Articles tagged with Chronic Pain
A new study found that 64% of adults who had contact with the child welfare system as children achieve excellent mental health, highlighting resilience and factors associated with flourishing. Chronic pain, major depression, and social isolation hinder optimal mental health.
Research published in JNeurosci found that Gulf War veterans with chronic pain have changes in brain structure involved in pain processing, including larger frontal cortex areas and smaller insular cortices. These structural differences may contribute to the development of effective treatments for Gulf War Illness.
A UC Davis Health study found that patients on stable but higher-dose opioid therapy who had their doses tapered by at least 15% had significantly higher rates of overdose and mental health crisis in the second year after tapering compared to their pre-tapering period. The risks were greatest in patients with the highest baseline doses.
Researchers at University of Calgary have identified a molecule in the nervous system that enhances sensitivity to pain, potentially treating chronic pain with existing anti-cancer drugs. The discovery could offer an alternative to opioid-based pain medication, which can lead to tolerance and addiction.
A review of 25 trials found that synthetic cannabis products with high THC-to-CBD ratios improved chronic pain, but were associated with higher risks of adverse events. In contrast, products with comparable THC-to-CBD ratios showed few benefits in overall functioning.
Research found that stimulating a specific brain circuit relieves pain and reduces defensive behaviors in rats, indicating potential physical and psychological relief. The pathway also increases reward and feeding behavior, suggesting improved emotional state.
A systematic review of cannabis-related products found short-term benefits for neuropathic pain, particularly with dronabinol and nabilone. However, the evidence is limited, with many products not well-studied, and patients should consult their primary care physician before using cannabis-based treatments.
Researchers have developed a new national blueprint to support Australians living with chronic pain, costing the economy $139 billion annually. The 'Listen to me, learn from me' framework prioritizes person-centered care and has nine key focus areas, including pain validation and effective communication.
Researchers from McGill University and Italy found that blocking neutrophils can prolong pain, even with anti-inflammatory drugs. The study suggests reconsidering acute pain treatment, and findings are supported by a large UK analysis.
Researchers have discovered three unique brain subtypes indicating high, medium, and low susceptibility to chronic pain and trauma symptoms in veterans. The study provides an objective measurement of pain and trauma susceptibility and could lead to targeted and personalized treatments.
A multicentre study has proven personal construct therapy as effective as cognitive-behavioural therapy in improving quality of life and symptoms of depression in patients with fibromyalgia. The therapy focused on people's identity and how they see themselves, offering a personalized approach to treatment.
A new study published in Bioelectronic Medicine found that high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF-SCS) was more effective at improving perceived pain reduction than low-frequency SCS (LF-SCS). HF-SCS also showed less subsequent use of opioids to mitigate pain.
Chronic pain causes maladaptive emotional states and is often comorbid with psychiatric disorders. Researchers identified the neuronal circuit involved in chronic pain-induced anxiety in mice, finding that restoring its activity attenuates anxiety.
A new nationally representative study found that two in five adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were in excellent mental health. Being married, physically active, free from chronic pain, and having no history of depression or anxiety were associated with complete mental well-being.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce hospitalizations and cardiovascular deaths in heart failure patients, regardless of diabetes status. The analysis also warned of increased genital infections associated with treatment.
A new animal study has identified a pain-associated gene expression signature in COVID-19 patients that remains even after the virus clears. The findings, which could lead to new pain treatments for long COVID patients, were published in Experimental Biology.
A large population-based study found chronic low back pain (CLBP) associated with reduced brain volume in pain-processing areas, including the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and amygdala. This association remained significant after adjusting for sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle factors.
This year's Experimental Biology 2022 meeting features groundbreaking studies on COVID-19 vaccine-associated symptoms in non-menstruating people, a plant compound showing promise for alleviating food allergies, and the potential of omega-3s to boost immunotherapy's cancer-fighting power. Researchers also explore the safety of using CBD...
Researchers discovered a new venom compound in deep-water cone snails, similar to the hormone somatostatin, with possible pharmaceutical applications for treating chronic pain and other human maladies. The study highlights the rich biochemical diversity of animal venoms and the need to explore new compounds.
A study using data science and mathematical models identifies the most suitable rehabilitation method for each patient with osteoarthritis. The research aims to provide personalized treatment recommendations for healthcare professionals, ultimately leading to more effective care for patients.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that state laws regulating opioid prescriptions had no effect on prescribing patterns for commercially insured adults with chronic non-cancer pain. The study suggests that declines in opioid prescribing may be driven by shifting clinical guidance or other factors.
