Articles tagged with Pain
New studies suggest that treating post-surgery pain with non-opioid medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can lead to equal short-term outcomes and patient satisfaction as opioids. Researchers analyzed data from over 22,000 patients who had one of seven common operations at 70 hospitals.
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that only a minority of patients with knee osteoarthritis used non-surgical care such as physical therapy and knee injections. The study suggests that surgery may be more commonly substituted for conservative care in regions with high rates of knee replacements.
A new study published in European Journal of Anaesthesiology found that NOL pain monitoring technology can detect the effect of dexmedetomidine on patients' pain response, enabling administration of less intraoperative opioids. The study demonstrated the potential for significant opioid sparing during surgery.
A new study found that couple cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is more effective than lidocaine in reducing women's fear of pain and improving their sexual experience. The therapy helps break the vicious cycle of fear and avoidance, allowing couples to refocus on pleasurable experiences.
Researchers found that storytelling significantly increased oxytocin levels and decreased cortisol and pain levels in hospitalized children. The study showed a positive effect on emotional well-being and found higher positive emotions following the storytelling intervention compared to the riddle game.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that duloxetine reduced cumulative opioid use by 30% in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty compared to those receiving placebo. Patients who received duloxetine also reported higher pain management satisfaction and less pain interference with daily activities.
A new study finds that Rwandans conceived during the 1994 genocide have poorer adult health outcomes, including depression, PTSD, and pain intensity. Those born of genocidal rape experience the worst health effects, highlighting the need for interventions to mitigate these effects.
A University of Otago study found that people with anti-abortion views tend to believe a fetus can feel pain before the 23rd week of pregnancy. Women are more likely than men to hold this belief, which may be due to targeted disinformation campaigns.
Researchers found gaps in patients' understanding of opioid use, pain management, and proper storage/disposal. Patients may benefit from educating them on multimodal analgesia and safe opioid use practices.
A pilot study found that micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) injection provides significant and long-lasting pain relief for wheelchair users with chronic shoulder pain caused by rotator cuff disease. The study showed encouraging results, with nearly 80% of participants experiencing a meaningful decrease in pain symptoms.
Patients who underwent bariatric surgery ten years ago reported that their eating habits and appetite remained affected, with reduced cravings for unhealthy foods. However, they also described struggling to manage their lives, including supporting overweight children, due to ongoing guilt and self-blame.
The study used a slap on the hand as a test subject to examine reflexes and their coordination. The researchers found that humans anticipate pain when reacting to potential harm, which could be applied to robot development for improved safety. Robots can learn from human reflex systems to develop intelligent protective mechanisms.
Researchers have identified novel blood markers that can predict when labor is approaching, shedding light on the biological process of labor initiation. The study's findings lay the groundwork for a clinical blood test that could provide more precise estimates of delivery time.
A study presented at the AATS Annual Meeting found that modifying the ERATS protocol significantly reduced in-hospital and post-discharge opioid consumption, particularly Schedule II opioids. The optimized protocol included replacing saline with 0.25% bupivacaine and switching tramadol to as-needed scheduling.
A new study from the University of Michigan shows that overdose rates were two and a half times higher among patients who filled a prescription for an opioid medication after a dental procedure compared to those who didn
A new digital decision-aiding tool, ASSIST, has been developed to help physicians choose between non-invasive diagnostic tests for patients with chest pain. The tool uses machine learning techniques to identify the most appropriate imaging test based on patient characteristics.
Research suggests that fish may experience painful events despite lacking certain brain regions associated with human pain processing. The UTA team drew on contemporary neuroscience to argue that the brain can compensate for such regions, implying a higher likelihood of pain in fish.
A new study by Henry Ford Health System has found that a non-opioid approach to managing pain after knee surgery is just as effective as traditional opioid-based methods. The novel multimodal pain management protocol, developed at Henry Ford, brings immediate pain relief without the use of powerful opioids.
A new study identifies three molecules in the blood that can distinguish between heart attack and chest pain caused by other conditions. The researchers hope to develop a simple blood test for early diagnosis, which could help doctors quickly confirm or rule out a heart attack.
A new study led by Syracuse University researchers finds that CBD reduces pain intensity while making it less unpleasant. The study reveals a complex interplay between the drug's physical effects and participants' expectations, challenging previous assumptions about pain relief.
