Articles tagged with Chronic Pain
Researchers explore therapeutic interventions like light, sound, and electrical energy to resynchronize damaged neurons in the brain. Neuroplasticity can be harnessed to treat a range of conditions, from bad habits to chronic pain syndromes.
A new study published in Journal of Pain Research found that implementation of the Stepped Care Model for Pain Management resulted in clinically significant improvements in quality of pain care outcomes, including increased provider knowledge and referrals to behavioral health providers. The model's individualized approach has the pote...
A study led by Indiana University researcher Andrea Hohmann found a compound that reduces chronic pain in mice without addiction risk or 'marijuana high'. The compound modulates the brain's cannabis receptors and amplifies the therapeutic effect of endocannabinoids.
A recent study published in Science Advances found that over 85% of pain-sensing neurons are sensitive to one specific type of painful stimulus. This challenges previous findings suggesting most neurons respond to all types of pain.
Researchers at The University of Manchester have discovered a potential therapy for alleviating chronic pain by tuning the brain's frequency. This new approach uses visual and auditory stimulation to reduce pain intensity in patients.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $7.5 million grant to researchers at the University of Michigan to study chronic pain. The team aims to investigate how peripheral damage, inflammation, and central nervous system factors interact to cause chronic pain, with potential breakthroughs in treating high levels of chronic pain
A mass participation study involving over 9000 UK participants found a correlation between sunny days, rainfall, and pain levels. The study suggests that understanding how weather influences pain could lead to new treatments.
A new research study has found a connection between chronic pain and anxiety disorders, with increased PACAP expression contributing to symptoms. Blocking this regulator could lead to a new approach in treating chronic pain and stress-related behavioral disorders.
A new study found that genetic factors account for 38.4% of the variation in chronic pain risk, while shared environment with spouses contributes to 18.7%. The research also discovered a correlation between chronic pain and depression, highlighting the importance of identifying shared causal mechanisms.
Research reveals common causes of chronic pain and depression in partner relationships, shedding light on potential diagnostic tests and treatments. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 participants, identifying shared genetic and environmental risk factors.
Syracuse University researchers Joseph Ditre and Stephen Maisto are exploring the links between chronic pain and alcohol consumption, examining how one affects the other. They will study 280 individuals with moderate to heavy drinking habits, using new technologies to better understand pain mechanisms.
Recent studies support the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) as a safe and effective treatment for chronic back and limb pain. SCS uses low-voltage electrical stimulation to block pain signals via a small device implanted in the body.
A systematic review of 30 observational studies found that disruption of sensory nerves in the axilla during armpit lymph node surgery is associated with chronic pain. Younger age and radiation therapy are also risk factors for developing chronic post-surgical pain.
A conceptual model by Amanda L. Stone and Anna C. Wilson suggests that genetic factors, early neurobiological development, and social learning play a role in the transmission of chronic pain from parents to children. The researchers propose five plausible mechanisms for this risk, including genetics, early neurobiological development, ...
A study published in Epigenetics & Chromatin identified a critical role for methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) in regulating gene expression involved in pain perception. MeCP2 was found to be increased after nerve injury, leading to changes in downstream genes that can cause pain.
A recent analysis found that approximately 43% of the UK population, around 28 million adults, suffer from chronic pain. The prevalence is expected to rise as the population ages, with older individuals being more likely to experience long-term pain. Women are also more likely to be affected by chronic pain than men.
A study of over 300 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans found that nearly 50% met the criteria for mild to moderate CMI, with common symptoms including fatigue, joint pain, and difficulty remembering. The study suggests a link between deployment and CMI, but notes limitations in the research and recommends further investigation.
Researchers found that nerve damage changes epigenetic marks on immune cells in the nervous system, suggesting a 'memory' of the initial injury. This discovery may provide new insights into why chronic pain persists despite the underlying injury or disease having gone.
Scientists at McGill University used optogenetics to reduce the sensitivity of mice to touch and heat by shining yellow light on specific neurons. The research offers new hope for treating chronic pain without the side effects of traditional medication.
Case Western Reserve University researchers have discovered the full-length structure of the TRPV2 protein, a potential target for pharmaceutical research in treating chronic pain and cancer. The study reveals TRPV2's molecular mechanism in neurite growth and its involvement in malignant cancer cells.
