Articles tagged with Pain
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 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 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 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.
Older adults at risk of delirium following surgery due to preoperative pain and depressive symptoms. The study found a significant interaction between pain and depressive symptoms, increasing delirium risk by two-fold.
Research from scientists at Washington University School of Medicine found that scratching causes the brain to release serotonin, which intensifies itch sensation. Blocking serotonin's communication with nerve cells may help break the itch-scratch cycle.
A recent study highlights the dangers of women delaying medical attention for heart symptoms, citing a higher likelihood of severe or advanced stage treatment options being limited. Women often attribute symptoms to other possibilities and exhibit an optimistic bias, waiting longer to seek care than men.
A randomized trial found ibuprofen to be a safer and more effective option for managing fracture pain in children, with fewer adverse events compared to oral morphine. The study involved 134 children aged 5-17 and concluded that ibuprofen remains a viable therapy for outpatient management of children's fracture pain.
Researchers at Temple University Health System found that patients with non-cardiac chest pain experienced improved pain tolerance and reduced symptoms when treated with dronabinol. The study suggests a potential new approach for treating this condition, which affects an estimated 200,000 Americans annually.
A study of 320 women finds that peak and end levels of pain experienced during childbirth are strong predictors of recalled pain, while duration of labor is not. Additionally, receiving an epidural may influence women's memory for labor pain, with those who received epidurals remembering lower levels of pain.
Researchers found a strong connection between the pelvic floor muscles and the glutes in the brain, highlighting the interconnected nature of the body. This discovery may help identify the causes of chronic pelvic floor pain and improve treatments for incontinence.
A new study by Case Western Reserve University found that moderate sedation is used to calm anxiety in over half of patients, with fear of needles being the second most common reason. The study provides a guideline for when to use moderate sedation, but raises concerns about endodontist training and certification.
Research finds sleep disturbances are independently associated with pain and depression in osteoarthritis patients, while disability is not linked. High pain levels exacerbate depression in individuals with poor sleep, highlighting the vicious cycle of OA distress.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have discovered that T-cells are activated by a pain receptor called TRPV1 channel. The study shows that this receptor helps regulate intestinal inflammation in mice, suggesting a potential new target for treating certain autoimmune disorders.
A new study found that IBS patients process pain signals from the gut abnormally, with depressed patients showing reduced central pain inhibition. Depression may contribute to the development or maintenance of disturbed pain processing in IBS.
A new study from the University of Melbourne found that acupuncture did not improve chronic knee pain in patients older than 50. The research, published in JAMA, involved 282 participants who received either real or sham acupuncture for 12 weeks.
Researchers found that Montmorency tart cherry juice lowered blood uric acid levels and increased specific anthocyanin compounds, which may help alleviate joint pain and inflammation associated with conditions like gout. The study also detected increased C-reactive protein in the bloodstream after consuming tart cherries.
A study published in JAMA found that acupuncture did not improve chronic knee pain or function in patients over 50 years old. While acupuncture showed modest improvements in pain at short-term follow-up, these benefits were not sustained at one year.
A new study by Henry Ford Health reveals that pain can disrupt sleep in patients undergoing total hip replacement or knee replacement surgery, leading to longer hospital stays. The study found that better pain control could improve sleep duration for these patients.
The USPSTF recommends intensive behavioral counseling to reduce risky sexual behaviors among all sexually active adolescents and adults at risk for STIs. Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening is recommended for young women under 24 and older women at increased risk, including pregnant women.
By adopting a 'Just-in-Time' training and inventory process, researchers reduced patient wait times by 175 minutes and improved resident preparation, leading to better on-time performance and reduced pressure on clinic faculty.
A study found that single fraction radiation therapy (SFRT) is equally effective as multiple fraction radiation therapy (MFRT) in improving patients' pain, function, and quality of life, including for those with excluded characteristics. The results support the generalizability of prior randomized controlled trials to real-world practice.
A randomized phase II trial found that Manuka honey was not effective in reducing esophagitis pain during radiation therapy for lung cancer patients. The study enrolled 163 patients who received either standard supportive care or Manuka honey supplements, but showed no significant differences in pain levels.
A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that sharing painful experiences can lead to increased cooperation and bonding within groups. Researchers found that participants who underwent painful tasks reported higher levels of group bonding and were more willing to cooperate with their group members.