaction. In a study, this method was found to be highly effective in more than 85% of cases, providing relief for patients with hardware implants or bone grafts.
Improved pain management can significantly reduce disability in older adults, associated with increased sleep difficulty and numerous problems. Strategies include physical activity, pain protocol interventions, and medication use to optimize patient well-being.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a link between two major biological pathways involved in pain, which may pave the way for new treatments. The study found that inhibitors of the enzyme sEH can alleviate debilitating pain by targeting the messenger cAMP.
Primary care providers experience stress and guilt when managing chronic pain, often feeling ineffective and frustrated. Strategies to ease these frustrations are crucial for improving pain management from both patient and provider perspectives.
Chronic pain affects up to 30% of adults in Europe, impacting everyday lives and workability. Patients find managing pain requires adapting lifestyle, discovering new ways to express themselves, and engaging in activities that bring joy and social interaction.
The new guidelines, published in CMAJ, focus on identifying and managing fractures and assessing risk. Current data indicate that many fracture patients are not appropriately assessed or treated, highlighting the need for improved management of osteoporosis and fragility fractures.
Research by Elizabeth Sweeney examines how biomedical tests diagnose and define pain, leading to emotional suffering for patients with unexplained conditions. The study analyzes over 20 articles from the journal Pain®, highlighting challenges in diagnosing chronic pain.
Research suggests that women experience chronic pain longer, more intensely, and more often than men due to hormonal and social factors. Treating both physical and mental symptoms is crucial for effective management of chronic pain in women.
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have identified a gene associated with chronic pain susceptibility in humans. They found that genetic variants of Cacng2 were significantly associated with chronic pain in breast cancer patients after breast removal surgery, suggesting a potential link between genetics and pain perception.
Researchers have identified a gene, CACGN2, associated with chronic pain susceptibility in humans. The study suggests that genetic variants in this gene may contribute to individual differences in chronic pain experience.
A new study found that meditation lessens the perception of pain in individuals with a higher level of meditation experience. This method may have potential as an additional therapy option for treating chronic pain.
Researchers found over 2,000 genes reprogrammed in peripheral nervous system of rodent models, leading to potential 'transcription therapy' for chronic pain. The study's high-throughput sequencing revealed novel exons and gene candidates, offering a new approach for neuroscientific research.
A U-M study reveals that socio-economic factors, particularly race and age, significantly influence the use of alternative therapies like acupuncture and biofeedback in chronic pain patients. As people age, they are more likely to seek alternative therapies to manage chronic pain.
A University of Michigan Health System study found black men with chronic pain experience more severe symptoms, leading to increased disability and depression. The study highlights the need for a culturally appropriate approach to caring for black men with chronic pain.
Research reveals chronic pain changes brain activity in response to acute pain, predicting worsening of ongoing back pain. The nucleus accumbens plays a key role in this process, with altered activity patterns in patients compared to healthy controls.
Researchers at MDC developed a system to investigate ion channel function in mammals and block them with neurotoxins. They used genetic engineering to deliver toxin genes into neurons, enabling long-lasting investigation of ion channels and blockade of chronic pain.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a single low dose infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) significantly reduces pain in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), improving quality of life. The treatment has few adverse effects and can be repeated every four weeks.
Health consumers must become informed advocates for comprehensive pain treatment as physicians struggle with inadequate training and fear of prescription drug abuse. Long-term solutions require education, responsibility, and collaboration among all parties involved.
A new study reveals that chronic musculoskeletal pain in older adults significantly increases their risk of falls. The research found that participants with chronic pain in two or more joints had a 50% greater risk of falling compared to those with no pain.
Chronic musculoskeletal pain in two or more locations and high levels of severe pain are linked to a higher risk of falls in older adults. The study found that participants who reported chronic pain had an increased rate of falls, with those reporting the highest levels of pain severity also at elevated risk.
A study of 3,754 women found that nearly 50% experience pain symptoms 2-3 years after breast cancer treatment, with young age and supplemental radiation therapy increasing the risk. The most common areas affected by pain are the axilla, arm, breast area, and side of the body.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine developed an integrated treatment program combining cognitive processing therapy for PTSD and cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain management. The pilot study found significant benefits in reducing symptoms of PTSD and chronic pain among veterans.
Chronic pain affects 80% of those living with it, and up to 10% gain access to effective treatments; a national strategy is long overdue to address the issue's significant economic and personal burden.
A recent study found that healthcare staff and relatives struggle to accurately diagnose pain levels in nursing home residents, particularly those with cognitive impairments. The researchers recommend increasing education on non-drug pain management strategies, such as massage, mobility, and music therapy, to improve care.
Researchers at the University of Michigan used brain imaging to study the effects of acupuncture on chronic pain. They found that traditional Chinese acupuncture increases binding availability of mu-opoid receptors in regions processing and dampening pain signals, leading to reduced pain levels.