Articles tagged with Pain
Regular use of glucosamine supplements is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease events, including coronary heart disease and stroke. The study found a significant reduction in CVD events among glucosamine users, with stronger associations observed in smokers and those who mimic a low-carbohydrate diet.
A new AI-powered decision support system, ARTICA, was found to advise against unnecessary tests in 67% of patients with stable chest pain, a rate significantly higher than cardiologists. The study showed that avoiding these tests would save staff one hour and patients two hours on average, while also reducing costs.
A Boston University School of Medicine study found that wearing tight-fitting jeans or pants four or more times a week doubles the risk of vulvodynia, while removing hair from the mons pubis nearly triples it. The condition affects an estimated 16% of women over their lifetimes.
A study found that clinicians over-order imaging for breast pain, despite a weak correlation with breast cancer. Most respondents (72%) believe there is no strong link between breast pain and breast cancer.
The researcher will collect data from 1,500 patients using prescription opioids to identify factors that may increase the risk of opioid-related depression. Long-term opioid analgesic use is associated with increased risk for depression and impairs depression treatment and recovery.
A pilot study at the Medical University of South Carolina found that peppermint oil improved symptoms of esophagus disorders, including difficulty swallowing and non-cardiac chest pain. The study showed a significant improvement in symptoms among patients with spastic disorders of the esophagus.
A new study by the University of Zurich finds that schadenfreude is more likely to occur in highly competitive working environments, where one person's misfortune can facilitate another's success. The study suggests that this emotion can be contagious and lead to vicious cycles of mistreatment.
A new diagnostic classification technique enables stratification of pediatric patients with IBS, allowing for tailored nutritional and targeted therapies. Researchers identified correlations between certain microbes and metabolites with abdominal pain, providing insights into novel treatment approaches.
Researchers found that rat brain activates same cells when observing others' pain as when experiencing pain itself, indicating shared empathy mechanism. The cingulate cortex region is responsible for this emotional sharing, and suppressing its activity can prevent rats from freezing in response to others' distress.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that an hour of weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can help older adults maintain their independence and reduce the risk of mobility disability by 85%. The study also showed that this amount of exercise can lower the risk of activities of daily living disability by almost 45%.
A study by Rod Duclos and Mansur Khamitov found that individuals who receive cash are more likely to opt for immediate gratification, leading to lower savings rates. Activating a mindset focused on long-term goals can increase patience and tolerance for parting with cash.
The CARD System, an evidence-based approach, reduces vaccine-associated pain, fear, and fainting in school-based clinics. Implementing this system in Ontario schools improved student symptoms and increased use of the tools.
Researchers developed a simple field test to evaluate hockey players' groin and hip function. The test, called the five-second squeeze test, correlates pain levels with impaired sporting function and diminished hip muscle strength.
Researchers found statistically significant reductions in pain-rating scores and improvements in tendinosis and tear scores after transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) treatment. The non-surgical procedure decreases abnormal blood flow to the injured area, alleviating inflammation and pain without invasive surgery or physical therapy.
A study of 43,000 people who died in England found that only 10% of non-cancer patients received palliative care at home, compared to 66% of cancer patients. Patients who accessed palliative care at home experienced better pain relief, with 66% experiencing good pain relief, similar to those receiving care in a hospice.
A study found that medical marijuana laws lead to a decline in reported pain and an improvement in overall health assessments among respondents with qualifying health conditions. The study also shows that these laws increase full-time work hours, suggesting improved labor supply among older adults.
A new study shows that identifying coronary artery calcium in patients' arteries can help determine their future risk of a heart attack. Patients with CAC are more likely to have a cardiac event within 90 days and over the following years compared to those without CAC.
A new study found a 54% drop in monthly opioid prescriptions for patients who had never used opioids or been off them for six months. However, some clinicians continued to prescribe at concerning dosages and lengths, raising concerns about undertreatment and high-risk prescribing.
A study published in the Journal of Arthroplasty found that intravenous and oral acetaminophen work equally well to manage post-surgery pain after hip replacement. The researchers tested both forms as part of a multimodal analgesia protocol, with patients showing low pain scores and minimal side effects.
