Research on pain and how to relieve it. Covers chemotherapy nerve injury, music and pain, migraine patterns, and back-pain treatments.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that over-the-counter ibuprofen is just as effective as prescription pain medications in reducing post-operative pain after a tonsillectomy. The study, which enrolled 91 patients aged 3-38, showed no significant difference in pain control between the three groups.
Researchers identify nerve pathways in the spinal cord that transmit pain signals from gastric reflux to the brain. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments beyond acid reduction, correcting sensitivity of nerve endings and providing balanced relief for sufferers.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology shows that abiraterone acetate significantly delays pain progression and quality of life deterioration when taken with prednisone. Patients experienced a more than eight-month delay in pain progression and a four-month delay in quality of life decline.
A neuroimaging study found that individuals with psychopathy fail to activate brain areas associated with empathy and concern for others when imagining others in pain. This atypical pattern of activation suggests that psychopaths may not care for others, but could be triggered into emotional response through cognitive-behavior therapies.
A study of over 2,200 children's hospital visits reveals racial and ethnic disparities in pain management and length of stay for abdominal pain. Black and Hispanic children were less likely to receive analgesics, while black patients had shorter hospital stays compared to white children.
A new meta-analysis of 29 randomized studies involving over 4,500 patients with knee osteoarthritis found significant improvement in pain and function with intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) injections compared to saline injections. The study confirmed the safety profile of FDA-approved HA products.
A recent clinical study found that arginine therapy significantly reduces the need for pain medication and lowers pain scores in children with sickle cell disease. The treatment also shows promise as a potential cure for acute pain episodes, with no safety concerns reported.
A study by McGill University Health Centre found that one in five young women (under 55) experiencing a heart attack do not exhibit chest pain as a symptom. The absence of this common indicator did not correlate with reduced disease severity, highlighting the need for more nuanced assessments and training for healthcare professionals.
New research suggests that sadistic tendencies are a distinct aspect of personality, joining psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism to form a 'Dark Tetrad'. Studies reveal that individuals with high levels of sadism experience pleasure from causing or observing others' suffering.
A study by researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that patients with longer-lasting chest pain are more likely to have a heart attack. Patients with chest pain of short duration, less than 5 minutes, are unlikely to have a heart attack and have a good prognosis at 30 days.
A multi-institutional study found that a unique quality improvement methodology can effectively evaluate chest pain in children using minimal resources. The Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs) algorithm identified cardiac causes of chest pain while reducing testing utilization, with only 1% of patients having...
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that adding a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to surgical care reduced hospital stays by less than one day and postoperative narcotics use. The TAP block procedure, which poses no significant risks to patients, allows for quicker recovery and lower healt...
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that invading bacteria themselves are the cause of pain during skin infections, rather than the body's immune response. The study also showed that activated pain neurons suppress the immune system, potentially helping bacteria become more virulent.
Research from Monell Center reveals that carbonation's bite comes from the conversion of free carbon dioxide into carbonic acid in the mouth. Bubbles enhance this sensation through stimulation of the sense of touch.
Researchers are developing a sophisticated light sensor to monitor oxygen levels in leg muscles and signal when patients have pushed far enough before pain hits. The goal is to improve exercise tolerance and reduce symptoms for millions of Americans with peripheral artery disease.
A meta-analysis of 12 studies found that lateral wedge insoles had no significant or clinically important effect on reducing knee pain in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis. The overall effect estimate was moderately significant, but heterogeneity across studies suggested a null association.
A randomized clinical trial found that calcium and vitamin D supplementation did not reduce joint pain or swelling in postmenopausal women. The study analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative calcium plus vitamin D supplementation trial, which included 1,911 participants.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that the TRPV4 molecule plays a key role in sunburn pain, which is caused by UVB radiation. The researchers found that blocking this molecule could provide protection against painful effects of sunburn and possibly other causes of pain.
A randomized controlled trial found that over 50% of children who received a topical analgesic experienced no pain during wound repair with tissue adhesive. The study suggested early application of the analgesic to all minor cuts may decrease children's pain during these procedures.
Research published in BMJ Quality & Safety found that most ward nurses report rationing care due to time pressures, with 86% saying they couldn't complete at least one care activity on their last shift. The study suggests that hospitals could use 'missed care' episodes as an early warning system for inadequate nurse staffing levels.
