Articles tagged with Pain
Researchers found that walking the course provides significantly higher health benefits and is not associated with increased pain or inflammation. Golfing while riding a cart still offers cardiovascular benefits, but walking is the superior option.
A study of 92 trials found that music significantly decreased anxiety and pain in surgical patients, with a reduction of 21 mm in anxiety and 10 mm in pain. The findings suggest guidelines for implementing music interventions during surgery can be created.
A new study suggests that biofeedback-assisted relaxation using the BrightHearts app can effectively manage pain and anxiety in children undergoing medical procedures. The app's use was well-tolerated by patients, parents, and healthcare providers, with many indicating they would use it again during a procedure.
A brief bedside visual art intervention (BVAI) improved mood and reduced pain and anxiety in patients with haematological cancers. The study found significant improvements in positive mood and pain scores, as well as decreases in negative mood and anxiety.
A randomized clinical trial found that a program combining education and exercise training reduced pain and improved thoughts of pain compared to usual care. The treatment targets fear of movement and pain catastrophizing, common problems with chronic spinal pain.
The phase III ALEX trial showed that alectinib improved progression-free survival and prolonged time to CNS progression compared to crizotinib. Patients treated with alectinib also experienced longer symptom improvement in terms of health-related quality of life and lung cancer-related symptoms.
A recent study has found that treating an infected hip replacement in a single stage procedure may be as effective or better than the widely used two-stage procedure. The one-stage revision strategy is shown to have advantages for patients, including shorter hospital stays and reduced functional impairment. However, further research is...
A novel protein derived from a parasite has been identified as a therapeutic molecule to reduce bleeding and pain associated with chemotherapy-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. The protein, IPSE, was found to be equally potent as the current standard of care in suppressing bladder hemorrhaging and pain.
Most older adults (4/5) support allowing medical marijuana if recommended by a physician, while 2/3 advocate for more government-sponsored research on its health effects. The poll also reveals conflicting views on pain management, with prescription medications seen as more effective in controlling dosages.
A pen and paper chart, EPAT, helps doctors regularly record pain levels using a traffic light system, leading to reduced pain in cancer patients, and improved monitoring of medications and side effects. The study suggests this simple approach can put pain management at the forefront of routine care, with potential benefits for patients.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that knee pain is associated with an increased risk of depression in older adults. The research team developed a new screening tool based on questions about knee pain at night, which may help identify individuals at risk for developing depressive symptoms.
Researchers discovered a highly specific neural circuit in mice that responds to hunger to create an analgesic effect, suppressing inflammatory pain and allowing the animals to seek food. The study found that acute pain can also suppress hunger, suggesting a hierarchy of needs prioritizing survival behaviors.
A meta-analysis of 692 patients with vascular malformations found that they had lower scores on a health survey, indicating increased bodily pain and mental health distress compared to the general U.S. population. This study highlights the importance of addressing the quality of life for patients with these conditions.
A new report finds that lap-band surgery significantly reduces arthritic knee pain in extremely obese individuals, with younger patients experiencing more substantial relief. Weight loss is most beneficial for those who lose the most weight, particularly those in their 40s.
A new clinical study led by Sheela Swamy of University College London found that antibiotics can significantly reduce symptoms of chronic bladder pain and urinary tract infections. The study analyzed 624 women who had suffered from long-term symptoms for over six years, with no relief from previous treatments.
A study published in British Journal of Sports Medicine found custom-made foot orthoses ineffective in treating plantar heel pain. Other conservative interventions, such as modified footwear and taping, showed similar results.
A minimally invasive treatment called geniculate artery embolization (GAE) has been shown to significantly reduce knee pain and disability in patients with osteoarthritis. The treatment involves blocking key arteries in the knee to reduce inflammation and pain, resulting in improved range of motion and function.
Researchers at OHSU have discovered the atomic structure of acid-sensing ion channels, which play a role in pain sensation and psychiatric disorders. The study's findings could inform the development of new therapeutic agents targeting these channels for stroke and pain treatments.
A positive outlook may help improve outcomes for people with chronic angina, reducing hospital visits and revascularization procedures. Patients who were more optimistic had fewer episodes of heart-related hospital stays, even after accounting for overall health.
