Articles tagged with Chronic Pain
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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, 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
A recent clinical study found that an online e-health program helped more people with chronic pain reduce their opioid medications and pain intensity than a control group. The program, called Goalistics Chronic Pain Management, improved pain knowledge, confidence managing pain, and coping skills.
A recent study has found a significant link between fibromyalgia and increased odds of exacerbation in pain-related opioid use disorder. Researchers surveyed 125 individuals living with both conditions, revealing that those with fibromyalgia were more likely to report worsening addiction symptoms due to chronic pain.
Researchers found that physician empathy and communication are strongly associated with patient satisfaction for chronic low back pain. Patients highly value physicians who validate their concerns and communicate treatment plans and expectations.
A WVU researcher is working on a biopsychosocial intervention to help people with chronic hip pain move and regain mobility. The intervention, called HIPS, combines mindfulness techniques like self-compassion and progressive relaxation with goal-setting and diaphragmatic breathing to reduce pain and increase physical activity.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that dedicated hyperbaric oxygen therapy is more effective in reducing pain and healing patients with fibromyalgia caused by traumatic brain injury. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in 2 out of 5 patients, including improved pain threshold tests and quality of life indicators.
Researchers have created wearable microscopes to produce high-definition, real-time images of mouse spinal cord activity across previously inaccessible regions. This technology enables unprecedented insight into the neural basis of sensations and movement in healthy and disease contexts.
A world-first study from the University of South Australia is providing valuable insights into how young people understand chronic pain, potentially helping thousands of sufferers to better manage their symptoms and long-term wellbeing. Researchers found that young people tend to make sense of chronic pain by explaining it as a softwar...
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that equine-facilitated therapy (EFT) can improve daily functioning and reduce perceived pain among patients with chronic low back pain. Statistically significant improvements were observed in domains such as sleep, reaching, and bending forward.
A new review found that spinal cord stimulation is no better than a placebo for treating low back pain, with probably little to no benefit for people with the condition. The review also highlighted gaps in clinical data and called for future trials to be longer and more comprehensive.
A team of scientists has developed a novel, implantable drug delivery system that can be controlled by external light sources and is absorbable by the body. This technology has promising implications for treating various medical conditions, including pain management and cancer treatment.
Researchers have discovered a gene mutation that can block chronic pain and provide protection against other stimuli, including heart and brain cells. The TRPV1 receptor mutation, found in avian species, was successfully transplanted into mice, showing reduced pain sensitivity and improved protective effects.
A systematic review of Cognitive Functional Therapy found it to be no better than traditional therapies in reducing pain and disability in people with chronic low back pain. The researchers call for future trials featuring blinded participants and larger sample sizes to improve current evidence.
A new study found that chronic pain's biggest threat to mental wellbeing isn't intensity, but how it interferes with daily activities. Researchers discovered that people with chronic pain who maintain flexible goals and adapt to obstacles tend to have better mental wellbeing.
Researchers found a significant link between chronic pain and dementia, with multisite chronic pain increasing the risk of neurocognitive abnormality by up to eight years.
A recent study found that adults with type 1 diabetes are at a high risk of being overweight or obese, but only half receive lifestyle recommendations to manage their weight. The study also highlighted the importance of individualized patient education in improving weight management for these patients.
A new study suggests that virtual reality exercises can reduce pelvic pain in women with endometriosis, offering a potential digital health solution. The study found that VR and telehealth exercise sessions provided immediate relief from pain, similar to traditional supervised exercise sessions.
Researchers found that some antidepressant classes were effective in treating specific pain conditions, while others showed no benefits or unknown effects. The review of 26 systematic reviews involving over 25,000 participants suggests a more nuanced approach to prescribing antidepressants for chronic pain management is needed.
A comprehensive review of antidepressant use in chronic pain found that some classes were effective in treating certain conditions, while others showed unclear or unknown benefits. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine demonstrated efficacy for various pain conditions.
A study found that receiving medical cannabis for thirty days or more can lead to a significant reduction in prescription opioid dosages among patients on long-term opioid therapy. Patients who were on higher baseline dosages of prescription opioids experienced larger reductions in opioid dosages.
Researchers have uncovered the underlying mechanism driving depressive systems in chronic pain, identifying a potential therapeutic target for treatment. Tiam1 protein modulates neural connections, leading to hypersensitivity and depression; ketamine blocks this effect, alleviating symptoms.
Researchers found that spinal cord stimulation improved insomnia severity index and Epworth sleepiness scale scores by at least 30% in 39.1% and 28.1% of participants, respectively. The study also established minimally clinical important difference values to gauge treatment success.
A new study published by the University of Leeds reveals that people with arthritis are 20% less likely to be in work compared to their peers without the condition. The most striking finding is that non-university educated women aged 60-plus are at least 37% less likely to be in work if they have arthritis.
A study by University of Pittsburgh and Cornell University scientists found that states with recreational cannabis laws saw a significant reduction in pharmacy-based codeine distribution. This reduction is promising from a public health perspective, as prescription opioid misuse contributes to thousands of overdose deaths annually.
A new study from Flinders University found that a telehealth program delivering individualized coaching improves self-management and reduces suffering for people with chronic pain. The program, called Rethinking Pain, provides access to care and support for those living in rural areas who face long wait times for specialist care.
A new study found that nearly a third of patients with chronic pain use cannabis to manage their symptoms, leading to decreased use of pain medications. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand the benefits and risks of using cannabis for chronic pain management.
A survey study found that 3 in 10 adults with chronic pain in states with medical cannabis laws used cannabis to manage their pain, often substituting it for other pain medications. The study highlights the importance of researching the effectiveness and potential adverse consequences of cannabis for chronic pain management.
Researchers have identified Piezo2, a receptor responsible for sensing touch and temperature, as the key player in gut pain. Selectively targeting this channel may lead to new treatments for irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Research from Boston Medical Center reveals Black and Hispanic patients are more prone to developing high-impact chronic lower back pain compared to White patients. The study suggests experiences of discrimination and unmet social needs may contribute to these racial disparities.
The Cleveland Clinic is developing a stem cell treatment for complex regional pain syndrome, a debilitating disease that causes chronic pain, using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). The research has long-term potential for providing patients an alternative to addictive opioid treatments.