Research on pain and how to relieve it. Covers chemotherapy nerve injury, music and pain, migraine patterns, and back-pain treatments.
Researchers developed a reporter system to permanently mark cells infected with chikungunya virus, revealing that marked cells containing most of the persistent RNA can survive for at least 112 days. Treatment with an antibody reduces the number of marked cells in muscle and skin.
Research from Michigan Medicine identified anxiety as a key factor linked to more opioid use after surgery. The study also found younger age, non-white race, and sleep disturbance to be associated with increased opioid consumption. Clinicians may target these factors to personalize pain management and reduce opioid misuse.
A recent study by University of Edinburgh researchers found that nearly 20% of people waiting for hip replacements suffer from extreme pain or discomfort. The study also revealed that knee replacement patients face similar struggles, with 12% reporting severe health issues.
A Michigan-wide effort to reduce opioid prescribing for common surgeries resulted in a nearly 30% decrease in prescription size, without affecting patient pain or satisfaction. The study's success suggests an opportunity for other states to build on Michigan's experience and further reductions in prescription size.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that synovial fluid from osteoarthritic patients can directly excite sensory nerves, producing pain. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of osteoarthritis and may lead to the development of more effective treatments.
A randomized trial of 120 hospital patients found that virtual reality (VR) sessions significantly reduced severe pain scores compared to a relaxation program on TV. Patients who used VR reported higher satisfaction with the experience and no difference in opioid prescribing.
A comprehensive study from Aarhus University finds that conservative treatment with a sling is as effective as surgery for shoulder fractures. The study involved 88 patients over 60 who were either treated with surgery or a sling, and found no significant difference in function, pain, or quality of life between the two groups.
A study of UK patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2006 and 2013 found that those under 50 experienced more non-specific symptoms before referral to specialists. Younger patients also had longer intervals between diagnosis and referral, highlighting a need for primary care awareness.
A recent study of over 308,000 women who gave birth from 2008 to 2016 found that nearly half received opioid prescriptions as part of their birth experience, with one in every hundred still filling them a year later. The percentage of women filling opioid prescriptions declined over time, suggesting growing awareness of the national op...
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that pain-sensing nerves in the skin can detect pathogens and initiate an immune response to fight infection. The discovery reveals a new nerve-driven protective mechanism called anticipatory immunity, which prevents infections from spreading.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that intranasal sufentanil is non-inferior to IV morphine for acute severe trauma pain, offering a faster and more convenient alternative. The study involved 136 patients who received either intranasal sufentanil or IV morphine, with similar pain relief results at 30 minutes.
A new study published in Science Advances found that humans have a rapid pain-signaling system that can conduct nerve signals as fast as touch signals. Researchers identified ultrafast pain receptors with properties similar to those of touch-sensitive nerve cells, which were connected to pain centers in the brain.
A new study published in Contemporary Clinical Trials found that treadmill exercise reduced period pain by 6% after four weeks and 22% after seven months. Women who participated in the supervised aerobic training regime also reported improved quality of life and daily functioning, but not increased sleep quality.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a scheduling algorithm that enables patients to see multiple clinicians in one visit, improving coordinated care and reducing wait times. The integrated practice unit model streamlines appointments and minimizes redundancy.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin found that non-invasive coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography is equally accurate to catheter angiography for diagnosing coronary artery disease. The study suggests that CT angiography can be a suitable diagnostic technique for patients with low to intermediate probability of ...
Patients with peripheral arterial disease can now opt for pain-free exercise, improving symptoms and mobility. Alternative exercises, such as arm ergometer and resistance training, are equally effective to traditional walking programmes.
Margaret R. Byers, a University of Washington researcher, received the 2019 AADR Honorary Membership for her significant contributions to dental research. Her work focuses on neurobiology, sensory functions, and immune capabilities of tooth pulp cells.
Antibodies in joints can generate pain even without inflammation, according to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine. The researchers found that immune complexes activate pain cells via Fc-gamma receptors, leading to chronic non-inflammatory pain in autoimmune diseases.
A study by Professor Raquel Cantero of the University of Malaga has found a direct correlation between mobile phone use and thumb pain. The researcher predicts that changes in thumb use due to technology could lead to alterations in hand evolution.
