Research on pain and how to relieve it. Covers chemotherapy nerve injury, music and pain, migraine patterns, and back-pain treatments.
Researchers discovered that SARS-CoV-2 proteins stimulate sensory nerves directly, triggering sneezing, coughing, and pain. The study found that viral proteins PLpro and Mpro activate sensory nerves, leading to symptoms and potentially chronic conditions associated with long COVID.
A new review examines the relationship between tumors and the nervous system, suggesting that psychedelics may be able to 'listen' to the system and provide relief from cancer-related symptoms. The review also explores the potential for psychedelics to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in cancer patients.
Phase 3 clinical trials involving over 1,000 participants found that those taking retatrutide, a new experimental weight-loss injectable drug, lost about a quarter of their body weight on average and experienced significant pain relief. The drug also showed benefits in reducing blood pressure, lipid levels, and systemic inflammation.
Diabetic foot ulcers cause pain despite numbness, with patients experiencing unpredictable and severe discomfort. Patients struggle to manage their daily lives due to sleep disturbances and lack of pain recognition from healthcare staff.
A new hypothesis suggests consciousness arises in brainstem circuits, processing information and generating subjective experience. This theory challenges conventional views, placing the source of conscious experience primarily in the brainstem.
A Cochrane review found that ergonomic interventions have no significant impact on pain, function, or sick leave for workers with work-related arm, neck, or shoulder complaints. The review of 20 trials involving 2,478 people found little to no difference between ergonomic interventions and no treatment in short-term pain relief.
The College of Nursing faculty at the University of Tennessee Knoxville has received a National Cancer Institute (NCI) award to explore how family support can help breast cancer survivors better manage pain and improve their quality of life. The two-year project will bring together researchers and clinical partners from across Tennesse...
Researchers at the University of East Anglia found that tiny changes in pupil size and blinking patterns can reveal an individual's mental workload during virtual reality tasks. This could lead to wearable systems that automatically adapt therapy in real-time, offering personalized pain relief for millions living with chronic pain.
New research suggests that heat-based recovery strategies may influence some biological processes involved in recovery following muscle-damaging exercise, but do not translate to significant improvements in muscle strength or soreness over a 72-hour period
Scientists found that playing patients' favorite music during a cannula insertion minimizes pain, with no significant effect from relaxation music. The study suggests that music may be a useful tool to reduce pain and discomfort during medical procedures, particularly for anxious or claustrophobic patients.
A new study published in Radiology journal found that ultrasound-guided hydrodissection provides sustained clinical and morphological improvement in patients with refractory carpal tunnel syndrome. The procedure is a steroid-free alternative that involves injecting fluid around the affected nerve to release adhesions and improve mobility.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from 16 adult patients with sickle cell disease and found differences in proteins related to neurodegeneration, energy production, and other bodily functions. The study suggests the existence of previously unknown drivers of disease symptoms like pain.
Researchers developed a novel approach to reduce neuropathic pain by targeting specific nerve cell interactions. By disrupting the interaction between voltage-gated sodium channels and ankyrin-G, they reduced pain-like behaviors in mouse models and paved the way for new therapeutics.
A nasal spray treatment has shown to provide rapid and effective pain relief for children in emergency departments, with 86.2% of children experiencing reduced pain 30 minutes after treatment. The treatment was well-tolerated with mild side effects, offering a simple and effective option for treating children in the emergency department.
Bone complications in sickle cell disease include early-onset osteoporosis, compression fractures, and avascular necrosis. Research aims to investigate how inflammation leads to bone complications and identify if bone cells drive musculoskeletal pain.
A new study found that exercise can significantly reduce acute and chronic pain across various conditions, with shorter-duration programs delivering greater pain reductions. Exercise was associated with substantial reductions in pain, regardless of the type, intensity, or duration of exercise.
A new study aims to find new ways to prevent strokes in people with chronic migraine by understanding the link between cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. The research also explores the role of immune cells in blood vessels and their impact on migraine attacks.
Patients with chronic pain benefit from group medical visits, which facilitate emotional, appraisal, informational, and instrumental social support. This social support network encourages patients to share experiences, tips, and resources, ultimately improving their chronic pain management.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have identified TRPM2 as a direct pain transducer that amplifies chronic pain signals. Blocking TRPM2 with a drug injected into the joint completely reversed arthritis pain in mice, providing a promising new approach to treating chronic pain more effectively.