A team of Heidelberg University researchers identified epigenetic factor HDAC4 and organic anion transporter OAT1 as key players in chronic pain development. Their findings revealed that altering gene expression regulates pain processing and sensitivity.
The International Neuromodulation Society 15th World Congress will feature over 470 abstracts and plenary lectures on neuromodulation therapy. Researchers from around the world will gather in Barcelona to discuss scientific theory and clinical applications of neuromodulation therapies.
A recent study found that younger age at the time of menarche is associated with chronic pain in adulthood. Women who experienced their first menstrual period earlier reported higher rates of chronic pain and longer duration of pain. The study suggests that increased estrogen levels may contribute to this association.
A new clinical trial demonstrates that a mindfulness-based therapy, Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), decreases opioid use and misuse while reducing chronic pain symptoms. MORE significantly improves chronic pain symptoms, decreases opioid craving, and reduces symptoms of depression.
A recent study by researchers from Ritsumeikan University found that athletes with a history of sprained ankle showed reduced gut bacteria diversity compared to those without such a history. This suggests that musculoskeletal injury may have a negative impact on the gut microbiota, potentially leading to long-term health consequences.
A research team developed an algorithm that instantly assesses and adjusts brain stimulation placement using electroencephalography (EEG) feedback. The method can find the optimal stimulation parameters in just 1-2 minutes, potentially improving the efficacy of TMS treatment for brain disorders like chronic pain and depression.
The Commission on the North American Opioid Crisis recommends banning direct marketing to prescribers and curbing industry influence on medical education. The group also suggests standardizing addiction care within health systems and improving access to medication-assisted treatment.
Chronic pain may lead to changed eating behavior and obesity due to altered brain responses to sugar and fat. Brain scans reveal a smaller nucleus accumbens in patients with chronic pain who experience disrupted satiety signals.
Adults with spinal cord injuries have a near-80% increased risk of developing psychological conditions compared to those without the injury. Chronic pain is equally negatively impacting mental health, associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions in most cases.
The UArizona Health Sciences Center is developing a Center of Excellence for Addiction Studies to advance addiction research and develop therapies for the opioid epidemic. The center will facilitate national collaborations, employ cutting-edge genetic techniques, and provide advanced methods for measuring neurotransmitters.
This survey study estimates the most commonly used opioid and nonopioid pain management techniques for chronic pain among US adults. The findings highlight the widespread use of various pain management methods, including opioids and over-the-counter medications.
Researchers will use transcriptomics and chemogenetics to identify molecular targets for pain management. The project aims to advance knowledge on pain mechanisms and develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Researchers developed an injectable, adhesive surgical gel that prevents postoperative adhesions and improves wound healing. The gel, dubbed HAD, was tested in rats and rabbits with promising results, showing a significant reduction in inflammation and mortality rates.
A mixed-methods survey found that pain science education helped people recover from chronic pain by understanding it was not tissue damage and that stress and emotion could heighten perceptions. The study also identified seven learning objectives to help teenagers better understand pain, including reframing perceptions of pain as an 'o...
A recent study found that over half (53.8%) of people with two or three long-term conditions and around 75% of those with four or more report at least one site of chronic pain. Chronic pain is a significant concern for individuals with multiple long-term conditions, highlighting the need for improved management and treatments.
A survey of 579 adults with chronic pain in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland found that COVID-19 lockdowns worsened pain severity in women, particularly due to increased caregiving responsibilities and emotional response. The study highlights the need for targeted pain management interventions specifically designed for women.
The IMPOWR-ME research center will focus on developing evidence-based treatments for people with both conditions. The center aims to provide integrated care access, test novel treatments, and engage the community in advancing health equity.
Researchers developed a compound that regulates a biological channel linked to pain, reducing the sensation of pain in rodents. The compound, dubbed 194, successfully targets sodium ion channels and promotes pain relief by activating the body's endogenous opioid system.
A review board comprising healthcare professionals from various disciplines has sharply reduced opioid prescribing at an OHSU internal medicine clinic. The clinic uses a systematic approach to review high-risk cases and coach primary care providers on tapering patients off opioids.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine identified the anterior insula's role in predicting and emotionally processing pain in HIV-DSP patients. The study suggests that reduced anterior insula activity or increased cingulate activity may improve pain outcomes for these patients.
