Research on pain and how to relieve it. Covers chemotherapy nerve injury, music and pain, migraine patterns, and back-pain treatments.
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.
A team of researchers has solved a rare, debilitating disease by identifying a genetic mutation as its cause. The disease, Pyrin Associated Autoinflammation with Neutrphilic Dermatosis (PAAND), affects half of the children of patients who have the condition.
A study found that half of patients visiting their GP with dental problems were prescribed unnecessary antibiotics, despite these not providing a definitive treatment. This has raised concerns about the impact on long-term dental health and potential contributions to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers propose a new theory that pain is a complex interaction of multiple elements, including sensory processes and emotional responses. A study found that the brain processes both general and specific components of pain in parallel, allowing for efficient processing of unpleasant experiences.
Women experiencing suspected heart disease exhibit similar classic symptoms to men, including chest pain and shortness of breath, but differ in diagnosis and risk assessment. The study found that women have more risk factors for heart disease than men, yet are often assessed as lower risk.
TeamStudy, an iPhone research app built using ResearchKit, allows former NFL players and the public to engage in the study of athlete health. The app enables researchers to capture data from participants across the nation, providing insights into everyday experiences of former NFL players.
A recent study by University of Kent researchers refutes the use of traditional pain measurement methods in exercise experiments. They found that people who are ready to engage in greater amounts of pain perform better in exercise activities. The researchers suggest measuring EIP tolerance as a more accurate predictor of performance.
Sylentis presents positive Phase II results with SYL1001 for treating ocular discomfort, achieving primary and secondary endpoints in reducing ocular pain and conjunctival hyperaemia. The trials also confirm a favorable safety profile of SYL1001.
A study published in The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery found that ultrasonic piezosurgery equipment reduces trauma, pain, and swelling after genioplasty. Patients undergoing genioplasty using piezosurgery had lower pain scores and reduced swelling compared to traditional surgical drills.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a potential drug target in the skin for treating short-term itch. By targeting a specific ion channel protein called TRPV4, scientists hope to develop topical treatments that can suppress itch and inflammation.
A spider toxin analogue, PnPP-19, has shown promise in relieving pain by targeting nervous system receptors similar to opioids and cannabis. The compound is also being studied for erectile dysfunction treatment.
Two studies at Hospital for Special Surgery found that cartilage restoration procedures relieve pain and improve function in patients with articular cartilage damage. The procedures using different types of cartilage plugs showed a high degree of satisfaction among patients.
A new pain management technique, called an adductor canal block, provides effective pain relief while preserving muscle strength in ACL knee surgery patients. The study found a significant reduction in muscle weakness and falls compared to the current standard method.
A University of Alberta study found PRP injections to be effective in improving tissue healing, reducing pain, and increasing mobility in patients with chronically sore shoulders. The treatment involves injecting platelet-rich plasma into the affected area to augment the body's natural healing response.
A new study published by Hospital for Special Surgery recommends patients wait at least three months after a steroid injection to avoid an increased infection risk before undergoing hip replacement surgery. Researchers found that the immune system is weakened by corticosteroids, contributing to a higher risk of surgical site infections.
Takotsubo syndrome, also known as broken heart syndrome, can be triggered by both sad and happy emotional events. Researchers found that 20 patients developed the condition after a happy event, while 465 had occurred after sad and stressful events.
Patients aged under 45 and 75 years and older report greater pain and lower activity levels following TKR surgery. Despite comparable range of motion improvements across all age groups, these patients experience more challenges with daily activities.
A study from the University of Eastern Finland found that balloon angioplasty can successfully treat acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI), a condition often misdiagnosed in older patients. The procedure led to a significant improvement in mortality rates compared to earlier treatments.
Research reveals a direct link between economic insecurity and physical pain, with feelings of lack of control exacerbating the issue. The study found that individuals who experience financial stress report more physical pain and have reduced pain tolerance.
New evidence suggests that people feel less responsible for their actions when coerced into doing something. The study found that coercion leads to a small but significant increase in the perceived time interval between action and outcome.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.