A study of insurance claims data found that state laws governing opioid prescribing had a negligible effect on opioid prescribing trends. The authors suggest that shifting clinical guidelines, professional norms, or other factors may be driving the decline in opioid prescribing. In contrast, a post-hoc analysis of an ASPREE trial found...
The International Lipid Expert Panel recommends a step-by-step approach to diagnosing and managing muscle symptoms caused by statins. The 'nocebo/drucebo' effect, where patients experience side effects due to expectation, affects up to 70% of diagnosed statin intolerance cases.
A controlled trial found therapy dog visits significantly reduced pain, anxiety, and depression in ED patients. After just 10 minutes with a therapy dog, patients experienced notable reductions in these symptoms.
A new poll reveals that older adults aged 50-80 who consider elective surgery harbor concerns about costs, discomfort, caregiving needs, and more. Despite these concerns, most adults are satisfied with the result of their operation. Satisfaction varies depending on physical and mental health status.
Researchers discovered that pain neuron-derived peptide Reg3gamma suppresses microglial IDO1, a key enzyme of the kynurenine pathway, and enhances brain ATP production. This discovery provides novel insights into understanding tolerance to endotoxic death.
A six-year research project aims to develop an online programme providing support, information, and tailored exercise plans for managing musculoskeletal diseases. The Digital – My Arm Pain Programme (D-MAPP) will guide participants in managing their condition through the lived experience of those affected.
A recent analysis published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that osteoarthritis prevalence increased by 113.25% globally from 247.51 million in 1990 to 527.81 million in 2019. The study also revealed higher prevalence rates in females and among countries with higher development status.
Researchers found that viewing nostalgic images from childhood reduced pain perception in adults, with the strongest effect on low-intensity pain. Nostalgic images decreased activity in brain regions involved in pain perception, including the left lingual gyrus and parahippocampal gyrus.
A recent study identified specific RNA biomarkers linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism. The findings could lead to the development of personalized treatments to ease the pain of these individuals. The research has implications for precision medicine, enabling healthcare providers to track medication effectiveness...
A new synthetic substance, PECS-101, has been shown to prevent neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy while improving cancer treatment outcomes. The study, conducted in mice, found that PECS-101 had no adverse effects and did not cause dependence.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) relieves PTSD symptoms in treatment-resistant veterans, improving brain function and microstructure. The breakthrough study provides new hope for PTSD sufferers, offering an objective diagnostic tool and potential long-term improvements.
A study of vaginal births in New York State hospitals found that labor neuraxial analgesia – having an epidural or combined spinal and epidural – was associated with a decreased risk of severe maternal morbidity. The use of epidural anesthesia was linked to a 14% reduction in the risk of severe maternal morbidity, with racial and ethni...
A new study from the University of Copenhagen finds that people with migraine or frequent tension headaches face significant difficulties at work, including memory and decision-making problems. The study highlights the importance of workplace accommodations and support for those affected by these conditions.
A large study analyzed administrative health data from Ontario and found a low risk of major anomalies with tramadol and morphine, minor anomalies with codeine, hydromorphone, and oxycodone exposure. The study highlights the need to consider both the benefits and harms of opioid treatment during pregnancy.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a non-opioid pain management approach that provides equivalent or better pain control and patient satisfaction compared to traditional opioid regimens. This approach eliminates opioids after common sports surgeries, such as knee and shoulder procedures.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system generate pain signals during migraines. Blocking these signaling pathways using nanoparticles offers promise for novel migraine treatments.
Researchers found that women in labor with epidural analgesia experienced significantly faster stomach emptying rates compared to those without. This study challenges current guidelines recommending clear liquids only during labor, proposing a reevaluation of fasting practices.
Scientists have identified a key receptor in the digestive tract that triggers pain and inflammation in the colon. By blocking this receptor from entering cells, researchers found significant reduction in pain and inflammation. This discovery holds promise for treating inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers aim to determine if knee structure changes predict clinical outcomes in people with osteoarthritis. The study will examine 76,000 X-rays and clinical data from diverse cohorts to establish healthy knee structure ranges.
Researchers have discovered a molecular signaling pathway associated with osteoarthritis (OA) pain, which plays a crucial role in producing and transmitting pain signals. By blocking this pathway, the study shows promise for developing new, effective pain treatments for human OA sufferers.
