Articles tagged with Chronic Pain
A study of 1,156 individuals aged 50+ found that those with more musculoskeletal pain complaints tended to retire earlier than pain-free participants. Chronic pain was also linked to a higher risk of ceasing work sooner, even after controlling for other factors.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth found that people with musculoskeletal pain complaints tend to retire earlier compared to pain-free participants. Participants suffering from musculoskeletal pain were also 1.25 times more likely to cease work sooner, whether or not they described themselves as retired.
A two-question survey identifies patients at risk of poor pain outcomes, who are then steered to holistic services with significant reductions in morphine dose. Holistic interventions, including pain management and behavioral health programs, lead to better outcomes than traditional chronic pain management approaches.
A new study by UArizona Health Sciences researchers found that sleep disturbances increase the vulnerability to migraine attacks. Improving sleep health may decrease the likelihood of migraine attacks in people with migraine. The study used preclinical mouse models and found no link between migraine-like pain and disrupted sleep.
A recent article recommends measuring meaningful outcomes such as pain interference, self-efficacy, and physical functioning to improve the evidence-base for music therapy within sickle cell disease populations. Music therapists can play an important role in chronic pain management by addressing stress, depressed mood, and loneliness.
A new study led by Worcester Polytechnic Institute aims to determine whether AI can help doctors predict which patients will benefit from mindfulness-based stress reduction in managing chronic lower back pain. The research uses machine learning and physiological data from fitness sensors to detect patterns that may not be apparent to d...
A recent survey of Norwegian adults found that one in eight individuals who underwent cosmetic surgery experienced chronic post-operative pain. The study highlights the increasing popularity of cosmetic procedures and the need for better awareness about potential complications, including chronic pain.
Researchers investigate the effectiveness and safety of the Angel Touch device (AT-04) in managing endometriosis-related pain. The study, led by Associate Professor Hiroshi Ishikawa at Chiba University, aims to assess the device's ability to alleviate pain and improve quality of life for women with the condition.
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute found applying low-intensity focused ultrasound to the brain can reduce pain perception, brain activity, and cardiac responses. The non-invasive technique may provide a new therapeutic option for chronic pain treatment.
Researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center developed a quality improvement project using routine pain screening, revealing 32.7% of patients reported persistent or chronic pain, with music therapy and art therapy preferred for managing pain.
Researchers used low-intensity focused ultrasound to target the insula, a brain region associated with pain processing. The study found that participants experienced an average reduction in pain of three-fourths of a point, as well as decreased physical responses to pain-induced stress.
Researchers found that the brain's pain modulatory system changes with age and gender, making females more sensitive to moderate pain as they get older. The study used fMRI scans to examine brain responses in men and women aged 30-86 and identified a key role for the descending pain modulatory system.
A recent study found disparities in access to integrative health and medicine, as well as nonpharmacologic therapies, among vulnerable populations with chronic pain. These findings highlight the need for policy changes to promote equitable access to these evidence-based modalities.
Gabapentinoid usage has continued to rise in the US, increasing from 4.0% in 2015 to 4.7% in 2021, according to a recent report. The study found that users continue to take these medications despite FDA warnings against combining them with other sedating medications.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that opioid prescription limits are effective in reducing prescription length when set according to the type of doctor visit. The study, which analyzed data from West Virginia from 2017-2019, showed a significant reduction in prescription lengths for patients in hospital and outpatient settings.
A clinical trial found that trazodone and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia were no more effective than placebo in improving insomnia symptoms among long-term dialysis patients. Serious adverse events also occurred more frequently with trazodone use. More trials are needed to investigate additional therapies for this condition.
A recent study from the University of Georgia found that over 70% of respondents with chronic pain would alter their daily plans based on weather-based pain forecasts. The study suggests that developing a reliable pain-based weather forecast could help individuals take preventative measures to manage their pain levels.
A nationwide Danish study found a slightly increased risk of arrhythmia in patients taking medical cannabis for chronic pain. The risk was more than twice that of those not receiving cannabis, with the largest increases observed in older adults and those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
Research from Michigan Medicine found that widespread pain with nociplastic features can make physical activity challenging for patients with multiple sclerosis. The study suggests tailoring exercise plans to individual needs by considering underlying pain mechanisms, aiming to maintain functional independence and reduce pain intensity.
