Changes in opioid use after hip, knee replacement
Researchers found a significant decrease in opioid prescribing rates and improved pain control following hip and knee replacement surgeries in the US between 2014 and 2017.
Pain
Articles tagged with Pain
Exercise and PRP promising for shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury
A pilot study of a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection and home-based exercise program showed encouraging results in reducing shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. Participants reported decreased pain levels, with three describing their pain as 'much improved', after the treatment.
Neandertals may have had a lower threshold for pain
A study discovered that some people in Europe and South America carry a Neandertal variant of an ion channel gene, leading to increased pain sensitivity. The gene's variant is associated with a lower pain threshold compared to the modern human version.
Lego builds anaesthesia skills according to new study
A new study found that training doctors in anaesthetic skills using Lego bricks can improve their performance. The study used a simple task where participants copied shapes using bricks to see in a mirror, and found that this improved their ability to perform ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia tasks.
Genetic variant may explain why some women don't need pain relief during childbirth
A study found that women with a rare genetic variant in the KCNG4 gene have a higher pain threshold, allowing them to experience less pain during childbirth. The researchers believe this variant acts like a natural epidural, requiring stronger contractions to switch on pain signals.
Phantom-limb pain reduced through brain power
A study published in Neurology found that training with a brain-computer-interface can significantly reduce phantom-limb pain in amputees. After just three days of training, patients experienced a 30% reduction in pain intensity, and the effect lasted up to five days after training was complete.
Researcher earns federal grant to study stress-induced irritable bowel syndrome
A researcher at the University of Oklahoma is using a $1.3 million grant to study why women with irritable bowel syndrome experience more severe abdominal pain than men under stress. Her goal is to identify epigenetic changes in specific brain nuclei that make females more vulnerable to abdominal pain.
Targeting deep areas of the skeletal muscles effectively alleviates postoperative pain
The NETOIMS method effectively alleviates postoperative pain by inserting a needle in the muscle and electrically eliciting twitch responses, targeting strained muscle fibers. This technique results in improved circulation, relaxing the muscle and reducing postoperative complications after open abdominal surgery.
SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 2, 2020
A furry social robot can reduce pain and increase happiness -- Ben-Gurion University researchers
A new study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that interacting with a plush, seal-like social robot reduced pain and increased happiness. Lower oxytocin levels were observed in those who interacted with the robot compared to the control group.
SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 23, 2020
Managing pain after sports medicine surgery
Researchers found that 45% of patients had low levels of pain effectively managed by a non-opioid regimen, with no reported side effects. Patients who required opioids were more likely to have anxiety/depression and higher pain scores, highlighting the potential for reduced opioid use in surgical settings.
Switching from general to regional anaesthesia may cut greenhouse gas emissions
Using regional anaesthesia instead of general anaesthesia for hip and knee replacement procedures can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By eliminating volatile halogenated agents, regional anaesthesia decreases atmospheric pollution, contributing to a potential solution to global warming.
Minimally-invasive treatment for 'frozen shoulder' improves patients' pain and function
A new nonsurgical treatment decreases errant blood flow in the shoulder to quickly reduce pain and improve function in patients with adhesive capsulitis, also known as 'frozen shoulder'. The treatment was successfully completed in 16 patients whose symptoms had not responded to conservative treatment over 30 days.
Clocking in with malaria parasites
Researchers discovered Plasmodium parasites use internal clocks to regulate gene expression and cell cycle activities in response to host signals. The finding of a genetic metronome and SR10 receptor protein could lead to novel drug targets for combating malaria.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2020
UConn faculty receive NIH grant to develop smartphone sensor to detect tooth pain
Researchers are developing a patient-friendly smartphone sensor to measure tooth pain and provide accurate care. The grant aims to test a novel way to quantify tooth pain using a commercially available device and miniaturize it for smartphone use.
Get it over with, or procrastinate? New research explores our decision-making process
Research reveals that positive anticipation leads to impatience, while negative anticipation elicits dread, influencing task prioritization. The study's findings have practical applications for personal finance and long-term planning.
Researchers find CBD improves arthritis symptoms in dogs
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that CBD significantly reduces inflammatory molecules and immune cells associated with arthritis in dogs. The study showed that CBD treatment improved quality of life in 90% of the dogs, supporting future scientific evaluation of CBD for human arthritis.
