Research on pain and how to relieve it. Covers chemotherapy nerve injury, music and pain, migraine patterns, and back-pain treatments.
Researchers found that nicotinamide riboside supplementation prevented nerve pain in rats treated with chemotherapy, which could lead to improved outcomes for patients. The supplement increased levels of NAD+, a cell metabolite that protects against nerve damage.
A new study analyzed 558 individuals with foot pain and identified five clusters with unique patterns based on age, sex, and comorbidities. The findings provide insights into foot pain patterns in the community and highlight opportunities for targeted interventions.
A new online tool uses data from the PROMISE trial to predict patients at minimal risk for heart trouble, allowing primary care doctors to safely defer non-invasive cardiac tests. The tool considers 10 clinical variables and can help clinicians quantify minimal risk, opening a conversation with patients on whether a test is worthwhile.
The updated clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) underscores the safety and effectiveness of palliative radiation therapy (RT) for treating painful bone metastases. The guideline recommends optimal RT dosing schedules, including options for re-treatment, to provide pain relief, with a single 8-Gy ...
Children's National urologist Michael Hsieh is awarded a $1 million grant to generate mutant forms of IPSE, a parasite-derived protein that may alleviate bladder pain. The goal is to develop IPSE as an alternative to opioids for treating pain in general.
Long-term bisphosphonate therapy for Paget's disease of bone found no significant clinical benefits, increasing fracture risk instead.
Researchers have discovered a new epigenetic marker, pS10H3, that regulates pain processing in the spinal cord. Blocking this marker may lead to new pain relief therapies for burn victims.
A new clinical decision rule developed in Ottawa has been validated to safely take a third of chest pain patients off of heart monitors, freeing up beds for sicker patients. The rule was tested on 1,125 patients and found to accurately predict those who needed to stay on heart monitors with 100% accuracy.
A study of over 100,000 surgical cases at UVA Health System found patients' pain scores improved even as opioids were given fewer times. The average amount of opioids given per surgery declined 37%, while non-opioid pain medications increased by 120%.
A new study found that chair yoga significantly reduced pain and improved functional ability in older adults with osteoarthritis. The 8-week program also showed long-term benefits, with reductions in pain interference lasting three months after completion.
Researchers found that measuring TMAO levels in blood could predict risk of death and other major heart problems in patients with chest pains. Higher TMAO levels were associated with increased risks of serious heart problems, death, and thrombosis in both short-term and long-term periods.
A new study finds that individuals with symptoms at increased risk for heart disease are more likely to have shoulder problems, including joint pain and rotator cuff injury. The research suggests that controlling blood pressure and other heart risk factors may alleviate shoulder discomfort.
A new study found that opioid prescribing rates in Canada decreased by 13.7% following the release of national guidelines for chronic non-cancer pain management in 2010. However, rates of opioid-related hospital visits rose 13% between 2010 and 2013, possibly due to high-dose prescriptions increasing overdose risk.
Researchers identify molecule that inhibits protein responsible for converting touch to pain receptors in skin, paving way for new drug development to treat diabetic neuropathy and other nerve damage-related pain. The study shows promising results with minimal impact on non-pain related touch sensitivity.
Researchers found that liposomal lidocaine combined with parental video instruction and oral sucrose significantly reduces acute pain during vaccinations. The study involved 352 healthy infants who received scheduled vaccinations, with the best results seen for those using lidocaine cream consistently.
Supportive care, including pain relief and medication to prevent side effects, remains insufficient for many cancer patients, especially those on government-funded schemes in India. This can lead to delayed treatment cycles and poor quality of life. Researchers emphasize the need for better policies and access to effective treatments.
Using a one-minute shared decision-making aid can reduce unnecessary hospitalization and advanced cardiac testing for patients with low-risk chest pain. The study found that the aid resulted in greater patient knowledge, increased patient involvement in decision-making, and reduced admissions for observation.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a novel treatment for phantom limb pain, reducing symptoms by 50% in over a dozen amputees. The new approach uses augmented reality and machine learning to control virtual environments with muscle signals from the missing limb.
A study published in Oncology Nursing Forum found that acupuncture improved recovery after mastectomy surgery by reducing pain, nausea, and anxiety. Patients who received acupuncture had a greater reduction in symptoms compared to those with traditional care.
