Articles tagged with Chronic Pain
According to a new study published in Pain, nearly one-fifth of American adults (20.5%) suffer from chronic pain, with significant impacts on workdays missed, social activities, and daily living. The total economic burden is estimated at nearly $300 billion annually, including lost wages and productivity.
A new study published in PLOS Genetics has found that genetic differences may contribute to higher rates of chronic pain in women. The study analyzed genetic variants associated with chronic pain in 209,093 women and 178,556 men, revealing sex-specific differences in gene activity.
Researchers found that virtual reality can reduce types of pain typically seen in patients with nerve injuries, including prickling and touch-related pain. The study also showed that VR can boost the body's natural pain inhibiting process by enhancing conditioned pain modulation.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to mine physiological data from patients with chronic pain, detecting changes in pain levels and atypical fluctuations. The study aims to provide a more precise treatment method by supplementing subjective pain assessments with objective data-driven approaches.
A digital app called Manage My Pain has been shown to reduce key symptoms of chronic pain, including anxiety and pain catastrophizing. The study found that patients who used the app saw clinically significant reductions in these areas, leading to better management of their pain.
A new study from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry confirms that low-dose naltrexone is a good option for patients with orofacial and chronic pain, reducing pain intensity and improving quality of life. Low-dose naltrexone works by targeting sensitized nervous cells to reduce pain threshold and sensitivity.
A new study found that healthy individuals experiencing everyday pain show deficits in working memory due to increased activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Pain intensity was directly associated with worse performance on a working memory task, while certain aspects of emotional distress were not linked to impairments.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a new technique to replicate sensory neurons involved in pain sensation, providing ample resources for testing potential drugs. The technique allows for the easy generation of large numbers of cells, enabling the simultaneous testing of thousands of samples or potential drug libraries.
Chronic pain and emotional pain are intertwined, with opioids making things worse in the long term. Researchers recommend tapering down or switching to buprenorphine for high-dose long-term opioid users without improvement in pain and function.
Researchers investigate the body's own pain control system using Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) and find that two different stimuli can reduce pain to a similar degree. The study used electrical stimulation of the skin as a new test stimulus, allowing for objective measurement of brain activity.
A systematic review found exercise provides relief from chronic low back pain, but researchers disagree on why it's effective. Common reasons proposed include improvements in fitness and mood, yet the effects of these factors on outcomes are often not examined.
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is developing a comprehensive approach to managing chronic pain in older adults by reducing opioid use and promoting non-opioid alternatives. The grant aims to establish standards for pain management that prioritize non-opioid medications, treatments, and physical therapy options.
Researchers Brian Litt and Gregory Corder received $5.6M and $2.4M NIH awards to develop autonomous neurodevices that learn from patients and predict seizures. They aim to improve chronic pain management without opioid side effects.
Ru-Rong Ji, a renowned anesthesiologist, receives the ASA Excellence in Research Award for his extensive work on understanding chronic pain mechanisms. His research has refined key processes underlying pain development and improved treatment options.
A study found that participants in an eight-week MBSR course reported significant improvements in pain, depression, and disability. The program helped patients cope with their pain and improve their mental and physical health.
A study found that people who catastrophize about their pain are less likely to be physically active later in the day, leading to a cycle of sedentary behavior and worsened pain. This psychological factor may explain why patients with chronic pain avoid physical activities despite its importance for pain management.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science identify key molecule regulating biomolecular messaging in nerve cells, which plays a role in chronic pain. Targeting this molecule, importin alpha-3, could provide new options for treating chronic pain with fewer side effects.
A new neurofeedback approach, Decoded Neurofeedback (DecNef), has been explored in a preclinical study to treat chronic pain. The study found that DecNef enhances the brain's natural ability to control pain by boosting the 'endogenous pain control system', which is often dysfunctional in chronic pain patients.
A new study finds that providers participating in an intervention with education and resources are more likely to adhere to national chronic opioid therapy guidelines compared to those who do not take part. The intervention includes access to a nurse care manager, addiction specialists, and monitoring of prescription usage.
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.