A new study published in The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that approximately 60% of people living with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience chronic pain, even up to 30 years after injury. Chronic pain can significantly worsen outcomes for individuals with TBI, and medications are often the most frequently used treatment.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that individuals exposed to childhood trauma are at an increased risk of experiencing chronic pain and pain-related disability in adulthood. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to address adverse childhood experiences.
Researchers have developed a spinal cord stimulation technology that restores sensation, improves function, and reduces phantom limb pain after trans-tibial amputation. The study showed significant improvements in balance control and gait stability, with an average 70% reduction in phantom limb pain.
A new U-M study found that 72% of adults in the US have heard of CBD, while fewer are aware of other hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8-THC and CBG. The products' lack of regulation and inadequate safety testing pose health risks to consumers, especially young people.
A randomized clinical trial found that Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) plus usual care significantly decreased drug use, pain, and depression in individuals with opioid use disorder and chronic pain. Participants who received MORE also showed increased methadone treatment retention and adherence.
A study of over 20,000 middle-aged US adults found lower income status linked to increased hypertension risk. Higher-income adults faced rising rates of diabetes and obesity. Targeted public health initiatives are needed to address growing cardiovascular mortality among middle-aged adults.
A new study highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance among medical professionals in addressing chronic pain dependency. Patients describe feeling ignored and misunderstood, leading to feelings of shame and guilt.
Researchers have identified a small molecule that reverses four types of chronic pain in animal studies without troublesome side effects. The compound, CBD3063, binds to the inner region of a calcium channel, indirectly regulating its activity and reducing neurotransmitter release.
A recent study found that transient inflammatory pain causes persistent mitochondrial and metabolic disturbances in sensory neurons, leading to failure in pain resolution. Targeting the cellular redox balance prevents and treats chronic inflammatory pain in rodents.
A new study will test a two-step music therapy intervention to reduce pain, anxiety, and depression in veteran patients. The research aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of step 1 music listening and step 2 music imagery interventions.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies found 10 predictors of opioid overdose after prescription for chronic pain, including high-dose opioids, fentanyl prescription, and history of overdose. The risk of fatal and nonfatal overdose increased two- to six-fold with these factors.
A new study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that most Canadians with arthritis and debilitating chronic pain are free of all psychiatric disorders, including depression. More than half achieve excellent mental health, characterized by daily happiness, high social well-being, and freedom from anxiety and depressive dis...
A new study finds that racial and ethnic disparities in chronic pain after acute traumatic injury are driven by differences in the nature of and health care response to acute injuries. Factors associated with disparities include mechanism of injury, severity of injury, pain in the hospital, and length of hospital stay.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that reattribution of pain to mind or brain processes can lead to significant reductions in chronic back pain intensity. Participants who received pain reprocessing therapy reported being pain-free or nearly so after treatment, compared to those receiving placebo controls.
A new study, COOPERATE, provides tools to facilitate autonomy and control over individual’s own healthcare, resulting in improved patient activation, increased confidence in expressing pain-related goals, and better quality of life. The coaching program also showed a positive impact on depression and anxiety.
A new study found that nearly 1 in 20 adults in the US experience co-occurring chronic pain and anxiety or depression, resulting in functional limitations. The study analyzed data from 31,997 people and found that approximately 12 million people, or 4.9% of the adult population, have co-occurring symptoms.
A randomized clinical trial shows cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) reduces fibromyalgia pain and improves daily living. CBT alters brain connectivity to reduce catastrophizing, a key contributor to fibromyalgia symptoms.
A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduces fibromyalgia pain by decreasing pain-catastrophizing, a negative response that amplifies pain. CBT participants showed reduced connectivity between brain regions associated with self-awareness and emotional processing.
Medical cannabis use in Australian patients with chronic health issues is linked to significant improvements in overall health-related quality of life and fatigue levels. Patients also report clinically meaningful reductions in pain and moderate-severe anxiety and depression.
Chronic pain patients who take opioids need access to gold-standard multi-modal pain care, including physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and integrative medicine techniques. The experts recommend restructuring insurance models, enhancing provider education, and addressing racial inequities in care.
Chronic pain is often accompanied by depression and anxiety, with a feedback loop creating a bi-directional linkage between the two. Successful treatment of depression and anxiety improves pain outcomes, but neglecting psychological symptoms can lead to long-term suffering.