A recent study found that approximately one-third of Alzheimer's patients use prescription pain relievers, comparable to those without the disease. However, the type and frequency of analgesics used differed significantly between groups. Paracetamol was most commonly used, while anti-inflammatory medications were less frequent.
Research suggests elevated urate levels may be associated with musculoskeletal pain in asymptomatic individuals. Cross-sectional study found ultrasound evidence of monosodium urate crystal tissue deposition in intra- and extra-articular structures.
A decision aid significantly increased the rate of total knee replacement surgery among black patients, who were more likely to undergo surgery when informed about treatment risks and benefits. The intervention also led to a higher uptake of surgery among those willing compared to unwilling patients, women, and younger patients.
Genetic defects in sucrase-isomaltase gene variants are associated with an increased risk of irritable bowel syndrome. The study found that rare mutations were twice more common among IBS cases than healthy controls, and a common variant with reduced enzymatic activity was also linked to increased risk.
A randomized trial found that strengthening and aerobic exercises did not alleviate long-term knee pain or improve activity limitations compared to usual care. Most patients experienced reduced knee pain and improved function, but physical performance deficits persisted 12 months post-replacement.
New research findings suggest that men and women have different post-surgical outcomes after total hip arthroplasty. Women who had improved functional recovery showed more abductor strength improvement and better gait function during walking. Tailoring rehabilitation to each sex may help patients achieve better outcomes.
Research investigates links between dental occlusion, temporomandibular joints, and vision. Malocclusions, myopia, astigmatism, and cross-bite prevalence found in patients with malocclusions, suggesting a clinical connection.
A low-impact exercise program in senior centers helped decrease pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life for participants. Participants reported significant improvements in activities of daily living and were very satisfied with the program.
A study suggests that epidural anesthesia can decrease the likelihood of postpartum depression in certain women. Researchers controlled for known risk factors and found a significant association between better pain relief and lower depressive symptoms.
A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found prolotherapy to be effective in reducing pain and improving knee function among individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Most participants reported a substantial decrease in pain after receiving hypertonic dextrose injections around the affected joint.
A new study finds that nitrous oxide provides limited pain relief during labor and does not prevent women from requesting epidurals. Despite its increasing availability in the US, epidural anesthesia remains the most effective method for managing labor pain.
A study found that patients with public health insurance were more likely to experience high pain levels in the post anesthesia care unit, regardless of their overall health, age, gender, or neighborhood income. This disparity highlights the importance of considering insurance type as a factor in patient care.
ERAS programs employ various methods to ease postoperative pain and fast track patient recovery. Research suggests that treating pain is a key aspect of ERAS, with combination therapy showing promise in controlling pain levels. Patient education classes are also shown to empower patients and improve outcomes.
Research from University of East Anglia reveals no significant increase in physical activity after hip replacement surgery, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests that patients may need more encouragement to engage in physical activity post-operatively.
A study using wearable activity trackers found that monitoring patients' postoperative functional recovery correlates strongly with reported complications, showing a median of 1,247 steps on day seven compared to preoperative daily steps.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a new technique using a dermatoscope to quickly diagnose breastfeeding pain. The method allows for 10-fold magnification and a three-dimensional image, enabling accurate identification of causes of nipple pain.
A study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that X-rays are the most effective diagnostic tool for knee pain in middle-aged patients. The study suggests that weight-bearing X-rays should be obtained before an MRI to screen for knee pain, as they can often provide enough information for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
A Loyola Medicine study found female triathletes experience high rates of stress urinary and anal incontinence, with nearly a quarter also screening positive for the female athlete triad. Researchers highlight the need for women to seek medical care if symptoms persist.
A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that pediatric burn pain assessment can vary based on nurse clinical experience. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale (FLACC) was used to rate pain in pediatric patients, with less experienced nurses demonstrating higher accuracy than more experienced ones.
Research suggests that women experiencing persistent childbirth pain are more likely to develop postnatal depression following birth. A study conducted in 2016 found that women with persistent pain had significantly higher scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale compared to those whose pain resolved within four weeks.
A nurse-initiated protocol to improve timeliness of care can significantly decrease ER stays for patients with certain conditions, including fever and hip fractures. The study found that average length of stay was reduced by almost 4 hours by implementing such a protocol.