A new care pathway has been shown to reduce long-term pain and improve quality of life for people after knee replacement surgery. The STAR care pathway is cost-effective and could potentially save the NHS up to £14 million per year.
A novel technique transplants patient fat into the sole to reduce plantar fasciitis symptoms, improving quality of life and sports activities. The study laid groundwork for a larger clinical trial with promising results.
A study published in JAMA found that 75% of COVID-19 ICU survivors experience symptoms one year post-admission, including fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive issues. These health problems significantly impact their daily lives, with over half reporting work-related issues.
A study ranking 81 countries on end-of-life care found that only six earned an A grade, while 36 received Ds or Fs. The US ranked 43rd, highlighting the need for improvement in palliative care globally. Experts emphasize the importance of making advance care plans and discussing wishes with loved ones.
A Texas A&M University study suggests that ergonomic interventions can reduce pain from technology use, particularly among college students. The researchers found that posture and stress are key factors in pain reporting, rather than device type.
A Salk Institute team has uncovered a neural network in the brain that connects breathing rhythm with feelings of pain and fear. This discovery could lead to the development of an analgesic that prevents opioid-induced respiratory depression, a major cause of overdose deaths.
Researchers discover novel compound AD732 with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, outperforming standard NSAIDs while causing minimal harm. The compound may be a safer alternative for treating pain and inflammation in difficult diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to nonpharmacologic therapies like physical therapy was limited, leading to an increase in opioid prescriptions for pain management. The study found that prescription opioids replaced nonpharmacologic therapies as a primary means of pain control.
Cluster headaches are extremely painful and occur in cyclical patterns. The study found that pediatric-onset cluster headache affects 27.5% of survey participants but only 15.2% were diagnosed before age 18.
A new study by NYU School of Global Public Health found racial disparities in opioid prescribing, with Blacks and Hispanics less likely to be prescribed opioids in the late 1990s. By the mid 2000s, prescription opioid use among Blacks matched that of whites, despite the focus on white populations during the opioid crisis.
A six-month telehealth-delivered exercise program improved pain, function, and quality of life for 400 individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The program, combined with a ketogenic diet, led to significant weight loss and reduced reliance on pain medications.
A recent clinical trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that platelet-rich plasma injections had no significant benefits for reducing knee pain in people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. The study, which involved 288 participants, compared platelet-rich plasma injections to placebo injections and...
Experts suggest expanding treatment options for hospital patients with opioid withdrawal symptoms, potentially allowing more individualized and patient-centered care. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the efficacy of short-acting opioids in this context.
A Henry Ford Health System study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine found that a novel opioid-free pain management protocol provided the same pain relief for patients as common types of prescription opioids. This approach aims to reduce opioid misuse and promote more effective pain management after ACL knee reconstruc...
New guidelines recommend using nerve blocks to select patients with chronic neck pain who may benefit from radiofrequency ablation. Only one nerve block is required, rather than two, and patients must experience meaningful pain relief from diagnostic blocks. This approach aims to reduce unnecessary procedures and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a compound that regulates a biological channel linked to pain, reducing the sensation of pain in rodents. The compound, dubbed 194, successfully targets sodium ion channels and promotes pain relief by activating the body's endogenous opioid system.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine identified the anterior insula's role in predicting and emotionally processing pain in HIV-DSP patients. The study suggests that reduced anterior insula activity or increased cingulate activity may improve pain outcomes for these patients.
A new study of online relationship support finds that men tend to experience emotional pain more than women when their relationship takes a turn for the worse. The study analyzed over 184,000 people who posted their relationship problems online and found that communication problems were the #1 most frequent issue, with nearly 1 in 5 pe...
A new study published in Applied Ergonomics found that the cognitive demands of wearing a low-back exoskeleton can hinder its mechanical advantages, offsetting benefits in reducing spine loading. The researchers used ambulatory brain imaging and connectivity analysis to demonstrate how increased cognitive response to tasks can cancel o...
A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health uses machine learning to predict successful opioid dispensing models in U.S. counties. The analysis reveals that prescription drug monitoring program access provisions are the most consistent predictors of high-dispensing and high-dose dispensing counties.
