Research on pain and how to relieve it. Covers chemotherapy nerve injury, music and pain, migraine patterns, and back-pain treatments.
Researchers found that acetaminophen blunts positive emotions in users, reducing the intensity of both pleasant and disturbing photos. This study provides new insights into the broader consequences of using common pain relievers like Tylenol.
A new Penn Medicine study found that patients seen in emergency departments have misperceptions about opioid dependence and want more information about their pain management options. Patients desire better communication from physicians about their pain management options, along with discussion of the risks of opioid dependence.
Many nursing home residents experience high mortality rates and functional decline after lower extremity revascularization. The study found that ambulatory function may not be the primary objective of treatment for these patients.
Researchers found that capsaicin-evoked burning pain sensation is caused by sequential activation of TRPV1 and anoctamin 1, leading to further depolarization. Anoctamin 1 activation increases pain sensation in mice, while chemical blockade provides relief from pain induced by TRPV1 activation.
Patients with stage IV cancer prioritize pain management, home deaths, and quality of healthcare over life extension, while caregivers are willing to pay more for these services. The study suggests that patients' preferences should be directly elicited during treatment decision-making.
A new study by Dr. Faraj Adballah found that single-shot nerve blocks provide limited pain relief after shoulder surgery, lasting only six to eight hours. After this initial period, patients who received the shot experienced a phenomenon known as rebound pain, which worsened their symptoms.
Researchers found that pain relief from diagnostic injections did not correlate with patient outcomes after surgery. The study suggests that careful evaluation of symptoms and imaging findings is crucial in considering patients for surgery. Future investigations into improving success rates are needed.
A recent study published in Osteoporosis International found that painful knee osteoarthritis in women is associated with a higher risk of early death compared to unaffected women. The study, which followed middle-aged women for 24 years, also found no link between hand osteoarthritis and excess mortality risk.
A new study found that 53% of parents/caregivers of youth baseball pitchers are unaware of safe pitching practices designed to prevent overuse injuries. Sixty-four percent of parents or caregivers recalled their child having upper extremity pain as a direct result of pitching.
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that hip replacement is an excellent option to alleviate pain and improve function in juvenile arthritis patients under age 35 when conservative treatments fail. The procedure lasted at least 10 years in 85 percent of patients, with some implants lasting up to 20 years.
Researchers created an algorithm to determine factors contributing to arthritis pain in a national representative sample of adults. The study found that physical health status, diabetes, and previous joint pain were the greatest predictors of pain, with an accuracy rate of 98.6%.
Patients with Parkinson's disease experienced improved or eliminated preoperative pain after eight years following subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation. However, new musculoskeletal pain developed in 75% of patients during the follow-up period.
Institutions like King's College London are reviewing military medical advancements to improve civilian healthcare, focusing on low-resource regions where life-saving treatments can be adapted and implemented. The review calls for research and policy changes to transfer these innovations.
The HEART Pathway, a new protocol, helps emergency departments evaluate patients with acute chest pain more efficiently. It has been shown to reduce cardiac tests, early discharges, and hospital stays while maintaining patient safety.
Research shows that muscle metabolites released during exercise activate neural pathways in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, leading to excessive feelings of fatigue. The study suggests that peripheral tissues like muscles contribute to fatigue, providing new insights into the disease's mechanisms and potential treatment targets.
A study published at the International Association for Dental Research found that dental pain relief is accompanied by reduced activity in the posterior insula and enhanced connectivity to the midbrain. This discovery provides new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying dental pain.
Researchers found PET/MR to be superior in diagnosing foot pain causes, providing more diagnostic information and higher certainty than PET/CT. This non-invasive method offers an important tool for sensitive diagnosis of foot pathologies.
A new brain imaging study has identified a specific brain area, the dorsal posterior insula, directly related to pain intensity. This discovery could help detect pain in people with limited communication abilities.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that low-dose VM202 gene therapy significantly improves pain symptoms and perception of light touch in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. The treatment has virtually no side effects, offering hope for a potential new treatment for this debilitating condition.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that frequent radiation exposure and heavy protective gear are associated with increased musculoskeletal pain among technicians and nurses. Researchers recommend improving ergonomic evaluations and rotation to mitigate these effects.
