Articles tagged with Chronic 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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have created a slow-release anesthetic drug-delivery system, showing promise for prolonged pain relief without toxicity in rats. The formulation, using liposomes to package saxitoxin, produced nerve blocks lasting two days or seven days when combined with dexamethasone.
A new standardized tool for assessing chronic pain has been developed and validated to differentiate between peripheral neuropathic pain and non-neuropathic low back pain. The tool, called STEP, takes just 10-15 minutes to administer and has been shown to have high diagnostic accuracy.
A collaborative care intervention improved pain-related disability and intensity in patients with chronic noncancer pain compared to usual care. The program, which included patient and clinician education and symptom monitoring, showed significant improvements in depression and functional status.
A Mayo Clinic study found a correlation between inadequate vitamin D levels and the amount of narcotic medication taken by patients with chronic pain. Patients with low vitamin D levels were taking nearly twice as much pain medication, experiencing worse physical functioning and overall health perception.
A recent study in mice found that high levels of EAAT2 protein decreased abdominal pain by 50-70%. The protein acts on glutamate, preventing it from interacting with receptors that send pain signals. Researchers hope EAAT2 may treat visceral pain associated with gastrointestinal disorders like IBS.
Researchers at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine discovered a link between chronic pain and brain rewiring in complex region pain syndrome (CRPS). The study found changes in the brain's white matter, which dispatch messages between neurons, contributing to the condition.
The study found that individuals with depression exhibit increased activation in the right amygdala during painful stimulation, while displaying decreased activation in areas responsible for pain modulation. This suggests a relationship between depression and pain perception, with potential implications for treatment outcomes.
Researchers found black patients with chronic pain were less likely to have their weight or BMI recorded, despite being at higher risk for obesity. Obesity contributes to greater disability and poorer functioning over and above the impact of pain level.
A new two-week self-management programme significantly reduces healthcare visits, pain scores, and health distress in arthritis patients with chronic pain. The programme's benefits were sustained for six months with continued improvements up to a year later.
Recent studies on pain medicine highlight the need for personalized treatment approaches. Researchers found that opioid therapy often lacks sufficient trial duration to determine its effectiveness for chronic pain sufferers.
A University of Iowa study reveals a biological link between pain and fatigue, with a protein called ASIC3 playing a crucial role in protecting against muscle fatigue in women. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome due to hormonal differences.
According to a study of 3,047 trauma patients, most experience moderately severe pain one year after injury. Pain severity is highest in joints and extremities, and varies by age and sex, with younger adults more likely to experience pain than older adults.
The American Academy of Pain Medicine acknowledges chronic pain as a major disease entity, requiring targeted therapies. Studies estimate over 76 million Americans experience chronic pain, resulting in $1.85 billion annual cost.
Researchers present studies on the relationship between smoking and neuropathic pain, the benefits of physical conditioning in chronic pain patients, and the effectiveness of pain rehabilitation programs in reducing medication costs. These findings highlight the importance of addressing underlying causes of chronic pain and exploring n...
A study by Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine found that chronic pain disrupts the equilibrium of the brain's regions, leading to permanent damage. This constant firing of neurons can alter connections and even cause death.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a novel targeted gene therapy that simulates the pain-killing effect of opiate drugs, providing relief for more than three months after a single injection. The technique targets selectively the pain gate, avoiding unwanted side effects associated with opioid painkillers.
Researchers found peroxynitrite plays a crucial role in opiate-induced antinociceptive tolerance in mice. Accumulation of tyrosine-nitrated proteins and oxidative DNA damage were associated with this process.
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 study at McGill University Health Centre shows that combining methadone with innovative case management can provide relief for patients with chronic pain. The program, which includes regular phone calls and a pain diary, resulted in 57% of patients being satisfied or very satisfied after nine months.
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.
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.
Scientists have identified the TRPM8 receptor as responsible for sensing cold, which also mediates pain perception. The study provides a target for treating acute and chronic 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.
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.
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.
A new review of studies found that psychological interventions are effective in reducing pain intensity and improving health-related quality of life. These approaches also yield improvements in depression, work-related disability, and daily living.
A randomized controlled trial found that osteoarthritis patients who received acupuncture treatment in addition to routine care showed significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life. The study's results suggest that acupuncture can be an effective treatment option for OA patients, with benefits lasting beyond the therapy period.
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 large study found that patients with IBS are 60% more likely to suffer from depression, migraine, or chronic pain compared to those without IBS. Individuals with IBS were also 40% more likely to experience depression and 60% more likely to suffer from migraine.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
New research suggests targeting affected nerves and spinal cords may provide relief from chronic neuropathic pain. The study found changes in spinal cord neurons after sciatic nerve constriction injury, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear.
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.
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.
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 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 have discovered that CRPS-I patients exhibit reduced small-fiber nerve endings, leading to abnormal neural function and increased sensitivity. The study provides an identified cause for the condition, shifting its classification from 'psychosomatic illness'.
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.
A study of people with fibromyalgia found those with greater hour-to-hour and day-to-day variability in their pain levels were more likely to respond to placebos. The researchers used electronic diaries to track participants' pain levels, which proved more accurate than previous methods.
A new study finds black women with chronic pain experience higher levels of disability, post-traumatic stress disorder, and emotional impairment compared to white women. The research emphasizes the need for improved access to quality pain care and a better understanding of minority patients' needs.
Researchers at UF found dextromethorphan, commonly used in cough remedies, reduces fibromyalgia 'wind-up' pain. The study suggests the drug may eventually be an option for treating fibromyalgia and other conditions involving heightened pain sensitivity.
Researchers studied brain activity in fibromyalgia patients to understand depression-pain connection. They found heightened sensitivity to pressure-induced pain in FM patients, regardless of depressive symptoms. The study suggests treating depression and physical pain separately for better outcomes.
A recent study found that fibromyalgia patients' level of depression has little impact on their intensity of pain experience, suggesting that treatments for each condition should be considered separately. Researchers hope that separating these two complex conditions can lead to more effective pain management.
Researchers found that people with fibromyalgia have similar average activity levels as those without the condition, but lower high-intensity activities. This study suggests a more nuanced understanding of fibromyalgia and could lead to changes in treatment.
A study by researchers at Michigan Medicine and the University of South Florida found a significant generation gap in chronic pain coping among black and white adults. Older adults generally scored higher on pain intensity and disability measurements, but younger adults experienced more depression symptoms and sleep disturbances.
Chronic pain is classified as a disease due to its definition in the Oxford English dictionary and persistence beyond initial symptoms. The financial costs of chronic pain are significant, comparable to those of cancer and heart disease.