Research on pain and how to relieve it. Covers chemotherapy nerve injury, music and pain, migraine patterns, and back-pain treatments.
A new study shows that individuals who deliberately shun another person are equally distressed by the experience. Participants felt shame and guilt when complying with instructions to exclude others, while being excluded caused them to feel less connected to others.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have made a groundbreaking discovery linking brain activity to phantom pain in amputees. The study found that arm amputees with stronger phantom limb pain maintained a stronger representation of the missing hand in their brains, which was indistinguishable from those with intact limbs.
A prospective study found that adolescents with joint hypermobility are approximately twice as likely to develop musculoskeletal pain at these joints. The study suggests a possible genetic basis for joint hypermobility, and further investigation is warranted to determine the long-term effects of joint hypermobility on osteoarthritis risk.
Spanish researchers analyzed 20 babies' crying patterns to identify emotions behind tears, finding differences in eye activity and dynamics. Pain is the most easily recognized emotion, causing intense affective reactions.
A study by Case Western Reserve University researchers explores how family members cope with anger toward God during a loved one's death. The findings show that lower levels of religiosity and spiritual connection are associated with increased anger, while prayer and seeking forgiveness can be effective coping strategies.
Researchers have found that doctors can experience their patients' pain and relief when treating them, with brain activity similar to placebo therapies. The study also shows that physicians' ability to empathize with patients affects their satisfaction during treatment.
A study found that common shore crabs are willing to trade a valued shelter to avoid future electric shock, suggesting they experience pain. The research highlights the need for better treatment of crustaceans in food industries like aquaculture.
Researchers found that post-operative intravenous paracetamol reduced cumulative morphine dose by 66% compared to continuous morphine infusion in infants undergoing major surgery. The study suggests that intravenous paracetamol may be an interesting alternative as primary analgesic in neonates and infants.
A study of 146 patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis found that vitamin D supplementation did not significantly reduce knee pain or cartilage volume loss over a two-year period. The researchers also noted that serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D increased in both the treatment and placebo groups.
A survey of lactation consultants found that 69% reported hearing of folk remedies and 65% recommended at least one. These remedies include cabbage leaves to ease pain and oatmeal to increase milk production. However, there is little empirical evidence to support their use.
A study on life-changing experiences found that 14 participants underwent profound, sudden, and lasting change, mirroring Scrooge's transformation. The researchers suggest that the presence of a trusted other person can facilitate faith in what's possible.
A recent study of over 4 million patients found that reducing hospital stays does not increase readmission rates or patient mortality. The UK colonoscopy guidelines were also compared to US guidelines, showing that the UK guidelines may detect advanced adenomas two years earlier without increasing colonoscopy rates. Additionally, adali...
A Cochrane systematic review found that giving babies a few drops of sugary solution before injections can reduce crying time. Researchers reviewed data from 14 studies involving over 1,500 infants, with results showing a shorter crying time for those given the sugar solution.
Researchers have created a 'network map' of genes involved in pain perception, identifying hundreds of potential therapeutic targets. The study provides a valuable tool for predicting pain genes in people and has the potential to lead to the development of new analgesic drugs.
Researchers found that pulsed ultrasound can selectively activate functional subsets of nerve fibers, providing a new method for studying pain pathways. The discovery has implications for diagnosing and treating neuropathy, affecting millions worldwide.
Scientists have created a network map of genes involved in pain perception, showing remarkable similarity between humans and fruit flies. The map includes hundreds of known genes and dozens of new ones, highlighting the importance of phospholipid signaling in pain processing.
A Tel Aviv University study found that adding fish oil to the diet of critically ill patients can reduce pressure ulcers by 20-25%. The researchers also observed a boost in the immune system and a decrease in swelling and inflammation. This natural approach may offer an alternative to conventional treatments for bedsores.
Researchers found that stimulating the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (rVLPFC) can alleviate the painful effects of social exclusion. Participants who received rVLPFC stimulation reported less unpleasantness and hurt feelings during a virtual ball-tossing game, regardless of whether they believed they were being socially excluded.
A Michigan State University research team discovered that doctors who listen carefully to their patients have happier patients with better health outcomes. The study found that patient-centered relationships reduce brain activity in the anterior insula, a region responsible for pain perception, and lead to lower self-reported pain levels.
