Research on pain and how to relieve it. Covers chemotherapy nerve injury, music and pain, migraine patterns, and back-pain treatments.
A study from Rice University found that consumers who shop for leisure travel during business hours tend to select higher quality hotels but are less satisfied with their stay. Consumers who book earlier and pay in advance also tend to be more satisfied.
A new vertebral augmentation implant showed promise in reducing pain and improving function in patients with compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. The study, involving 300 patients, found the implant to be effective in providing similar pain relief as current treatments and improving quality of life.
A computer system has been developed that can detect real or faked expressions of pain more accurately than people, with an 85% accuracy rate. The system uses pattern-recognition abilities to identify subtle differences between involuntary and voluntary facial movements.
A joint study found that a computer system can detect fake facial expressions of pain more accurately than humans. The research team developed a pattern-recognition algorithm that identifies distinctive dynamic features of facial movements, which are often missed by human observers.
The Kessler Foundation has received funding for five research projects focused on spinal cord injury rehabilitation. These projects aim to improve pain management, functional outcomes, and quality of life for individuals with SCI.
A study published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is more effective than cortisone injections in treating severe chronic hip bursitis. PRP provided short- and long-term pain relief, with significant improvements in patient function.
A new study suggests that gastric bypass surgery can diminish knee pain in obese patients without osteoarthritis, with improvements comparable to those achieved through knee replacement surgery. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery reported significant reductions in knee pain and physical function at one-year follow-up.
A study of 28 shoulder replacement patients found that their driving skills improved significantly at 12 weeks post-surgery, with a decrease in simulator collisions. Patients who drove less than 1,800 miles per year incurred more collisions, suggesting that long-distance driving may be safe earlier
A study found that outpatient and inpatient orthopaedic surgeries have comparable outcomes, with patients receiving outpatient care having slightly higher readmission rates. The researchers emphasized the importance of appropriate patient selection for outpatient surgery to minimize complications.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found no decrease in knee cartilage damage or improvement in bone marrow lesions with glucosamine supplementation. Glucosamine did not reduce urinary excretion of C-telopeptides of type II collagen, a predictor of cartilage destruction.
Researchers found that younger female patients, particularly those with post-traumatic or rheumatoid arthritis, had the highest pain scores. Surgical factors like general anesthesia and longer tourniquet time during knee replacement also contribute to postoperative pain.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a new treatment method for phantom limb pain, using muscle signals from the amputated arm stump to drive an augmented reality system. The patient experienced drastically reduced pain and was no longer awakened by intense periods of pain at night.
A new study investigates whether a hangover can delay or hasten subsequent drinking, finding minimal effect on the timing of drinks. Researchers suggest alternative hypotheses linking hangovers and alcoholism, such as increased risk factors for losing control over drinking.
A University of Virginia study reveals that racial bias in pain perception emerges during middle childhood, strengthening by age 10. Parents and teachers should address these biases early, before they develop into adulthood.
A study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that social exclusion activates the same brain circuits responsible for physical pain. The research used real people in videos to simulate social exclusion and physical pain, revealing activation of the posterior insular cortex in both conditions.
Researchers have developed a new method to treat phantom limb pain, using muscle signals from the arm stump to drive an augmented reality system. The patient's pain was drastically reduced, and he now experiences periods of complete relief.
A neurotensin conjugate has shown effective transportation across the blood brain barrier and dose-dependent pain relief in animal models. In contrast, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been found to impact T cell repertoire in multiple sclerosis patients, with diverse repertoires associated with better treatment responses.
Researchers found that non-restorative sleep is a strong predictor of widespread pain onset among adults over 50. Anxiety and poor physical health also increase the risk of developing widespread pain. The study suggests combined interventions for both site-specific and widespread pain are needed for older adults.
Research published in Acupuncture in Medicine found that widely used acupuncture needles have significant surface irregularities and inconsistencies, which could lead to painful reactions, bleeding, or bruising. The study calls for manufacturers to review and improve their quality control procedures for needle fabrication.
Researchers discovered that bacterial LPS components directly activate pain sensors, triggering immediate pain and inflammatory responses. This finding reveals a new target for drugs designed to treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia and meningitis.
A study published in Neurology found that women who survived a stroke had a lower quality of life compared to men. At three months post-stroke, women were more likely to report problems with mobility, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, with these differences diminishing at one year.
