Articles tagged with Chronic Pain
A new molecular imaging approach using PET/MRI has been developed to precisely identify the location of pain generators in chronic pain patients. This approach resulted in a significant modification of management plans for nearly half of the patients, with some receiving invasive procedures.
Researchers at the University of Bath suggest that the shift to online consultations is helping patients with chronic pain access vital support during the pandemic. The study highlights the potential benefits of telemedicine in delivering services for patients suffering from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and persistent he...
A new treatment for chronic pain has been developed by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, tested in mice and published in EMBO Molecular Medicine. The targeted peptide Tat-P4-(C5)2 achieves complete pain relief without side effects.
A study of 40 people with subacute back pain found that those at risk of developing chronic back pain have smaller volumes in the nucleus accumbens, a key brain structure. The loss of low-frequency fluctuations in this region can accurately classify chronic low back pain patients across different laboratories.
Researchers from UC Davis Health and BHI call for broader use of mind-body practices like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness to reduce symptoms of cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain. Integrating these practices into patient treatment plans can help improve quality of life.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that more than 90% of legal marijuana products offered in medical dispensaries are stronger than recommended for chronic pain relief. This can lead to increased risk of developing cannabis-use disorders and tolerance, according to the study's lead author.
A new framework for managing chronic pain in older adults emphasizes the importance of combining pharmacologic strategies with nondrug therapies. The 'start low, go slow' approach suggests beginning with low-risk, noninvasive options that involve patients in their own care, while judiciously using higher-risk treatments as needed.
A peer-delivered program incorporating cognitive behavioral approaches improved health outcomes in rural adults with diabetes. Participants showed significant improvements in functional status, pain, and quality of life compared to a control group.
Media reports on chronic pain focus on opioid-based treatments and cannabis, overlooking evidence-based non-pharmaceutical options. Research analysis reveals limited attention to adverse effects of medicinal cannabis and inadequate resources for pain management.
Researchers have identified a potential new treatment for chronic pain caused by burns, targeting PAK1 molecule. The discovery of Romidepsin, an existing cancer drug, provides a promising avenue for re-purposing to treat long-lasting complications.
A five-year case study at a Boston family medicine clinic shows medical facilities can help physicians treat chronic pain while deterring opioid misuse. The study introduced new systems, structures, and staff support to create collaborative, interdisciplinary care.
A study based on over 140,000 VA health records found that non-drug therapies for chronic pain reduced the risk of alcohol and drug disorders, opioid poisoning, and suicidal thoughts. Non-drug treatments like acupuncture and massage were linked to lower risks of these adverse outcomes.
Daily cannabis use reduces illicit opioid use among people with chronic pain, researchers found in a study published in PLOS Medicine. The study of over 1,100 participants suggests that cannabis may be a beneficial alternative to opioids for pain management.
The Texas Advanced Computing Center will develop a meta-portal to provide access to analytics tools and data sets for researchers studying the biological characteristics underlying acute-to-chronic pain transition. Researchers aim to identify biomarkers that can predict chronic pain for medical and public health use.
A small study published in Pain Reports found that immersive VR scenes of Arctic exploration can reduce perceived ongoing pain and sensitivity to painful stimuli. The researchers believe that VR may trigger the body's own pain-fighting systems, leading to a decrease in chronic pain symptoms.
Australian researchers have discovered a link between itchy skin and gut pain in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients. The study found that identical receptors cause both conditions, leading to chronic abdominal pain and rewiring of the nervous system.
A study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that combining mindfulness techniques with methadone therapy reduces opioid cravings and improves pain management. Researchers at Rutgers University discovered that mindfulness-based interventions can increase self-awareness, self-control over cravings, and emotional regulation.
Researchers have identified RGS4 as a multifunctional protein that contributes to the transition from acute and sub-acute pain to pathological pain states. Inhibiting RGS4 action disrupts the maintenance of chronic pain, promoting recovery in preclinical models.
A new study at Boston Medical Center aims to determine the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in treating chronic lower back pain. The 8-week group mindfulness program may improve patients' physical and psychological function, as well as their likelihood of reducing opioid prescriptions.
Chronic pain leads to depression by suppressing brain reward system, say Hokkaido University researchers. Their study found that blocking excessive CRF signals can increase dopamine neuron activity, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for chronic pain and depression.