A clinical trial found that music significantly reduced children's reported pain and distress during IV procedures. The study also showed improved satisfaction levels for parents and healthcare providers. Researchers hope to continue exploring the benefits of music as a distraction from pain.
Gastroparesis patients who underwent transpyloric stent placement under the guidance of Johns Hopkins GI doctors experienced significant reductions in symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. The procedure, using an endoscope to place a small metal stent in the stomach, shows promise as a potential treatment option for this condition.
A new study by Long and Greenwood suggests that thinking about death can increase humorous creativity as a defense mechanism against anxiety. In the experiment, students who were subconsciously primed with the word 'death' wrote funnier captions than those who consciously wrote about it.
A young man experienced severe compartment syndrome in his shoulder due to excessive weightlifting, requiring surgery and hospitalization. The case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing unusual musculoskeletal injuries and highlights the role of bedside ultrasound in diagnosis.
A study found that patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are less likely to receive opioid pain medications, regardless of racial or ethnic background. The results highlight the need for increased awareness and consistent treatment practices to address these disparities.
Distal radius fractures, a common elderly fracture, require standardized measurement of clinical outcomes to inform evidence-based practice and research. ISFR-ISOF recommendations promote international consensus on core domains for assessment, including pain, function, and participation.
A recent study by the University of Gothenburg reveals that sailors are most commonly injured on land, primarily due to overstrain, especially during physical training. The study also found a higher incidence of injuries among younger sailors, with those on the national team experiencing more knee injuries.
A new study by McGill University researchers suggests that the nervous system and nerve-growth factor (NGF) play a major role in arthritis. The findings support the idea that reducing elevated NGF levels may be an important strategy for developing treatment of arthritis pain.
A University of British Columbia study sheds light on why people attempt suicide, providing a new tool to advance suicide prevention and improve treatments. The Inventory of Motivations for Suicide Attempts (IMSA) is the most accurate and first scientifically tested measure for evaluating a person's motivations for suicide.
Two studies assess joint replacement outcomes in patients with RA, overturning the common belief that RA patients have worse outcomes after a total knee replacement. RA patients who undergo hip replacement show similar improvements in function and pain as osteoarthritis patients.
A global survey found that treatment with vaginal estrogen improved sex lives for postmenopausal women, reducing pain and increasing satisfaction. The study also showed a positive impact on self-esteem and relationships.
A new therapy, magnetic resonance image-guided focused ultrasound (MRIgFU) ablation therapy, has significantly reduced pain in 67% of patients with bone cancer. The treatment uses heat to destroy tumors without invasive surgery.
Revascularization procedures have reduced the need for amputations in peripheral arterial disease patients by 40% over two decades, according to Mayo Clinic research. The study analyzed patients with leg pain and found that as use of revascularization rose, the amputation rate dropped.
A new research study from Fox Chase Cancer Center presents a breakthrough in pain relief for patients with bone metastases. The MR-guided focused ultrasound technique shows promise in providing quick and largely tolerable side effects relief, with most patients reporting significant improvement within three days.
Researchers developed a set of equations to estimate the initial dose of intrathecal spinal pain relievers, avoiding the need for epidural anesthesia trials. This approach could shorten time to satisfactory pain control in patients with uncontrolled cancer pain, allowing them to spend more of their remaining days at home.
A study found that routinely measuring fractional flow reserve (FFR) during coronary angiography changes the management of one in four patients with stable angina, according to results from the RIPCORD trial. The use of FFR led to a change in the judgement of whether a coronary artery had a 'significant' lesion in 64 patients.
Research on practice transformation, cost estimates for primary care facilitation, and alternative payment reform options are presented. The median cost of practice facilitation to improve chronic illness care is estimated at $9,670 per year, with lower costs expected in subsequent years.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that long-term outcomes in patients with advanced coronary artery disease are better than expected. The researchers analyzed data from 1,200 consecutive patients with refractory angina and found a low mortality rate of 3.9% at one year and 28.4% at nine years.
A new study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that the proximity of product images to their desired outcomes affects consumer judgments. When products promise immediate results, companies should place images closer together in advertisements to optimize effectiveness.