A study found remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia to be less effective in managing pain relief during labor compared to epidural analgesia. The study, which involved 709 women, showed that patients who received remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia had lower pain appreciation scores and overall satisfaction with pain relief.
A novel study found that a single stem cell injection following meniscus knee surgery can provide significant pain relief and aid in meniscus regrowth. The treatment showed no 'clinically important' safety issues, with some patients experiencing strong improvement in pain and meniscal regrowth.
A study published in the journal Pain found that individual differences in grey matter in certain brain regions are related to pain sensitivity. People with higher default mode activity and better attention control tend to have reduced sensitivity to pain.
A study published in Nature Chemical Biology found that a molecular switch in the nerves responsible for detecting pain can 'short-circuit', intensifying pain. This alternative pathway activates the pain nerves, increasing the sensation of pain.
A Mayo Clinic study found that nearly all patients with intact rotator cuffs experience improved function and pain relief after shoulder replacement surgery. The procedure improves range of motion and reduces pain in nearly all cases, especially for those with rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a comprehensive, nonsurgical treatment that significantly improves symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction in women. The treatment involves muscle strengthening and relaxation techniques, resulting in an average 80% improvement in urinary incontinence, defecatory dysfunction, and pe...
Researchers analyzed pain response in chickens, discovering that heat stimulation activates TRPA1 receptors similar to cold-blooded animals. Methyl anthranilate, a repellent chemical for birds, also activates chicken TRPA1, highlighting its functional evolution and diversification among vertebrate species.
Researchers at University of Nottingham discovered a potential drug to reduce osteoarthritis pain by targeting cannabinoid receptor2 (CB2), which also reduces joint inflammation. The synthetic compound JWH133 showed promise in animal models and human spinal cord tissue studies.
A study found moderate evidence that mindfulness meditation programs show small improvements in anxiety, depression, and pain. However, there was low evidence of benefits for stress/distress and mental health component of health-related quality of life.
Researchers at Aalto University have discovered that emotional states trigger distinct bodily sensations, with consistent patterns across West European and East Asian cultures. The study found that awareness of these bodily changes can lead to conscious emotional sensations like happiness, highlighting the biological basis of emotions.
The study found that melatonin receptor 1 expression is significantly reduced in the caudal spinal nucleus, leading to an attenuated regulatory effect on pain. This breakthrough discovery has implications for understanding pain transmission and developing new treatments.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) have identified a new technique that reduces postoperative pain in children following high-risk urology surgeries, resulting in less need for pain medicine. The study evaluates continuous infusion of local anesthesia using the ON-Q pain relief system and shows promising results.
A randomized trial found that exercise reduced worst pain scores by 20% among women taking AIs, with a dose-response effect on pain relief. The study suggests exercise as a potential clinical intervention to improve AI-associated joint pain and adherence.
Researchers have developed a new imaging method to visualize high concentrations of a sodium channel protein associated with pain, potentially leading to improved pain management and treatment monitoring. The technique uses a small molecule attached to saxitoxin, which accumulates at sites of nerve damage in rats.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital validated the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) as an accurate measure of pain level in non-verbal cardiac surgery patients. The study found that CPOT provides a reliable tool for pain assessment, improving patient outcomes such as reduced ventilator use and better pain management.
A study presented at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting found that ultrasound-guided PRP therapy improves functionality by 80% and pain by 75% in athletes with Achilles and patellar tendinosis. The therapy also normalizes MRI signal intensity in 90% of patients.
A study found that 52.9% of older adults in the US have experienced bothersome pain, with multiple sites common among those with pain. Pain is strongly associated with decreased physical capacity, including weaker muscle strength and slower walking speed.
Researchers analyzed 2,475 patients and found that sex-specific chest pain characteristics were not useful for differentiating between women with heart attacks and those with other causes of chest pain. The study concluded that chest pain characteristics should be used in conjunction with ECG and cardiac markers to diagnose heart attacks.
A new study found that esophageal cancer patients who experience certain symptom clusters after surgery have a higher risk of dying from their disease. The research identified three distinct symptom clusters, including fatigue and pain, reflux and cough, and eating difficulties, which are associated with increased mortality risk.
