Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found that combining sound with electrical body stimulation activates the brain's somatosensory cortex, increasing its potential to treat chronic pain. This non-invasive technique has been tested on animals and is planned for human clinical trials in the near future.
A new study found that people who were given the impression of control over music experienced greater pain relief. Those who actively engage with music in their daily life showed even greater benefits. Music complexity was not linked to pain relief, but feeling in control was key.
A new study from the University of South Australia identifies five key approaches for parents and caregivers to discuss everyday pain with young children. Teaching children that they can control their pain and empowering them to actively engage in pain management can promote lifelong helpful pain behaviors and encourage recovery. By he...
A new study by the University of Exeter recommends using metaphors, images, and poetry to complement traditional medical scales for patients to describe their chronic pain. This approach can improve doctor-patient communication and aid diagnosis or provide better support.
McGill University researchers identify ventral striatum as key area in brain decisions between future pain and profit, potentially advancing treatments for disorders characterized by excessive avoidance. The study uses brain scans to monitor activity and machine-learning algorithms to predict participants' choices.
Researchers at University of Queensland have found that native New Zealand stinging tree toxins activate pain receptors differently than Australian counterparts, offering potential for novel pain medication. The study aimed to understand pain pathways and tackle chronic pain effectively without side effects and addiction.
A multidisciplinary team at UVA Health will use deep brain stimulation to treat refractory neuropathic pain, aiming to modulate pain signals from the insula. The study may shed light on the fundamental nature of pain and identify biological indicators for effective treatment.
The 2016 CDC guideline aimed to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths by encouraging clinicians to weigh the benefits and risks of prescribing opioids. Researchers found a significant increase in nonopioid pain medication prescribing rates, coinciding with a drop in opioid prescribing.
Researchers developed a novel approach to modulate astrocyte activity and drive therapeutic circuit reorganization in neuropathic pain. By combining established clinical tools, they successfully alleviated allodynia and dismantled inappropriate neural connections.
A study published in PAIN Reports found that individuals with opioid use disorder (OUd) experience greater central sensitization, leading to worse quality of life. Central sensitization refers to abnormal pain processing in the brain and spinal cord, causing people to suffer more from pain.
A recent study published in PAIN found that mindfulness meditation can reduce pain intensity and unpleasantness by separating pain from the sense of self. Participants who practiced mindfulness reported a significant reduction in pain levels after undergoing painful heat stimuli.
A Michigan Medicine study found that people with cerebral palsy and spina bifida are prescribed opioids at a rate up to five times higher than those without the conditions. Chronic pain is the most commonly reported symptom among these individuals, raising concerns over addiction and overdose issues.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that childhood physical abuse is associated with chronic pain, diabetes, cancer, migraines, arthritis, and heart disease in later life. The trauma can influence both physical and mental health many decades after the event.
A team of scientists discovered a neural mechanism by which sound reduces pain in mice, potentially informing more effective pain therapies. The study found that low-intensity white noise and pleasant music reduced pain sensitivity in mice, while unpleasant music had no effect.
Researchers found that 27.8% of drugs with high abuse potential successfully completed development compared to 4.7% for low-abuse potential drugs. Funding is needed to improve understanding of pain mechanisms and develop non-addictive treatments.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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 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.
SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Multimorbidity and Comorbidity·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2021
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.
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.
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.
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.