A study published in JAMA Network found that creative arts therapies significantly improved anxiety, depression, and pain symptoms, as well as quality of life among cancer patients during treatment. However, the effects were reduced during follow-up.
Researchers found that children with conduct problems show reduced brain activity in response to others' pain, potentially indicating early vulnerability to psychopathy. The study suggests tailoring interventions to individual profiles of atypical processing may help prevent future antisocial behavior.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that psychopaths lack the basic neurophysiological 'hardwiring' necessary for caring about others. This is reflected in altered brain activity in response to pain and distress, with reduced activation in regions critical for empathy and increased activity in areas linked to emotion and reward.
A study reviewed 12,101 patients to assess the accuracy of patient history, clinical examination, and sonography in diagnosing ectopic pregnancy. Transvaginal sonography is identified as the single best diagnostic method for evaluating suspected ectopic pregnancy.
A study of over 1300 female marathon runners found that breast pain is more common among larger breasted women, but also affects childless women. Exercise intensity and duration can exacerbate symptoms, leading some to reduce exercise intensity or miss training sessions.
Researchers at the University of Manchester found that wearing a knee brace improves symptoms, function, and muscle strength in patients with patellofemoral osteoarthritis. The study's findings have enormous potential for treating this common joint condition effectively and reducing reliance on painkillers.
Taking painkillers before marathons increases the risk of gastrointestinal problems by 13%. The rate of symptoms rises with increasing dose. Runners who took painkillers were five times as likely to experience symptoms as those who didn't, according to a recent study.
A new study published in Critical Care finds that reducing movement in ICUs can decrease severe pain and serious adverse events, while increasing analgesic use. The training program implemented by the University of Montpellier Saint Eloi Hospital increased staff awareness and reduced side effects.
A study of 40 patients on high-dose opioid therapy found improved pain control and mental outlook, but also significant hormonal disturbances and signs of inflammation. Despite these complications, the majority of patients reported improvements in at least one physiologic function.
Researchers developed a website to recruit potential subjects for a clinical pain trial, offering multiple methods for attracting and interacting with participants. The site contains prescreening questionnaires, informational videos, and allows study coordinators to view accrued applicant information.
Researchers found microwave ablation (MWA) therapy cut pain in half for patients with bone and soft-tissue tumors, lasting up to 15 months. MWA was faster than radiofrequency ablation, with less risk of complications.
Researchers have discovered a potent physiological anti-angiogenic factor, PEDF, that reverses symptoms of endometriosis and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome without compromising fertility. The injectable protein has shown promising results in pre-clinical studies.
A randomized trial found that tonsillectomy significantly reduced episodes of severe pharyngitis in adult patients. The procedure improved quality of life and reduced lost work or school days compared to non-surgical treatment.
A recent study by Northeastern University found that meditation increases compassionate behavior, boosting responses to help others in need. The study, funded by the Mind and Life Institute, showed that meditation can alter the calculus of the moral mind, leading to more virtuous behavior.
A new study found that nearly all (98%) total knee replacement patients returned to work after surgery, with 89% able to return to their previous job. The study also showed significant improvements in physical activity levels among THR patients over a decade, with many resuming activities like biking and swimming.
A new study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that female-specific knee implants do not significantly improve clinical outcomes in total knee replacement patients. The study compared implant fit and clinical results with and without female components, revealing comparable pain scores and range of motion.
Researchers examined 230 patients with chronic tennis elbow, finding that PRP therapy improved pain scores by 55% at 12 weeks and 71% at 24 weeks compared to the control group.
A multi-center study found that PRP treatment improved pain scores and reduced elbow tenderness in 55.1% and 37.4% of patients at 12 weeks, respectively. At six months, 83.9% of patients reported significantly less pain and tenderness following PRP treatment.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that tissue damage is more likely to cause unexplained pain in metal-on-metal hip implant patients. The study found significant tissue damage in 90% of patients with unexplained pain compared to 10% in the control group.
Researchers found that estrogen alone significantly reduced joint pain in women who had undergone a hysterectomy, with 74% of those taking estrogen experiencing no pain after three years compared to 80% of those taking a placebo. The Women's Health Initiative trial showed modest but significant differences between the two groups.
A study found that elevated PAPP-A levels were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events in people with cardiac chest pain due to heart disease. The presence of PAPP-A also predicted cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, even after controlling for other factors.