Researchers at UCalgary and Stanford University have discovered a long-range circuit in the brain that carries pain signals and is altered during chronic pain states. This understanding may lead to new drug therapies and targeted brain stimulation treatments to address chronic nerve pain.
Researchers discovered a scorpion toxin that targets the 'wasabi receptor', a protein found in nerve cells responsible for pain and inflammation. The toxin, WaTx, can be used to probe and study chronic pain and may lead to new non-opioid pain relievers.
CBD oils may have anti-inflammatory effects and improve sleep and anxiety, but human trials are limited due to concerns over liver injury. Physicians need to become better informed about CBD products to provide effective treatment options for chronic pain management.
The Massage Therapy Foundation has awarded a research grant to investigate the effectiveness of massage therapy in reducing chronic pain and opioid crisis among veterans. The two-year study aims to explore massage therapy's benefits and develop sustainable recommendations for addressing pain and improving care.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology has made significant progress in understanding chronic pain by integrating psychosocial factors and neurobiology. The researchers found two key traits - Pain-trait and Emote-trait - that are associated with back pain characteristics, as well as a link between socioeconomic status and chronic pain.
A study by University of Houston researcher found that adults taking opioids for severe pain also experience increased anxiety, depression, and substance abuse issues when combining it with marijuana. This highlights the need for comprehensive assessment and treatment of chronic pain.
A study found that 40% of primary care clinics refuse new patients taking opioid painkillers, reducing access to needed care. Larger clinics and those offering safety-net coverage were more likely to accept these patients.
Researchers have discovered genetic evidence of chronic pain in Drosophila fruit flies, which may lead to new treatments targeting the underlying cause. The study found that an injury can lead to long-lasting hypersensitivity to normally non-painful stimuli, similar to human patients' experiences with neuropathic pain.
Family physicians with five or fewer years' experience emphasize the need for trusting relationships and effective pain management support. Physicians with longstanding practices describe stronger therapeutic relationships that reduce strict enforcement measures.
A new study has found a stark contrast between the evidence available for adult chronic pain and that conducted in children, with only six trials involving 393 participants. The lack of high-quality evidence hampers treatment options for children with chronic pain, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and isolation.
A study by Mount Sinai researchers found that 35% of cancer survivors have chronic pain, with specific types of cancer having a higher incidence. Chronic pain is more prevalent among unemployed and uninsured survivors.
A decade of basic research led to the discovery of sortilin's role in controlling peripheral neuropathic pain. Blocking sortilin prevents pain in mice, suggesting a promising new target for medicinal drugs.
A new report reveals that nearly 5.4 million cancer survivors in the US experience chronic pain, with one in six reporting high-impact pain. The prevalence of chronic pain is significantly higher among certain groups, including those with lower education levels and household income.
A systematic review found that opioids have a small improvement in sleep quality, but this is not consistent with results from sleep assessment technologies. Patients on opioid therapy are also at risk of excessive daytime sleepiness and increased risks of sleep apnea. The study calls for better research into the effects of painkillers...
Researchers developed a non-addictive painkiller that accelerates recovery time and prevents relapse to chronic pain. The new opioid, ZH853, outperforms morphine in treating pain while diminishing inflammation and reducing recovery time.
A new study found that chronic opioid prescribing in primary care is associated with patient demographics, comorbidities, and clinician perspectives on pain management. Patients with higher comorbidities were more likely to receive chronic opioid prescriptions and at higher doses.
A new study found that social support was a significant factor in recovery from suicidal thoughts among Canadians with disabling chronic pain. Nearly two-thirds of those who had previously thought about suicide were free from suicidal thoughts, highlighting the importance of close relationships in remission.
Researchers create first highly potent and selective FKBP51 inhibitor to relieve chronic pain, promote weight loss and improve mood, with potential applications in alcoholism and brain cancer.
A study by UT Dallas researchers has identified several new targets for pain treatment, revealing the source of chronic pain in humans. The study found that specialized nerve cells called dorsal root ganglia (DRG) play a key role in neuropathic pain, and genes expressed in these cells may be used to develop new analgesic drugs.
Researchers at Hiroshima University discovered a potential new target for chronic pain treatment by activating the REV-ERBs receptor. This discovery could lead to more effective drugs for various types of chronic pain, including sciatica, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.