The UVA Center for Engineering in Medicine has developed a robust process to help researchers win funding from institutions like the National Institutes of Health. The center's first seed grant cohorts have achieved astonishing results, including $12 million in follow-on funding with just a $2 million initial investment.
Researchers found body mass index and age impact neck strength and endurance, while time of day also plays a role. The study's results can inform strategies to prevent neck pain and improve musculoskeletal biomechanical models.
A population-based study of Canadian children found no link between epidural pain relief during labor and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders. The study analyzed multiple databases and concluded that epidural use did not increase the likelihood of autism.
Research reveals that family financial stress in midlife is associated with a depleted sense of control, related to increased physical pain in later years. Financial strain can lead to health conditions like physical pain, physical limitations, loneliness and cardiovascular disease.
A study of 940 children found nearly a quarter wanted stronger pain treatment after appendectomies and tonsillectomies, associated with sleep impairments and movement pain. Precautionary administration of non-opioid analgesics may reduce opioid use after surgery.
A new model in physical therapy education aims to address opioid use disorder by incorporating topics such as women's health, pediatric care, and sports therapy. By understanding the complex interplay between physical activity, pain perception, and addiction, physical therapists can provide holistic care to patients across the lifespan.
A new study from Aarhus University shows that eight weeks of training in compassion can significantly improve the well-being of relatives. The training helps them deal with difficult emotions and life events, reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology has published a new clinical practice guideline to reduce opioid use disorder risks. The guideline focuses on multimodal analgesia and judicious use of opioids, aiming to improve postoperative pain control while minimizing the risk of chronic opioid use.
A new study published in the Journal of Pain found that when male and female patients express the same amount of pain, women's pain is perceived as less intense. The researchers analyzed facial expressions and self-reported pain levels to measure bias, concluding that gender stereotypes play a role in these disparities.
A study in red-haired mice reveals that a variant of the melanocortin 1 receptor affects pain sensitivity. The researchers found that lower levels of certain hormones lead to more opioid signals, elevating the pain threshold.
A new tool called GRASP (Guidelines for Ruling out and Assessing Pain) has been developed to simplify diagnoses for children with complex chronic medical conditions. The tool helps healthcare providers evaluate pain among non-verbal children, reducing hospitalizations and improving treatment outcomes.
Scientists have found that odontoblasts, cells forming dentin beneath the enamel, sense cold and trigger pain. By blocking this function, researchers can inhibit dental pain and create novel applications for eugenol-based treatments.
Research reveals that teeth contain cold-sensitive proteins called odontoblasts, which detect temperature changes and trigger pain signals to the brain. This discovery explains how clove oil eases toothaches and may lead to new treatments for tooth sensitivity.
A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that more than 60% of opioid tablets prescribed for patients undergoing orthopaedic or urologic procedures went unused. The study used an automated text messaging system to track patient pain and opioid use, revealing that most opioids are taken withi...
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) significantly reduces inflammation, improving quality of life for people with moderate to severe knee pain. The procedure provides long-term, safe pain relief, with benefits seen as early as three days post-treatment and lasting up to one year.
Feeling psychologically powerful can make leaders feel their job is more demanding, yet this can also be beneficial for goal pursuit and meaningful work. However, it can cause pain and discomfort, particularly in those high in neuroticism.
A study found that women are more likely to experience delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of chest pain, which is a key symptom of reduced blood flow to the heart. Women were also less likely to be suspected of having a heart attack than men, with lower rates of probable acute coronary syndrome in females.
A new study shows that machine-learning strategies can be applied to routinely collected physiological data to provide clues about pain levels in people with sickle cell disease. The researchers found that these vital signs give clues into the patients' reported pain levels, outperforming baseline models.
A recent Loyola Medicine study found that reducing the standard dose of IV-administered ketamine in half is as effective as the larger dose in reducing pain in adults. The study involved 98 patients and showed similar results at 30 minutes, with lower adverse event rates in the low-dose group.
Researchers have discovered that catnip's active ingredient, Nepetalactone, activates the mosquito irritant receptor TRPA1, making it an effective repellent. This finding has significant implications for developing new, plant-based insect repellents.
A meta-analysis of 20 neuroimaging studies finds that placebo treatments reduce pain-related activity in multiple brain areas, including the thalamus and somatosensory cortex. The study, led by Tor Wager, demonstrates that the brain constructs pain experiences through a mix of processing stations and motivational circuits.