Majority of cannabis use in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside for therapeutic purposes
Research found that most people at high risk of overdose in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside who use cannabis do so for pain relief and other therapeutic reasons. Cannabis users in this group had lower odds of experiencing a recent non-fatal opioid overdose, indicating a possible reduction in opioid reliance.
Pain doesn't take a holiday: Dental opioids study points to need for better prescribing
A new study analyzed four years' worth of data from two million patients and found that those having dental procedures on Fridays or before holidays were more likely to fill opioid prescriptions. Non-opioid painkillers are equally effective at controlling pain with lower risks.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateMay 22, 2020
Comparison of early postoperative pain after first vs second total knee arthroplasty
This study compared early postoperative pain in patients undergoing bilateral scheduled staged TKA, finding no significant differences between the first and second surgeries. The frequency and number of analgesic requests were also similar, but showed a positive correlation at 24 hours after the second surgery.
Scientists find brain center that 'profoundly' shuts down pain
Researchers at Duke University found a single brain area, the CeAga neurons, which can profoundly control pain by turning off dozens of other pain-promotion centers. By activating this center, they can alleviate pain behaviors in mice, suggesting potential future treatments for chronic pain.
New bone-graft biomaterial gives patients a nicer smile and less pain
A new bone-graft biomaterial supercooled before application could eliminate pain and improve smile outcomes for dental patients. The material, combining octacalcium phosphate with collagen, has shown superior bone regenerative properties compared to earlier substitutes.
Comparing opioid-related deaths among cancer survivors, general population
A study comparing opioid-related deaths in cancer survivors to the general population found that opioid-associated deaths in cancer survivors have increased at a rate similar to that of the general population. The findings suggest that opioids may not be contributing to rising rates of overdose among cancer patients.
Time to re-define sex-specific symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, say researchers
A new study published in Journal of the American Heart Association has found that women and men experience overlapping and distinct symptoms when presenting with acute coronary syndrome. Women are more likely to present with fatigue, pain between the shoulder blades, and shortness of breath, while both sexes often experience chest pain.
SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 4, 2020
Study finds racial disparity in the management of pain for minority children
A study published in Pediatrics found racial disparities in pain management among children presenting to emergency departments with long-bone fractures. Minority children were more likely to receive analgesics, but less likely to receive opioids and optimal pain reduction.
NYU Dentistry awarded $2.2 million NIH grant to investigate how oral cancer causes pain
NYU Dentistry researcher Yi Ye has received a $2.2 million NIH grant to investigate how oral cancer cells invade nerves and cause pain. Her study aims to understand the role of Schwann cells in this process and identify potential targets for treating oral cancer-related pain.
The Lancet Gasteroenterology & Hepatology: First clinical trial finds probiotic treatment with dead bacteria is better than placebo at alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
A new 12-week clinical trial found that heat-inactivated Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 improved IBS symptoms by at least 30% in 34% of patients compared to 19% on placebo. The treatment was also associated with a strong placebo effect, but the dead bacterial cells were still significantly better than placebo.
Study suggests suicide attempt survivors have lower sensitivity to bodily signals
A new study published in eLife found that people who have survived a suicide attempt are less sensitive to bodily signals related to their heart and breath. The researchers suggest that this 'interoceptive numbing' may be linked to lower brain activity in the insular cortex, a region that closely tracks the internal state of the body.
The desire for information: Blissful ignorance or painful truth?
A new scale measures individuals' preferences for obtaining or avoiding information in various areas of life, including personal health and finances. Most people prefer to remain uninformed in certain domains, while others consistently choose to face the truth.
Snake venom evolved for prey not protection
A new study suggests that snake venom did not evolve primarily as a defense mechanism, but rather to overpower and kill prey. Researchers surveyed nearly 400 people who work with snakes and found that only a minority of bites cause immediate pain, implying that the venom's composition has not been optimized for defensive purposes.
Using cannabinoids to treat acute pain
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that cannabinoid treatment reduced subjective pain scores compared to placebo in patients with acute pain. Intramuscular cannabinoids were more effective than oral cannabinoids in reducing pain relative to placebo.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·DateMar 23, 2020
Pain in a well-toned body
A study of 865 sports students found that over half experience pain in two or more regions of the body, with frequent depressions, anxiety, and low self-compassion. The lack of attention to physical limitations can lead to chronic pain, emphasizing the need for early discussion and consideration of athletes' health.
