Articles tagged with Chronic Pain
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 $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.
Research has shown that people with hip osteoarthritis are unable to activate their muscles as efficiently due to the brain's inhibitory response. Dr. Myles Murphy and his team investigated muscle function in patients with hip osteoarthritis, finding a strong correlation between muscle activation and joint degeneration.
A Rutgers Health study found that 71% of chronic pain patients supported federal legalization of medical cannabis, while 59% of physicians held similar views. Personal experience and education on cannabis use played significant roles in shaping attitudes among both groups.
The University of Minnesota Medical School is studying the epigenetic factors of low back pain using a five-year, $3.2 million grant. This research aims to identify new treatments targeting disc degeneration and chronic back pain.
Veterinary scientists at Université de Montréal have created a way to scan the brains of cats while they're awake by concealing electrodes in crocheted wool caps. This new technique uses electroencephalograms (EEGs) and can help alleviate chronic pain in cats.
A new study from the University of South Australia highlights the importance of validating children's pain experiences to prevent chronic pain. Researchers found that by demonstrating acceptance, understanding, and legitimacy, parents and doctors can help children feel heard and believed, leading to better emotional regulation skills a...
A new $4 million grant aims to test auricular point acupressure as a treatment for chronic pain in rural populations. The project, led by UTHealth Houston and USC, will use a smartphone app to guide patients through self-administered ear stimulation.
A new review found that one-third of children with chronic pain also meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder, while one in eight meets the criteria for a depressive disorder. The study suggests that clinicians should consider screening for mental health issues when treating young patients with chronic pain.
A new study reveals that mindfulness meditation reduces pain intensity and unpleasantness ratings by directly modifying how we experience pain. Unlike the placebo cream, which only affects brain activity patterns associated with the placebo effect, mindfulness meditation employs a separate neural pathway to alleviate pain.
Researchers at the University of Utah developed Diadem, a noninvasive device that stimulates deep brain regions to disrupt faulty signals causing chronic pain. In a recent clinical trial, participants experienced significant pain relief after just one treatment session.
A new UBC Okanagan study emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing neuropathic pain in high-performance athletes with spinal cord injuries. The research stresses the need for sports medicine clinicians and trainers to use standardized assessment tools, including symptom-based questionnaires, to better understand and communi...
Scalable telehealth mindfulness-based interventions show promise in treating chronic pain by improving function and reducing symptoms. The low-resource approach could accelerate the adoption of nonpharmacological pain treatment in healthcare systems.
A randomized clinical trial tested the effectiveness of two eight-week telehealth mindfulness-based interventions, finding they improved pain and overall well-being among veterans with chronic pain. The scalable format made it accessible for patients, suggesting a potential solution to accelerate non-medication pain treatment.
A review of 148 studies found nearly one in ten patients experience opioid dependence or disorder, while nearly one in three show symptoms. The study emphasizes the need for accurate estimates to develop effective interventions and manage the problem.
Mark Lumley, a distinguished professor at Wayne State University, received the 2024 Nathan W. Perry Jr. Award for Career Service to Health Psychology. He was recognized for his decades-long contributions to the field of health psychology, particularly in chronic pain disorders.
A new study uses artificial intelligence to predict which breast cancer patients are most at risk for developing chronic pain, with anxiety and depression being leading factors. The AI model was built with detailed data on over 1,000 breast cancer patients and correctly predicted chronic pain more than 80% of the time.
Researchers found that adults with chronic pain experience higher rates of anxiety and depression but access mental health care at lower rates. Only 44.4% of those with chronic pain received adequate treatment for their symptoms, compared to 71.5% without chronic pain.
Researchers identified a viable path to developing a novel therapy that would make opioids more effective and safer as a treatment for chronic pain. The study found that selective Hsp90 inhibitors amplified the pain-relieving effects of morphine, reducing tolerance and side effects.
A cross-sectional study of CTE patients found that years of contact sports participation are linked to substantia nigra pathology, leading to parkinsonism. The study suggests that repetitive head impacts may trigger neuropathologic processes in individuals with CTE.
Researchers found that a specific gene variation in women with chronic pelvic pain makes them more likely to respond to the medication gabapentin. The study could lead to tailored treatment and minimize adverse effects for millions of women worldwide.
A team of researchers has identified the PIEZO2 protein as a critical mediator of sensory signals that maintain chronic pain. The study found that gain-of-function mutations in the PIEZO2 gene can mimic the effects of chronic pain in C-fibers, suggesting a new target for pain medication.
A new study found that surgical weight loss significantly reduces widespread pain in Black and Hispanic patients, with the greatest benefit seen within the first three months after surgery. However, disparities persist, with these groups still experiencing a higher pain burden than the general population.
A new study reveals that military women and female family members face significantly higher risks of chronic pain, with those serving during periods of heightened combat deployments facing a 53% higher likelihood of developing the condition. The study also found associations between chronic pain, mental health, and socioeconomic status.