A single letter difference in a gene leads to sickle cell disease affecting 20 million worldwide, with varying life expectancy depending on social and environmental factors. A new review calls for integrative studies to better understand the disease globally and develop locally-appropriate interventions.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that methoxyflurane administration resulted in lower pain scores compared to standard care. However, it did not achieve the desired substantial reduction in pain as prescribed.
A new guideline for reducing opioid use post-surgery has led to a high pain management satisfaction rate of over 90%, with 83% of patients properly disposing of unused pills. The guideline takes into account individual patients' perception of pain, setting expectations and prescribing non-opioid analgesics to minimize opioid use.
A new randomized controlled trial shows that digital treatment for knee osteoarthritis is more effective than traditional self-management care in reducing pain by 41 percent compared to 6 percent. The digital treatment also offers benefits such as lower costs and increased accessibility for patients living in rural areas.
Researchers at the University of Washington and Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute developed a phone-based therapy to combat insomnia in older adults with osteoarthritis. The study found that this treatment can be delivered in just a few short calls, improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue and pain symptoms.
A study at the University of Pennsylvania found that 61% of opioids prescribed to patients after orthopedic procedures went unused. The text message system showed high patient uptake, with 88% responding on the fourth day and 95% on the 21st day. Patients reported a decrease in pain levels without using most of the prescribed opioids.
Researchers developed an agonist-antagonist myoneural interface (AMI) that restored physiological feedback, enabling greater precision of movement and reducing pain in amputees. Studies showed improved muscle activity coordination and lower pain levels compared to traditional amputation procedures.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered modified compounds called epo-NA5HT and epo-NADA that target multiple cannabinoid receptors, interrupting pain and inflammation pathways. These lipid epoxides are much more potent than their precursor molecules and offer a promising alternative to opioid-based painkillers.
A new study by Oregon State University suggests that marching band members in leadership roles experience more neck and upper back discomfort, while less experienced bandmates are more prone to left-hand pain and cognitive strain. The findings also show that gender has no impact on discomfort levels or perception of workload.
A new study published in EPJ B reveals that inhibitory interneurons make up 20% of the brain's circuitry required for pain processing. The researchers used graph theory to model the brain's complex networks, uncovering a specific configuration of interneurons crucial for modulating information transmission.
A new study published in CMAJ found that high tibial osteotomy is successful in reducing the need for total knee replacement in younger patients with early-stage knee osteoarthritis. The procedure delays or prevents knee replacement in up to 79% of patients within 10 years.
Researchers Seiichi Yamano and Brian Schmidt aim to develop a new class of medicines using gene therapy to effectively treat oral cancer pain. They will test whether co-delivery of DNA and RNA can safely alleviate oral cancer pain, offering an alternative to opioids.
A study of 620 patients who had surgery found that those counseled to use opioids only as backup experienced less pain and similar patient satisfaction compared to standard care. The approach took a middle ground between controlling pain and reducing the risk of long-term opioid use or addiction.
Research suggests that radiologists' diagnoses of lumbar spine pain generators are highly accurate when using patient-reported symptom information from brief questionnaires. The study found almost perfect agreement between radiologists' diagnoses using symptom information and those without it, improving diagnostic certainty levels.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that advanced practice providers (APPs) and emergency physicians deliver similar care to ED patients presenting with chest and abdominal pain. The authors recommend further research on the optimal use of APPs in the emergency department.
A pooled data analysis of available evidence suggests that listening to music can reduce anxiety and pain after major heart surgery. The study found that the first postoperative music session was associated with significant reductions in anxiety (4 points) and pain (1.26 points).
A new study by physician-researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that a modified pain management strategy reduced opioid exposure in trauma patients while maintaining equal levels of pain control. The MAST regimen, a multi-modal analgesic approach using over-the-counter medications, achieved this o...
Researchers found that spitting cobra venoms are more effective in causing pain than non-spitting counterparts. The unique trait is attributed to molecular adaptations that enhance the action of pre-existing venom cytotoxins.
The study found that a multimodal pain regimen (MMPR) reduced opioid exposure and pain scores in trauma patients. The MMPR, which includes generic medications such as acetaminophen and tramadol, was shown to be an effective alternative to traditional opioid treatments.