Articles tagged with Chronic Pain
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...
Researchers at State University of Campinas found that physical exercise prevents the transition from acute to chronic muscle pain by activating an anti-inflammatory signaling pathway in immune cells. This can lead to the development of new treatments for muscle pain, potentially reducing opioid consumption.
A new study shows that enhancing emotional processing through therapeutic intervention is an effective approach to managing chronic pain. The trial demonstrated a significant reduction in pain intensity and improved emotional regulation among participants who received the novel eHealth intervention, Pain and Emotion Therapy.
Researchers developed AI technology to detect patterns in gut bacteria, identifying complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) with remarkable accuracy. The study found a common 'microbiome signature' connected to CRPS, potentially leading to advances in diagnosis and treatment.
This study examines the effectiveness of combining microvascular decompression with nerve combing for patients with atypical trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic pain condition that does not respond well to conventional treatments. The procedure has shown promising results in reducing pain levels and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center have received a $1.94 million grant to study inhibitors that target peripheral neuropathic pain. The project aims to develop novel non-opioid and non-addicting therapies capable of effectively managing chronic pain.
Dr. Rhonda Winegar investigates the effectiveness of music therapy in supporting neurological care, including its ability to reduce anxiety and depression in Alzheimer's patients. Her research also highlights its potential to regulate heart rate and blood pressure, as well as improve motor function in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
A team of scientists at the University of Florida has developed a new drug compound that selectively targets delta opioid receptors, providing pain relief without the dangerous side effects associated with opioids. The study's findings offer a promising approach to developing safer pain treatments, which could also be applied to treati...
A new randomized clinical trial found that mindfulness-based therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy improved physical function, quality of life, and reduced pain among adults with opioid-treated chronic low back pain. The benefits persisted for up to 12 months.
The American College of Physicians issues Best Practice Advice for managing chronic noncancer pain with cannabis or cannabinoids. For most patients, common treatments should be recommended first due to limited evidence and known harms associated with cannabis and cannabinoid products.
Researchers discovered a mechanism that harnesses immune cells to produce opioids, potentially alleviating chronic pain. Estrogen and progesterone drive this process, which could lead to more effective treatments for women experiencing pain after menopause.
Patients prescribed medicinal cannabis in Australia showed long-term improvements in overall health-related quality of life, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. The study, which recruited over 2,300 participants, also found improvements in anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain for those with corresponding conditions.
Recent studies published in Behavioral Medicine and Alcohol explore the link between pain and substance use among emerging adults. Individuals with moderate to severe pain are more likely to start using cannabis over a four-year period, often taking it up earlier, and are also at higher risk of mixing it with alcohol.
The American Society for Nutrition will host NUTRITION 2025, bringing together experts to explore topics such as diet, sleep, cardiovascular health, adolescence, and chronic pain. The event features original research studies, scientific symposia, and networking events, offering a platform for the latest nutrition science findings.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that the rubber hand illusion reduces perceived pain intensity when a heat stimulus is applied to one hand while simultaneously illuminating a rubber hand. This phenomenon, known as visual analgesia, could potentially be used in treating complex regional pain syndrome.
Venetia Zachariou, a BU professor, receives a Distinguished Investigator award to research G protein pathways in opioid analgesia. The goal is to block addiction-related effects while enhancing analgesic properties.
Researchers found that female rodents experience heightened pain sensitivity due to activation of Panx1 channels releasing leptin, a hormone associated with increased pain sensitivity. This study aims to personalize treatment for patients and may explain the over-representation of women experiencing chronic pain compared to men.
Research at the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that certain terpenes in Cannabis sativa are effective at relieving post-surgical and fibromyalgia pain in preclinical models. Terpenes have been shown to provide significant pain relief in mouse models, with geraniol providing the most significant level of pain relief.
A global analysis of 375 published studies reveals that 40% of adults with chronic pain experience clinically significant depression and anxiety. The study emphasizes the need for routine screening, better access to specialty care, and innovative therapies to address this significant public health concern.
A new rat study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine suggests that biological differences in males and females may contribute to the gender disparity in opioid misuse. Female rats with chronic pain showed no increase in opioid intake, whereas male rats increased their fentanyl consumption over time.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that approximately 40% of adults with chronic pain experience clinically significant depression and anxiety. Women, younger people, and those with nociplastic pain are most vulnerable to these conditions.
Researchers developed a custom-designed compound that mimics natural cannabis molecules to alleviate chronic pain without psychoactive side effects. The modified synthetic cannabinoid compound showed promise as a nonaddictive pain reliever, offering prolonged relief and minimizing tolerance.
Research reveals nearly 10% of individuals with disabilities misused prescription drugs in the past year, compared to 4.4% without disabilities. Young adults and those with cognitive disabilities are particularly vulnerable to prescription drug misuse.
Surgical adhesions form after surgery, causing severe complications like bowel obstructions, chronic pain, and infertility. A new report explores solutions to this widespread problem, including the development of standardized tools and innovative treatments.
A study analyzing millions of U.S. prescriptions over 10 years found that co-prescribed stimulants and opioids are associated with escalating opioid intake. Patients taking both stimulants and opioids had a higher average monthly intake of morphine milligram equivalents (MME) compared to those taking only opioids.
Experts disagree on how to treat chronic pain, with some believing long-term opioid therapy is beneficial and others that it should be discontinued. The study highlights the need for individualized care decisions that weigh relative harms and benefits.
A new treatment for post-amputation pain may have reduced residual limb pain and opioid dependence, according to a Northwestern Medicine study. Hydrodissection, a simple procedure that injects fluid around nerves, showed significant improvements in pain relief and mental health benefits.
