Articles tagged with Pain
A recent survey of over 13,000 shoppers reveals that tightwads are more prevalent than spendthrifts due to the emotional pain associated with spending. Tightwads tend to save because forking out money is too painful an experience.
A review of published literature on women's expectations and experience of pain and pain relief in labour reveals a gap between expectations and reality. Most women underestimate the intensity of pain they will experience and may not be prepared for the possibility that they might need pain relief.
A provocative study by Dan Ariely found that a 10-cent pill is less effective at killing pain than a $2.50 pill, even when they are identical placebos. The study suggests that patients' subjective ratings of pain are influenced by the perceived quality and cost of medications.
A study by Ohio State University found no improvement in immune status, wound healing, or pain control among participants exposed to aromatherapy oils. However, lemon oil showed a positive effect on moods, while lavender oil had no impact.
Klaus Keller's research suggests that the North Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC) may respond to human-made greenhouse gas emissions in a threshold response. Improved MOC observation systems could provide an early warning of an approaching collapse, enabling more effective climate policies.
Patients with larger social networks report less pain and anxiety before surgery, which can positively impact their recovery. Clinicians should be aware of the link between social networks and patient recovery after major operations.
Women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who experienced sexual and/or physical abuse may have a heightened brain response to pain, making them more sensitive to abdominal discomfort. Researchers found that patients with IBS background of abuse were less effective in turning off a pain modulation mechanism in the brain.
A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that taking two NSAIDs was associated with lower scores on a health-related quality of life assessment. Dual use was also linked to worse physical functioning and symptoms, highlighting the need for better pain management and patient communication.
The American College of Physicians has issued new guidelines to improve palliative care at the end of life, focusing on pain, shortness of breath, and depression. The guidelines recommend regular assessment and use of proven therapies to manage these symptoms, with a focus on improving quality of care for patients with serious illnesses.
Recent studies in Annals of Internal Medicine reveal significant advancements in palliative care and insights into sickle cell disease's prevalence. Researchers also discovered a new strain of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcal Infections primarily affecting men who have sex with men, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention measu...
Research at the University of Delaware found women with osteoarthritis in their knees have significantly reduced mobility and function compared to men. Women may need to become more educated about knee-replacement surgery risks and benefits to preserve their mobility and quality of life.
The study evaluated the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program's effects on managing arthritis through exercise. The results showed significant improvements in pain, fatigue, and physical function, with continued benefits when participants maintained program participation at home.
A new study by University of Iowa researcher Vera Loening-Baucke found that acute and chronic constipation accounted for nearly half of all cases of acute abdominal pain in children. The study recommends that physicians perform a simple rectal examination to diagnose constipation as a cause of abdominal pain.
A 20-minute evening back massage was found to decrease pain intensity and unpleasantness, as well as anxiety, in patients undergoing major surgery. The study suggests that massage may act through multiple mechanisms, including relieving anxiety and generating mood-boosting endorphins.
A study found that many cancer patients with metastatic disease incorrectly believe opioids are only for dying patients. Morphine can improve pain management and quality of life for living patients. Experts stress the importance of professional confidence in opioid use to change these beliefs.
A double-blind study published in Nutrition Research reveals Pycnogenol improves physical function by 52 percent in patients suffering from OA. The antioxidant plant extract also controls inflammation and complements existing strategies for treating osteoarthritis.
Researchers found that stress hormone noradrenaline suppresses pain inputs from the brainstem, reducing neurotransmitter launch and triggering nerve impulses. The study provides important mechanistic clues to understanding stress-induced analgesia.
A review of six knee osteoarthritis treatment guidelines found significant differences in recommended treatments, with a focus on acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and exercise. The study highlights the need for more detailed educational interventions to improve guideline applicability.
A study led by Ronald Epstein found that doctors voiced empathy in only 15% of office visits, despite repeated prompting from patients. Patients reported high satisfaction when doctors empathized with them, especially in challenging situations.
A study of over 3,000 adults found that meniscal damage is often present in knees with osteoarthritis, but not directly responsible for pain. The researchers suggest that treating OA as a whole-joint disorder may help clarify the relationship between meniscal damage and knee symptoms.
Researchers found that patients over 60 years old, experiencing morning stiffness and groin pain, are at higher risk of undergoing total hip replacement. The study also revealed that obesity may decrease the risk of THR after three years.