A new study published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that computer-navigated total knee replacement had the same results as conventional procedures in terms of knee function, alignment, and durability. The study followed 520 patients for 10-12 years and found no significant differences between the two groups.
A new study review from the University of Kentucky found that music therapy can reduce pain, anxiety, and recovery time for surgery patients. Patients who received music therapy were less anxious before procedures, recovered more quickly, and required less sedative medication.
Pediatric patients with noncardiac chest pain exhibit higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to those with innocent heart murmurs. The UGA research found a statistically significant increase in anxiety and depression among these patients.
Researchers found that about one-quarter of placebo response was explained by personality traits such as resiliency, straightforwardness, altruism or anger/hostility. The study involved nearly 50 healthy volunteers and used brain scans to measure natural painkiller chemicals in the brain.
Patients who make $35,000 a year or less show improved pain management and knee function after two years following knee replacement surgery. Contrary to expectations, lower-income patients exhibit better outcomes than wealthier peers.
A low-cost hospital-based exercise program improved pain, balance, and overall well-being in participants with osteoarthritis. The study showed a significant reduction in pain intensity and improvement in daily activities.
A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery reveals that morbidly obese patients have similar pain and function outcomes to non-obese patients after total knee replacement surgery. The research challenges the long-held assumption that obesity is a contraindication to joint replacement, with patients achieving great outcomes.
A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery has revealed that corticosteroids are more effective than the expensive treatment hylan G-F 20 in providing pain relief to patients with thumb arthritis. Clinically meaningful pain relief was achieved with all three treatments, including a placebo injection.
Research at the University of Chicago shows that math anxiety can prompt a brain response similar to physical pain. The anticipation of doing math activates the same brain areas as registering bodily harm or experiencing pain.
Research found that math anxiety activates regions of the brain associated with physical pain, while anticipation of math increases neural activity. Individuals with high math anxiety tend to avoid math-related situations due to a potential neural basis for this avoidance.
A study by Mayo Clinic found that an oral rinse of antidepressant doxepin significantly eased pain associated with oral mucositis in patients receiving radiation therapy for cancers of the head and neck. The treatment was well-tolerated, with common side effects including stinging and burning sensations.
A study of 334 patients with confirmed pulmonary embolism found that difficulty breathing, chest pain, and cough were present in 72%, 38%, and 19% of cases, respectively. Cancer was the most common risk factor, present in 27% of patients.
Researchers found that tricyclic antidepressants may help manage abdominal pain and diarrhea in patients with IBD, while mesalamine granules improved symptoms in those with IBS-D. This study suggests a possible link between GI tract inflammation and IBS symptoms.
A new damping technique has been developed to combat painful vibrations in baseball bats, targeting the sweet spot where vibrations between 600-700 Hz cause pain. The technique involves a mass-spring device that quickly eliminates these painful oscillations, reducing shock and discomfort for players.
Obese children with lower extremity pain have worse physical function and poorer psychological health compared to their obese peers without pain. Physical fitness levels also show a decline in those reporting lower extremity pain, suggesting potential impact on exercise regimes.
Researchers have identified potential therapies for managing spinal cord injury aftereffects, including deep brain stimulation, electric pulses, and social contact. Studies suggest these methods can repair nervous system damage and reduce chronic health conditions, offering new hope for those affected by SCI.
Older patients with shoulder dislocations are more likely to experience rotator cuff tears due to weakened tissues, but less likely to recur compared to younger patients. Prompt evaluation and management by a specialist or orthopedic surgeon is crucial for optimal outcomes.
A landmark survey reveals that many countries fail to provide essential opioid medications for cancer pain relief, leaving hundreds of millions of patients suffering. The study's findings highlight the need to reformulate national plans and repeal excessive restrictions on cancer care.
A randomized controlled trial found that combining healing touch and guided imagery significantly improved PTSD symptoms in returning active-duty Marines. The study reported substantial clinical reductions in depression and cynicism, with scores decreasing by 14 points below the clinical cutoffs for PTSD diagnosis.
Researchers at Mount Sinai identified reliable predictors of pain in inpatients, enabling interdisciplinary teams to develop targeted intervention plans. These plans resulted in decreased pain levels and increased patient satisfaction across various departments, with reported pain levels decreasing by 3.6% per quarter.
Researchers studied how naked mole-rats adapt to acidic environments, finding that they don't respond to acidification with physiological or behavioral responses. This lack of response is thought to be related to their unique nerve system, which may offer clues to alleviating pain in humans.