A new guideline from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology recommends using standardized risk assessments and clinical pathways to evaluate chest pain. Most adults presenting with chest pain will have a non-cardiac reason, while only a small percentage will have an acute coronary syndrome.
Researchers have identified key genes involved in osteoarthritis, a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. The study, conducted on over 800,000 individuals, sheds light on the genetic factors contributing to the disease and may pave the way for new treatments.
Boston University researchers found that even low levels of physical therapy before or after total knee replacement surgery lower the odds of chronic opioid use. Participation in six or more sessions of physical therapy post-surgery and initiation within 30 days of surgery were linked to reduced chance of chronic opioid use.
A new study found that the brainstem plays a key role in modulating pain signals in the spinal cord based on expectations, with increased activity linked to the placebo effect and decreased activity to the nocebo effect.
A new study found that telephone cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively improve sleeplessness and pain in older adults with osteoarthritis-related insomnia, reducing clinical and financial burdens. The study showed that telephone CBT reduced healthcare costs without increasing them.
A new study by E. Paige Lloyd found that medical providers are better at discerning real from fake pain expressions for White people than Black people. This disparity in pain detection could contribute to racial disparities in pain care and treatment recommendations.
Researchers have identified a new pathway for opioid-induced reward in the brain, paving the way for creating safer opioids. By altering the opioid peptide receptor MOPR, pharmaceutical companies can potentially create drugs that bypass the brain's reward system.
A survey of breast cancer patients found that nearly half use cannabis to alleviate pain, fatigue, and other symptoms while undergoing treatment. Physicians are often unaware of patients' cannabis use, highlighting the need for informed conversations about its potential benefits and risks.
Researchers found that males and females have different heat-sensing systems, which may be related to reproduction and offspring care. This difference leads to segregation between the sexes at certain periods during breeding cycles.
A survey of over 50,000 people found that around 11% experience abdominal pain when eating, with symptoms also affecting mental health and daily life. The study highlights the need for meal-related symptoms to be considered in diagnosis and treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Researchers studied mice with Alzheimer's disease and found that pain sensitivity is maintained throughout the disease progression. Females are more sensitive to pain, while males experience greater emotional distress, highlighting age- and sex-specific responses to pain in Alzheimer's disease.
A multi-center study found micro-fragmented adipose tissue injections to be highly effective in reducing knee pain, improving function, and enhancing quality of life. Positive effects were observed for up to 12 months, with notable differences in efficacy among demographics.
A study published in Current Rheumatology Reviews found that rehabilitation exercises significantly improved functional strength and reduced weight in knee osteoarthritis patients. The researchers also noted an increase in exercise adherence among the rehabilitation group compared to the control group.
A study at Children's Hospital Los Angeles shows that virtual reality can decrease pain and anxiety in children undergoing intravenous catheter placement. The technology works by shifting focus and preventing pain from being registered, leading to a more positive experience for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
A recent Michigan Medicine study found that people newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis experience a myriad of significant symptoms that often cluster together. Nearly two-thirds of MS patients reported fatigue, half experienced pain in the first year after diagnosis. The research team collected questionnaires from MS patients at si...
Researchers will track oral health behaviors and caries risk in low-income urban young children over five years, collecting data on caregiver-reported habits, dental plaque scores, and social risk factors. The study aims to understand the impact of community-level factors on individual behaviors.
A multicenter randomized trial showed acupuncture improved symptoms of moderate to severe CP/CPPS, with effects lasting over 24 weeks. Acupuncture was more effective than sham therapy in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
A University at Buffalo-led study found that photobiomodulation therapy sped up recovery from burns and reduced inflammation in mice by activating endogenous TGF‐beta 1, a protein controlling cell growth and division. The findings may improve therapeutic treatments for burn injuries worldwide.
A UC Davis Health study found that patients on stable opioid therapy who had their doses tapered had significantly higher rates of overdose and mental health crisis. The study suggests that patients undergoing tapering need significant support to safely reduce or discontinue their opioids.
A recent focus group study investigated the factors affecting endometriosis diagnosis, revealing significant delays in diagnosis. Women with endometriosis reported an average time of 8.5 years from symptom onset to diagnosis, highlighting a lack of knowledge and understanding among patients, relatives, and doctors.