A new study by Virginia Commonwealth University found that Pinterest is a valuable tool for coping with chronic pain, sharing self-care tips, and supporting others. The platform also has potential as an underutilized resource for health care organizations to share high-quality information.
A recent study of nearly 21,000 US Army soldiers deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq found that those with higher levels of optimism before deployment were less likely to report new pain after deployment. Higher optimism was linked to a lower likelihood of reporting new back pain, joint pain, and frequent headaches.
A new study found that most medical marijuana users in the US are treating chronic pain, with 85.5% of patients reporting an evidence-based condition. The study analyzed data from states with legalized medical use of marijuana and found a dramatic increase in patient numbers over time.
A pooled analysis of clinical trials suggests mindfulness can lessen chronic pain severity and associated distress, improving physical functioning. The results indicate that both CBT and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques show promise in treating chronic pain.
Research finds that experiencing pain can motivate individuals to use substances and make it harder to quit, resulting in a positive feedback loop that maintains both conditions. Clinicians should assess patients for chronic pain and address it during treatment to help them manage withdrawal and develop healthier coping strategies.
Research confirms men and women remember pain differently, with men recalling earlier painful experiences and being stressed by later pain. Blocking memories of previous pain alleviates the stress response, suggesting a potential treatment approach for chronic pain sufferers.
A new study found that more than half of medical cannabis users drive under the influence within two hours of use, with one in five driving 'very high'. The researchers urge for clearer guidelines and public education to increase awareness of cannabis-related driving impairment.
A team from TUM has shown that perception, motor impulses, and energy provision occur in the brain simultaneously, not sequentially. The results suggest holistic pain therapy approaches may be beneficial for chronic pain patients.
Researchers are developing a nonopioid drug, ML351, to treat certain types of chronic pain. The drug targets a novel signaling pathway responsible for chronic pain development and has shown promise in preclinical studies.
High-dose opioids are widely prescribed for chronic pain, but can cause self-perpetuating therapy and withdrawal. The Canadian government should recall these formulations to regulate dangerous prescribing practices. This would help fuel the opioid crisis, particularly among patients with addiction.
Researchers found that aqueous extract of soursop leaves can reduce chronic pain, anxiety, and depression associated with fibromyalgia. The study used 60 female rats and plans to conduct clinical trials in humans.
Researchers successfully targeted and enhanced alpha oscillations in the somatosensory cortex, resulting in significant decreases in symptoms associated with chronic lower back pain. The study suggests that non-invasive treatment strategies like transcranial alternating current stimulation may one day be used to treat chronic pain.
Researchers at Brown University have developed an electroencephalography-based test to measure pain levels, providing a more objective approach than the traditional visual analogue scale. The test uses brain activity oscillations to determine pain levels and has shown promise in evaluating medication efficacy in animal models.
A team of scientists at McGill University Health Centre has identified the effective dose of cannabidiol (CBD) for safe pain relief without the risk of addiction or euphoria. The study found that low doses of CBD alleviate both pain and anxiety in animal models of chronic pain, offering a potential alternative to THC and opioids.
The number of Veterans Affairs facilities offering acupuncture has increased from 42% to 88% in the past 7 years, according to a recent study. Acupuncture is being recognized as an effective component of chronic pain management and other areas of care in the VHA.
A CU Denver researcher is conducting clinical research to develop an evidence-based treatment for comorbid pain and opioid addiction. The study aims to reduce substance abuse and pain relapse among patients with chronic pain, using a combination of therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy.
A new study found that pregabalin, a common painkiller, is not effective in controlling chronic pain after traumatic nerve injury. However, it did show promise in relieving post-surgical pain for patients who underwent certain procedures.
A recent study found that women veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain are more likely to use complementary and integrative health (CIH) therapies, such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 500,000 men and women veterans, showed that rates of CIH use varied by race/ethnicity and age, with...
Researchers found that brain anatomy and psychological traits can predict which patients will respond to sugar pills, resulting in reduced pain and cost savings. The study suggests that clinicians should consider prescribing sugar pills for chronic pain patients, potentially opening up a new field.
A systematic review of 25 clinical trials found little evidence that invasive surgery reduces chronic pain. The study's findings raise concerns about the widespread use of these procedures without rigorous testing.