Articles tagged with Pain
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.
A study by Loyola Medicine found that mesothelioma surgery, specifically pleurectomy and decortication, improves quality of life in patients. The procedure can control fluid buildup, improve breathing, and reduce cancer pain, with benefits observed as early as one month after surgery.
A randomized controlled trial found that electroacupuncture combined with nighttime splinting improved symptoms of chronic carpal tunnel syndrome. The treatment provided small improvements in disability, function, and pinch strength among patients with mild to moderate symptoms.
Two studies found that a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assay can accurately diagnose or rule out heart attacks in patients with chest pain. The tests identified 19% of patients as potentially suitable for immediate discharge and had high diagnostic performance in excluding heart attacks. A new algorithm using this test showed rap...
A study of 574 patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery found that 30% were taking opioids prior to surgery, with 35% continuing to take them six months later. High-dose opioids and higher pain scores on the day of surgery were associated with persistent opioid use.
A new meta-analysis shows that ketamine is half as likely to experience persistent post-surgical pain compared to placebo, offering a cheap and safe treatment option. This could lead to significant cost savings globally if widely adopted.
Researchers at Georgia Tech are creating a knee band that transcribes crackling knee sounds into moving graphs, which could help doctors determine if the joint is healthy or needs therapy. The device aims to provide valuable patterns from injured knees, potentially benefiting athletes and elderly patients with musculoskeletal injuries.
Researchers at York University's OUCH lab found that past and continuing behaviour of parents is the biggest reason for a child's suffering from needle-related anxiety. The study, published in the journal Pain, highlights the importance of developing interventions to help parents support their children during painful medical procedures.
A Mayo Clinic study found that sending children home with catheters infusing a non-narcotic nerve-blocking drug reduces opioid painkiller use and shortens hospital stays. The procedure is effective in controlling pain after the Nuss procedure, which reshapes the chest wall to correct pectus excavatum.
Researchers investigate how expectations influence pain perception, with results showing men's pain tolerance altered by sex-based expectations. The study highlights the importance of considering non-explicit expectation processes in psychology and therapy.
A new measure called the nociception (pain) level index allows physicians to more accurately evaluate responses to painful stimulation in patients under general anesthesia. This improved monitoring can lead to better anesthesia management, less pain upon regaining consciousness, and enhanced postoperative outcomes.
Researchers found that participants who took acetaminophen rated others' pain as less severe and showed reduced empathy in various social scenarios. The study suggests that the popular painkiller may blunt not only physical but also emotional responses to others' misfortunes.
Research at University of Oxford found that individuals with more friends have a higher pain tolerance due to increased endorphin release, which promotes social bonding and pleasure. Additionally, the study discovered correlations between fitter people, those with higher stress levels, and smaller social networks.
Researchers found that people with no sense of pain exhibited the same brain activity patterns as healthy individuals when exposed to painful stimuli, casting doubt on the 'pain matrix'. The study highlights the need for caution when interpreting associations between brain activity and human experiences.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology found no differences in penile sensitivity between circumcised and intact men. The researchers also challenged the notion that the foreskin is the most sensitive part of the adult penis. No differences were observed in sexual functioning between the groups.
Minimalist running shoes with forefoot strike may reduce repetitive strain on the knee, lower leg, and heel. However, runners should still exercise caution and transition to a new gait pattern gradually to avoid injuries.
The article discusses the successful implementation of acupuncture in US military settings, specifically Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA), and its potential benefits for treating pain. The authors highlight the importance of data collection to assess outcomes and explore additional integrative medicine techniques.
A study of 2,221 adults with severe obesity who underwent bariatric surgery found that approximately 50-70% experienced clinically significant improvements in pain and physical function over 3 years. Younger age, male sex, and weight loss were associated with greater improvements.
A University of Virginia study found that false beliefs about biological differences between black and white people contribute to undertreated pain among black patients. White medical students and residents who held these false beliefs showed lower pain ratings and less accurate treatment recommendations for black patients.
Patients who received a physician discussion using Chest Pain Choice increased their knowledge about their risk and options, answering 53% of questions correctly. The study also found that patients who used the tool were more likely to recommend discussing their care with their physicians, 68.9% compared to 61.2%.
A tool called Chest Pain Choice facilitates shared decision-making between physicians and patients with chest pain, improving patient knowledge and follow-up care options. The intervention reduced unnecessary testing and hospital admissions without adverse effects.