The HOPE study demonstrates that low-dose prednisolone significantly improves pain symptoms and function in patients with painful hand osteoarthritis. The study found that prednisolone reduces synovitis and improves physical component scale and patient global assessment, making it a suitable target for treatment.
Researchers developed a slow-release formulation of tetrodotoxin that efficiently penetrates nerves, providing a safe and highly targeted nerve block for up to three days. The toxin was paired with a chemical penetration enhancer to increase safety and effectiveness.
A new minimally invasive intervention has been shown to provide long-term relief from chronic refractory shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. Autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue was injected into the affected shoulder joint, resulting in significant pain reduction and functional improvement.
Daily injections of patient autoantibodies in mice with injured paws led to increased pain sensitivity and microglial activation in brain regions. Blocking interleukin-1 receptors prevented or reversed these effects, suggesting an autoimmune contribution to CRPS development.
Researchers at Marshall University found that tart cherry consumption reduced mean pain levels by 34.7% compared to a placebo group, with no impact on the effectiveness of aromatase inhibitor treatments for non-metastatic breast cancer patients.
A new study by Purdue University researchers found that racial biases in physician-patient communication can impact pain treatment for cancer patients. The study, conducted over five years, used standardized patients to observe primary care physicians and oncologists in urban and rural settings.
Researchers developed an AI method to recognize patterns in infant cries, enabling healthcare workers and parents to accurately determine a baby's needs. The algorithm uses compressed sensing to process noisy environments, allowing for independent use across various scenarios.
A pain management protocol called Enhanced Recovery After Surgery has been shown to be effective in reducing opioid prescriptions after C-sections. The protocol involves a combination of long-acting opioids and non-narcotic medications to limit inpatient morphine use, resulting in shorter hospital stays and improved patient satisfaction.
A study found that listening to music at home reduced symptom severity, pain intensity, and fatigue in breast cancer patients. Music therapy also reduced physical and mental fatigue instantly.
A large national study tracked the health of over 3,000 US veterans using a standardized tool, finding they scored worse in several areas, including anxiety, depression, and pain. The study's results provide valuable insights into the health of veterans relative to the general population.
A smartphone app called PainCoach helps patients reduce their use of opiate painkillers and improve pain control after total knee replacement surgery. The app provides personalized advice on pain relief and exercises to help patients manage their pain levels, resulting in lower opiate use and improved quality of life.
A study by the University of Michigan found that over half of patients used no opioids after surgery, with most reporting manageable pain. The study's results suggest a new approach to pain management that reduces opioid use can be effective.
Researchers will conduct a randomized trial of autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue injection to alleviate disabling shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. The study aims to explore regenerative approaches to reducing pain and disability among individuals with spinal cord injury.
Researchers discovered African mole-rats are insensitive to allyl isothiocyanate, the active ingredient of wasabi, due to unique nerve structure leak channels. This finding may lead to new pain relief methods without addiction risks.
Researchers discovered that the highveld mole-rat is impervious to AITC due to altered ion channels, particularly the constitutively open channel NALCN. This change allows the highveld mole-rat to coexist with venomous ants.
Researchers found that short-term opioid use intensifies feelings of pleasure while weakening negative emotions, shifting emotional responses towards the positive side. This effect is distinct from prolonged opioid use, which alters brain reward systems and diminishes sensitivity.
New research from Brigham Young University finds that exposing people to the pain and suffering caused by vaccine-preventable diseases can increase support for vaccinations. Nearly 70% of students who interviewed someone with a vaccine-preventable disease moved from hesitant to pro-vaccine attitudes.
A specialized pain management program for robotic urologic surgery patients resulted in a significant reduction in opioid prescriptions. The study found that just 8% of patients were prescribed opioids after discharge, with those who received them going home with fewer pills than usual.
The insular cortex sends warnings to brain areas involved in threat learning, enabling animals and humans to avoid future harm. This process is crucial for survival and involves the encoding of pain in the brain.
Researchers found that opioid-exposed babies react more strongly to pain and have higher skin conductance, suggesting they may need early intervention. The study suggests that these babies handle pain worse than their non-exposed counterparts, highlighting the need for better care.
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.