A study published in Evolution and Human Behavior found that regular churchgoers are perceived as more generous and hardworking compared to others. The researchers suggest that this is due to the potent signal sent by these individuals, demonstrating their generosity, devotion, and commitment to contributing to their communities.
A new study published in The Lancet found that vertebroplasty significantly reduces acute pain and disability in patients with spinal fractures within a 6-week period. The procedure also leads to shorter hospital stays, with an average reduction of 5.5 days.
Researchers found that men had greater pain relief from smoking marijuana after analyzing data from 42 recreational marijuana smokers. Women reported a small increase in pain tolerance but no significant decrease in pain sensitivity.
Researchers have synthesized a molecule called PZM21 that targets brain pain systems without triggering respiratory impairment or constipation like morphine. The new agent holds promise as both a clinical treatment and a tool for exploring the workings of brain pain systems.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that revascularization interventions improved walking comfort, distance, and symptoms in patients with moderate to severe IC compared to medical management. Revascularization significantly increased walking function and quality of life at 12 months.
Competitive swimmers are at risk of shoulder injuries due to the high stress on their joints. Proper technique, training, stretching, and strengthening can help prevent these injuries. Swimmers may experience signs such as a dropped elbow or excessive body roll, which can be diagnosed with a thorough physical examination.
Research contradicts previous findings that link poor sleep quality to joint pain, instead showing no association with obstructive sleep apnea. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the relationship between pain and sleep apnea.
The review highlights the effectiveness of WHO cancer pain relief guidelines in promoting cancer pain relief. The guidelines have been widely adopted despite initial release in 1986, making them a valuable resource for healthcare providers.
A recent study found that adults with moderate or more severe pain are at a 41% higher risk of developing prescription opioid use disorders. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 34,000 adults and confirmed previous findings on age and sex as risk factors.
A study published in The BMJ found that supervised exercise therapy is as effective as arthroscopic surgery in improving thigh muscle strength and knee function in middle-aged patients with degenerative meniscal tears. Researchers recommend considering structured exercise therapy as a treatment option for this type of knee damage.
A new study found bariatric surgery significantly improved functional mobility and reduced musculoskeletal pain in adolescents. Positive effects on walking speed, resting heart rate, and post-test heart rates were observed as early as six months after surgery and persisted for two years.
Researchers found that a non-surgical treatment using patient's own bone marrow stem cells improved symptoms and increased physical activity in patients with angina. The treatment involved injecting a 'catalyst' molecule to stimulate stem cell migration into the bloodstream, followed by re-injection of harvested stem cells.
Certain surgical procedures, especially those involving joints and abdominal surgery, are associated with an increased risk of chronic opioid use after surgery. Patients with certain preoperative conditions, such as depression or a history of substance abuse, are also at higher risk.
A recent study by Avni Shah at the University of Toronto found that paying with cash increases feelings of connection and attachment to purchases, while credit cards may lead to a decrease in emotional attachment. This phenomenon is attributed to the 'pain of payment', which varies depending on the type of payment method used.
A Cochrane review suggests that endometrial scratching may be beneficial for couples trying to conceive naturally or with intrauterine insemination (IUI), increasing the chance of clinical pregnancy and live birth. The procedure involves a biopsy-like action on the uterine lining, which may create an environment more receptive to embry...
A team of FAU researchers has discovered a substance called capsazepine that activates the mustard oil receptor, leading to reduced inflammation and sensitivity in nociceptors. This breakthrough could lead to the development of highly effective painkillers for diseases such as joint arthrosis and chronic pancreatitis.
Researchers at New York University are investigating a novel, non-viral gene delivery method for treating oral cancer pain. The method has shown promise in preclinical studies, with a significant reduction in cancer pain and minimal cytotoxicity.
A new study at CU-Boulder found that empathy for others' pain is rooted in cognitive neural processes rather than sensory ones. The research suggests that empathy involves mentalizing and taking another person's perspective, distinct from experiencing physical pain.
A study of 2,436 people found that listening to sad music can lead to feelings of pleasure, comfort, and relief, but also painful experiences related to personal loss. The research has implications for music therapy and rehabilitation, highlighting the complexity of human emotions in response to sad music.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that US hospitals have significantly varying rates of opioid prescribing, with some discharging up to 20% of patients with new prescriptions. Short-term prescriptions can lead to long-term use and potentially abuse.