A new review paper suggests scrambler therapy can yield significant relief for approximately 80-90% of patients with chronic pain. The therapy works by capturing nerve endings and replacing pain signals with signals from adjacent areas, 'scrambling' the pain signals sent to the brain.
Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry developed a gene therapy that regulates sodium ion channel activity to alleviate chronic pain. By targeting the specific region where CRMP2 binds to NaV1.7, they were able to reduce sodium influx and quiet down neurons, providing relief from pain in cell and animal studies.
Researchers found that people generalize expectations of pain to conceptually related tasks, leading to avoided activities and reduced mobility. Participants learned to associate certain routes with pain and extended this association to other tasks in the same category.
The University of Sydney-led guidelines recommend personalized deprescribing plans and gradual dose reduction to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Clinicians should avoid abruptly stopping opioids without support or pain management plans, especially for patients with severe opioid use disorder.
A recent study found that Black former NFL players experience higher levels of chronic pain intensity and greater impact on daily life compared to white counterparts. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,995 former NFL players and controlled for various factors to find these racial disparities in pain outcomes.
A new study followed over 7,000 middle-aged and older Canadians for three years, finding that social participation was associated with successful aging. Those who engaged in volunteer work and recreational activities were more likely to maintain excellent health and less likely to develop physical or mental problems.
A new analysis of over 10,000 adults reveals that physically active individuals have higher pain tolerance than sedentary ones. The study suggests that boosting physical activity could be a potential strategy for easing chronic pain.
A significant increase in illicit ketamine seizures in the US has raised concerns about the risks of non-medical and recreational use, as well as the presence of fentanyl. The study found a 349% rise in seizures from 2017 to 2022, with the highest numbers reported in Tennessee, Florida, and California.
A new treatment has been developed to help people stop needing opioid painkillers for chronic pain, with promising results in a clinical trial. The intervention programme combines one-to-one and group support to guide individuals in coming off opioids, teaching them alternative techniques to manage their pain.
A new study found that marathon running causes significant damage to extrinsic foot muscles, while intrinsic muscles are less affected. The research suggests that marathon runners can take steps to prevent injuries by prioritizing recovery and muscle fatigue management.
Researchers have recorded pain-related data from inside the brains of individuals with chronic pain disorders, identifying an area associated with chronic pain and objective biomarkers. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, represent a step towards developing novel methods for tracking and treating chronic pain.
Researchers have identified a brain marker that may indicate future suicide risk, suggesting potential new treatments and prevention strategies. The study found differences in brain connections among veterans with a history of suicide attempts compared to those without, which could help identify individuals at risk.
The study reveals that US adults are disproportionately affected by chronic pain, with high incidence rates compared to other chronic conditions. The findings emphasize the need for early prevention and management strategies to mitigate the disease burden of chronic pain in the US population.
A new Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that patients with low pain self-efficacy are more likely to use daily prescribed opioids before surgery. Surgeons can use pain self-efficacy scores to identify high-risk patients and provide education and counseling to improve post-surgery outcomes.
A Cochrane review found that most antidepressants used to manage chronic pain lack sufficient evidence of their effectiveness, with only duloxetine showing reliable pain relief. The review also revealed that harms from many commonly recommended drugs have not been well studied, posing a global public health concern.
Researchers uncover a pathophysiological mechanism that initiates and sustains neuropathic pain in mice, identifying Tiam1 as a potential therapeutic target. Targeting spinal Tiam1 with antisense oligonucleotides alleviates neuropathic pain hypersensitivity, offering promise for treating chronic pain.
Researchers at University of Queensland have identified a novel pain pathway triggered by the Gympie-Gympie tree's toxins, which could lead to non-opioid pain relief. The gympietide toxin interacts with nerves after injection through fine needle-like hairs on the leaves and requires a partner protein called TMEM233 to function.
A new study suggests that comparing one's earnings relative to peers can induce negative emotions leading to physical pain. The study found this link persisted in both rich and poor countries, regardless of income level.
A new study suggests that volunteering with any organisation reduces the effects of physical pain on the ability to work more than donating money to charity. Volunteering has a larger effect, with approximately 10 times the pain easing effect compared to each additional year of age.
A study by Ruhr-University Bochum's Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy found altered brain activity in patients with fibromyalgia, which may contribute to the disorder's characteristic inability to control pain. The research provides new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying chronic pain in fibromyalgia patients.