A study published in CMAJ found that nearly a quarter of patients with chest pain who visited an emergency department did not receive follow-up care. Patients with multiple health issues and rural residency were less likely to see a physician after discharge.
Research shows that altering visual cues can impact pain by changing the physical point at which pain is experienced. Participants who suffered from chronic neck pain were shown to have a broader range of motion when visual feedback understated head rotation and a reduced range when it overstated head rotation.
A study published in Menopause found a link between early menopause and chronic fatigue syndrome in women, with 66% of those with CFS having undergone at least one gynecologic surgery. Women with CFS reported excessive bleeding and used hormones for purposes other than contraception more frequently.
Women with primary Sjögren's syndrome experience impaired sexual functioning and higher levels of distress compared to healthy controls. Vaginal dryness, pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms significantly contribute to their symptoms. Healthcare providers should acknowledge and discuss these issues to help patients cope.
Researchers at Brown University found that the brain uses specific patterns of brain wave synchrony to suppress attention and ignore distracting stimuli. By harnessing this process, scientists hope to develop new treatments for pain and depressive thoughts through non-invasive brain stimulation techniques.
Researchers found that interacting with a nurse, watching a DVD, or using stress balls reduced anxiety by 25-30% and pain by 16-22%. Simple distraction techniques can significantly improve patient experience and may be used for other operations without general anesthesia.
Researchers found that blood tests can produce similar results for patients with Chikungunya virus and those with rheumatoid arthritis, highlighting the need for diagnostic tools. Detailed travel histories are crucial to distinguish between the two conditions.
A new study found that infants show specific brain activity patterns when receiving vaccinations, which may help develop improved vaccination techniques and pain-relieving treatments. The researchers used EEG measurements to identify these patterns, which appeared earlier in younger infants and were more consistent in older children.
A recent study published in PEDIATRICS found that morphine administered for post-operative pain in children who have undergone tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy can cause significant respiratory problems and potentially fatal breathing disruptions. In contrast, ibuprofen was shown to be a safe and effective alternative.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that low-risk patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain did not experience a significant increase in heart attack risk regardless of the initial diagnostic testing strategy. The researchers analyzed data from over 421,000 ED visits and concluded that ce...
A new study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found a link between pain during or after sexual intercourse and mode of delivery. Women who had an operative vaginal birth assisted by vacuum extraction, forceps, or caesarean section were at higher risk for persisting dyspareunia. Intimate partner a...
A new study published in JAMA found that a nurse-implemented sedation protocol did not reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation in children. The protocol aimed to provide targeted sedation and adjust doses every 8 hours, but it had no significant impact on time on ventilator or recovery from acute respiratory failure.
Researchers from the University of Leeds identified using stairs as the first weight-bearing task that triggers pain in people with early osteoarthritis. The study, which tracked over 4,600 participants, aims to improve early detection and treatment of the condition.
A new study published in Current Biology found that stress caused by being around strangers limits empathy, but playing games together can increase it. Researchers discovered that spending just 15 minutes playing Rock Band with a stranger can move them from an 'stranger zone' to an 'empathy zone'.
A study published in Current Biology found that stress hormones block empathy, while a game of Rock Band increased emotional contagion of pain in both mice and human strangers. Researchers discovered that biochemical changes related to stress prevented emotional contagion in animals.
A Northwestern University study found that pediatric patients who listened to their chosen music or audiobooks had a significant reduction in post-surgical pain. The therapy was effective regardless of the patient's initial pain score and can be used as an alternative to opioid analgesics.
Research suggests that circumcised boys are more likely to develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD) before the age of 10. The study found a higher risk of infantile autism and hyperactivity disorder among circumcised boys in non-Muslim families.
Scientists developed a novel paste based on calcium and phosphorus to address tooth sensitivity, which can lead to more serious dental problems. The new material plugs exposed tubes more deeply than other treatments, providing longer-lasting relief.
Researchers have linked specific neurons to a type of somatosensation, opening the door for a better understanding of our sense of touch. The study found that these neurons respond uniquely to certain tactile stimuli and receive direct synaptic input from other brain regions.
A systematic evidence review found that several common treatments for knee osteoarthritis are effective for pain relief, with injectable therapies being the most effective. The review also introduced a new reporting guideline called TRIPOD to improve the quality of reporting in published articles describing prediction model studies.
