Articles tagged with Pain
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 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 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.
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.
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.
A new tool embedded in patients' electronic medical records helps reduce the use of CT scans among ER patients with abdominal pain, resulting in a 10% decrease in potentially unnecessary tests. The study found no increase in hospital admissions, suggesting the tool is effective in balancing diagnosis accuracy with patient safety.
A US survey study found that mid-adolescence is the peak risk period for young people to use prescription pain relievers for non-medical purposes. The study estimates that around 1 in 60 young people starts using these medications extramedically between ages 12 and 21, with a notable acceleration in risk between ages 13 and 14.
Researchers at the University of Granada found that many healers exhibit emotional synesthesia, allowing them to associate people with colors and emotions. This neurological condition enables them to read people's feelings and provide empathy.
A former British Veterinary Association president argues that slaughtering animals without prior stunning is 'not acceptable' and should be restricted to those communities that require it for religious beliefs. The practice is linked to animal welfare concerns, with many animals experiencing pain and distress before loss of consciousness.
Researchers found two groups of consumers with distinct reactions to good and bad experiences: pleasure-seekers and pain-avoiders. Pain-avoiders exhibit a conservative bias, feeling less joy in positive experiences.
A study found that lung procedure patients who watched a 30-minute preparation video reported less anxiety, physical pain, and higher satisfaction with their operative experience. The video also helped patients prepare for post-operative care and quit smoking.
A study found that CT exams increased among pediatric patients with non-traumatic abdominal pain in emergency departments from 1999 to 2007, while ultrasound use remained stable. This trend is concerning due to the potential risks of radiation exposure on children.
A recent study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that a soy-based S-equol supplement reduced hot flash frequency by 3.09-3.66 daily and muscle/joint pain significantly compared to a standard soy isoflavone supplement. The study involved 102 US postmenopausal women who experienced high hot flash frequencies.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that people don't project their feelings onto others who have different political views, even when the feelings are overwhelming. This limits our ability to empathize with people we disagree with, suggesting a surprising limit to our emotional connections.
A Rhode Island Hospital study highlights the dangers of accidental ingestion of wire grill brush bristles, which can lead to surgery and severe complications. The study identified six cases within an 18-month period, emphasizing the need for public awareness and physicians' attention to this potential danger.
A new study shows that cardiac computed tomography angiography (CT) scans can quickly identify patients with chest pain who do not have coronary artery blockage. This allows doctors to safely discharge healthy patients within hours, reducing hospital stay times by 18 hours and cost savings of 10-20%.
A new study reveals that non-invasive coronary CT angiography (CCTA) scans can quickly and reliably determine which patients with chest pain can be safely discharged from emergency departments. The test was found to have a lower 30-day event rate than traditional care, making it a valuable tool for identifying low-risk patients.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that highly detailed CT scans can safely and quickly rule out heart attacks among many patients with chest pain. The study found that patients with negative CT scans can be discharged from the hospital within hours, reducing costs and emergency room crowding.
A three-pronged intervention improved physician adherence to evidence-based protocols for treating acute coronary syndrome, raising the rate of total adherence by 18 percent. The study's strategies, including nurse case management and educational materials, were adaptable to other countries.
Breast imaging tests have been shown to be ineffective in improving patient outcomes and healthcare quality for women with breast pain. The study analyzed over 900 cases, revealing that these tests did not provide significant reassurance or diagnostic value.
A study found that Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans with mental health diagnoses, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder, are more likely to receive prescription opioid medications for pain-related conditions. This increases their risk of misuse and adverse clinical outcomes compared to those without mental health diagnoses.
The American College of Rheumatology has released the first classification criteria for polymyalgia rheumatica, aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment. The new criteria define key disease features that help identify patients with this condition.
Recent studies have found that physical and social pain are processed in the same brain regions, with shared emotional components. This overlap is validated by research, suggesting that people who experience social rejection may be more empathetic towards those with physical pain.
Researchers have developed a light-controlled neural inhibitor that can inhibit pain-sensitive neurons. The compound QAQ acts as a photosensitive switch, and its conformation can be altered by light, enabling it to bind to specific receptors on nerve cells.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that intraarticular delivery of local analgesic bupivacaine reduces postoperative pain and narcotic consumption, while minimizing complications. The study suggests a potential new option for better pain management following knee replacement surgery.
