Articles tagged with Pain
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
A multi-center study shows that repeated Botox treatments over a year significantly decrease spasticity and pain in upper limbs following a stroke. The treatment improves quality of life for post-stroke patients with significant and lasting relief from debilitating symptoms.
Researchers found that losing money activates an area of the brain involved in responding to fear and pain, similar to a system for responding to pain. This suggests a biological basis for the concept of 'financial pain', highlighting similarities between financial loss and physical harm.
A study by Dr. Irene Davis shows that biofeedback on abnormal mechanics can lower the risk of stress fractures and pain under the kneecap in runners. By retraining runners to change their faulty gaits, Dr. Davis reduced leg shock by 50% and completely eliminated pain under the kneecap in most participants.
The Phase III efficacy clinical trial showed statistically significant improvement on the primary efficacy endpoint at 30 minutes compared to placebo, indicating a greater reduction in pain. Patients treated with BEMA Fentanyl also demonstrated well-tolerated treatment with no reported drug-related changes to the oral mucosa.
Research finds people with inflammatory bowel disease are at risk for developing nerve damage, including carpal tunnel syndrome and small fiber neuropathy. Women with bowel disease are more likely to develop neurological problems than men.
A new study found that adjustable-height chairs with ergonomically curved seats can significantly reduce neck and shoulder pain in garment workers. The custom-designed chair, tested in a four-month trial, provided more benefit than traditional flat-seat pan chairs, particularly for thin workers and those with high hand-arm workloads.
A new meta-analysis of published research concludes that chondroitin has little effect on knee or hip pain caused by arthritis, while a clinical trial testing two different ways to treat Helicobacter pylori infection found sequential therapy cured the infection more often than standard treatment.
A new UCSF study predicts a woman's chance of undergoing a hysterectomy based on symptoms and medical history. The study found that women with a combination of symptoms, lack of symptom resolution, and previous GNRH agonist use are more likely to undergo the procedure.
A six-year UK study identified 12 major complications from epidural pain relief, including epidural abscesses and meningitis. Researchers call for a national database to track these complications and identify risk factors.
A study by University of Manchester researchers reveals that arthritis pain activates the brain's emotional and fear centers, processing emotions and aversive conditioning. The findings suggest a more intense emotional response to arthritic pain compared to experimental pain.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that multiple regions of the brain are involved in determining pain location, contradicting conventional wisdom. The research used functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify areas of brain activity while participants evaluated the spatial location of a thermal stimulus.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that effective postoperative pain control using continuous peripheral nerve block reduced average hospital stay length by nearly a day. The study analyzed data from over 1,500 patients and showed a significant economic benefit in reducing hospital-acquired infections and complications.
Researchers developed a method for effective canker sore healing using CankerMelts patches, which provide anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. The patches reduced pain and shrank canker sores to one-tenth their size after 7 days.
New research published in Palliative Medicine challenges the misconception that morphine is a lethal drug. The study found no significant changes in vital statistics when patients with severe cancer pain were treated with morphine. Morphine's wide safety margin and effectiveness in managing pain have been confirmed.
Urologists are urging transport companies and family doctors to develop strict guidelines for staff with kidney stones, as sudden attacks can cause debilitating pain and pose safety risks. The authors have devised their own guidelines, but stress the need for governing bodies to create formal ones.
A recent analysis found that Americans in their early to mid-50s report poorer health, more pain, and trouble with everyday physical tasks compared to older peers. This trend raises questions about whether today's pre-retirees could reach retirement age in worse shape than their predecessors.
Research reveals Gypsies' and Travellers have higher rates of long-term illnesses, mobility issues, and pain, with poorer mental health outcomes. Policies to address health inequalities have not met their needs, highlighting the need for targeted support.
A recent survey in Peru found that men who have had anal sex without a condom in an internet café were more likely to meet their partners online. This raises concerns about the use of internet cafés as a venue for unsafe sex and potential HIV transmission.
A new multislice CT scan can quickly detect fatty blockages in the heart's arteries, ruling out heart attacks and reducing diagnostic time. This simple outpatient scan allows doctors to confidently send home patients with normal coronary arteries, while accurately identifying those with serious heart disease.
Researchers identify serine proteases and PAR2 as therapeutic targets for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pain. The study found increased levels of these enzymes in colonic biopsies and washes from individuals with IBS, leading to increased pain responsiveness in mice.
