Articles tagged with Chronic Pain
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute found that Jymmin increases pain threshold by up to 50% and reduces anxiety in chronic pain patients. The combination of physical exertion and music triggers endorphin release, making users more tolerant to pain.
A Kenyan pilot study reveals a significant link between chronic pain and glutamate consumption, with participants experiencing improved symptoms after reducing MSG intake. The findings support the potential of dietary changes as an effective low-cost treatment option for developing countries.
Hyperreactive brain networks may contribute to the hypersensitivity of fibromyalgia. Researchers found that patients with fibromyalgia have brain networks primed for rapid responses to minor changes, leading to explosive synchronization.
A study found that genetic variations account for 7-12% of chronic postsurgical pain cases, while clinical risk factors like age and sex contribute to 3-6%. Patients under 65 years old, males, and those with a prior history of chronic pain were at increased risk.
A new study establishes expert consensus on managing concerning behaviors in patients taking opioids for chronic pain, including assessing risk and safety concerns, identifying pain symptoms, and providing patient education. The study also highlights the importance of referral to other pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies.
A study of over 13,000 opioid overdose deaths found that individuals with chronic pain conditions were at the highest risk of death. The study also reveals that many who died had been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, highlighting the importance of early intervention for those at high risk of fatal overdose.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for chronic pain that can reduce reliance on opioids and improve quality of life. By teaching patients coping strategies, CBT helps them manage their pain and behaviors associated with it.
Researchers found widespread disruptions in brain white matter across several regions, linked to higher pain levels and fatigue. The study suggests poor white matter health may contribute to persistent widespread pain experienced by Gulf War veterans.
A new $9 million study will compare two approaches to relieving noncancer chronic pain and reducing opioid use. The study will assess which approach leads to lower or discontinued opioid use and greater pain relief among people who have been using opioids over the long term.
Researchers adapted an Integrative Medical Group Visit approach to address chronic pain, fatigue, and depression in low-income Spanish-speaking Latinos. The program combined complementary and integrative medicine, medical group visits, and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques, showing significant benefits.
A study of 690 women found that both short and long surgical incisions for cesarean births are associated with increased pain after delivery. The authors recommend an optimal range of 12-17cm for cesarean incision length to minimize post-delivery pain.
Chronic pain affects 39-85% of people living with HIV, with neuropathic pain being a significant concern. Guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary treatment approach using non-drug options such as cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, and physical therapy.
The Krembil Research Institute and University Health Network release new guidelines discouraging brain imaging as a test for chronic pain. Brain imaging is considered unreliable due to variability between people and within individuals, making it unsuitable as a 'lie detector' test.
A recent study found that almost all antidepressants present significant side effects, but some individuals may better tolerate certain side effects. Personalized medicine is recommended to match chronic pain patients with suitable antidepressant medication, taking into account their individual health profiles and existing health issues.
The scientific evidence on cannabis for chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is inconclusive, with only low-strength evidence suggesting potential benefits. However, researchers found significant risks associated with cannabis use, including increased risk of motor vehicle accidents and psychotic symptoms.
Scientists at McGill University have discovered a new biological pathway involved in pain processing, which could lead to the use of existing cancer drugs as alternatives to opioids. The researchers found that EGFR blockers were as potent analgesics as morphine in mouse models of inflammatory and chronic pain.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System are conducting a five-year study to test whether medical marijuana reduces opioid use among adults with chronic pain. The study will enroll 250 HIV-positive and HIV-negative adults who use opioids and have received certification for medical marijuana use.
A team-based primary care model, TOPCARE, has been shown to decrease prescription opioid use among patients with chronic pain by 40 percent. This study, conducted in four primary care practices, found that TOPCARE patients had lower opioid doses and were more likely to adhere to AAPM guidelines.
Dose reduction in long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain improves pain, function, and quality of life. Multidisciplinary pain programs incorporating behavioral interventions can enhance patient outcomes.