Researchers will investigate stress management interventions for chronic pain and illness, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and HIV. The study aims to improve disease-related biomarkers, treatment adherence, health behaviors, and psychological outcomes.
A new study has found that neuroligin-2 may contribute to chronic pain by disrupting the body's inhibitory networks. This discovery provides a second theory for what drives the GABAergic system's loss of efficacy in people with chronic pain.
Researchers at UTA have discovered a new approach to alleviate chronic pain by stimulating the ventral tegmental area of the brain with wireless devices. This breakthrough reduces pain signals in the spinal cord and triggers the release of dopamine, which may help reduce emotional distress associated with long-term pain.
A study published in PAIN found that sleep problems are a predictor of chronic pain and worsening pain severity over time in emerging adults. Sleep problems were more likely to be associated with increased chronic pain, especially in women.
A critical review of over 100 studies on pain experience among Hispanic Americans reveals lower rates of chronic pain, but also greater pain sensitivity and less tolerance compared to non-Hispanic whites. The study highlights gaps in current research and calls for further investigation into the role of cultural factors and acculturation.
A researcher at Indiana University has been awarded $1.1 million to develop information-based tools to improve primary care for patients with chronic pain, a condition affecting 100 million Americans annually. The project aims to create prototypes for clinical decision support and electronic health record management.
A Loyola Medicine study found that women are 1.38 times more likely to report neck pain than men. The research adds to the growing body of evidence on sex differences in pain experience.
A study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that monthly monitoring and support from pain specialists increased PCP confidence in prescribing opioids, improved patient compliance, and enhanced communication between practitioners. The research highlights the benefits of careful monitoring and pain management support within primary c...
A meta-analysis of 19 studies found that blacks employ pain-coping strategies more frequently than whites, with blacks using praying and catastrophizing as common techniques. This study highlights the need for culturally sensitive medical care and could inform chronic pain care.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are studying the interacting roles of the sympathetic nervous system, sensory nervous system, and immune system in preclinical models of back pain and neuropathic pain. The goal is to understand how timing of a nerve block treatment affects chronic pain relief.
Researchers at University College London have discovered a protein that drives chronic pain and offer a promising new treatment target. Inhibiting this protein substantially alleviated chronic pain in genetically modified mice with nerve damage and arthritic joints.
The Journal of Pain Research publishes commentary on terminology of chronic pain, highlighting the need to redefine terms to better understand and treat patients. The authors suggest using origin- and generator-based terms to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
A new pilot study suggests that meditation can help US veterans manage chronic pain by reducing pain intensity and interference with daily life. The study used Integrative Restoration Yoga Nidra (iRest) mindfulness meditation, which is already being used at Veterans Health Administration medical centers nationwide.
A new study in veterans found that the threshold for safe prescribing may be lower than most people think, with overdose victims receiving higher doses on average. Lowering top prescription strengths below a 100 MEM threshold could benefit those at risk of an overdose while affecting few patients who aren't at risk.
Researchers at McGill University found that chronic pain changes DNA marking in the brain and white blood cells, impacting immune function. This epigenetic discovery could lead to new targets for pain medications.
A recent perspective recommends individualized care through careful benefit-risk assessments and education to address the prescription opioid-misuse epidemic. Clinicians face challenges in managing severe chronic pain due to limited tools and reimbursement systems favoring medication-only treatment.
Researchers have discovered the structure of TRPV2, a protein linked to pain and heat perception, which could lead to new treatments for chronic pain. The study found that TRPV2 has an in-between state where it becomes desensitized to repeated stimuli, suggesting a potential way to alleviate chronic pain.
Research links dry eye to multiple chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic ocular pain. A multidisciplinary approach may benefit dry eye patients with underlying pain issues.
A study by Boston Medical Center found that nearly 3,000 individuals with chronic pain who experienced a nonfatal opioid overdose continued to be prescribed opioids, with 70% receiving prescriptions from the same provider. Patients who took high dosages were twice as likely to have another overdose at two years of follow-up.
After a nonfatal overdose, nearly 3,000 patients continued to be prescribed opioids, with 70% receiving prescriptions from the same provider who wrote them before. Patients taking high dosages were twice as likely to experience another overdose after discontinuing opioid use.
