Articles tagged with Pain
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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...
A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that weight training did not improve knee strength in patients with osteoarthritis, but may slow progression of joint space narrowing on X-rays. Patients who participated in strength training showed less joint space narrowing than those in a range-of-motion regimen.
A study conducted at the University of Messina found that high-resolution CT can accurately diagnose medial tibial stress syndrome, also known as shin splints, in distance runners. The study evaluated 41 subjects and found CT abnormalities in all painful tibiae of patients with shin splints.
Research at Mayo Clinic found that 16% of men experience moderate or higher pain during prostate biopsies, with the injection of lidocaine causing more pain than ultrasound insertion. The location of biopsy, specifically the prostate apex, is a significant predictor of pain scores.
According to a study published in Circulation, treating chest pain associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) could cost a woman more than $1 million during her lifetime. Women with nonobstructive CAD experienced higher healthcare costs due to ongoing angina symptoms.
A Yale University study found that anxious children experience more painful and complicated recoveries after surgery, with increased pain and analgesic consumption. The researchers hope to develop strategies to reduce pre-surgical anxiety and improve outcomes for children undergoing elective surgeries.
A small study found that TV effectively reduces kids' pain scores, with passive distraction being more effective than active distraction. Watching TV increases children's pain tolerance, making it a useful tool for minor procedures.
A study found that sonographically guided injections of steroid and anesthetic can quickly alleviate symptoms in professional soccer players with posterior ankle impingement. The treatment, which uses imaging guidance to target specific areas of pain, showed promising results in a small group of athletes.
Despite well-documented exercise benefits, individuals with arthritis face various barriers, including pain, lack of support, and limited facilities. To overcome these challenges, healthcare professionals can prescribe exercise, expand arthritis-specific programs, and emphasize adaptations for physical limitations.
Researchers found that patients with chronic widespread pain have significantly lower levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 compared to healthy controls. These findings may contribute to the development of new diagnostic tools and treatment approaches for chronic widespread pain.
New training programs teach effective pain relief techniques, increasing to 97% of doctors now equipped, up from 71% 10 years ago. The American Academy of Family Physicians and others recommend universal use of local or topical anesthetics.
Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who are physically active have a significantly lower death rate than inactive individuals. A study published in Circulation found that higher physical activity levels are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death in PAD patients.
Researchers discovered that heat, specifically above 40 degrees Celsius, blocks pain receptors by inhibiting chemical messengers. This finding has implications for developing pain relief drugs targeting P2X3 receptors.
A study of 23 clinical trials found that weight loss can predict a significant reduction in physical disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The research suggests that achieving a moderate weight loss of over 7.6% can lead to at least a moderate clinical effect on physical disability.
A study found that cherry juice can significantly reduce muscle strength loss and improve average pain scores in individuals with muscle damage. The study suggests that cherry juice may be a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for treating conditions like arthritis and gout.
A study of 14 volunteers found that drinking cherry juice before and after exercise resulted in a significant reduction in muscle pain and a slight increase in muscle strength. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cherry juice were found to be effective in preventing muscle damage.
Researchers found a significant decrease in muscle cramps with Pycnogenol supplementation, including a 25% reduction for normal crampers and a 40% reduction for those with venous insufficiency. The study also showed improved blood flow to muscle tissue, reducing pain in patients with diabetic microangiopathy.
Researchers found that St. John's Wort increased bladder contraction intervals in rats with bladder inflammation, reducing bladder hyperactivity and associated pain. The study suggests that the herbal supplement may be a viable treatment option for women suffering from interstitial cystitis, affecting 700,000 Americans.
A novel colonoscope using the NeoGuide System reduces looping and discomfort during colonoscopies, while entonox sedation provides effective pain relief and faster recovery. These advancements increase rates of colorectal cancer screening and improve patient satisfaction.
A new marijuana-derived drug, IP 751, has shown significant promise in suppressing bladder overactivity and alleviating painful symptoms in animal models of interstitial cystitis. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine developed a liposome-based delivery system to overcome the hydrophobic properties of the drug.
