Articles tagged with Pain
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...
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that patients with a history of psychiatric hospitalization have a higher rate of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease compared to those without such a history. This increased risk was seen across both men and women, particularly among younger individuals.
A new study found that psychological factors, such as pain catastrophisizing and anxiety sensitivity, affect IBS symptoms but not overall severity. GI symptoms like pain, bloating, and defecation explain most of the variance in IBS severity scores.
A group of researchers at UCSF has discovered why the bite of a small Texas coral snake can be so painful. The venom contains toxic chemicals that bind to acid receptors on human nerve endings, triggering severe pain signals to the brain.
A study by Promothesh Chatterjee and Randall L. Rose found that consumers who use credit cards focus more on product benefits than those who pay cash, while cash users tend to prioritize costs.
A new study by the University of North Carolina Health Care found that elderly patients are less likely to receive pain medication in hospital emergency departments compared to middle-aged patients. The study suggests that physicians may be cautious about potential side effects in older adults, leading to a significant gap in pain mana...
Chronic opioid users have longer hospital stays, more post-surgical pain and complications, and are less likely to recover fully after knee replacement surgery. Researchers recommend strategies such as weaning patients off strong opioids prior to surgery to improve patient outcomes.
A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that lower doses of corticosteroids were just as effective as higher doses in reducing shoulder pain and improving range of motion. The study suggests using a lower dose at the initial treatment stage to minimize potential complications.
A study by the Heart and Stroke Foundation found that women under 55 experience worse outcomes after a heart attack, including more recurrences of chest pain and physical limitations. The research highlights the need for increased awareness of risk factors and symptoms among women to improve their health outcomes.
Researchers have identified new lung health concerns, including the escalating use of bath salts as recreational drugs and their potential to cause significant agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations. Additionally, caffeinated alcoholic beverages have been linked to adverse effects in patients with chronic medical conditions.
A randomized clinical trial found that breastfeeding in mature feeders reduced behavioral pain scores in preterm neonates. However, the study did not show significant benefits for all breastfed infants and raised concerns about potential negative effects on developing brains.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a specific variant of the opioid receptor that mediates itch and found a way to block it without interfering with pain relief. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for treating opioid-induced itching in cancer, surgery, and chronic pain patients.
A new study suggests that patients with certain types of abdominal pain may benefit more from gallbladder surgery. Researchers found that episodic pain occurring during the evening or at night, lasting less than 24 hours, and having a specific pattern of symptoms can predict improved relief after surgery.
A study published in Pain found that observers estimate lower pain intensity and are perceptually less sensitive to patients they don't like. Researchers used video fragments of patients experiencing shoulder pain and asked participants to rate pain severity and likability.
Gout patients who wear poor footwear experience higher foot-related pain, impairment and disability due to lack of comfort, fit, support and adequate stability. Comfort, fit, support and cost are key factors influencing footwear choice among gout patients.
A European Survey of Oncology Nurse Breakthrough Cancer Pain Practices revealed an enormous opportunity to improve pain outcomes through education, with most nurses reporting inadequate training and confusion over medication options. The survey calls for nurse-specific guidelines and training to address the gap in management.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends preventive treatments for patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolic disease. The guideline suggests using mechanical compression devices and anticoagulants, such as blood thinners, to prevent clots.
A new trial shows that a single dose of the drug ibandronate is as effective in controlling pain from prostate cancer bone metastases as a single dose of radiotherapy. The study found no long-term difference in pain relief between the two treatments.
A UBC journalism project documents severely constrained access to morphine globally, revealing bureaucratic hurdles and the impact of the war on drugs. The Pain Project showcases stories of patients struggling with pain and caregivers who have fought against intractable systems.
The Division of Pain Medicine at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center received a 2011 Medical & Academic Partnerships Fellowship Award from Pfizer Inc. The Epilepsy Center also received an award for its nationally competitive research. The fellowships support patient-oriented research to improve healthcare outcomes.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that over 25% of women in the metro Detroit area have experienced ongoing vulvar pain, while only 2% sought treatment. The study sheds light on the demographics and characteristics of vulvodynia, a condition causing unexplained pain at the vagina's opening.