Scientists have developed a new treatment strategy that restores a brain region controlling emotions and reduces chronic pain behavior in animal models. The combined drugs target brain circuits and eliminate chronic pain when administered together shortly after an injury.
A recent study at Rush University Medical Center found acupuncture to be a safe and effective adjunctive integrative medicine treatment for chronic pain in pediatric patients. The study included 55 children aged 7-20 who experienced chronic pain conditions, with significant reductions in pain levels and related health issues.
A new study has developed pediatric pain measures to help doctors better evaluate and treat children with chronic pain conditions. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Cincinnati, found that traditional pain measures used for adults were uncomfortable for younger children and had limited vocabulary.
Researchers at University at Buffalo find that motivational interviewing significantly reduces the risk of opioid misuse and abuse among older adults with chronic pain. The intervention increases motivation, self-efficacy, and confidence in changing behavior, while also decreasing depression and anxiety.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing a new type of pain relief using high-frequency electrical stimulation. The study aims to understand why this method is more effective than traditional stimulation, with potential applications in the fight against opioid addiction.
Scientists at the University of Manchester have shown that the number of opiate receptors in the brain increases to combat severe pain in arthritis sufferers. By applying heat, they found a correlation between higher receptor numbers and increased ability to withstand pain.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism linking chronic pain to abnormal activity in the anterior cingular cortex, a region of the brain involved in cognitive functions. The study provides insights into the role of HCN channels in controlling pain signals, suggesting new therapeutic strategies for relieving chronic pain.
A study of over 6,500 teenagers found that those with mental disorders are more likely to experience chronic pain. The researchers identified connections between various types of mental disorders and chronic pain, suggesting that mental health issues may be an underlying risk factor for chronic pain in young people.
A Canadian research team found that daily cannabis users did not experience serious adverse events, while showing improvement in pain and quality of life. However, non-serious adverse events like headaches and respiratory problems were reported.
Researchers at TUM and Georgetown University have discovered a common gatekeeping system for tinnitus and chronic pain, which may play a central role in the development of both conditions. The study found significant loss of gray matter and compromised circuit function in regions important for emotional experiences.
Researchers have discovered that brain malfunctions in key areas, such as the nucleus accumbens and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, contribute to the development of tinnitus and chronic pain. These findings hold promise for developing targeted therapies for these debilitating disorders.
A Boston University School of Medicine program educates clinicians on safe opioid prescribing, resulting in improved knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practice. The program has empowered clinicians to make informed decisions about opioids for chronic pain sufferers.
A new therapy called HF10 has been shown to provide significantly greater long-term relief for chronic back and leg pain compared to traditional SCS therapy. The study found that patients receiving HF10 therapy experienced a higher percentage of pain reduction and reported higher levels of satisfaction.
A study of over 6,000 Kaiser Permanente members found that 58% used chiropractic care or acupuncture for chronic pain, yet many didn't discuss it with their primary care providers. The majority of patients would share this information if asked, highlighting the need for better care coordination.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered that stem cells from bone marrow can alleviate neuropathic pain in mice by increasing levels of the anti-inflammatory protein TGF-β1. The treatment remained effective for several weeks, outlasting traditional painkillers and offering new hope for chronic pain conditions.
A study by WSU researchers found that an online program can help people with chronic non-cancer pain manage their symptoms and reduce opioid use. Participants who used the program reported increased confidence and positive thinking, and made progress towards reducing or eliminating pain.
A new treatment approach uses a non-narcotic inhibitor to reduce excessive BH4 production, leading to pain relief without addiction or tolerance. The research, led by Boston Children's Hospital, shows promise for treating conditions like diabetic peripheral neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers discovered that chronic pain causes brain inflammation, altering mood and motivation regions. A new treatment approach may help restore dopamine release and reward-motivated behavior in patients with chronic pain.
Dr. Min Zhuo's team identified a molecule that can reduce chronic pain-related anxiety by blocking pre-LTP in neurons of the ACC, which mediates anxiety. The study reveals the biological basis for the link between pain and anxiety, with implications for treating both conditions.
Researchers have identified a key role for microglia in the development of chronic pain, including hyperalgesia and allodynia. Microglia-to-neuron signaling is crucial for these effects, which could lead to new treatments for chronic pain.