A study of post-surgical patients found that those who received psychological support showed significant reductions in opioid use, depression, and daily disruptions due to pain. Patients learned coping skills grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, promoting mindfulness and acceptance of difficult experiences.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic conducted the first randomized controlled trial of DBS for neuropathic pain, targeting brain structures related to emotion and behavior. The study showed significant improvements in indices of depression, anxiety, and quality of life, suggesting a potential shift away from analgesia-based treatments.
A study by the American Society of Anesthesiologists found that women who catastrophize, or exaggerate pain, are more likely to take prescribed opioids than men. The study suggests that early treatment for pain catastrophizing may reduce opioid prescriptions for both sexes.
Researchers at UCSF found a significant association between chronic pain and faster declines in memory function and increased risk of dementia in older adults. The study suggests that chronic pain could be related to changes in the brain contributing to cognitive decline.
New research suggests that breastfeeding for over 2 months reduces the risk of chronic post-C-section pain. Mothers who breastfed longer had lower rates of persistent pain compared to those who breastfed for less time. The study also found a significant association between anxiety during breastfeeding and increased risk of chronic pain.
A study led by Columbia University Medical Center has shown that chronic pain may occur when pain receptors migrate from the nerve cell's surface to the cell's inner chambers. This discovery may lead to the development of a new class of medications for chronic pain that is more potent and less prone to side effects.
Dr. Michael Stanton-Hicks is a pioneer in the management of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), with extensive contributions to neurostimulation and chronic pain research. He has bridged advances in neurostimulation, taxonomizing CRPS, and improved patient care through his work at the Cleveland Clinic.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that approximately half of adults with anxiety or depression also experience chronic pain. Chronic physical conditions were most common among individuals with mood disorders, followed by respiratory diseases and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that chronic pain distorts the intensity of pain perception in other body parts by rewiring circuits in the anterior cingulate cortex. This causes a greater reaction to painful stimuli throughout the body, with far-reaching consequences for mental health and disease treatment.
Psychologist Robert Gatchel's research highlights how patients' irrational beliefs about chronic pain can impact treatment outcomes and pain management. His work suggests that a more comprehensive approach to treatment is needed, incorporating lifestyle habits, attitudes, and social support systems.
A new study published in Pain found that opioid use among Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn veterans is comparable to the general US population. Chronic pain management with opioids was strongly associated with PTSD, major depressive disorder, tobacco use, and rural residence.
A new study reveals that acupuncture improves carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms by rewiring the primary somatosensory cortex in the brain. Real acupuncture at the affected hand led to measurable improvements in outcomes and long-term symptom relief, while sham acupuncture had no physiologic effects.
A new study published in the BMJ Journal for Medical Humanities found that shared reading can be a useful therapy for chronic pain sufferers. The study compared shared reading to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and found that shared reading provided a more comprehensive approach to managing emotional pain.
A novel non-pharmacological approach using green LED has shown promising results in treating neuropathic pain in rats with no side effects observed. The therapy may work by increasing levels of endogenous opioids, which inhibit pain and decrease inflammation.
A study published in PAIN found that physically active older adults have lower pain perception and better ability to block responses to painful stimuli. This suggests that low levels of sedentary behavior and greater light physical activity may be critical in maintaining effective endogenous pain inhibitory function.
Researchers at CU Boulder have developed a functional MRI-based model that identifies brain activity patterns involved in varied pain experiences. The model, called SIIPS1, maps positively correlated and negatively correlated brain sub-regions, including regions not traditionally considered important for pain assessment.
A new study reveals that poorer and less-educated older Americans are more likely to experience severe chronic pain, even after accounting for age. The research also shows that people with lower levels of education and wealth are more likely to experience pain-related disability.
A Washington State University-led study explores the relationship between sleep and chronic pain, with the goal of developing new treatments. The research aims to understand which comes first: pain or poor sleep, and whether improving sleep can alleviate pain symptoms.
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 novel study at the University of Warwick aims to design a package of care and support for people with chronic pain to overcome obstacles to returning to work. The study will use Individual Placement Support (IPS) and provide work placements, aiming to improve health outcomes and quality of life.
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 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 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.
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.