A new minimally invasive procedure using ultrasound-guided percutaneous therapy significantly reduces pain and restores mobility in patients with calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff. The procedure, which takes about an hour to perform, has been shown to provide long-lasting relief from symptoms.
A Mayo Clinic study shows cryoablation can provide durable pain relief for patients with bone metastases. Eighty percent of patients experienced significant pain reduction after the treatment, which also improved their quality of life.
A study published in CANCER found that non-white women with metastatic breast cancer experience poorer pain control, with a higher risk of severe pain. The researchers also found that inactive performance status and previous radiation treatment were associated with greater pain.
A rare case of antegrade bowel intussusception after pancreatic duct reconstruction was reported, leading to a diagnosis of severe variant of Roux-en-Y stasis syndrome. The patient had previous episodes of abdominal pain and vomiting suggesting altered intestinal motility.
The study found that children who received continuous peripheral nerve blockade (CPNB) for pain management after orthopaedic surgery had better pain control and a shorter hospital stay. The catheter system offers continuous relief for up to 100 hours, potentially cheaper than alternative treatments and long hospital stays.
A new study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that massage therapy decreases pain levels for patients after heart surgery. In a pilot study of 58 patients, those who received massage had mean pain scores less than 1 on a scale of 1 to 10, compared to an average rating of 3 among the control group.
BioDelivery Sciences International has submitted its New Drug Application for BEMA Fentanyl, a treatment for breakthrough cancer pain, to the FDA. The application is based on positive results from clinical trials, including a Phase III efficacy trial that demonstrated significant pain reduction and low discontinuation rates.
Researchers found that injecting a dextrose solution under ultrasound guidance can reduce pain in patients with chronic Achilles tendinosis. After treatment, 20 of 30 patients remained asymptomatic, while nine had only mild symptoms.
Research suggests that early intervention with angioplasty improves survival and reduces the risk of heart attack in women. Women are at higher risk of bleeding complications, but this does not justify withholding life-saving procedures.
Researchers found acid reflux was a significant factor in patients experiencing serious chest pain and persistent cough. A cost-effective diagnostic tool may help determine which patients benefit from anti-reflux surgery.
A small study found that eptifibatide, an intravenous blood thinner, appears to be well-tolerated in sickle cell patients and shows potential benefits in reducing inflammation. The results suggest that the drug may have anti-inflammatory effects without causing harm to these patients.
Scientists have successfully selectively blocked pain-sensing neurons in rats without interfering with other types of neurons, offering a new targeted approach to pain management. The method uses QX-314 and capsaicin to target only pain-sensing neurons, preventing them from sending signals to the brain.
Researchers found that doctors can learn to control their brain's automatic pain response, allowing them to better treat patients. The study showed that doctors activate the neural circuit related to emotion regulation and cognitive control when watching videos of people in pain.
A recent study suggests that an abnormal amount of inflammatory cells in the duodenum may be responsible for nonulcer dyspepsia, a condition characterized by chronic or recurrent abdominal pain. The researchers propose targeted anti-inflammatory medicine as a potential treatment option.
A study found that a specific tonsil removal technique associated with reduced postoperative heavy bleeding and pain. The intracapsular technique, which removes at least 90% of tonsil tissue while sparing the capsule, resulted in fewer complications compared to traditional tonsil removal surgery.
Researchers found that the widely-used numeric rating scale (NRS) fails to identify about a third of patients with pain serious enough to impair day-to-day functioning. The study highlights the limitations of universal pain screening and suggests that other methods may be more effective in addressing this common problem in primary care.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that hypnosis prior to breast cancer surgery reduced the amount of anesthesia used during the operation, as well as levels of pain and other side effects reported afterwards. This resulted in shorter hospital stays, fewer readmissions, and lower surgical costs.
Patients with respiratory problems face a higher risk of death during longer ambulance journeys, which can range from 0 to 58 kilometres. The study found that the further the patient has to travel, the more likely they are to die, with a 13% increase in mortality for those with breathing problems over 20km distances.
Researchers found that whiplash trauma increases the risk of developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms, which can be painful and affect daily life. In a study of 60 patients, 34% developed TMJ pain within a year after the accident, compared to 7% in uninjured controls.