A study of 107 individuals with diagnosed osteoarthritis in the knee found that a DVD-based exercise program significantly improved pain and physical function, but did not affect osteoarthritis progression. Video-based home exercise programs can enhance adherence and improve life quality for patients living with knee osteoarthritis.
Men with anxiety traits experience higher post-operative pain ratings and longer hospital stays. Women report higher pain levels and are less satisfied with pain control following total knee replacement surgery.
Researchers at the Rothman Institute found that epidural steroid injections do not improve outcomes for patients with lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis. Patients who received ESI had a higher rate of crossover to surgery, poorer physical function, and more bodily pain compared to those who did not receive ESI.
A new study published in the BMJ Open found that exercise ECGs have benefits beyond diagnosis, including clarifying symptoms and engaging patients in the diagnostic process. The test can facilitate communication between clinicians and patients, providing reassurance on exercise capacity and tolerance.
A large Scandinavian study has found that combined oral contraceptive pills reduce painful menstrual periods by 0.3 units on the VMS scale, with a reduction of nine millimeters on the VAS scale. Increasing age also alleviated symptoms, but not as much as COC use, which had a greater effect.
A new study found that when combining a placebo with a distracting memory task, participants experienced increased pain reduction without cognitive interference. This challenges the theory that the placebo effect relies on high-level cognitive functions like working memory and attention.
The Gerontological Society of America has launched new resources to improve pain management services for older adults. The resources aim to provide information on how advances in pain prevention, treatment, and management can improve quality of life. GSA's publications address shortfalls in assessment and treatment for older adults wit...
Researchers analyzed past studies on cancer-related pain reduction and found that psychosocial interventions can significantly improve cancer patients' pain severity. Skill-based interventions and educational approaches were most successful in reducing pain and its impact on daily life.
A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that people perceive good intentions as having a positive impact on their physical experience. The research demonstrated the power of benevolence in reducing pain, increasing pleasure, and making things taste better.
A large Scandinavian study confirms that combined oral contraceptive pills reduce dysmenorrhoea, with women experiencing less pain and improved daily activities. The study also highlights the independent effects of increasing age and childbirth on symptom severity.
A new highly sensitive troponin assay has been shown to be superior in diagnosing heart attacks, allowing for earlier and more accurate treatment. The study found that using this test on admission and measuring changes after 3 hours can rule out or confirm a diagnosis of heart attack with high accuracy.
A study by the University of Colorado School of Medicine found that crowded emergency departments lead to delayed and less effective pain management for children with acute long bone fractures. Patients were 4-47% less likely to receive timely care and 3-17% less likely to receive effective care when crowding was high.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that Scots of Pakistani origin are 50% more likely to be admitted to hospital with chest pain and angina. Chinese people in Scotland have lower rates of hospital admissions for these conditions, suggesting lifestyle factors may play a role.
Researchers discovered the African naked mole-rat's ion channel is altered, making it insensitive to acid-induced pain. The mutation allows for profound impairment of signal transduction, providing a survival advantage in high CO2 habitats.
A 12-year longitudinal study found that 63% of women aged 50 and older reported persistent knee pain, with predictors including higher BMI and radiographic osteoarthritis. The study's findings confirm variable pain patterns and highlight the need for targeted treatment options.
A mindfulness-based group intervention significantly reduced stress levels and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid joint disease, with lasting improvements also seen. The study found no comparable reductions in the comparison group, highlighting the potential benefits of mindfulness strategies for managing arthritis-related distress.
A walking skills training program improved physical performance and self-reported physical functioning in patients with total hip arthroplasty. Patients who received the program showed significant improvement in walking distance and stair climbing abilities compared to those in the control group.
A researcher is conducting a study to determine if variations in genes that play a role in metabolizing opioids can help manage sickle cell pain. The goal is to identify patients who are most likely to experience severe pain and target them for aggressive personalized care.
Recent studies have shed light on the rising trend of total knee replacements, with researchers finding that increasing knee pain may be a contributing factor. Additionally, a single dose of influenza vaccine administered during pregnancy has been shown to protect both mothers and their newborns from swine flu. Meanwhile, a review of s...