A University of Cincinnati researcher has been awarded a $2.1 million grant to investigate postoperative pain at the molecular and cellular levels. The goal is to develop new, safer non-addictive treatments for chronic pain conditions, including lower back pain and pain associated with diabetes or chemotherapy treatments.
McGill researchers found that music at an individual's natural tempo significantly reduces pain perceptions. The study discovered the greatest reductions in pain levels occurred when melodies were played at a rate matching the participant's own preferred tempo.
A new randomized controlled trial found that pain coping skills training (PCST) significantly reduced chronic pain in dialysis patients, enabling them to perform daily activities with less interference. PCST, a 12-week coaching session followed by automated voice response sessions, addressed pain-related anxiety and stress.
A study by TU Wien found that nerve stimulation is more effective when synchronized with the body's natural rhythms, particularly during systole and inspiration. This technology has potential for non-invasive treatment of chronic diseases.
A new study has identified two biomarkers, corticomotor excitability and peak alpha frequency, that can accurately distinguish high- and low-pain sensitive individuals. This finding has the potential to transform the way chronic pain is understood and managed, allowing for more effective treatment strategies.
Researchers developed a novel cortical biomarker signature to predict individual pain sensitivity, showcasing high accuracy and reproducibility. The study suggests this biomarker has substantial potential for clinical translation in predicting chronic pain transitions.
A new study from UC Davis reveals a concerning decline in residents applying to pain medicine fellowship programs, with female physicians dropping 27.5%. This could lead to longer wait times and reduced treatment options for patients suffering from chronic pain.
A pilot study found that qigong significantly decreases chronic low back pain in US military veterans, improving physical function and reducing sleep disturbance. The holistic practice also showed positive effects on PTSD, depression, anxiety, and social roles, highlighting its potential as a nonpharmacological treatment option.
A new study aims to address pain treatment disparities by empowering Black patients with chronic pain and depression to find safe, effective approaches. The EQUIPD intervention uses individual coaching to help patients work through different non-medication treatment options.
Scientists at Indian Institute of Science have found how diverse neurons across different brain regions work together to control chronic pain in mice. The lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) plays a key role in driving chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, allowing mice to cope with or suppress pain.
A large UK-wide study has identified specific clusters of long-term health conditions associated with lower quality of life, particularly those linked to chronic pain, depression, and cardiovascular disease. The findings highlight the need for tailored treatment approaches for patients with multiple long-term health conditions.
A $5 million NIH grant will support research on the causes of chronic post-surgical pain, with the goal of developing personalized risk-assessment, prevention, and management tools. The study will examine genetic, molecular, neuro-immune, and behavioral patterns in over 300 surgery patients to identify key contributors to pain.
A Virginia Tech student is exploring a potential new treatment avenue for Lupus using DNA-like molecules, with the goal of alleviating symptoms and reducing organ damage. The researcher's approach has shown promise in cell cultures and may lead to less invasive treatments that harness the body's natural immune responses.
A new study published in the journal Nutres found that adopting a healthy diet can reduce the severity of chronic pain, regardless of body weight. The research, conducted by the University of South Australia, explored associations between body fat, diet, and pain and found that higher consumption of core foods was directly associated w...
Researchers at NYU Pain Research Center have found a new receptor for nerve growth factor that plays an important role in pain signaling. The discovery holds promise for finding new treatments for arthritis and other forms of inflammatory and cancer pain without the side effects of recent therapies.
A 10-minute brain scan can predict the effectiveness of a risky spinal surgery to alleviate intractable pain. The study found that patients who responded better to spinal cord stimulation therapy had weaker connections between certain brain networks.
A wearable electrical nerve stimulation device has been shown to provide significant relief from long COVID symptoms such as pain and fatigue. Researchers found that the high-dose TENS group experienced notable improvements in pain relief and walking ability.
MD Anderson researchers have made significant advancements in treating chronic pain, myelodysplastic syndrome, and rare cancers. A novel treatment for chronic pain has been developed with reduced side effects, while targeted therapies like canakinumab show promise for personalized approaches.
Researchers at Linköping University pinpointed the exact location of a specific calcium channel fine-tuning pain signals. This knowledge can be used to develop drugs for chronic pain that are more effective and have fewer side effects.
A systematic review and network meta-analysis found spinal cord stimulation therapies to be more effective in reducing chronic back and leg pain. These findings suggest spinal cord stimulation as a valuable option for chronic pain management.
Researchers trained an AI model on goat faces in pain, achieving 62-80% accuracy. This technology may help clinicians treat pain effectively in patients who cannot speak. The goal is to develop a more generalizable system for pain assessment in animals and eventually humans.
A recent study found that effective physician-patient communication during the initial consultation helps patients manage their uncertainties, including fears, anxieties, and confidence in coping with their condition. The study revealed that informational competence and socioemotional communication competence are crucial for reducing p...
A study by Northwestern University found that cross-talk between the hippocampus and cortex can predict chronic pain, with higher anxiety levels increasing precision. The researchers suggest targeting anxiety after injury to prevent chronic pain, paving the way for novel treatments.
A team of researchers, funded by ARPA-H, aims to create an objective quantitative tool to assess pain in patients. They will use biomarkers such as stress hormones and neurotransmitters to generate a composite panel of markers that can be monitored on a portable device.
A team led by Timothy Sell will investigate cervical spine injuries in special forces combat soldiers, analyzing design features and risk factors for injury prevention. The study aims to develop interventions to reduce chronic pain and disability among military personnel.
The University of Minnesota Medical School is studying how pain influences drinking behavior, particularly in individuals with chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain. Researchers aim to identify new treatment targets to help people with pain avoid alcohol-related problems.
A recent study found that smokers report higher rates of chronic pain, poor mental health, and severe work limitations due to pain. Quitting smoking can reduce prescription opioid use and associated health problems, emphasizing the need for integrated treatment programs.