A new procedure utilizes plasma-mediated radiofrequency energy to gently remove soft tissue from spinal tumors, reducing damage to healthy tissue. The technique, called Coblation SpineWand, provides pain relief and improved mobility for patients with decreased risk of complications.
A neurobiology study found that dread influences human decision-making by activating the brain's pain network and attention centers. The researchers discovered two types of individuals: mild and extreme dreaders, who differed in their brain activity patterns.
A study of 157 women with acute pelvic pain found that both CT scans and ultrasounds were highly sensitive and accurate in diagnosing the condition. The researchers concluded that patients are unlikely being over-imaged, and that both imaging techniques can be used effectively in emergency settings.
Patients' views on treatments that may worsen their condition shift as their health declines. After experiencing a decline in functional abilities, patients become more willing to accept treatments for mild and severe physical disability. Cognitive impairment and pain remain unacceptable to most participants throughout the study.
A controlled trial found that hypnotherapy significantly improved sense of overall wellbeing and reduced painkiller use, while supportive therapy had no effect. Brain scans show that hypnotherapy affects the brain's processing of painful stimuli.
A recent study found that using forearm supports can significantly reduce neck and shoulder pain as well as hand, wrist, and forearm pain. The study also showed that arm boards and ergonomics training provide the most protective effect against musculoskeletal disorders.
Researchers measured pain in premature infants through brain scans during routine care procedures, finding evidence of processed pain in the higher levels of the brain. The study highlights the need for effective pain management in preterm babies, who experience repeated painful procedures daily.
Researchers have found that the sensory ion channel TRPA1 is responsible for the pain response evoked by mustard oil, garlic, and acrolein. The study suggests potential new avenues for the development of anti-inflammatory and pain medications.
Researchers found Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) quickly and accurately ruled out coronary artery disease in 67% of cases, reducing hospital stay by 45% and saving $300 per patient. Advanced care paramedics also improved STEMI heart attack management, reducing mortality rates from 9% to less than 2%.
Researchers found that obese participants exhibited a greater physical response to electrical stimulation than non-obese individuals, indicating lower tolerance for painful stimuli. The study suggests that obese people may not cognitively experience pain during exercise, increasing the risk of severe pain later on.
A study found that less than half of residents with predictably recurrent pain were prescribed scheduled pain medication, highlighting the need for improved pain management practices. The use of evidence-based process measures is intended to address persistent problems in pain management and improve overall quality of life.
A large-scale study found that glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate provided significant pain relief for participants with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis pain, but not those with mild pain. The treatment was shown to be effective in reducing pain by 20% or more compared to placebo.
The GAIT study found that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate were ineffective in patients with mild knee pain, while those with moderate to severe pain saw significant relief when taking the supplements in combination. The results suggest that a personalized approach to managing osteoarthritis pain may be necessary.
Millimeter wave therapy has been used in Eastern Europe to alleviate over 50 conditions, including heart disease and cancer. A new Temple University study aims to investigate its effectiveness for pain relief, immune system modulation, and chemotherapy improvement, with the goal of introducing a non-invasive treatment option.
A randomized, double-blind study found that morphine and topical local anesthesia (tetracaine) combination reduced pain during catheter placement more effectively than either alone or no analgesia. Local anesthesia was found to be a weak analgesic.
A study by the University of Toronto found that morphine and a combination of morphine and tetracaine are effective in treating pain in newborns undergoing central line placements. The study also identified potential side effects of these medications.
A Dutch study published in European Heart Journal reveals that 43% of total heart attacks had been clinically unrecognised. Women are more likely to have atypical symptoms and may be less likely for their symptoms to be recognized by doctors.
Research shows that a unique brain region acts as an integrative centre, modifying pain sensations when people are thirsty. Elite athletes can push through normal thresholds of pain and thirst due to their ability to balance this 'priority switch',
A recent study has found that a specific genetic variation, ALDH2*2, is responsible for the reduced effectiveness of nitroglycerin in Asian populations. This variation affects the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2), which plays a crucial role in metabolizing nitroglycerin.