Articles tagged with Pain
A new project called PROMIS aims to establish a common scientific vocabulary for measuring pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and physical/social functioning. This will help researchers compare results and evaluate treatment benefits more effectively, enabling better care for patients with chronic diseases.
A new treatment method, Vesselplasty, has been shown to reduce pain and improve mobility in patients with vertebral compression fractures. The study, which included 29 patients, found significant improvements in pain scores and mobility, with no clinical complications reported.
Researchers found that counting money reduced social distress and physical pain compared to counting paper, while thinking about finances increased these negative reactions. The study suggests that the mere idea of money has considerable psychological power.
Researchers have found that a simple bar and strengthening exercise may provide a practical and effective means of treating tennis elbow. The study, which randomized 21 patients with tennis elbow into two groups, showed that the eccentric training group had vastly better results on all scales, especially related to strength.
A study found that cardiac CT workups are more cost-effective than traditional care for low-risk chest pain patients, reducing hospital stays by up to 20 hours and lowering charges by 44%. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly reduce costs in emergency departments.
Researchers at Tufts University developed a tissue regeneration application that maintains complete root coverage after three years with minimal pain and recovery time. This innovative approach uses platelet concentrate gel instead of traditional grafting methods, resulting in improved esthetics and patient satisfaction.
Researchers found that perceiving others in pain activates a part of the brain associated with empathy and emotion more if the observer and the observed are the same race. This study confirms an in-group bias in empathic feelings, which has significant implications for understanding real-life social behaviors and interactions.
A new minimally invasive procedure has been shown to provide immediate symptom relief for patients with rotator cuff tendonitis. The treatment uses ultrasound-guided percutaneous therapy to break up calcium deposits and restore mobility. Results showed significant improvement in pain and mobility, even at long-term follow-up.
A study found that MDCT with prospective ECG triggering reduces chest radiation dose by 71% compared to retrospective gating, delivering a lower dose of 9mSv. Image quality was also slightly better with prospective triggering.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that patients with heart attacks and chest pain are three to five times more likely to experience serious complications when treated in a crowded ER. The authors attribute the increased risk to poorer care coordination, delays in testing, and overburdened doctors and nurses.
Researchers present latest advances in Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES), eliminating incisions and reducing recovery time. Studies show promising results for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and gastrectomy with fewer complications.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that Tai Chi decreases pain in people with arthritis, improving physical function and quality of life. Additionally, it is an inexpensive, convenient, and enjoyable form of exercise that conveys psychological and social benefits.
A study suggests air pollution may contribute to non-specific abdominal pain in young women, while another study shows that moderate alcohol intake can reduce the risk of gallstones. The findings highlight the importance of environmental factors and lifestyle choices on GI health.
Research suggests music can reduce pain and encourage better oral feeding in premature babies, leading to calmer infants and parents. The studies found preliminary evidence of therapeutic benefits, including improved physiological measures and behavioral states.
A combined pharmacological and behavioral intervention improved depression and pain in patients with musculoskeletal pain and co-existing depression. The intervention significantly reduced symptoms of both conditions at 12 months.
Researchers developed a strategy to improve both depression and pain management by closely monitoring antidepressant therapy and providing pain self-management training. The study found that this approach led to substantial improvements in both conditions, with benefits lasting six months after treatment was completed.
Scientists have directly elucidated the emergence of mechanosensitivity in mice, finding it arises during specific developmental phases with the growth of neuronal pathways. The study suggests a genetic program drives this process, which is distinct from pain sensitivity development.
A new survey reveals that post-menopausal women are reluctant to discuss vaginal dryness and pain due to embarrassment, affecting up to 47% who prefer discussing symptoms with a female physician. Despite this, 67% of those treated experience improvements in quality of life and sexual activity.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that women with chest pain are less likely to receive recommended treatments, such as aspirin and nitroglycerin, from paramedics. This disparity in care may be due to differences in symptom interpretation or patient communication, emphasizing the importance of direc...
A long-term study confirms the efficacy of CT scans in ruling out serious cardiovascular disease in patients with chest pain, with no cases of heart attacks or cardiac stents needed within a year after negative scans. The test streamlines the process, providing faster and less expensive evaluation options.