Women carry heavier burden of chest pain, but less artery narrowing
Women with coronary artery disease experience more chest pain due to plaque build-up, but have less extensive disease compared to men. The study highlights the need for more research and clinicians to adopt a dual focus to prevent cardiovascular events and improve patients' quality of life.
Opioid withdrawal increases health risks for people who inject drugs
A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence reveals that experiencing opioid withdrawal increases the likelihood of needle sharing and non-fatal overdose among individuals who inject drugs. The research also highlights the urgent need for medication-assisted treatment to address this public health issue.
Why is appendicitis not always diagnosed in the emergency department?
A new study highlights that appendicitis is often missed in emergency department visits, with a diagnosis rate of 3.8% to 15% in children and 5.9% to 23.5% in adults. The study found factors such as symptoms mislabeling, patient demographics, and diagnostic tests played a role in the missed diagnoses.
Ouch: Patients prescribed opioids after tooth extraction report worse pain
Researchers found that patients prescribed opioids after tooth extraction reported worse pain, and half of prescribed opioids remained unused. The study suggests that alternatives such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen control pain better and improve patient satisfaction.
Facebook users change their language before an emergency hospital visit
Researchers found that patients' Facebook posts showed a shift to more formal language and descriptions of physical pain before their ED visit, reliably predicting hospital visits. The study provides evidence that social media can be an unseen signal of medical distress and could potentially be used to trigger health care interventions.
Making puffer fish toxin in a flask
Researchers have introduced a novel total synthesis method for tetrodotoxin, a strong nerve toxin with potential as a pain reliever for cancer treatment. The new route enables easy and reliable production of the compound.
Rats avoid to hurt other rats
In a study published in Current Biology, researchers found that rats exhibit harm aversion, stopping use of their preferred lever when it would cause pain to a neighboring rat. This phenomenon is linked to the same brain region associated with empathy in humans, suggesting that harm aversion is deeply ingrained in our biology.
App helps reduce osteoarthritis pain
A new mobile app has been shown to reduce osteoarthritis pain and improve physical function in patients by an average of 43% over six months. The study, published in PLOS ONE, used a mobile app to track daily exercises and provide information on the disease, with results exceeding expectations.
Does your cat have degenerative joint disease?
A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery has developed a screening checklist to help diagnose degenerative joint disease (DJD) in cats. The checklist, called the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Checklist, asks owners six questions about their cat's behavior and can be completed quickly by owners.
New study: Low back and neck pain tops us health spending
A new study estimates that Americans spent an estimated $380 billion on low back and neck pain in 2016, combined with other musculoskeletal disorders. This accounts for 14.1% of the total $2.7 trillion in healthcare spending that year.
Images of 'invisible' holes on cells may jumpstart research
Researchers have developed high-resolution images of 'invisible' cell pores, shedding light on their role in regulating water flow and molecule passage. The discovery could lead to new classes of drugs targeting these pores.
Outcomes of Florida law restricting opioid prescribing for acute pain
Researchers found that Florida's law restricting opioid prescribing for acute pain led to a decrease in opioid misuse and improved patient safety. The study also showed a significant reduction in overdose deaths among patients treated with opioids.
Antidote to pain and negativity? Let it be
A new study by Yale researchers found that a brief introduction to mindfulness concepts can significantly reduce physical pain and negative emotions in people. The study's results showed that even when participants were subjected to high heat on their forearm, their brain responded as if it was experiencing normal temperature.
A prescription for the pain of rejection: Acetaminophen and forgiveness
Research suggests that taking acetaminophen with a tendency to forgive can reduce social pain by influencing pain signaling in the brain. Forgiveness also lessens feelings of stress and anger following experiences of social exclusion. The combination may provide an antidote to the emotional and physical pains of rejection.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2020
Majority of veterans with GWI report moderate/severe fatigue, sleep, and pain symptoms
A study published in Military Medicine found that nearly all veterans with Gulf War illness (GWI) reported experiencing moderate to severe fatigue, sleep, and pain symptoms. The survey, which included 485 veterans, also revealed a high prevalence of cognitive dysfunction and anxiety.
