Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Healthy Minds found that mindfulness training alters specific pathways in the brain related to pain regulation. Participants who completed an eight-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course showed a reduction in pain-related brain activity, suggesting a potential new ...
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that walking for exercise at a pace that induces leg pain or discomfort improves walking ability among people with peripheral artery disease. The study involved 264 participants who walked at home at either a comfortable pace or a pace that induced leg symptom...
A new study found that experiencing the death of a spouse due to COVID-19 may be worse for mental health than deaths from other causes. People who lost a spouse to COVID-19 were more likely to report symptoms of depression and loneliness. The study underscores the ongoing health risks posed by the pandemic, even to those who have not b...
A novel study found that vaccine-related fears significantly impact flu shot outcomes, reducing vaccination rates and increasing symptoms of dizziness. Researchers recommend interventions to address fear and potential dizziness, such as applied muscle tension techniques.
A new study from Tel Aviv University found a promising treatment for long-term COVID-19 symptoms using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Patients treated with HBOT showed significant improvement in cognitive function, attention, and executive functions.
Bone marrow donors can now receive significantly reduced opioid medication during and after the donation procedure, resulting in a more comfortable experience. The new pain control method, using regional anesthesia, drastically decreased opioid usage from 84% to 23% among patients.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that preoperative opioid use and four or more years of preoperative pain increased the odds of chronic post-surgery opioid use in patients undergoing adult spinal deformity surgery. Alternative pain management methods and early referrals to specialists may help mitigate this risk.
A study published in PAIN Reports found that individuals with opioid use disorder (OUd) experience greater central sensitization, leading to worse quality of life. Central sensitization refers to abnormal pain processing in the brain and spinal cord, causing people to suffer more from pain.
A study found that patients and their caregivers agreed on the severity of physical symptoms like pain and functionality, but disagreed on psychological symptoms like depression and anxiety. The researchers also noted that caregivers who were under stress overreported their patient's symptoms.
A water birth significantly reduces the use of epidurals, injected opioids, episiotomy, pain, and heavy bleeding after birth, while increasing mothers' satisfaction levels and the odds of an intact perineum. A water immersion also increases the likelihood of an intact perineum and reduces episodes of umbilical cord breakage.
A case report highlights the dangers of excessive vitamin D intake, with symptoms including abdominal pain, leg cramps, and kidney abnormalities. Doctors warn that hypervitaminosis D is on the rise and can lead to serious health problems if not taken safely.
Researchers identify key enzyme CbrR and cyclic-di-GMP as crucial for Campylobacter jejuni's motility and biofilm formation. By targeting these elements, scientists aim to develop a safe molecule to prevent infection.
A new study found that hospitals can reduce excessive opioid prescribing by implementing an evidence-based default setting for opioid prescriptions written in electronic health records. The study showed that patients who received a standard prescription size with a lower default dose of opioids had similar pain control, but took home f...
A Northwestern University-led team developed a biocompatible implant that uses targeted cooling to relieve pain on demand. The device, which can be controlled remotely, has the potential to provide an alternative to highly addictive medications.
This qualitative study provides consensus-level guidance to clinicians caring for patients with advanced cancer-related pain and opioid misuse or use disorder. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive assessment and multimodal treatment strategies.
Experts outline a framework for treating cancer pain in patients with opioid use disorder or prescription opioid misuse. The study highlights the need for better integration of addiction treatment in cancer care, particularly prescribing methadone and buprenorphine.
A new wearable technology project aims to empower older women to continue participating in sports and exercise without fear of pain or injuries. The project, MISFIT, will develop smart textiles and footwear insoles to monitor injury risk and provide personalized advice to health professionals.
A study by ETH Zurich researchers shows a sharp increase in opioid poisoning cases and sales in Switzerland between 2000 and 2019, with oxycodone being the second most common cause. The rise is similar to that seen in other European countries, but per capita sales are higher in Switzerland.
A team of scientists has developed a complex tissue platform that can restore damaged rotator cuffs through 3D-bioprinting. The platform, which includes stem cells and tissue-specific extracellular matrix bioink, regenerates tissues and improves shoulder function in animal models.
Research found that people who experience little unemployment after age 35 have better health than those with frequent unemployment in their twenties and thirties. Frequent unemployment can also lead to worse physical and mental health by age 50.