A new study reveals that infants' brain networks mature enough to identify pain distinct from touch around 35-37 weeks gestation. This finding may impact treatment and development of premature newborns, who can exhibit altered pain behavior due to excessive noxious input during neonatal care.
Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a condition causing chronic inflammation and scarring around the shoulder joint. Gentle stretching exercises and physical therapy can help restore movement and reduce discomfort. Surgery may be necessary for those not showing progress with non-surgical treatments.
A study by the University of Granada found that people's attitude towards their past experiences significantly influences their perception of health and quality of life. Individuals with a negative view of the past tend to have worse physical and mental health indicators, including depression, anxiety, and reduced physical strength.
A Cochrane Review analyzed 35 Cochrane Reviews of randomized trials to evaluate the effectiveness of 46 different drug/dose combinations against acute pain. The review found that no single drug provides high levels of pain relief for all patients, but some options have a solid evidence base
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have higher self-efficacy for physical activity are more likely to achieve their goals. Achieving these goals is associated with reduced arthritis pain and increased health-related quality of life.
Research highlights acceptance's importance to humans, while rejection leads to poor physical and mental health. DeWall recommends seeking support after rejection to cope with its negative effects.
Researchers have discovered a dual-action treatment combining steroids within a viscosupplement that provides superior pain relief and improved function. Hydros-TA Joint Therapy shows promise as a next-generation osteoarthritis treatment, offering faster onset and longer-lasting results.
Mayo Clinic researchers are investigating why knee osteoarthritis disproportionately affects women. The study will analyze human tissues discarded during knee replacement surgery for possible biological differences in pain fibers and hormone receptors between female and male patients.
The new discs mimic the natural structure of human discs, with improved mechanical properties over time. This breakthrough could lead to a significant reduction in chronic back and neck pain, allowing patients to maintain their mobility and quality of life.
High-dose vitamin D significantly reduces musculoskeletal pain and improves quality of life for breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors. The study found that high-dose vitamin D may also help maintain bone density, providing a potential tool to enhance treatment tolerability.
Researchers explore dolphins' remarkable ability to heal from shark bites with minimal pain or infection, proposing that blubber contains antimicrobial compounds. The dolphin's healing process is similar to regeneration, where tissues are knitted together with existing fabric, offering new perspectives for human injury care.
Women with breastfeeding difficulties in the first two weeks after giving birth are more likely to experience postpartum depression at two months, according to a new study. The study found that women who disliked breastfeeding and those with severe breast pain were at higher risk of depression.
A study found that married men seek medical care sooner for heart attacks than their single counterparts. Men in marriage experience faster arrival times at the emergency department, highlighting potential benefits of marriage on health outcomes.
Researchers analyzed 772 tweets related to dental pain and found that 83% were general statements about toothache, with 44% reporting visiting the dentist and 43% taking medication. The study suggests using social media platforms like Twitter for collecting public health data.
A USC study reveals that empathetic responses are generated by both the sensory-motor and rationalizing parts of the brain. The research found that even individuals with physical differences can understand pain in a different limb due to automatic brain processes.
A study by USC Marshall professors Scott Wiltermuth and Vanessa K. Bohns found that adopting dominant postures decreases sensitivity to pain and increases feelings of power and control.
Women show greater improvements in function and reduced pain than men at three and six months post-surgery. After a year, men recover as well as women, indicating that gender-specific knee implants may not be necessary.
An international team of scientists found that mutations in the SCN9A gene cause nerve cells to become hyperactive, leading to degeneration of nerve fibers and severe pain in patients with peripheral neuropathy. The discovery could lead to specific therapies for victims of this debilitating disorder.
A meta-analysis of studies found that new tonsillectomy techniques, including vessel sealing systems and Harmonic Scalpel, show promise in reducing pain, bleeding, and recovery time compared to traditional methods. However, the optimal technique with lowest morbidity rates remains unclear.
Bursitis is a common cause of musculoskeletal pain affecting the hips, knees, heels, and elbows. The condition can be managed with simple nonsurgical techniques such as ice packs, compressive dressings, activity modification, and corticosteroid injections. Surgery may be required in cases where symptoms persist or infection is involved.
A Northwestern University study found that cancer survivors experience moderate to severe symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and disturbed sleep, often unaddressed by healthcare providers. Researchers emphasize the need for education programs and tailored interventions to manage these chronic symptoms.