A new study is expected to reveal the true cost of persistent pain in Australia, with an estimated 1 in 5 Australians suffering from relentless pain. The research aims to identify priority actions to ease suffering and save healthcare dollars.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified key signs of appendicitis in children, including rebound tenderness, abdominal pain around the belly button, and elevated white blood cell count. These signs can help doctors narrow down the diagnosis and decide whether to schedule an emergency surgery or wait for further evaluation.
Engineers at the University of Bath have developed a diagnostic test that measures sound frequencies produced when the femur bone is vibrated, enabling earlier detection of loosened joints. This method is more sensitive than traditional x-rays and can diagnose smaller gaps, reducing unnecessary surgery.
A new study challenges existing explanations for horror movie enthusiasts, suggesting they enjoy the thrill of fear. Researchers found that viewers experience both negative and positive emotions simultaneously, including happiness in frightening moments.
A new study found that people's responses to placebo treatments are linked to their brain's dopamine activity, particularly in the nucleus accumbens. The study used two types of brain scans to investigate this phenomenon and suggests that individual expectations play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of placebos.
Long-term study found adaptive changes in the shoulders of young baseball players to help protect against injury. However, high pitch counts and year-round play can push these adaptations too far, leading to pain and growth plate injuries.
A new study finds that athletes with sports hernias can successfully return to competition using a standardized rehabilitation protocol. The protocol, developed by an athletic trainer, includes graduated activities from early ambulation to resistance and core building.
A new study published by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that arthroscopic treatment of tennis elbow provides excellent long-term pain relief and functional restoration. The procedure demonstrated a high success rate, with 93% of patients satisfied and no repeat surgeries or injections required.
Mayo Clinic physicians have developed a new technique using real-time 3-D ultrasound to block nerve function in selected areas of the body prior to surgery. This allows patients to recover faster and with less need for pain medication. The technique has been successfully used in over 150 surgeries, showing improved outcomes for patients.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that one in 10 hospice patients are referred 'too late' for services, resulting in unmet needs. Families who reported having a loved one referred 'too late' were dissatisfied with the care received and reported more pain management problems.
Researchers have successfully transplanted purified adult stem cells into the hearts of severe angina patients, showing a significant reduction in pain and improved daily functioning. The study, led by Northwestern University's Douglas Losordo, provides evidence for the safety and therapeutic potential of this cell therapy approach.
Researchers tracked 172 patients with hand osteoarthritis for two years, showing a significant increase in pain intensity and functional limitations. Radiological progression was also detected in 20% of subjects, highlighting the need for early intervention to prevent irreversible progression.
Researchers found that sonographically-guided alcohol injections showed a high success rate and were well-tolerated by patients with Morton's neuroma. The study reported partial or total symptom improvement in 94% of patients, with 84% becoming totally pain-free.
A Dartmouth-led study found surgery to be twice as effective as non-surgical remedies in reducing pain and restoring functionality for patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis. Patients who underwent surgery reported significant relief from symptoms within six weeks.
A new gene therapy has been shown to completely eliminate osteoarthritic pain and significantly reduce long-term joint damage in genetically engineered mice. The therapy works by increasing opioid receptors on nerve cells, making them more responsive to naturally occurring painkillers.
Researchers found that repetitive strain injury is not one diagnosis but an umbrella term for various disorders caused by repetitive movements and risk factors. Conventional definitions include conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, which affect millions worldwide.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects 5-10% of the population worldwide and is associated with increased healthcare costs and psychological distress. Hypnosis has proven beneficial in managing IBS symptoms, but its limited availability is a major drawback.
Young women with heart disease often experience atypical symptoms such as jaw pain, sweating, and shortness of breath. These individuals are twice as likely to die in the hospital compared to similarly aged men, highlighting the need for prompt medical attention and increased awareness of risk factors.
Researchers found that ultra-low-dose MDCT improved patient care and management in patients with nonspecific abdominal pain. The study showed that 37% of patients could be discharged the same day based on negative findings on MDCT.
A study by Changi General Hospital in Singapore found that percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors is safer and more effective than open surgery, with reduced post-procedural pain and shorter hospital stays. The technique allows patients to resume daily activities faster and return to work sooner.