A recent study published in PNAS found that holding hands can synchronize brain wave patterns and reduce pain. The study also discovered that empathy plays a crucial role in this phenomenon, with more empathetic partners experiencing greater brain activity sync.
A study of 20 couples found that brain-to-brain coupling during handholding was associated with pain reduction in the female partner. The phenomenon, known as social touch analgesia, may be linked to increased empathic accuracy between partners.
A new study found moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels are similarly low in older adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and those from the general population without osteoarthritis or knee pain. The findings highlight the need for efforts to increase physical activity for all.
Researchers identified distinct patterns in gene expression in synovial tissue samples, revealing differences in pain mechanisms among rheumatoid arthritis patients. These findings may help clinicians develop targeted treatment strategies for patients with minimal inflammation but high disease activity scores.
A new study published in Circulation found that 8% of women with chest pain have myocardial scar, indicating previous heart muscle damage. The study suggests that women be taken seriously when complaining of chest pain and receive appropriate medical care.
Researchers found hydroxychloroquine no more effective than placebo in relieving moderate to severe hand pain and radiographic osteoarthritis. The study's findings do not support the use of hydroxychloroquine as an alternative for patients with hand osteoarthritis, suggesting that tendon problems may be a major contributor to hand pain.
A new medical guideline from the University of Alberta suggests that the benefits of medical cannabis for pain treatment may be outweighed by its harms. The guideline recommends considering medical cannabinoids only in specific cases with adequate evidence and after standard therapies have been tried.
An imaging study found altered signaling in the brain and spinal cord after short-term infusion of remifentanil, leading to increased sensitivity to heat pain stimuli. The results indicate that opioid application can alter pain processing in the central nervous system.
A 28-year-old man experienced instant pain relief after undergoing a cold water swim following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. The procedure was successful but postoperative pain persisted, until the cold water plunge provided lasting relief. Further investigation is needed to confirm the effectiveness of this natural intervention.
Research suggests that over-the-counter pain medication can impact individuals' sensitivity to painful experiences, ability to empathize with others, and processing of information. This could have implications for public health and policymakers should consider potential risks and benefits.
A large observational study found that the duration of opioid treatment is more strongly associated with misuse than the dose. The researchers suggest that giving moderate to higher doses for shorter durations may be a more effective way to manage pain while minimizing the risk of addiction.
Patients with musculoskeletal conditions who receive prescription opioids are more satisfied with their care than those without. However, they often experience increased pain and reduced health outcomes, highlighting the need for further investigation into the complex relationship between opioid use and patient satisfaction.
A new UCLA study suggests that mirror neuron activity in the brain can predict a person's willingness to cause harm or help others in moral dilemmas. The research found that those with stronger neural resonance were less likely to choose harming others, while decisions based on greater good were influenced by cognitive processes.
A new study from Oregon State University found that people with rare diseases experience high levels of anxiety, depression, and pain, as well as limited ability to participate in society. The study suggests that psychosocial support is needed to improve quality of life for this group.
A University of Pittsburgh team is developing prosthetic devices that use sensory feedback to improve movement and balance in amputees. The researchers aim to reduce phantom limb pain, increase gait stability, and make prosthetic limbs feel more natural.
A recent study found that patients who received gabapentin before and after surgery were more likely to stop using opioids. The nonopioid pain medication may promote opioid cessation and prevent chronic opioid use.
New research suggests that stressed newborns may not display typical pain behavior despite increased brain activity in response to pain. The study found a disconnect between brain wave patterns and behavioral responses in stressed babies, highlighting the need for alternative methods to assess infant pain.
A new study found that stressed newborn babies exhibit a heightened brain response to pain, but their behavior remains unaffected. This dissociation between brain activity and behavior has implications for pain assessment in infants.
Monocytes play a pivotal role in osteoarthritis pain and progression. A study found that activated monocytes increase inflammation and body mass index, leading to worsened knee osteoarthritis. Researchers aim to explore the impact of exercise on older adults with OA.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that intranasal ketamine had more minor side effects such as bad taste and dizziness compared to intranasal fentanyl in children with suspected extremity fractures. No significant differences were observed in efficacy or pain relief between the two drugs.
A study found that individuals with lower education levels experienced worse pain and function after two years if they lived in impoverished communities undergoing total knee replacement. Conversely, educational level was unrelated to outcomes in wealthier areas.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that common shoulder surgery does not provide significant relief from pain for people with shoulder impingement. Despite being slightly more effective than no treatment, the difference was small and unlikely to result in noticeable symptoms.