Researchers have identified Hsp90 as a key player in Alzheimer's disease, with a new drug candidate showing promise for reducing tau protein levels. Additionally, serine proteases may be the cause of abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome, and targeting them could provide relief.
Researchers at Brown University have identified a critical pain pathway that explains why opioids are effective in blocking pain signals. By understanding how these channels work, drug companies can develop more effective painkillers.
Research reveals a link between doctors' personal fear of death and their willingness to hasten life-sustaining treatment in severely disabled newborns. One in three specialists use painkillers to relieve suffering without intending to hasten death, while over three-quarters would do so if further treatment is deemed futile.
Sexual symptoms can signal serious disease; common medical disorders negatively impact sexual function. Physicians should routinely consider risk factors and assess dysfunctions.
Children with sickle cell disease who experienced major complications such as pain and lung disease early in life are not at greater risk for stroke or death during later childhood, according to new research. Children hospitalized for chest problems early on are more likely to see those problems recur up to adulthood.
A University of Georgia study found that moderate doses of caffeine reduce post-workout muscle pain by up to 48 percent in women. Caffeine works by blocking the body's receptors for adenosine, a chemical released in response to inflammation.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital report a case of a seemingly healthy man who suffered from unexplained chest pain after a silent heart attack. The team discovered a subepicardial aneurysm, a rarely diagnosed complication that can be fatal if left untreated.
Patients with PTSD exhibit lower pain thresholds, a phenomenon attributed to changes in brain regions involved in mood and cognitive pain processing. The study's findings provide evidence for reduced pain sensitivity in PTSD, shedding light on the complex relationships between trauma, brain function, and pain perception.
A study by the Human Pain Research Group at the University of Manchester found that individuals' expectations and beliefs play a crucial role in their response to pain relief. The researchers discovered that 67% of volunteers who expected pain relief continued to perceive less pain after applying a placebo cream, highlighting the power...
A team of Cambridge-led researchers has identified a genetic mutation that renders carriers pain-insensitive. The study reveals the role of the SCN9A gene in pain sensation and may lead to new, safer pain medications.
A study by Yale University researchers found that Swedish massage therapy significantly improved symptoms in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, including reduced pain and increased flexibility. The treatment was shown to be safe and effective, with benefits persisting after completion of the massage intervention.
A recent study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that smokers are more likely to experience severe cartilage loss and knee pain due to osteoarthritis. Smokers were also significantly more likely to report greater pain severity than non-smokers.
Researchers pinpointed paroxysmal extreme pain disorder (PEPD) to specific porelike sodium channels in peripheral nerve cells, highlighting the role of such channel disorders in inflammatory pain. Mutations in SCN9A gene were found to be responsible for at least two-thirds of PEPD cases.
A study published in Neurology found that pregabalin significantly reduced severe pain and anxiety problems in patients with moderate to severe nerve pain after spinal cord injury. The medication was effective in relieving pain, improving sleep, and overall well-being.
Patients with lumbar disk herniation showed similar improvement in pain reduction with surgical and nonoperative treatments over a 2-year period. Surgical treatment slightly outperformed nonoperative care, but results were not statistically significant, indicating equivalence of the two approaches.
Researchers developed carbon nanotube films that can stimulate nerve cells without damage, enabling potential use in pain management and muscle control. The technology bridges the gap between biology and electronics, offering new possibilities for biomedical devices.
Researchers discovered that tarantula venom activates the same nerve cells responsible for sensing heat and pain, similar to chili peppers. The study provides insights into the molecular strategy used by some plants and animals to deter predators and may lead to the development of new pain treatments.
A new stretch targeting the plantar fascia has shown significant results in treating plantar fasciitis, with 75% of patients experiencing no pain and full activity within 3-6 months. The stretch, developed by Benedict DiGiovanni and Deborah Nawoczenski, requires repeated stretching exercises to alleviate chronic symptoms.
Research shows that people who feel in control of their lives are less effective at coping with pain when it's beyond their control. Teaching psychological coping strategies helps reduce pain effects. The study suggests acceptance-based therapy may be a more effective approach to managing persistent pain.
A new biologic treatment for chronic tennis elbow has shown promising results, with 93% of patients reporting complete satisfaction after a one-time injection of platelet-rich plasma. The treatment, which uses the patient's own platelets, provides significant pain relief and allows rapid return to activity.
A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals that many insurance companies deny medically necessary breast reductions based on unproven and random criteria. Despite existing medical studies supporting the procedure, insurers often require patients to exhibit specific signs and symptoms prior to approval, including back p...