Research on pain and how to relieve it. Covers chemotherapy nerve injury, music and pain, migraine patterns, and back-pain treatments.
A pilot study from North Carolina State University found that a gene associated with autism spectrum disorder and pain hypersensitivity may decrease itch response. Contactin-associated protein 2 (CNTNAP2) is expressed in sensory neurons responsible for transmitting sensations of both pain and itch.
A new Dartmouth-led study found that white patients receive higher annual doses of prescription pain medicine than Black patients, even when treated by the same health system and team of clinicians. The researchers suggest that systematic racial bias is a major contributor to these disparities.
Fionnuala Lundy, an Associate Professor at Queen's University Belfast, has received the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award for her groundbreaking research on naturally-occurring antimicrobial peptides. Her work focuses on oral/dental stem cells, pulp regeneration and various oral diseases.
A new study published in PAIN found that what parents say in the first minute after a vaccine is crucial in reducing children's distress. The researchers recommend keeping kids calm with physical strategies and delaying verbal coping statements until they're over initial distress.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that PRP injection provides no benefit for patients with debilitating Achilles tendon pain. The researchers recommend against using PRP treatment for these patients due to its lack of effectiveness and potential short-term harm.
A study found that teenagers who have self-harmed five or more times in their life have a significantly higher threshold for pain compared to adolescents that have not. This has clinical potential as an effective test for identifying youths at the highest risk of suicide.
A new study found that a stunning virtual reality setting can reduce pain caused by uncomfortable medical procedures, such as cystoscopies. The research used VR headsets to present patients with a calming Icelandic landscape, resulting in lower pain scores and reduced anxiety.
A virtual learning program improved NICU nurses' knowledge and scoring skills for measuring neonatal pain. The study suggests that e-learning can be a useful tool for nurses to attain knowledge and skills for managing neonatal pain.
Researchers found that a synthetic meniscus implant provided superior relief from post-meniscectomy knee pain compared to non-surgical care. Patients treated with the implant experienced higher Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores, indicating improved function and quality of life.
Multimodal analgesia combines different techniques and medications to optimize pain management while minimizing opioid use and risks. Recent studies have shown that multimodal analgesia can improve pain scores and side effects compared to opioid-based regimens.
A clinical trial found that casts are not more effective than removable braces for treating broken ankles, with patients reporting similar levels of pain and functionality. The choice between the two should be down to cost and patient preference.
The SAEM GRACE team developed recommendations for testing, treatment, hospital admission, and screening tools for recurrent, low-risk chest pain. Guidelines prioritize patient-important outcomes and consideration of patients' values and preferences.
Researchers found that children and adults with a history of severe pain episodes or coexisting organ conditions are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness. The study recommends vaccination for this medically vulnerable population, particularly those with these comorbidities.
A qualitative study explored nurses' experiences and beliefs on pain management practices in hemodialysis units. The study identified five themes and subcategories to improve pain management education and practices.
A study by University of California San Diego researchers found that lobsters can absorb vaporized THC through their gills and exhibit reduced locomotor activity. However, the effects on detection of hot water stimuli were minimal, leaving it unclear whether this constitutes feeling pain.
Researchers found a 4.3% decrease in ED visits and an 11.3% decrease in hospitalizations for chest pain under high-deductible health plans. Low-income patients with HDHPs were more likely to be hospitalized with serious heart conditions, highlighting the need for clinicians to account for potential delays in care.
The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology has developed guidelines for studies on work participation in people with inflammatory arthritis. The guidelines focus on identifying contextual factors and accounting for changes in work status over time.
Researchers found that virtual reality games reduced pain scores in pediatric burn patients, with those playing actively reporting less pain than those who watched or received standard care. The use of smartphone-based VR games could provide an effective and easy-to-use pain relief method for dressing changes at home.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that NSAIDs like ibuprofen provide better pain control with fewer adverse effects than codeine after outpatient surgery. Patients taking NSAIDs reported lower pain scores and fewer side effects compared to those taking codeine.
A study of 2837 people with RA found that patients with low empowerment had worse pain, function, and quality of life over time. Remote management technologies, such as patient self-assessment and outcome measures, showed fair agreement with clinical decisions.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.