Articles tagged with Pain
Researchers found that artificial disc replacement is as effective as, or even better than, spinal fusion surgery in treating damaged discs in the neck. Patients who received an artificial disc lost less motion and recovered faster than those who had a disc removed and the bones of the spine fused.
Researchers found that spasm of the esophageal smooth muscle may trigger myocardial ischemia, leading to chest pain. The combination of these tests is significant for differential diagnosis, especially with foregut symptoms, and is cost-effective for patients from developing countries.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that a short period of immobilization with a below-knee cast results in faster recovery from severe ankle sprains compared to other treatments. The authors recommend using a 10-day below-knee cast or an Aircast brace for management.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found no significant differences between immediate imaging and usual clinical care for patients with acute or sub-acute low-back pain. The authors recommend refraining from routine imaging unless serious underlying conditions are suspected, to reduce unnecessary tests and improve patient ...
A study published in Pediatric Blood & Cancer found significant variation in end-of-life care practices among children's hospitals, with substantial differences in opioid prescriptions and pain management. The findings highlight the need for individualized interventions to improve pediatric end-of-life care.
A new technique combining CT with fiber-coated surgical microcoils successfully locates and removes small lung nodules using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The procedure results in less pain and faster recovery times compared to traditional thoracotomy, allowing patients to return to work within two to three days.
Individuals with chronic back and neck pain are less likely to receive exercise prescriptions, with physical therapists prescribing it most frequently. Exercise is a moderately effective therapy for this highly disabling illness, but its underutilization may hinder treatment outcomes.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that long-term administration of chondroitin sulfate can prevent joint structure degradation in patients with knee OA. The study also showed significant reductions in joint space loss, pain, and adverse events in the treatment group compared to the placebo group.
A clinical trial from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine found that supervised exercise can improve walking endurance for people with peripheral arterial disease. Participants were able to walk an average of 69 feet further after six months of supervised treadmill walking, and reported a better quality of life.
Researchers found that patients who received telephone support had 35% fewer complaints of pain and discomfort compared to those in the control group. They also reported fewer anxiety, depression, and mobility problems.
A new study found that stronger quadriceps muscles protect against cartilage loss in the lateral compartment of the patellofemoral joint, a site of frequent cartilage loss and pain in patients with knee OA. Greater quadriceps strength also showed to have less knee pain and better physical function than those with weaker muscles.
Patients with PAD who participated in supervised treadmill exercise showed significant improvements in walking endurance and quality of life. The exercise program also improved walking performance for those without classic symptoms of pain in the leg muscles.
COX2 in brain and spinal cord nerve cells plays a crucial role in pain caused by inflammation, particularly mechanical inflammatory pain. Mice lacking COX2 in nerve cells have impaired hypersensitivity to pain caused by physical insult, suggesting COX2 is central to this type of pain.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and University of Pennsylvania found that COX2 in mouse nerve cells plays a crucial role in pain caused by physical insult, while PDE5 inhibition may prevent hypertrophy in the mouse heart. These findings have implications for treating conditions such as postoperative and arthritic inflamma...
A study found that antioxidant supplementation reduced painful days and analgesic use in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The benefits were seen as early as three months and suggest a state of heightened free radical-mediated injury in the disease.
Adult cystic fibrosis patients can accurately predict their mortality based on their own reported quality of life. Patient-reported pain was found to be a critical factor in determining survival rates, highlighting the importance of using patient-reported measures in clinical trials.
A new screening test using barium meal follow through with pneumocolon has been proposed for chronic abdominal pain of luminal origin. The test can detect both small and large bowel lesions, reducing the need for separate colonoscopy procedures.
Researchers identified clinical characteristics of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome in 22 female patients, noting pain in the upper right abdomen and lower abdomen. Antibiotic treatment cured 20 patients, highlighting the importance of abdominal CT scans for diagnosis.
Research at UCL found premature infants who required intensive care or surgery have reduced sensitivity to temperature and pain later in life. This study, published in the journal Pain, suggests that early medical interventions may alter how children respond to painful stimuli.
A recent clinical trial sponsored by NIH found that alfuzosin, a commonly prescribed drug for chronic prostatitis, did not significantly reduce symptoms in newly diagnosed men. The study showed no significant differences between the treatment and placebo groups in terms of symptom improvement.
