Articles tagged with Pain
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a brain circuit that gives physical pain its emotional tone, revealing a potential target for treating chronic and affective pain conditions. The study found that a group of neurons in the thalamus can mediate the emotional side of pain in mice.
A new study found that Black emergency department patients are less likely to be treated with opioids, but when their preferences are not met, they are at a higher risk of misusing opioids three months later. Patients who were satisfied with their pain care had lower rates of opioid misuse.
Researchers identified a key brain region, the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray matter (vIPAG), that modulates pain and emotional responses in threatening situations. By inhibiting specific cells within this region, scientists discovered a potential pathway for better pain relief.
Researchers have discovered that multimodal pain integration in the brain significantly enhances overall pain perception when participants are instructed on how to perceive the pain. The precuneus region of the brain plays a vital role in integrating pain information into a cohesive and intensified pain experience.
A new device created by USC biomedical engineers could help sufferers avoid the need for opioids. The UIWI stimulator is designed to provide real-time, personalized pain management through machine learning algorithms and wireless power supply.
A study from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that the brain's braking system fails in chronic pain, leading to increased pain signals. This discovery opens the door to targeted therapies and may help prevent pain from becoming chronic.
A machine learning model developed by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis can predict the risk of persistent post-operative pain and provide uncertainty estimates for each prediction. The model achieves better performance than other prediction algorithms and offers a valuable tool for doctors to guide their decisions.
A new study found that babies are born with the ability to sense physical pain but lack the cognitive understanding of it. The research, led by UCL researchers, used brain imaging data from infants and adults to map the development of pain-processing networks in the brain.
A new study reveals that paracetamol blocks pain signals before they reach the brain by acting on nerve endings. This discovery opens the door to developing safer pain treatments. The active metabolite AM404 targets specific sodium channels in pain-sensing neurons, stopping pain signals.
Researchers at Vrije Universiteit Brussel have developed a method to express and study Nav1.9, a channel protein linked to pain and itch. This breakthrough paves the way for targeted therapies without opioids' downsides, offering new hope for treating unexplained pain symptoms.
A study published in The Journal of Pain found that nature exposure can help people with chronic lower back pain by providing a sense of escapism, social connection, and physical exercise. Researchers recommend incorporating accessible design features into natural spaces to improve inclusivity.
A study found that 72.5% of young Brazilian women suffer from symptoms like itching, discharge, and pain during intercourse, negatively affecting quality of life and sexual health. The research suggests that vulvovaginal symptoms are often normalized, leading to undertreatment and emphasizing the need for more intimate health education.
A new study identifies three compounds that suppress the heat of chili peppers, hinting at a potential 'anti-spice' condiment. These compounds, including capsianoside I, roseoside, and gingerglycolipid A, may have pain management implications by desensitizing TRPV1 receptors.
Researchers at University of Arizona Health Sciences identified a potential way to reduce female post-operative pain by inhibiting pituitary prolactin. Stress can increase circulating levels of prolactin, leading to worsened post-operative pain in women.
A study by University College London researchers found that depressive symptoms worsen long before pain begins in middle-aged and older adults. Early mental health interventions may help prevent or reduce later aches and pains.
A cross-sectional study found common experiences of gaslighting and substantial distress among patients with vulvovaginal disorders. The study emphasizes the need for education supporting a biopsychosocial approach to vulvovaginal pain, as well as the development of validated instruments to quantify patient experiences.
Research found that negative expectations have a stronger and longer-lasting impact on pain perception than positive ones. The study showed that nocebo effects, where participants expect a negative outcome, were more powerful and persistent than placebo effects, with implications for patient-practitioner communication.
A global research initiative analyzing data from nearly 2 million people in diverse populations worldwide has uncovered multiple new genes associated with osteoarthritis. The study also identified key genetic pathways and 69 genes whose protein products are targeted by approved drugs, paving the way for repurposed treatments.
A study published in JAMA found that metformin reduced knee arthritis pain over six months in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and overweight or obesity. The treatment was shown to have a moderate effect on pain reduction, with the metformin group reporting a 31.3 point decrease compared to the placebo group.
A new project identified the top 10 priorities in global burns care research, focusing on psychological effects, cost-effective treatments, and long-term care. The study surveyed over 1,600 people across 88 countries to guide future research and treatment improvements worldwide.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment has been shown to provide long-term relief for patients with late radiation-induced injuries, improving symptoms of urinary incontinence, bleeding, and severe pain. The treatment can lead to the healing of chronic injuries and allow patients to live a fully normal life.