A multicenter randomized clinical trial of 370 nulliparous individuals found that intrauterine mepivacaine instillation significantly reduced pain and improved tolerability during IUD placement compared to placebo saline. The study supports mepivacaine instillation as a simple approach to improve the IUD placement experience.
Researchers found that mind-body interventions, including mindfulness-based cancer recovery and tai chi/qigong, improved symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and sleep problems in cancer survivors. The study, which included over 500 participants, highlights the value of a whole-person approach to cancer survivorship care.
A comprehensive review of 20 years of research involving over 80,000 carers found that many deprioritise and dismiss their own emotional needs, highlighting the need for psychological support-seeking among carers.
Researchers found that mindfulness-based cancer recovery and tai chi/qigong helped participants manage common challenges after cancer treatment, including fatigue, pain, and sleep difficulties. These mind-body interventions improved symptoms by targeting the psychological aspect of pain and promoting overall well-being.
Researchers investigate the relationship between endometriosis pain and vaginal microorganisms, aiming to find a diagnostic test for the condition. They hope to determine if an abnormal microbiome is present due to the condition or if it contributes to its development.
Researchers discovered that psilocybin prevents nerve injury and associated symptoms in preclinical models, protecting sensory nerve endings and preserving touch sensation. Psilocybin may offer a new intervention for preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, improving patients' quality of life.
Drexel researchers found converging evidence for three mechanisms that contribute to music-based interventions' effectiveness, including selecting personal music and engaging with it. The study emphasizes the need for more research into music's effects on pain, particularly in individuals with chronic pain.
Researchers used AI to analyze data from 43,000 participants and identified a complex interplay between genetics, clinical characteristics, and environmental factors. The study reveals four distinct subgroups of migraine, including those with prominent neck pain and extensive musculoskeletal pain.
A new Cochrane review of 8 randomized controlled trials involving over 500 adults found little to no benefit from widely-used back braces in managing chronic low back pain. The research suggested that the use of lumbar supports may be more common in lower-income countries where active treatment alternatives are less accessible.
Researchers at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that BRAF plays a key role in developing and maintaining chronic nerve pain caused by nerve damage. Using BRAF inhibitors reduced pain sensitivity in preclinical models, suggesting therapeutic potential for treating chronic nerve pain.
A new T32 training program connects bioengineers and neurosurgeons to work on research projects improving neurosurgical practice. The program brings together postdoctoral associates and residents to collaborate on team-based research projects, closing the gap between neurosurgery and bioengineering.
Researchers found that tumors can damage peripheral nerves before chemotherapy begins, leading to potential nerve damage and chronic pain. The study challenges the conventional thought that peripheral neuropathy is mostly due to chemotherapy treatment.
Surzen Biotherapeutics aims to develop effective pain relief without severe side effects by targeting opioid receptor pathways differently. The company plans to use peptides to block dimerization, reducing tolerance and improving efficacy.
Researchers have identified a biological brake in the brain that regulates chronic pain, a discovery that could lead to more effective treatments. By targeting specific receptors in the locus coeruleus region of the brain, scientists hope to develop new therapies that provide powerful relief for chronic neuropathic pain.
A randomized controlled trial found that first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis significantly improves walking-related pain in patients with painful hallux rigidus. The study suggests arthrodesis as a preferred treatment option for some patients, providing a greater reduction in walking-related pain and secondary outcomes.
A new Cochrane review analyzed 11 studies involving 2,524 women undergoing embryo transfer, finding no reliable evidence that preparatory techniques improve IVF success rates. The techniques examined included straightening the utero-cervical angle and removing cervical mucus before transfer.
Researchers have discovered a previously overlooked group of bladder nerves that help detect urinary tract infections and trigger the body's response to clear them. These nerves, located close to the bladder lining, act as an early warning system that springs into action during a UTI, helping to reduce severity and spread of infection.
A study found that patients with proximal humerus fractures often avoid movements due to fear of re-injury or discomfort, leading to chronic pain and impaired mobility. Early identification and targeted interventions can help boost confidence and facilitate faster recovery.
Exercise produces small improvements in pain and physical function for people with hip osteoarthritis, but those improvements may not be large enough to make a meaningful difference in daily life. Quality of life showed little to no improvement with exercise.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that nerve blocks do not cause nerves to become more sensitive or lead to worse pain after the block wears off. The researchers suggest that rebound pain is caused by the return of surgical pain as the block resolves, rather than hypersensitivity. This finding supports the continued use of nerv...
