Articles tagged with Chronic Pain
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 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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.