A commonly-prescribed drug for men suffering from pelvic pain failed to significantly reduce symptoms in a 12-week international study. Researchers can now focus on more promising therapies.
A new study published in the Spine journal found that manual physical therapy and exercise significantly improves neck pain, reducing mechanical neck pain and disability. Physical therapists can provide a conservative solution to musculoskeletal pain without expensive surgery or medication side effects.
A study by Kurt Gray and Daniel Wegner found that participants who believed they were getting an electrical shock from another person on purpose rated the shock as more painful. In contrast, those given shocks unintentionally habituated to the pain over time.
New research shows regular exercise can significantly improve peripheral artery disease (PAD) symptoms by increasing collateral blood flow and enhancing vascular efficiency. Exercise training can delay pain onset and increase mobility in people with PAD.
A recent study published in Redox Report reveals that Pycnogenol significantly lowers plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in osteoarthritis patients. This finding suggests that Pycnogenol's anti-inflammatory potency may be potent enough to arrest the spread of inflammation from osteoarthritic joints to the whole organism.
A new ultrasound-guided technique combined with steroid injection has been shown to be 95% effective in relieving plantar fasciitis symptoms within three weeks. This treatment is a viable option for patients who have tried conservative treatments and are experiencing persistent pain.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that almost 30% of patients with CSX no longer exhibited typical chest pain after gastroenterological workup. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors significantly improved symptoms, suggesting a strong link between acid-related disorders and CSX.
The study found that CAPHOSOL results in a low incidence of oral mucositis, moderate to severe pain, and dysphagia. Patient satisfaction rates were high, with 79% describing themselves as satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment.
A study found that doctors are unsure about the legality of deactivating an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in terminally-ill patients, leading to unnecessary pain. The researchers recommend educating physicians on managing end-of-life care for ICD patients.
A Japanese research team discovered that the wasabi receptor can sense and respond to ammonia, a base known to cause pain. The study, published in Journal of Clinical Investigation, reveals the molecular entity responsible for this phenomenon, providing insight into the mechanisms behind sushi-induced discomfort.
New research reveals that alkaline pH activates TRPA1 protein in human cell lines and mouse nerve cells, leading to pain sensation. The study suggests that activation of this protein might be the mechanism underlying some human alkaline pH-related pain sensations.
Research using brain scans at the University of Chicago found that aggressive youth activated neural circuits underpinning pain processing when watching pain inflicted on others. The study suggests some aggressive youths' natural empathetic impulse may be disrupted, increasing aggression.
A GSU study confirms that administering morphine prior to a painful procedure in infancy blocks long-term negative consequences of pain in adult rodents. Infant rodents who did not receive preemptive pain medication were less sensitive to morphine in adulthood, highlighting the need for pain relief in newborns.
A national survey found that patients generally satisfied with their care but identified areas for improvement in pain management and discharge instructions. Hospitals with higher nurse-to-patient ratios and more satisfied patients tend to provide better quality care.
A Université de Montréal study discovered that facial expressions of intense pain are a genuine reflection of the brain's response to painful stimulation. The research, led by Miriam Kunz, found that individuals with more intense facial reactions had lower pain thresholds.
Adults with arthritis who received exercise interventions with educational components experienced significant improvements in physical functioning and pain reduction. These patients also reported increased muscle strength and better mental health, compared to those without such interventions.
A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that patients in a minimally conscious state may experience pain perception similar to healthy individuals. This suggests that these patients could benefit from painkilling treatment, which is currently challenging due to limited awareness of their condition.
A randomized clinical trial found that changing dosing and administration of an anthrax vaccine to intramuscular injection resulted in fewer adverse events while maintaining comparable effectiveness. The study also discovered that a reduced 3-dose schedule was noninferior to the licensed regimen.
Researchers found that pain signals from arthritic joints worsen and expand the disease by transferring inflammation to the spinal cord. New treatments aim to interrupt 'crosstalk' between joints and the spinal cord to treat osteoarthritis.
University of Iowa researchers are investigating the roles of the pituitary gland and sympathetic nervous system in interstitial cystitis inflammation. The study aims to identify potential causes of the painful bladder condition, which affects over 1 million Americans.