The MUSC Health Chest Wall Injury Center provides access to a population of underserved patients with rib injuries. The center offers a range of treatments, including surgical stabilization procedures, multimodal pain medications, ultrasound therapy, and physical therapy recommendations.
A randomized controlled trial found that CBT with yoga and education components significantly reduced pain impact and disability in patients on long-term opioid therapy. Patients receiving CBT also reported greater reductions in pain compared to those receiving usual care.
Researchers at Duke University and UC Irvine identify Kenpaullone, a cancer drug, as an effective analgesic for chronic and challenging-to-treat pain. The compound enhances Kcc2 gene expression, which resets maladaptive genetic switches in neurons, leading to pain signal silencing.
Researchers have identified a specific molecular mechanism that controls the transition from acute to chronic pain. Disabling an intracellular enzyme called N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) can halt chronic pain development in mice, suggesting a new class of drugs to treat various forms of chronic pain.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a promising new pain relief method using ultra-thin microelectrodes, providing effective and personalized pain relief without common side effects. The study showed that this technique can block pain signals in the brain without affecting other sensory systems or motor skills.
Dysfunction in mitochondrial respiration leads to imbalanced extracellular matrix (ECM) and tissue organization in cartilage. Research discovered the respiratory chain plays a key role in maintaining ECM balance.
A 'think-twice' campaign for GPs has been found effective in reducing opioid prescribing in primary care, resulting in a net saving to the NHS of £700,000. The campaign led to a reduction of 15,000 fewer patients being given opioids over a year-long trial.
Scientists at Temple University will explore the therapeutic potential of KLS-13019, a CBD analog that shows promise as an opioid alternative. The Phase 2 SBIR grant aims to test the compound's effects on rat models of neuropathic pain, shedding light on its safety and efficacy.
A new study shows that a four-week psychological treatment called Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) can provide potent and durable relief for chronic back pain in two-thirds of patients. The treatment alters brain networks associated with pain processing, reducing symptoms that last for up to one year.
A panel of international experts recommends a trial of non-inhaled medical cannabis or cannabinoids for people with moderate to severe chronic pain, where standard care is insufficient. The recommendation is based on systematic reviews of 32 trials and found small improvements in pain intensity but no benefits in emotional functioning.
Research finds widespread pain associated with a heightened risk of all types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. People with widespread pain were 43% more likely to have any type of dementia and 47% more likely to have Alzheimer's disease compared to those without widespread pain.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that analyzing pain distribution can predict chronic pain outcomes. Researchers identified 9 distinct groupings of pain distribution, which varied significantly across subgroups in terms of demographic and medical characteristics, pain intensity, impact, and neuropathic pain quality. The study...
A UC Davis Health study found that patients on stable opioid therapy who had their doses tapered had significantly higher rates of overdose and mental health crisis. The study suggests that patients undergoing tapering need significant support to safely reduce or discontinue their opioids.
Researchers have developed a wireless, battery-free device that can illuminate neuron activity in the brain without penetrating the skull or tissue. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize treatments for conditions like epilepsy, chronic pain, and depression by enabling less invasive optogenetics experiments.
A new study found that people with chronic pain have lower levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate emotions, leading to increased negative emotions and impaired emotional regulation. The researchers hope their online emotional recovery program may provide a non-pharmaceutical solution for those affected.
A new study published in Age and Ageing found that hypothetical adverse life scenarios, such as dementia and chronic pain, significantly reduce people's desire to live into older ages. The study analyzed data from Norway, where the average preferred life expectancy was 91.4 years.
A recent study from Lawson Health Research Institute found that frequent use of Paravertebral blocks increases health care utilization, including physician visits and other injection procedures. The study also showed no overall change in opioid dosage after the initiation of PVB treatment.
A new study by NIH-funded researchers found that a diet higher in fatty fish and lower in vegetable oils can reduce the number of migraines and intensity of pain. Participants experienced a 30-40% reduction in headache hours per day compared to those on a control diet.
A £14 million investment from UKRI and Versus Arthritis will massively scale up research into chronic pain, with a focus on the psychosocial aspect. The project aims to understand how psychological and social factors influence pain development and maintenance, and will work with people living with pain every step of the way.