A new study by researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that patients living near the hospital after joint replacement surgery are less likely to seek follow-up care in person, but instead call their surgeon with questions. This efficient use of healthcare resources is ideal, as it reduces expensive ER visits.
HSS has developed a pain management pathway that combines multimodal analgesia and alternative treatments, resulting in a significant decrease in opioid use without sacrificing pain control. The initiative involves surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other care team members.
A study of 59 individuals with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis found no association between daily walking levels and pain. Alleviating pain does not likely increase physical activity, suggesting strategies focus on overcoming barriers like lack of knowledge and sedentary lifestyle.
A Rutgers study found that young adults who engage in non-suicidal self-injury intentionally inflict physical injury to elicit pain and relieve emotional distress. The researchers discovered that participants with high negative emotions and less pain during injuries were more likely to repeat the behavior.
A study published in JAMA found that intravenous acetaminophen reduced postoperative delirium incidence by 70% and ICU length of stay by 25%. Acetaminophen also reduced opioid use, suggesting effective pain control without increasing delirium risk.
Oral mucositis affects nearly 40% of patients receiving chemotherapy and 80% of those receiving radiation therapy. A new study tests photobiomodulation as a non-invasive replacement for opioids to alleviate pain, promote healing, and improve quality of life for cancer patients.
Nearly half of adults aged 65 and older have two or more symptoms like pain, fatigue & depression, increasing the risk of negative health outcomes. Researchers urge improved training among healthcare workers to address symptom burden in older adults.
A panel of experts recommends against surgery for subacromial pain syndrome due to its ineffectiveness in improving pain and quality of life. Decompression surgery has been found to provide no benefit over placebo or other treatment options.
Research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found opioid prescribing for pediatric patients declined in shorter treatment durations and lower doses between 2013 and 2017. The rate of prescribing remained consistent, however, with a bias towards females, ethnic minorities, and public insurance patients.
A new Yale study found that adults tend to underestimate the pain experienced by girls, attributing this to culturally ingrained myths about boys being more stoic and girls being more emotive. The researchers hope their findings will lead to further investigation into biases in pain assessment and health care.
Researchers found that patients who believed in their ability to overcome pain and continue with daily activities recovered faster than those who lacked this confidence. The study also showed that physiotherapy is effective for many people with shoulder pain, but not everyone.
Researchers discovered that white blood cells respond to microparticles from prosthetic devices as harmful invaders and engulf them, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and bone destruction. The study may lead to new therapies to reduce pain and prevent follow-up surgery for joint replacement patients.
Research using rodents and human participants reveals gamma band oscillations as a reliable predictor of individual pain sensitivity. This finding suggests that brain activity patterns can distinguish between varying degrees of pain tolerance across species.
A study at the University of Pennsylvania found a significant increase in opioid prescriptions for small animals, driven by complex procedures and pain management needs. The results suggest that veterinary opioids could contribute to the human opioid epidemic if misused.
Older age, obesity, and depression were associated with chronic hip pain in a study of 2,515 adults. Chronic hip pain was found to be widespread in 50% of cases.
Gene-editing techniques may enable mass-producing capsaicinoids in tomatoes, which have nutritional and antibiotic properties. Researchers aim to develop commercial applications for these compounds.
Researchers at OSU Wexner Medical Center are testing a new device designed to extend the functional life of joints affected by osteoarthritis. The Calypso Knee System aims to reduce pain and delay knee replacements, allowing patients to remain active without discomfort.
A study of 2.6 million pregnant women who gave birth in 2015 found wide variation in the use of neuraxial analgesia, with rates ranging from 73% in Maine to 96% in Nevada. The reasons behind this variation are not fully understood and may be influenced by patient-level and hospital-level factors.
Surgeons perform primary targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) to reduce phantom limb and stump pain in amputees. The procedure, done at the time of initial amputation, greatly improves patient outcomes and quality of life.
Research found that sadistic individuals, including everyday people, experience negative mood after engaging in aggressive acts. This challenges the notion that sadism is solely linked to pleasure.