Manual acupuncture has a substantial difference in treatment effect, with stronger evidence of pain relief compared to laser acupuncture. The study found that manual acupuncture is effective in short-term pain relief and activates the descending pain inhibitory system.
A new study found that injecting liposomal bupivacaine during knee replacement surgery reduces pain scores and improves knee function compared to traditional methods. The injection technique optimizes early pain control without side effects, allowing patients to walk comfortably within hours after surgery.
A hospital-based exercise program improves quality of life for adults with arthritis by reducing pain, stiffness, and fatigue. The study found that participants experienced a significant reduction in muscle/joint pain and improved balance after completing the program.
The study suggests that music can have a calming effect on surgeons and theatre staff, improving communication and efficiency. The authors recommend specific songs, such as Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees, to play in the operating theatre.
A new procedure combining surgery to remove part of the pancreas and islet cell transplantation appears safe and effective for alleviating pain from severe chronic pancreatitis. Eight out of nine patients who underwent this procedure were able to discontinue insulin use, with two requiring no insulin at all.
Shoulder pain affects athletes like baseball pitchers, with various structures contributing to the issue. Nonsurgical options include icing and medication, while arthroscopic surgery can be effective for repairing partial rotator cuff tears.
Researchers at McGill University found that tramadol use is associated with a two-fold increased risk of hospitalization for severe hypoglycemia. The study also suggests that this risk is particularly high in the first 30 days of tramadol use.
A randomized controlled trial found that intranasal ketamine is effective in treating moderate to severe pain in children with limb injuries. The study showed improved pain relief and satisfaction rates compared to fentanyl, with fewer adverse events reported for ketamine.
A study found that approximately 88% of pediatric chest X-ray exams did not alter clinical treatment, highlighting potential waste in the healthcare system. In cases where patients were ordered for symptoms like syncope or dizziness, no findings were made that affected treatment over a five-year period.
Researchers found that minimally invasive disc surgery does not support the routine use of the procedure, as it does not improve long-term outcomes. The study suggests that conventional open discectomy surgery often provides better results for carefully selected patients.
Researchers are deciphering the 'neural code' of information being sent by neurons to the central nervous system (CNS) to diagnose and treat infections and autoimmune diseases. This could enable timely diagnoses and interventions, reducing mortality rates and complications.
Researchers developed a device to display average pressure during compression, reducing pain and variability associated with current force-based protocol. The study found that standardizing pressure, not force, leads to more comfortable mammography without sacrificing image quality.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a method to convert human skin cells into sensory neurons, allowing for the study of pain and itch in a laboratory setting. This breakthrough enables the examination of neurodegenerative diseases such as Friedreich's ataxia and the testing of potential therapies.
A new randomized controlled study, SPADE symptom pentad, investigates sleep problems, pain, anxiety, depression, and energy/fatigue in primary-care patients. The study aims to improve patient care by exploring how symptom scores can benefit physicians' treatment.
A study led by NYU Langone Medical Center found that a mother's soothing presence can alter gene activity in an infant's brain, reducing pain and promoting emotional development. This research offers new insights into the short-term effects of maternal caregiving on a developing brain.
A new study finds that physical pain and social rejection activate different brain regions, challenging the long-held theory that they are processed similarly. The research could lead to more effective treatments for social pain, including the use of traditional painkillers.
A UCL-led experiment found that people are willing to inflict an average of 20p per shock on themselves and 40p per shock on strangers in exchange for money, highlighting a surprisingly optimistic view of human nature. This contradicts previous studies claiming humans prioritize their own interests over others.
Starting smoking by age 13 is linked to an increased risk of chronic severe period pain. Smoking constricts arterial blood flow and affects hormones involved in menstruation, which may contribute to the association.
This Special Issue examines the evolution of knowledge on infectious diseases, military psychiatry, and surgical pain since World War I. Research highlights the need for new antimicrobial drugs and improved treatments for post-amputation pain, while also discussing the impact of war on healthcare and public health policy.
A new study finds that life satisfaction increases with age in high-income, English-speaking countries, but declines in other regions. The researchers analyzed data from the Gallup World Poll and found that residents of these countries experience a U-shaped curve of increased satisfaction after middle age.