A UC Davis Health study found that patients on stable but higher-dose opioid therapy who had their doses tapered by at least 15% had significantly higher rates of overdose and mental health crisis in the second year after tapering compared to their pre-tapering period. The risks were greatest in patients with the highest baseline doses.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients who underwent spinal anesthesia for hip fracture surgery experienced more pain and were more likely to use prescription painkillers compared to those who received general anesthesia. The researchers hope to improve pain care by increasing the use of peripheral ...
Women with self-injury behaviour show a more effective pain-modulation system, displaying more connections between pain perception and modulation brain areas. This finding suggests that effective pain modulation is a risk factor for self-injury behaviour, providing valuable insights for improving treatment and support.
The Flinders-designed QOL-ACC tool assesses six key quality of life dimensions and has been implemented with over 1000 older Australians, delivering improved standards and transparency in aged care. The results show that the tool performed strongly in a pilot trial, with lower scores for those with poorer self-reported health status.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that walking for exercise can reduce new frequent knee pain and slow joint damage in people with knee osteoarthritis. Researchers analyzed data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative and found a 40% decrease in odds of new frequent knee pain among walkers compared to non-walkers.
A study published in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis found that the quality of mistletoe, a traditional Chinese medicine, is affected by its host plant. The researchers used metabolomics to investigate the influence of host plants and environmental factors on mistletoe's medicinal qualities. The results show that both host plants an...
A team of researchers identified a group of interneurons in the spinal cord required for heat sensation and found a signaling pathway that contributes to heat hypersensitivity. Their study may lead to more effective treatment for chronic, pathological pain.
A study found that walking for exercise reduced frequent knee pain in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Preliminary evidence also suggested that it might modify structural effects of osteoarthritis on the knees.
Research found that stimulating a specific brain circuit relieves pain and reduces defensive behaviors in rats, indicating potential physical and psychological relief. The pathway also increases reward and feeding behavior, suggesting improved emotional state.
A 58-year-old woman from Armenia suffered from severe finger pain for over 40 years when knitting, which was later revealed to be caused by a rare benign glomus tumor under her fingernail. The tumor was successfully removed in a 30-minute operation, restoring the patient's quality of life and allowing her to return to her hobby.
Male mice exhibit increased stress hormones and decreased pain sensitivity when near pregnant or lactating females, which is linked to a specific olfactory signal. This finding has significant implications for improving experiment reliability and represents a breakthrough in mammalian social signaling.
A recent study found that nearly one-quarter of young sarcoma patients continue to use opioids after treatment is completed. The researchers highlight the need for monitoring and age-appropriate strategies to manage pain while minimizing opioid exposure.
A comprehensive study published in Frontiers found that medicinal cannabis improved pain measures, decreased cancer symptoms, and reduced the need for opioid painkillers among cancer patients. The study's results suggest that medical cannabis can be considered as an alternative to traditional pain relief medicines.
A study analyzing over 11,000 medical records found Hispanic patients with chest pain face unwarranted delays in emergency care. Language barriers, cultural values, immigration status, and inadequate healthcare professionals contribute to these disparities.
Leicester researchers developed an Opioid Toolkit to reduce non-cancer pain opioids prescribed by 2024. The tool provides a theory and evidence-based approach to implementing the NHS' goal, balancing workload with patient support.
A multidisciplinary panel of experts recommends avoiding repeat CTAP imaging and prioritizing opioid-minimizing pain control strategies for adults with low-risk, recurrent abdominal pain. The guidelines also suggest screening for depression and anxiety during ED evaluations.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that a strong saline solution can quadruple morphine concentration in the spinal cord, intensifying pain relief. The glymphatic system enables faster drug delivery when administered with hypertonic solutions.
Research at Mount Sinai Hospital found a significant difference in the prevalence of occult hypoxemia among Black, Hispanic, and White patients undergoing anesthesia. The study showed that Black and Hispanic patients experienced higher rates of unrecognized low oxygen levels despite normal pulse oximeter values.
A new study found a bi-directional relationship between gastrointestinal issues and internalized symptoms in children with autism, highlighting the importance of the gut-brain axis. The research aims to develop personalized treatments for individuals with autism experiencing gastrointestinal problems.