The study found that CAPHOSOL treatment significantly limits the occurrence and severity of oral mucositis, with high levels of medication compliance and patient/physician satisfaction reported. Compliance was very high, with nearly all patients rinsing with CAPHOSOL at least once daily.
A study of 55 gastrointestinal endoscopists found that 89.1% reported musculoskeletal pain, with severe pain affecting 47.3%. The study suggests different ergonomic mechanisms for symptom development based on experience level, highlighting the need for prevention and management strategies.
A recent study found that women and South Asians with typical pain were more likely to receive an incorrect diagnosis of angina pectoris. Despite this, they had lower rates of angiography and coronary interventions compared to men and white people. Patients with atypical chest pain also faced significant risks for cardiac disease.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found potential benefits of continuous wound infusions of local anaesthetics in reducing opioid consumption after laparotomy for major colorectal surgery. The study highlights the need for future research on this topic, including addressing methodological heterogeneity and cost-effectiveness analysis.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that massage therapy provided immediate benefits on pain and mood among patients with advanced cancer. The treatment improved symptoms greater than simple touch, offering a safe and effective way to provide immediate relief.
A study of 402 Parkinson's disease patients found that 69.9% experienced pain, compared to 62.8% in healthy controls. Pain types included cramping and central neuropathic pain, suggesting a link between brain structures and pain processing.
According to a landmark government study, nearly half of adults will develop painful knee osteoarthritis over their lifetime, with obesity being a major risk factor. The Arthritis Foundation recommends techniques such as weight control, exercise, and self-management programs to reduce pain and disability associated with arthritis.
A study published in Psychological Science found that socially painful experiences can be revisited through memory recall, causing increased emotional pain. In contrast, physically painful events tend to fade with time. The study's findings suggest an evolutionary aspect of human brain development, particularly in the cerebral cortex, ...
A US study found numerous errors in the testing process at family medicine clinics, with adverse consequences more common for minority patients. The research highlights the need for office-by-office improvements to mitigate these errors and reduce harm.
Despite a median waiting time of 8 months, 63% of patients preferred to stay with their current surgeon due to trust, reputation, and personal experience. This highlights the importance of addressing patient concerns in setting waiting-time guarantees.
A study of quarter of a million patients found epidural anaesthesia to be safe for intermediate to high-risk surgery, but only slightly improving survival rates. The procedure offers better postoperative pain relief and reduces surgical stress response.
A recent study by Harvard researchers found that coronary CTA is more cost-effective than current tests for diagnosing low-risk women with acute chest pain. The study suggests that CT angiography can reduce total healthcare costs by $380 and emergency department costs by $410 compared to standard care.
The Life Sciences Discovery Fund has awarded $5 million in grants to six Washington State-based organizations for innovative health research projects. These projects focus on prostate cancer imaging, safer in-home environments, recovery from brain damage, and more.
A recent study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that using a 64-slice CT scanner to evaluate low-risk chest pain patients in the emergency room is more cost-effective than current standard of care. The study shows improved patient outcomes and reduced costs by avoiding overnight stays in observation units and cardiac stre...
A PhD study found that foreign wives in Taiwan often suffer low mental and physical health, as well as domestic violence and enter prostitution to make ends meet. The women, mostly from Vietnam and Indonesia, were difficult to reach due to their husbands' efforts to hide them from public view.
Researchers used fMRI scans to study children's responses to pain and found that their brains showed similar activation patterns to adults. The study also discovered additional brain regions activated when children saw someone intentionally hurt by another individual.
A study of newborn intensive care found that many painful procedures are performed without pain medication or therapy. Neonates experience high rates of repeated and prolonged pain exposure, which can alter their subsequent pain processing and behavior.
Researchers found that sucrose reduces overall pain in newborns during painful medical procedures, but not for intramuscular injections or heel-lancing. The study's results will help update pain management guidelines to better reduce pain responses in newborns.
A topical spray has been shown to reduce pain in children undergoing intravenous procedures by 34%, improving success rates and procedure times. The study's findings have significant clinical implications, particularly for busy office practices or emergency departments.
A recent study found that nearly one in five patients experiences chest pain one year after having a heart attack. Patients who experienced chest pain were more likely to be younger, non-white males with prior chest pain, and had poorer health outcomes.