Articles tagged with Pain
Using human ligament samples and polarized-light-based imaging, the Penn team has identified microscopic features that prefigure where failure occurs. This insight could lead to new diagnostic techniques or therapies for sub-failure injuries.
A retrospective study found that freezing nerves before knee replacement surgery significantly improves patient outcomes, with shorter hospital stays and reduced opioid use. The treatment group had fewer knee symptoms and better local pain control, allowing patients to walk and function well enough to go home sooner.
Cognitive developmental influences on preschool-age children's pain self-reporting are limited by factors such as memory, knowledge of magnitude, and language ability. Modifications for simplifying pain assessments, including using tools with few response options and considering past pain experiences, can improve accuracy.
Researchers found a significant increase in blood vessel and pain receptor growth among patients with calcific tendinitis, leading to chronic inflammation and severe pain. The study suggests new ways to manage the associated pain and may provide insights into other tendon disorders and diseases.
Studies using advanced imaging techniques reveal changes in brain and spinal cord structure and function associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Researchers believe that CNS factors contribute to the development of painful symptoms, providing new insights into the nature of DPN.
Researchers found that patients with two copies of a different allele showed more pain variability and more pain at the end of the day after physical activity. This study suggests tailored behavioral programs could be used sensitive to a person's genotype to increase physical activity and manage arthritis.
Researchers from KU Leuven identified histamine as a cause of abdominal pain in IBS patients, discovering that it makes the pain receptor TRPV1 hypersensitive. A pilot clinical study found that ebastine, an existing hay fever medicine, significantly reduced abdominal pain in IBS patients.
A study found that nations with higher prevalence of the A allele in the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene variant are also reported as happier. This allele helps prevent pain and enhances sensory pleasure. Climate, economics, and politics did not significantly influence happiness levels.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nearly one-third of patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery experienced hospitalization due to symptoms such as abdominal pain and fatigue. The risk of symptoms was higher among women, younger patients, smokers, unemployed individuals, and those with surgical symptoms before ...
A 33-year-old professional goalkeeper suffered an extremely rare complete rupture of his teres major muscle while playing a football match. He recovered after conservative treatment and physiotherapy, eventually returning to competition level without pain or limitation.
A 17-year-old woman contracted rat-bite fever from her pet rodents, a rare condition that can be treated. The case highlights the risk of infection from pet animals and the importance of proper hygiene.
Researchers at the University of Zurich found that a handful of positive experiences with strangers can increase empathy by triggering a learning effect in the brain. This leads to stronger empathic brain responses towards out-group members, driving more compassionate behavior.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that while specialty prescribers concentrated opioid prescriptions, general practitioners wrote the most total prescriptions among Medicare prescribers. The authors analyzed 2013 Medicare data and focused on opioid prescriptions containing over 20 different opioids.
Researchers found that hip x-rays are unreliable for diagnosing hip osteoarthritis in most cases, potentially delaying treatment and missing affected individuals. The study suggests that patients with suspected hip OA should be treated regardless of x-ray confirmation.
A new study found that periarticular injections reduced postoperative hospital stay and number of inpatient physical therapy sessions after total knee replacement surgery. Patients who received these injections recovered quicker due to maintaining control over the quadriceps muscles, allowing for faster walking independently.
A new review of 45 years of medical literature found relatively few cases of meperidine-associated seizures, with coexisting conditions often contributing to the increased risk. The study concludes that meperidine's role as an effective anti-shivering agent should continue to be explored.
Researchers have investigated high-frequency repetitive sensory stimulation as a therapeutic approach for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) patients. The study showed significant improvement in tactile performance after stimulation, with individual patients reporting substantial pain relief.
A blood test can predict how quickly patients recover from surgery by identifying their unique immune state before the procedure, according to a new study. This simple test may help personalize recovery approaches and have a significant impact on perioperative medicine.
A nationwide study found that minorities are less likely to receive analgesic medications for abdominal pain at US emergency departments. Black and Hispanic patients experience prolonged ED lengths of stay and were less likely to be hospitalized for their ailments.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have created flexible, implantable devices that can activate and potentially block pain signals in the body before they reach the brain. The devices contain microLED lights that can stimulate specific nerve cells to alleviate pain.