A new study found that individuals with sickle cell disease who were prescribed corticosteroids were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for severe pain events. The study also identified factors such as hydroxyurea use and male gender associated with lower risk of hospitalization.
Researchers found a weak correlation between provider and patient satisfaction with anesthesia during ocular surgery, suggesting that providers are poor predictors of patient comfort. The study recommends further research to understand patient satisfaction with anesthesia.
Researchers develop technique to improve ACDF by testing variable angle screws, reducing risk of micro motion and subsidence. The cage-screw combination model shows promising potential for increased stiffness and reduced clinical failure.
A study of 8,900 patients in New York State hospitals revealed racial and ethnic disparities in pain treatment for obstetric patients. Obstetric patients in minority groups were less likely to receive an epidural blood patch (EBP) for postdural puncture headache during delivery hospitalization.
A Canadian study of over 12,000 hospital admissions found that updated product label changes did not reduce rates of accidental acetaminophen overdose. The study suggests additional measures are needed to prevent these episodes beyond just labeling changes.
A decision-support framework was developed by management science researchers to help clinicians make informed decisions about opioid prescribing. The framework incorporates multiple factors, including recovery time, pain intensity, and patient history, to provide a quantitative model of the prescribing process.
Researchers at Rutgers University found disparities in palliative care and hospice referrals among minority patient groups, highlighting the need for standardized policies to improve access. The studies revealed that language barriers, economic status, and cultural differences contribute to these gaps in care.
A new review estimates that 52% of the global population experience a headache disorder each year, with significant variations in prevalence rates across different age groups and regions. The study also highlights differences in diagnostic methods and their impact on estimated rates.
A pair of studies published by Washington State University scientists found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help individuals with opioid addiction reduce their methadone dose and better manage pain and withdrawal symptoms. The treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, resulting in significant dose reduct...
Steroid injections have been shown to lead to greater pain relief and improved movement in adults with hip osteoarthritis. The study found that patients who received steroid injections along with advice and education experienced significant improvements in pain intensity, physical function, and pain self-efficacy over six months compar...
Researchers at University of Oxford and Leeds found liposomal bupivacaine no more effective than current treatments for post-operative knee pain. The SPAARK Trial showed that the drug did not improve recovery or pain relief compared to bupivacaine hydrochloride alone.
A new technique developed at the University of Birmingham uses electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity in patients before surgery, predicting their likelihood of severe pain after recovery. This allows clinicians to plan additional preventative pain medication and potentially reduce chronic symptoms.
A California study found that adults living with handgun owners had twice the homicide rates compared to those without, with most victims being women. Survivors of nonfatal gunshot injuries also experienced significant healthcare costs and worsening mental health.
Rice University engineers have developed a tiny, wireless device that can stimulate nerves and treat neurological diseases. The implant, powered by a magnetic transmitter, uses blood vessels as guides to reach targeted nerves.
A study led by UCL researchers found significant disparities in opioid painkiller access between countries, with some regions reporting rates as low as 0.01 MME per 1,000/day, while others have surpassed the US in opioid sales. The findings highlight the need for global policies to improve palliative care and pain relief provision.
A York University expert argues that invertebrates can feel pain, have emotions, and deserve moral consideration. Research suggests that decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs are sentient, challenging traditional views on animal welfare.
Researchers found that women are less likely to undergo common heart procedures and more likely to die in the hospital after receiving them. The study analyzed data from over 2 million hospitalizations for heart procedures between 2016 and 2019, revealing significant disparities in treatment and outcomes based on sex and race.
People with severe mental illness experience increased likelihood of health problems and poorer physical health due to inadequate pain management. Current treatments are often excluded from clinical trials, and low physical activity is a common issue in both conditions.
A new study published in BRAIN shows that a neuronal growth factor called BDNF plays a major role in amplifying spinal cord pain signalling in male humans and male rats, but not in female humans or female rats. This discovery has significant implications for the development of new treatments for chronic pain.
A randomized clinical trial found that acquiring a medical marijuana card led to a higher incidence of cannabis use disorder but no significant improvement in symptoms of pain, anxiety, or depression. Immediate access to medical marijuana resulted in improved sleep.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that medical marijuana users were more likely to develop cannabis use disorder (CUD) than expected, particularly those seeking relief from anxiety and depression. The study suggests that the current system of dispensing and using medical marijuana may be contributing to this issue.