Research on pain and how to relieve it. Covers chemotherapy nerve injury, music and pain, migraine patterns, and back-pain treatments.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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...
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.