More than half of US opioid prescriptions for dental procedures exceeded 3-day supply recommendations from CDC 2016 guidelines
A new study found that over half of US opioid prescriptions for dental procedures exceeded the recommended 3-day supply, with nearly 1/3 of patients receiving more powerful opioids than needed. The study suggests that improving guidelines and education for dentists can help reduce overprescription.
Study: 90-second scan shows promise evaluating chest pain in emergency department observation unit
A new pilot study found that a 90-second magnetocardiography scan using CardioFlux Magnetocardiograph can help rule out coronary artery disease in patients presenting with chest pain. The test showed competitive results relative to stress testing and coronary angiography, with high specificity and negative predictive value.
About 1% of US opioid providers account for nearly half of all opioid doses
The study reveals that a small subset of providers account for disproportionately high amounts of opioids, with the top 1% prescribing nearly 1,000 times more than the middle 1%. Most providers generally prescribe safely below recommended thresholds.
New study could prevent future heart attacks and stroke for chest pain patients
Researchers will analyze a database of anonymized GP consultations and medical records to identify shared characteristics among patients with undiagnosed chest pain who later experience a heart attack or stroke. The study's findings could inform GPs about warning signs, enabling early intervention and potentially preventing many cases.
Program reduces narcotic prescriptions after surgery with over-the-counter pain medicine
A Houston Methodist study found that using long-acting local anesthetics and scheduled non-narcotic pain medication reduced opioid prescriptions from 87% to 10% after surgery. The program successfully managed pain after surgery using over-the-counter pain medication, decreasing the chance of patients becoming addicted to narcotics.
Bend and snap: New interventions for rib fractures
A new multicenter study finds that stabilizing fractured and partially dislocated ribs through surgical stabilization improves patient outcomes, with reduced pain, increased comfort, and lower complication rates. Patients who underwent the procedure experienced better quality of life and fewer complications compared to those who did not.
SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateJan 21, 2020
Cannabinoids improve symptoms in mice with endometriosis
Researchers found that cannabinoids can relieve pain caused by endometriosis and improve cognitive function in mice with the condition. THC treatment also reduced endometrial growths, suggesting a potential therapeutic effect.
Altruistic behavior and pain
Researchers discovered that altruistic individuals experience less physical pain than controls. Brain activity scans revealed a correlation between altruism and decreased pain activity in the brain's medial prefrontal cortex.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
MIV-711 not associated with pain reduction, but may reduce disease progression in osteoarthritis
A randomized study found that MIV-711 significantly reduced bone and cartilage progression in knee osteoarthritis patients. However, the treatment had no beneficial effects on osteoarthritic knee pain.
Evaluating clinical evidence of acupuncture, acupressure for improving cancer pain?
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized clinical trials found evidence suggesting acupuncture and acupressure can reduce cancer pain. The studies showed varied but generally positive effects on pain reduction, with some suggesting improved outcomes in patients receiving acupuncture or acupressure.
Battery-powered headgear could short-circuit joint pain
Researchers are developing a non-invasive device that uses transcranial direct current stimulation to desensitize areas tied to knee pain in the brain. Participants wear a cap powered by three AAA batteries and undergo 15, 20-minute sessions over three weeks.
Study finds racial/ethnic disparities in pain treatment by emergency responders
A new study by Portland State University researchers found racial and ethnic disparities in pain treatment by emergency responders, with Hispanic and Asian patients receiving lower quality care. The study analyzed 25,732 health records and found that odds of pain assessment were 21-31% lower for these groups compared to white patients.
Stroke drug boosts stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury in rats
Researchers found that treating spinal cord injuries with conditioned stem cells boosted neural growth and improved motor function in rat models. After four months, the treated rats showed a three-fold increase in motor activity and significant improvements in cell survival, offering new hope for human treatment.
First US study shows strong results for procedure to treat knee pain from OA
A new US study demonstrates the effectiveness of genicular artery embolization (GAE) in treating osteoarthritis knee pain. The minimally invasive procedure blocks blood flow to certain parts of the knee, providing rapid relief from pain and disability. Results show significant improvement in pain scores, with nearly all patients experi...
SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateDec 17, 2019