Researchers identified a novel mechanism that explains the power of placebos and nocebos, demonstrating the unconscious mind plays a key role in pain experiences. Studies showed that patients can show clinical improvement even when receiving treatments devoid of active ingredients or known therapeutic efficacy.
A study by BUSM researchers reveals that approximately 90 percent of knees with no signs of osteoarthritis using X-ray showed clear signs of osteoarthritis using MRI. The findings suggest that MRI is not a useful diagnostic test for knee pain in this age group.
Researchers have discovered that blocking GM-CSF action can suppress both pain and inflammation in experimental models of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This breakthrough could lead to a new therapy for patients suffering from debilitating conditions.
Researchers found clinically significant improvements in pain levels and functional capacity after acupuncture treatment for knee osteoarthritis. The service could save the NHS around £100,000 a year, with group acupuncture being popular among nurses and patients.
Research by Jennifer Carter reveals women's lack of access to proper fitting gear, inadequate coaching guidance, and limited knowledge of core training. This affects their ability to manage pain, injuries, and conditioning, highlighting the need for more equitable opportunities in the sport.
A USC study found that poor oral health is connected to lower academic performance and more absences from school for disadvantaged kids. Children with tooth pain were four times more likely to have a low GPA, and dental problems caused an average of 2.1 days of missed school per year.
A new algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T values can quickly classify patients as either likely to have a heart attack or not, reducing the need for prolonged monitoring. The strategy has been shown to be safe and accurate, ruling-out or ruling-in heart attacks within one hour in 77% of patients with acute chest pain.
Recent studies examine the costs of forgiveness in marriage, attachment processes affecting health, racial bias in perceiving pain, and how individuals choose to remain ignorant about potentially upsetting information. Researchers also investigate the role of race in shaping attitudes toward Barack Obama's election.
A recent study has found that adding computed tomography (CT) scans to standard screening procedures can help emergency room staff rapidly determine whether patients are having a heart attack or not. This allows for quicker discharges and reduced hospital stays, with half of patients discharged in under 9 hours.
The XCELL trial confirms nitinol stenting is safe and effective in improving wound healing, providing pain relief, and promoting amputation-free survival for patients with critical limb ischemia. The procedure reduces major adverse events and offers improved limb preservation rates compared to open surgery.
The team used metal complexes to selectively modify peptide hormones, such as encephalin and octreotide. The resulting metal-peptide compounds could modulate the effect of naturally occurring peptide hormones, potentially leading to new remedies for pain or cancer.
A new Stanford University School of Medicine study has found that genetics significantly impact the severity of opiate side effects, such as nausea and respiratory depression. The research also suggests that genetic variations can influence an individual's risk of addiction to these powerful painkillers.
Researchers have identified commensal bacteria that produce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter. The discovery suggests that certain intestinal bacteria may play a role in preventing or treating inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease.
A new surgical technique has been shown to improve clitoral function and reduce pain in women with female genital mutilation (FGM). The study, published in The Lancet, involved nearly 3,000 women who underwent reconstructive surgery between 2008 and 2009.
A clinical trial found that duloxetine reduced painful tingling feelings caused by chemotherapy in 59 percent of patients. The study suggests that this antidepressant may be an effective treatment for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy pain.
Researchers found that mental distractions, especially those requiring cognitive effort, reduce pain perception by inhibiting early spinal cord responses to painful stimuli. This effect is mediated by endogenous opioids, naturally produced by the brain.
Diabetes-related neuropathy affects 1 in 50 people, causing numbness, tingling, and pain, with costs estimated at $4.6-13.7 billion annually in the USA. A new review suggests various metabolic risk factors, including prediabetes, may be linked to neuropathy, offering potential targets for disease-modifying drugs.
Researchers have identified methylglyoxal as the culprit behind increased pain sensitivity in diabetics. The team proposes using small peptides to target and reduce MG activity, leading to a reduction in pain.
The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons May issue highlights new review articles on treating pediatric toe walking, managing pain after rotator cuff surgery, and other orthopaedic topics. The articles provide insights into diagnosis, treatment options, and patient outcomes.
A study published in Pain found that previous painful experiences with needles enhance unpleasantness of pain when viewing needle pricks. Clinicians may advise patients to look away during injections to reduce pain intensity.