New research suggests that patients' muscle quality before hip replacement surgery may predict their risk of poor recovery. Patients with poor muscle quality were more likely to perform poorly on movement tasks after surgery, compared to those with good muscle quality.
Apremilast reduces both drinking and pain sensitivity in preclinical models of alcohol use disorder, with significant effects observed across biological sexes and strains. The study suggests apremilast could be repurposed as a dual-acting therapy for AUD, particularly in individuals with pain during and after alcohol use.
Researchers have found that adults with cerebral palsy are often prescribed medications that don't align with the underlying type of symptom they're experiencing. Physical and occupational therapy, two primary interventions for pain management in children with CP, were prescribed for only 41% of adult participants in the study.
Combining dexmedetomidine with spinal anesthesia prolongs pain relief and reduces shivering during surgery, suggesting improved recovery outcomes. However, it may slightly increase the risk of a slower heart rate.
A newly-published Cochrane review found significant gaps in clinical rating scales used to assess pain in newborn babies. The review of 79 studies involving over 7,000 infants across 26 countries revealed that none of the available scales are backed by high-quality evidence.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy identified five risk factors for athletes developing shoulder pain, including range of motion, strength, and training load. The research also examined treatment options for frozen shoulder, an inflammatory condition that causes unrelenting stiffness and pain.
The study found that patients with coaxial silicone drains had lower analgesic consumption and better-preserved respiratory muscle strength during the first 2 postoperative days. This suggests that coaxial SIL drains can reduce postoperative pain and improve patient comfort and recovery following VATS lobectomy.
Researchers have discovered a significant increase in inflammation and C-reactive protein levels in female patients with sickle cell disease during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle. This finding may help identify potential targets for managing pain crises, particularly when combined with hormonal contraceptives.
A new randomized clinical trial found that mindfulness-based therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy improved physical function, quality of life, and reduced pain among adults with opioid-treated chronic low back pain. The benefits persisted for up to 12 months.
The American College of Physicians issues Best Practice Advice for managing chronic noncancer pain with cannabis or cannabinoids. For most patients, common treatments should be recommended first due to limited evidence and known harms associated with cannabis and cannabinoid products.
A virtual reality experiment found that fear, pain, and expectations can disrupt the mind's grip on the body. The study used the rubber hand illusion to test how top-down factors influence a sense of body ownership in individuals with depersonalization tendencies.
Researchers found that watching nature videos reduces acute physical pain and brain activity related to pain processing. This effect is attributed to the reduced raw sensory signal received by the brain when exposed to nature.
A new study found that viewing nature can help ease how people experience pain by reducing the brain activity linked to pain perception. The research suggests that the pain-relieving effect of nature is genuine and could provide an alternative way to relieve pain, potentially used in conjunction with medication.
Binghamton University researchers have created a hydrogel electrode that includes conductive carbon nanotubes to monitor nerve activity in spinal cord neurons and leg muscles in mice. The technology solves the problem of rigid materials causing damage during movement, allowing for long-term functionality and single-cell signal detection.
A new study found that higher temperatures reduce the effectiveness of natural mosquito repellents by desensitizing their pain receptors. This means mosquitoes may find these substances less irritating in hotter weather, potentially leading to increased bites and disease transmission.
Researchers have revamped a symptom assessment instrument to address pain, anxiety, and other symptoms of nursing home residents who are cognitively impaired. The new tool reliably captures physical and emotional distress, well-being, and end-of-life symptoms, providing guidance for expanding palliative care services in nursing homes.
A study by Dr. Keum Sehoon's team identified key neural ensembles in the anterior cingulate cortex that encode empathic freezing, a behavioral response to witnessing distress in others. The researchers found that observing another's pain triggers activation in the ACC as if the observer were experiencing pain themselves.
Researchers are conducting a clinical trial to find the optimal combination of pain management tools for patients undergoing mastectomy procedures. The study will enroll approximately 100 patients and examine various combinations of pectoralis nerve blocks, non-opioid analgesics, and administration methods.
Children who frequently miss school due to abdominal complaints are more likely to have gut-brain axis disorders like IBS, which can be missed by medical tests. The study found that frequent absences were nearly five times more likely to be caused by functional GI disorders than specific illnesses.