Researchers discuss conventional versus newly introduced treatment modalities for managing orthodontic pain, highlighting the importance of individualized assessment and case-by-case decision-making.
A new longitudinal study from York University's OUCH Cohort found that parents' behavior during vaccinations significantly impacts their child's pain coping responses. Engaging in positive behaviors like deep breathing and distraction, while avoiding negative ones, can reduce pain-related distress. The study suggests that a preschooler...
Researchers found that CT scans and cardiac stress tests provide no information to determine whether a patient is having a heart attack, leading to unnecessary costs and extended hospital stays. The study suggests over-testing and over-treating patients with chest pain in the ER.
A study of 1,000 patients with chest pain found that adding noninvasive cardiac testing did not improve clinical outcomes, but rather prolonged hospital stays and increased costs. The test also resulted in more radiation exposure and repeated emergency department visits without a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that most women do not require opioids to manage pain after hospital discharge. Researchers observed a significant reduction in opioid use for both vaginal and cesarean deliveries, with most pain resolving within 14 days.
A low-cost rapid blood test can accurately rule out heart attack risk in nearly half of all patients with chest pain, saving millions from further tests and reducing healthcare costs. The test, which measures troponin levels in the blood, can identify a threshold level below which patients are unlikely to have had a heart attack.
A study of 62 rhinoplasty patients found that they used an average of nine hydrocodone-acetaminophen tablets, with 46 patients using 15 or fewer tablets. The most common adverse effects were drowsiness, nausea, and constipation.
A randomized clinical trial found no important differences in pain reduction between ibuprofen-acetaminophen and opioid-acetaminophen combinations after 2 hours. The study suggests that ibuprofen-acetaminophen is a reasonable alternative to opioid management of acute extremity pain, but further research is warranted.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that black patients living in economically deprived areas experience worse physical function after hip replacement surgery compared to their white counterparts. The study suggests that community-based outreach and education may help improve outcomes.
A large study reveals retired professional footballers are two to three times more likely to suffer from knee pain and osteoarthritis than the general population. The research found that repetitive microtrauma from playing football is a major cause of increased risk, particularly in younger age groups.
A recent study has found that patients often overestimate their anticipated level of pain following surgery, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety. Patients receiving regional anesthesia, such as peripheral nerve blocks or epidurals, were more likely to overestimate their postoperative pain.
A Northwestern University research team found a conserved mechanism for nociception in planarian flatworms, fruit flies, and humans. The discovery could lead to new strategies for treating acute pain in humans by designing analgesic drugs targeting the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) receptor.
A new study from the Salk Institute discovered that the p75 protein plays a crucial role in pain signaling, supporting the survival of sensory neurons that transmit pain signals. This finding has significant implications for understanding neurological disorders and developing treatments for conditions such as spinal cord injury.
A new study linked certain genetic changes to an increased risk of developing lumbar spinal stenosis. The research, involving 469 individuals, provides insights into the potential causes and may help identify patients at risk early.
A new report from The Lancet estimates that 61 million people globally need palliative care and pain relief, with most in low- and middle-income countries lacking access to essential medicines. Immediate-release morphine costs just pennies but is inaccessible to over 90% of those who need it.
A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology has found that epidural analgesia does not affect the duration of the second stage of labor, contrary to long-held beliefs. The research compared catheter-infused epidural anesthetic with a saline placebo and found no significant difference in duration or other outcomes.
A randomized controlled trial found ibuprofen to be a better choice for postoperative pain relief in children aged 5-17 after minor orthopedic surgery. The study showed that ibuprofen had fewer adverse effects compared to oral morphine, which was associated with significant side effects such as nausea and drowsiness.
Scientists used fMRI to study the neurological causes of the nocebo effect, finding that brain regions can influence primal pain sensing. People who believed they were receiving an expensive cream reported greater sensitivity on a heat-tolerance test and experienced more pronounced nocebo effects over time.
A systematic review of 1169 studies found that exercise therapy alone is as effective as manual treatment combined with exercise for treating grade I-II neck pain. The researchers conclude that prescribing manual treatments in addition to exercise may not provide additional benefits, potentially reducing long queues and costs.