Research published in PLOS Computational Biology found that people prefer to hasten painful stimuli over waiting for it, as anticipation can be more disabling than the pain. The study suggests that focusing on immediate pain reduces dread, while considering future pain increases it.
A new study highlights the long-term benefits of rotator cuff surgery, showing significant cost savings and improved quality of life for patients. The study estimates that surgeries result in a lifetime societal savings of approximately $3.44 billion annually.
A study by CU-Boulder researchers found that using morphine to treat post-operative pain after abdominal surgery can actually prolong recovery time and increase suffering. The scientists discovered that both morphine and the surgery itself activate glial cells, leading to additional pain signals.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that postoperative pain can contribute to temporary impairments in learning and memory in surgical patients. Researchers identified a probable mechanism for pain-induced cognitive impairment, suggesting pathways that may be targeted by potential preventive measures.
A study by Hospital for Special Surgery found that an exercise program for Asian seniors with arthritis reduced pain, improved mobility, and enhanced overall health. The program, which consisted of chair-based exercises and yoga, helped participants decrease musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
A study found that congenitally blind subjects have lower heat pain thresholds and increased sensitivity to cold pain stimuli compared to sighted individuals. This suggests a permanent state of pain hypersensitivity due to the absence of visual cues, which allows for immediate detection and avoidance of potentially hazardous situations.
Researchers found that a quick neck injection of local anesthesia can reduce severe hot flashes in women by as much as 50 percent for at least six months. The treatment uses bupivacaine hydrochloride to target the stellate ganglion nerve bundle, providing symptom relief without hormonal therapy.
Researchers investigated the characteristics of hemiplegic shoulder pain post-stroke and found that early onset and specific diagnosis types can reduce pain management efficacy. Comprehensive rehabilitation and electroacupuncture are more effective in alleviating shoulder subluxation pain. The study provides valuable insights for diagn...
Research at Georgia State University reveals that infant pain can permanently alter future responses to anxiety, stress, and pain. The study found site-specific changes in brain receptors that affect behavioral sensitivity to stressful situations.
Researchers found that hospital patients were exposed to low levels of light, leading to poor sleep and increased fatigue. The study suggests that altering lighting patterns to mimic natural daylight could improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that people smile more when someone they envy experiences discomfort, a phenomenon known as Schadenfreude. This reaction was strongest for groups associated with high status and competition, such as rich professionals.
A study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that spending time immersed as a virtual character in role-playing video games can numb people to realizing important body signals in real life. Participants who played immersive video games showed reduced sensitivity to pain and were more indifferent to others' displeasure.
Researchers found that people with good social ties had less severe pain after hip replacement surgery, while those with poor social connections experienced more pain. The study suggests that improving social support before surgery could lead to better outcomes.
Researchers found that the grasshopper mouse's sodium channel 1.8 has an amino acid substitution that blocks the activation of channel 1.8 and inhibits the pain response to scorpion venom, making them numb to its sting.
Researchers have identified a new way to relieve pain in dogs with bone cancer, using a single spinal injection of neurotoxin. The treatment showed promise in reducing pain levels, offering an alternative to more aggressive approaches like amputation and chemotherapy.
Researchers discovered that Neanderthals used toothpicks to alleviate periodontal disease pain, revealing a unique example of ancient palliative medicine. The study, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed toothpicking marks on a Neanderthal fossil and found evidence of maxillary porosity, characteristic of the disease.
A study of 69,000 Medicare patients shows that vertebrae cement injections (augmentation) can improve survival rates by 77.8% at one year and 59.9% at three years compared to conservative management.
A new USC study found that the brain activates more strongly to watching hateful people suffer compared to likable individuals. The 'pain matrix' of the brain is thought to be involved in processing complex social situations, and this study suggests it may prioritize monitoring enemies over loved ones.
A new study published in JAMA found that over 95% of advanced prostate cancer patients receive multiple radiation treatments for pain control, despite the equivalent effectiveness of single treatments. The study reveals substantial cost savings with single-fraction treatment, with mean radiotherapy-related expenditures 62% lower for pa...
Researchers have found that applying ice packs after major abdominal operations reduces postoperative pain and opioid use, with patients experiencing 50% less pain on the first and third days. An experimental prolonged drug delivery system using lidocaine also showed superior results in animal studies.