Researchers discovered distinct neuronal populations in the ACC process pain and itch information separately, with stimulus-specific neurons receiving differentiated synaptic inputs from the mediodorsal thalamus. Suppressing these neurons reduced corresponding sensations without affecting the other.
Research reveals nearly 10% of individuals with disabilities misused prescription drugs in the past year, compared to 4.4% without disabilities. Young adults and those with cognitive disabilities are particularly vulnerable to prescription drug misuse.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered a specific molecular change that affects the strength of pain sensation by altering action potential duration. This finding offers a novel approach to alleviate clinically relevant pain conditions through boosting potassium channel function.
Researchers at the University of Malaga have identified multiple genetic variants causing Familial Chilomicronemia Syndrome, a rare disease characterized by high triglyceride levels. This discovery enables accurate clinical diagnosis and treatment selection for patients with this condition.
A new study found that physical activity can significantly improve mental well-being in women with chronic pelvic pain disorders, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. The benefits appear to accumulate over time, highlighting the importance of consistency in physical activity.
Research suggests strong synthetic opioids during surgery contribute to poor 'pain experience', encompassing emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects. Factors associated with poor pain experience include age, anxiety levels, tobacco use, and type of surgery.
A study of Viking skulls using CT scans reveals a range of diseases including sinus and ear infections, osteoarthritis, and dental diseases. The results provide greater understanding of the health and wellbeing of the Viking population.
A study at Michigan Medicine found that using less polluting inhaled anesthetic agents reduced CO2 equivalents by over 14 kg per case. This resulted in a 50% decrease in harmful emissions without impacting patient safety or outcomes.
A study found that patients who received opioid prescriptions in the emergency department were more likely to receive additional opioid prescriptions or require hospital admissions in the following year. Patient characteristics, such as age and health conditions, played a significant role in determining risk.
Researchers have found that UTIs cause nerves in the bladder to become hypersensitive, resulting in painful sensations and frequent urination. This new study provides a deeper understanding of how UTIs affect bladder function and offers potential new treatment options for patients suffering from recurrent UTIs or other bladder conditions.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have found that opioid delta-receptor agonists can alleviate stress-induced IBS symptoms in a validated mouse model by targeting the central nervous system. The study suggests that these drugs could provide a more definitive solution for IBS with minimal adverse effects.
A new research project funded by a $600,000 grant is exploring the mechanics behind episiotomies, with the goal of developing safer and more effective surgical practices. The study uses advanced experimental techniques and computational simulations to understand how incisions spread and potentially lead to tears.
The temporomandibular joint is a neurogenic joint susceptible to peripheral nerve regulation, as confirmed by previous studies. A new study reveals the pivotal role of sympathetic nerves in modulating TMJ osteoarthritis pain and highlights a previously unexplored interaction between the sympathetic and sensory nervous system.
Researchers found large pediatric centers achieve low rates of delayed diagnosis with low CT use, likely due to high-quality ultrasound capabilities. The study aims to drive diagnostic improvements by promoting adherence to best practices and coordinated care.
A new study found that adults with newly diagnosed sciatica who received chiropractic spinal manipulation experienced significantly lower rates of opioid-related adverse drug events compared to those receiving usual medical care. The study highlights the potential benefits of non-pharmacological approaches in managing pain.
A new study found that empathy responses peak in young adulthood, with increased sensitivity to social pain. This development demonstrates that empathy strengthens as people age, but also accompanies reduced ratings of pain for others, highlighting the complexities of empathic responses.
Researchers developed a novel cortical biomarker signature to predict individual pain sensitivity, showcasing high accuracy and reproducibility. The study suggests this biomarker has substantial potential for clinical translation in predicting chronic pain transitions.
A large proportion of preterm babies experience pain, but healthcare professionals report only 45% experiencing pain. The study suggests undertreatment may be a factor, with the smallest and most premature babies receiving lower doses of morphine.
Non-white communities had significantly less access to opioid medications, despite declines in prescription use across the US. Communities of color may be especially vulnerable to the unintended consequences of efforts to reduce opioid analgesics.
Researchers found that consuming moderate amounts of curcumin can facilitate muscle recovery and alleviate pain following strenuous physical exercise. The study also confirmed curcumin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the context of sports, with benefits including reduced muscle damage and inflammation.