Research from Hospital for Special Surgery found that community poverty significantly increases risk of pain and poor function following knee replacement surgery. Black patients with lower education levels are disproportionately affected, highlighting the need to address socioeconomic disparities in post-surgical outcomes.
A low-impact exercise program at senior centers in New York City's Chinatown and Flushing, Queens communities has helped decrease participants' pain and improve mobility. The program, led by bilingual instructors, reduced musculoskeletal pain by 32% and improved function in activities such as climbing stairs and lifting groceries.
A study of over 2,200 obese patients found that bariatric surgery leads to significant improvements in bodily pain, physical function, and walking speed. However, patient age, income level, depressive symptoms, and pre-existing medical conditions can affect the likelihood of improvement.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology found that humans can empathize with humanoid robots in perceived pain. However, the beginning of the top-down process of empathy is weaker for robots than for humans. This study contributes to the development of human-friendly robots whom we feel sympathy for and comfortable with.
A randomized, controlled trial found both acupuncture and the Alexander Technique led to significant long-term reductions in neck pain and associated disability compared with usual care. The interventions also showed high acceptability rates and greater adherence, leading to improved self-efficacy and outcomes.
Researchers found that acupuncture and Alexander Technique lessons significantly reduced chronic neck pain by 32% and 31%, respectively, at 12 months. These interventions provided clinically relevant reductions in pain levels without medication use, offering new hope for patients with chronic neck pain.
A recent study found that stopping breastfeeding due to pain or physical difficulties increases the risk of postnatal depression. The study suggests investing in support systems to enable women to breastfeed successfully.
A pooled analysis of available evidence suggests that high levels of total cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of tendon abnormalities and pain. Chronic low-level inflammation, prompted by cholesterol build-up in immune cells, may be a key factor contributing to this link.
An expert argues that home is not always the best or preferred place to die, and that hospitals should be given more attention and resources for providing excellent end-of-life care. Dr. Kristian Pollock highlights the need for improved pain control and support services in both home and hospital settings.
Research reveals women with knee osteoarthritis have greater sensitivity to pain stimuli, such as heat and cold, and widespread pain. This study's findings may inform treatment strategies for both men and women.
Researchers at Temple University School of Medicine are testing the effectiveness of mirror therapy in reducing pain and improving mobility in combat veterans with complex orthopedic injuries or nerve damage. The study aims to assess whether this technique can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for these individuals.
Researchers found that manipulating self-experienced pain affects empathy for pain in others through the endogenous opioid system. The study suggests empathy relies on simulation and is grounded in our own experiences, which may explain why feelings of others can affect us so immediately.
Researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy found that the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale can predict stroke patients who will develop upper limb spasticity within one year. This allows for early treatment to minimize pain, impaired function, and other repercussions of spasticity.
Newborns in clinical trials are often denied analgesia for minor painful procedures, despite international guidelines. A recent review found that up to 70% of control group babies received no pain treatment.
A randomized trial found that yoga improved physical health, pain, energy, mood, and daily activities in people with arthritis. The study also showed long-term improvements in physical function and walking speed.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found racial disparities in pain management among children with appendicitis in emergency departments, with black children receiving less pain medication and opioids. The study analyzed data from 2003 to 2010 and suggested that more research is needed to understand why such disparities exist.
A retrospective case series found specific epidural steroid injections to be effective in treating short-term pain from lumbar spinal stenosis. The study contradicts a previous NEJM study and suggests future trials using interlaminar injection with long-acting steroids.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that children with broken bones or joint dislocations in northern Israel received equal pain relief, regardless of their ethnicity. The study, which lasted four years, including an 11-week period of armed conflict, showed that opioid therapy was administered to nearly all children...
A recent study found that depression is strongly associated with the frequency of chest pain in adults with and without underlying coronary artery disease. Patients with depression were three times more likely to experience more frequent chest pain than those without depression.
A new algorithm using a highly sensitive troponin I assay can reduce mortality and cut triage times to one hour for patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction. The algorithm allows for safe discharge or rapid treatment initiation, enabling better resource utilization.
A new protein (C5orf30) has been identified as a genetic marker for rheumatoid arthritis severity, allowing for early diagnosis and targeted treatment. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce tissue damage caused by the condition.