The American College of Radiology has reaffirmed its support for clinical patient management by vascular and interventional radiologists. These specialists provide minimally invasive treatment options with less risk, pain, and recovery time compared to open surgery. With this extension, interventional radiologists are formalizing their...
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine finds that women with chest pain but no coronary artery disease are at an elevated risk for cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. The study suggests that these patients require a different treatment regimen and highlights the need to reevaluate their risk assessment.
A recent study found that infants who receive the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) after the DPTaP-Hib vaccine experience less pain than those who receive it first. The authors suggest varying the order of vaccine administration to reduce pain.
Researchers developed an animal model for sciatica, a painful nerve condition characterized by numbness, pain, and leg difficulties. The study found that immune system activation contributes to symptoms, with elevated IL-17 levels linked to physical symptoms.
A study at the University of Washington found that cardiac CT is a cost-effective approach to diagnose low-risk chest pain patients, reducing costs by 44% and shortening hospital stays by up to 20 hours. The new technique uses lower-dose cardiac CT options, allowing for faster evaluation and discharge in under six hours.
Patients with vertebral compression fractures experience prolonged intense pain, with over two-thirds reporting severe pain one year after injury. Current treatment and advice are deemed insufficient, requiring revised approaches to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that demand for pain relief is almost completely dependent on recent past pain experience and available cash. The study's results suggest that the value of pain relief is flexible and cannot be predicted by individual behavior, with significant economic implications.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center used new imaging technology to discover nearly 200,000 people in the US suffer 'silent' heart attacks each year. These unrecognized myocardial infarctions are linked to a surprisingly high risk of untimely death and may be more common than previously believed.
A study of 1970 patients found a strong association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and linked angina. Patients with GERD had a higher prevalence of linked angina than those without GERD symptoms, suggesting that GERD may be misclassified as non-GERD heartburn.
A study by Queen's University researchers found that pelvic pain symptoms occur as frequently in adolescent boys as in adult men. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome has a significant negative impact on quality of life, including depression and social relationships.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that sleep problems lead to increased ratings of pain and fatigue in cancer patients. The research indicates that addressing sleep issues may improve pain management for this patient population.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the treatment of bone injuries, using teriparatide to jumpstart the body's natural healing process. The study shows significant healing and pain control in patients with unhealed bone fractures, offering new hope for those with no effective treatment options.
Researchers found a specialized nerve fiber in skin that transmits stroking signals directly to the brain, potentially explaining why touching can relieve pain. The study used microneurography to analyze nerve signals and found that increased frequency of these signals led to increased pleasantness.
A new study led by USC neuroscientists found that admiring others' virtues or feeling compassion for physical or social pain takes time to fully respond to, unlike faster reactions to fear and pain. The research suggests a need to allow for reflective moments in digital media culture.
A study by University of Illinois professor Robert Motl found that caffeine reduces muscle pain during high-intensity exercise in both caffeine-naïve individuals and habitual users. The study suggests that pain during exercise may not show tolerance effects to caffeine.
The study found that delivering a potent form of autologous adult stem cells into the heart muscle of patients with severe angina improved exercise tolerance and reduced episodes of chest pain. Six months after the procedure, treated patients were able to walk longer on a treadmill than those in the placebo group.
A recent study published in Animal Behaviour has shown that crabs suffer from pain and retain a memory of it. The research found that shocked crabs were more likely to move towards new shells, indicating they recall the experience.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that patients requesting physician-assisted death cite concerns about future suffering as a leading motivator. The study surveyed 56 patients and ranked factors influencing their requests, highlighting the importance of symptom control and patient sense of control.
Osteoplasty provides immediate and substantial pain relief for metastatic bone disease patients, often referred to as the 'Lazarus effect'. The procedure involves injecting bone cement into weakened bones, improving quality of life and allowing patients to resume daily activities.
A new device, CPSM, measures continuous real-time pain scores, providing detailed information on patients' pain perception and improving pain management. The study used thirty-two healthy volunteers to test the CPSM's reliability.
A new study found that patients who underwent rotator cuff repair surgery experienced continued pain relief and improved shoulder function, even after a tear recurrence. The study of 15 patients eight years after surgery showed that those with recurrent tears were better off in terms of pain, function, and strength than before.
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.
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.
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 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.