A randomized clinical trial found that acupuncture to the ear (auriculotherapy) reduced migraine pain and improved its impact on daily life. The treatment showed a statistically significant improvement in oxygenation levels in the brain, but not a difference between the auriculotherapy and sham groups.
A new study found that prophylactic naldemedine is a cost-effective intervention for opioid-induced constipation in cancer patients. The analysis revealed an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 1,445,276 Japanese yen per QALY gained, which is below the official willingness-to-pay threshold of 5 million yen.
A cohort study of opioid-naive patients found that most achieved pain resolution within 3 weeks, but some reported prolonged opioid use. Current guidelines may not serve all patients, emphasizing the need for tailored treatment approaches.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that a group mindfulness program can effectively treat chronic low back pain. Participants showed significant improvements to pain and daily functioning after the program, with gains sustained at a 12-month follow-up.
A mindfulness-based group medical visit program for persons with chronic low back pain showed significant improvements in pain intensity and interference compared to usual care. However, the changes did not meet the minimal clinically important difference threshold.
A Brazilian study found that 86% of children and adolescents with musculoskeletal pain recover, but 32% experience recurring pain. The study identified factors such as quality of life and age as predictors of recovery.
Researchers identified two weather patterns associated with an increased risk of headaches in the Northeast US. The study found that approaching cold fronts and high-pressure systems, such as the Bermuda High, can trigger new-onset headaches in people with episodic migraines.
A study published in Communications Biology found that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) exacerbates chronic pain and drives mirror-image pain after a stroke. The researchers used imaging mass spectrometry to visualize LPA and other molecules, revealing a sequential pathological process that leads to bilateral pain.
Researchers found that HIV-associated protein gp120 increases nerve receptor activity, leading to increased pain sensitivity. Targeting this mechanism with drugs or genetic approaches may alleviate chronic pain associated with HIV, and could also treat other conditions.
Patients who received five minutes of in-person prayer experienced greater relief from both pain and anxiety compared to those who listened to music. The study found significant improvements in pain reduction at two weeks, with black participants showing larger improvements.
Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago has successfully eliminated months of postoperative pain for microtia patients through a minimally invasive nerve freezing procedure. The method, which lasts only 20 minutes, allows patients to enjoy natural ear sensation and appearance without prolonged pain or opioid use.
Patients with breast cancer and low vitamin D levels experienced moderate to severe postoperative pain, while those with sufficient vitamin D levels reported less pain. Vitamin D deficiency was also associated with increased opioid consumption and nausea.
A new study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience suggests that tracking tiny facial micromovement spikes can provide a biological basis for assessing pain. Researchers found that as pain intensified, heart rhythms became increasingly irregular, with the most pronounced changes appearing around the eyes.
Researchers found that butyrate alleviates TMJ pain by reversing epigenetic and gene regulatory pathways in the brain. The study identified key genes and mechanisms involved in pain-related molecular pathways, providing new insights into the biological mechanisms of TMJ pain.
A widely used depression screening questionnaire is accurate for both people with and without chronic pain, according to a new study. The study debunks the myth that screening inflates depression scores for those with chronic pain, which can be masked by fatigue and sleep disturbances.
A new study suggests that ultrasound stimulation can bring about functionally meaningful changes in pain perception and brain connectivity. The research found a delayed analgesic effect, with participants reporting reduced pain intensity after 28-55 minutes following TUS application.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that icing can delay recovery time and prolong pain in some cases, highlighting a paradox between short-term pain relief and full recovery. The research suggests that anti-inflammatory strategies may be helpful but also interfere with biological processes required for full recovery.
This qualitative study explores the use of edible cannabis among older adults as a management strategy for pain, sleep, and mental health concerns. The study highlights the importance of physician awareness and informed counseling for these patients.
A new study found that nearly 1,200 TBI respondents used psychedelics to treat or manage physical health conditions, with 208 participants using them to manage brain injury-related symptoms. Researchers reported a 90% self-reported symptom improvement rate.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals a connection between ADHD-related traits and chronic pain, highlighting the importance of addressing ADHD in pain management. The research suggests that treating ADHD may help reduce chronic pain severity.
A new study shows that while dental opioid prescription fills in the US have dropped by 27% since 2021, the rate remains higher than in other developed countries and the US territory of Puerto Rico. The study suggests that some US dentists are still overprescribing opioids.