A new protein (C5orf30) has been identified as a genetic marker that can help regulate the severity of tissue damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis. This discovery enables early identification of patients at risk of severe joint damage, allowing for fast-tracked treatment with more aggressive therapies.
A recent study at Washington University School of Medicine found that quitting smoking after a heart attack leads to immediate improvements in chest pain, daily life, and mental health. The benefits became apparent as little as one month after quitting, with more pronounced effects after a year.
Researchers found that quitting smoking within a year after a heart attack can lead to similar levels of chest pain and mental health as non-smokers. Smokers who continued to smoke after a heart attack had the worst health status of the four groups, with increased odds of having chest pain.
A new Canadian guideline has been published to help manage pain during vaccination in both children and adults. The guideline includes recommendations for various age groups and settings, such as physician's offices and public health settings.
Researchers at Kyoto University developed a technique using tiny gold rods to target pain receptors and activate TRPV1, leading to desensitization and pain relief. The gold nanorods have been shown to be more efficient than magnetic nanoparticles in heat generation and activating TRPV1 receptors.
A comprehensive review of available evidence confirmed that listening to music before, during, and after surgery reduces postoperative pain, anxiety, and the need for painkillers. The study involved nearly 7,000 patients and found music to be effective even when patients were under general anaesthetic.
A new study from Binghamton University reveals that women experience more emotional pain following a breakup, with an average rating of 6.84, compared to men's 6.58. However, women tend to recover more fully and come out emotionally stronger than men, who never fully recover but simply move on.
A study found that nearly two-thirds of meniscal transplants remain viable at 10 years, relieving pain and improving knee function. However, many patients required additional surgery within 15 years.
Researchers at NYU's Bluestone Center are working on a novel non-viral gene delivery method to treat oral cancer pain, which is consistently ranked as one of the most painful cancers. The method aims to reverse epigenetic changes using gene therapy and selectively disrupt nociceptive signaling with limited off-target effects.
Researchers found that breast cancer survivors who used liquid lidocaine on the vulvar vestibule experienced reduced pain and improved sexual function. The study's results suggest that this non-invasive treatment could alleviate physical and emotional pain associated with sex, making it more enjoyable for both individuals.
A study found that patients who experienced significant reductions in pain and disability after spine surgery were more likely to be satisfied with their outcomes. Factors such as initial severity scores, insurance status, and mental health played a role in patient satisfaction rates.
A University of Delaware-led study found that an intensive regimen of regular exercise and a healthy diet can reduce the short-term onset of knee pain for overweight adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Arthritis Care and Research, shows a 15% decrease in knee pain development among those who underwent the intensive pro...
Researchers found that US health care providers perceive South Asians as being more reluctant to report pain and seek medications. This is partly due to cultural differences in medical practice in South Asia, where patients are often not asked about their pain and may be given low-dose pain medications after surgeries.
SLU pain researcher Daniela Salvemini has been awarded the NIH's Cutting-Edge Basic Research Award to develop new painkillers that can quell terrible pain while minimizing debilitating side effects. The two-year grant will support her search for innovative ways to mitigate opioid side effects and preserve their pain-relieving ability.
Researchers at McGill University found that treadmill workstations lower neck and shoulder muscle activity, leading to less discomfort. The study suggests that minor movements and adjustments can help prevent muscle pain in office workers.
Two randomised controlled trials found patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) to be statistically and clinically superior for patients with non-traumatic abdominal pain, with users reporting lower total pain scores. However, results were more equivocal for patients with traumatic injury, leaving room for further investigation.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that knee surgery for middle-aged and older adults with persistent knee pain offers a small but significant effect on pain, but no benefits for physical function. The research also identified potential harms, including deep vein thrombosis and infection.
A new trial found that hydroxychloroquine does not reduce pain, disability, or joint stiffness in patients with primary hand osteoarthritis. The study suggests that this medication should no longer be prescribed for this condition, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options.
A new evidence-based protocol to treat acute, severe pain in emergency department patients has been shown to be effective and safe. The study found that simply asking patients if they want more pain medication resulted in satisfactory pain control for 99% of participants.