Researchers found that gently stroking newborns at a speed of approximately 3 centimeters per second can reduce pain-related brain activity. The study suggests that this technique could provide effective pain relief before clinically necessary medical procedures, and may also promote parent-infant bonding.
Research found that activation of microglia in the spinal cord is responsible for increased pain sensitivity in response to stress. Eliminating microglia from the spinal cord prevented these effects, highlighting their role in transmitting pain to the brain.
A study at Duke University Medical Center found that weekly whole-body massage improved symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, including pain and mobility, in patients. The treatment maintained its benefits over 52 weeks, suggesting a potential complement to existing treatments.
A study from McMaster University and the Netherlands found that the impairment rating of injured workers significantly differs depending on the edition of the American Medical Association (AMA) guides used. The researchers compared two editions and found that the sixth edition resulted in lower impairment ratings.
A recent study by Harvard Medical School researchers has identified a critical nerve-signaling pathway that drives sustained pain following injury. The study found that neurons called Tac1 play a key role in pain-coping behaviors, but not in reflexive defensive reactions to external threats.
Patients value routine symptom reporting and expect their doctor's review, but perceive barriers in the current healthcare system. The study emphasizes the need for efficient clinical strategies and reimbursement to address symptoms like pain, depression, and anxiety.
A study of 73 adults with sickle cell disease found that even high-dose opioid treatment did not effectively manage pain in a subset of patients. The researchers emphasize the need for non-opioid pain relievers to address this challenge.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that strong opioids increase the risk of hip fractures in people with Alzheimer's disease. The risk was highest in the first two months of opioid use, and was significantly higher for moderate to strong opioids.
A Malaysian survey found that misconceptions about opioids affect pain control among cancer patients, with fears of addiction and immune system damage being the most common barriers. The study highlights the need for improved accessibility to pain relief treatments in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers identify non-arthritis conditions causing joint pain and stiffness, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis through imaging techniques.
New research suggests that infant girls fed soy formula are more likely to develop severe menstrual pain as young adults. Women who had ever been fed soy formula as babies were 50% more likely to have experienced moderate or severe menstrual discomfort between the ages of 18 and 22.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that women fed soy-based formula milk as babies are 40% more likely to have used hormonal contraception for menstrual pain relief. The research also showed a 50% increased risk of moderate or severe menstrual discomfort between ages 18-22.
The NIH has increased investment in the BRAIN Initiative to over $400 million, supporting more than 200 new awards for cutting-edge brain research. These projects aim to develop new tools and knowledge to discover answers for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
A study found racial and ethnic differences in emergency pain relief for children with long bone fractures, with minority children more likely to receive pain medication but less likely to receive opioid analgesia. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of consistent pain management for all pediatric patients.
A new study found that denosumab improves spinal bone mineral density and reduces pain in patients with osteoporosis caused by transfusion-dependent thalassemia. The treatment also showed promise in increasing bone density in other areas, such as the wrist and femoral neck.
Researchers found four subgroups with varying degrees of pain sensitization, with the highest degree associated with persistent knee pain. Identifying these subgroups may lead to novel approaches for preventing persistent knee pain.
A new study from Université de Montréal finds that increased pain sensitivity is a key risk factor for persistent knee pain in osteoarthritis. The research identified four subgroups characterized by varying degrees of pain sensitization, with the highest degree linked to the greatest risk of developing persistent knee pain.
Researchers from Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University Center for Aging Research develop IN-PEACE to improve dementia care and reduce caregiver stress through state-of-the-art symptom management. The initiative provides support by nurses and social workers to both patients and their family caregivers.
A study examined long-term outcomes of midurethral mesh sling operations for stress urinary incontinence, finding that 3.3% of women had their slings removed and 4.5% underwent reoperations within nine years. The reasons for removal or reoperations were not disclosed.
A new protocol developed by Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital reduces opioid use after colorectal surgery, resulting in shorter hospital stays. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol includes pre-emptive pain management, non-opioid general anesthesia, and postoperative programmed non-narcotic analgesics.
A randomized controlled trial found that parental educational tools on pain relief during vaccinations increased use of pain interventions at future infant vaccinations, knowledge and confidence in parents' ability to manage infant pain.