Articles tagged with Pain
A multicenter study found that the maximum daily OTC dose of acetaminophen (4000mg) was as effective as prescription doses of naproxen (750mg) for osteoarthritis pain relief. The study involved 551 patients with mild-to-moderate OA and showed no significant differences in efficacy between the two treatments over a six-month period.
A study by the American College of Radiology suggests that plain film X-rays are not clinically useful in 72% of cases for children with non-traumatic stomach pain. The imaging study confirms diagnoses of constipation and bowel obstruction, but is unnecessary when other tests like CT or ultrasound are already anticipated.
The article highlights the complexities of managing cancer pain in patients with a history of addiction, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary care teams. The Pain Management Center at Fox Chase Cancer Center offers innovative strategies, including patient contracts and collaboration between nurses and physicians.
A new study demonstrates that adding menthol to a topical cream containing cetylated fatty acids significantly reduces pain and improves functional performance in patients with knee, elbow, and wrist osteoarthritis. The treatment also shows promise for upper-extremity performance and pain relief in these individuals.
A recent study published in The Journal of Pain found that women are more sensitive to pain than men, while African-Americans and Whites report similar levels of pain when using standardized rating scales. Researchers tested 135 participants aged 25-45 and used modified rating scales to account for cultural differences.
A new transdermal system, E-TRANS fentanyl PCTS, has been shown to be as effective as traditional IV pumps for post-surgical pain relief. The system delivers pain medication through the skin with a low-level electric current and can be used for patients with moderate to severe post-operative pain after various surgeries.
A study published in JAMA found that a transdermal patch delivering fentanyl is equivalent to an intravenous pump for postoperative pain control. The patch, called PCTS, eliminated the need for needles and mobility restrictions. Patient assessments showed high rates of good or excellent pain control with both methods.
A Mayo Clinic study of 100 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer found that a nerve block technique, combined with pain-relieving medications, provided a 50% reduction in pain and improved quality of life. The study suggests that this treatment option could be beneficial for patients with pancreatic cancer, allowing them to live mor...
Studies investigate relationships between energy expenditure, lean muscle mass, and upper-body strength in persons with SCI. Researchers also explore potential treatments for bowel movement issues, respiratory problems, and pain management.
Researchers used fMRI to map changes in brain activity after volunteers received a placebo, showing the prefrontal cortex is activated in response to pain relief. The study provides new insights into the brain's pain pathways and may lead to new therapies for chronic or acute pain.
A new study finds aromatase inhibitors can significantly reduce endometriosis severity and pain, offering a more effective treatment with fewer side effects. The treatment involves taking letrozole along with progestin for six months, resulting in improved symptoms and reduced estrogen production.
Researchers created an experimental model that limited radiation to the site of cancer in mice, demonstrating a localized single radiation dose decreases painful behavior and increases limb use. Treated mice had significantly less bone destruction and tumor burden, leading to greater pain relief.
A recent study by Dr. Shrawan Kumar found that X-ray technologists experience high levels of back pain and neck strain due to excessive task demands. The constant physical stress compounds the issue, with few professionals beyond 50 years old remaining in the field.
A clinical trial found that depression improved in most patients after three months of drug therapy, but 24% persisted with high scores. Moderate to severe pain at the start of treatment was associated with a higher risk of poor response.
Elevated PlGF levels in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and acute chest pain indicate a significantly increased risk of heart attack or death at 30 days. Measuring PlGF levels may provide a powerful clinical biomarker for vascular inflammation and adverse outcome in ACS patients.
A study found that hospitalized patients experience significant pain levels, with 59% reporting pain, and that certain characteristics like age, sex, and diagnosis can identify high-risk patients. In contrast, no clear predictors were identified for low-risk patients, suggesting that all hospitalized patients may be at high risk for pain.
A study by Oregon Research Institute found that cobblestone mat walking improves pain relief and mental well-being in older adults. Participants who walked on the cobblestone mat experienced enhanced physical activity and reduced stress levels compared to those in an attention control group.
Researchers discovered a synergistic effect when combining glucosamine with ibuprofen, resulting in enhanced pain relief. The study suggests that adding glucosamine to existing pain medications could lead to improved efficacy without increasing side effects.
Researchers found that postoperative pain was less on days three, four, and five following surgery for patients in the microdissection group compared to those in the standard electrocautery group. The study suggests that microdissection needle cautery may be a more effective method for reducing post-tonsillectomy pain.
A study of 150 children and adults found that African-American, East African, Hispanic, and Native American subjects were nearly entirely vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with significant risks for osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
Esophageal manometry is a diagnostic tool that helps identify esophageal diseases like gastroesophageal reflux disease, heartburn, and swallowing problems. The new guidelines provide a standardized approach to performing the test, improving data sharing and interpretation among physicians.
Despite improvements in reported pain after surgery, patients continue to express concerns about anaesthesia, including fear of not waking up or experiencing nausea and vomiting. The authors note that developments in technology and training have improved anaesthetic practice, but challenges remain to improve patient comfort.
Researchers found that platelets in heart disease patients clot more easily despite taking aspirin, increasing the risk of heart attack. Further studies will investigate additional anti-clotting agents and genetic factors affecting platelet function.
Researchers found that men's brains showed greater activity in cognitive regions when given pain stimuli, while women's brains responded more strongly in limbic regions. These differences may have evolved due to distinct roles of men and women in stress responses, with women's brains being more nurturing and protective.
Researchers found that unusual fatigue was the most common early symptom reported by women before their heart attacks, with 70% of cases. The study's lead author emphasizes the importance of educating women about new symptoms and seeking medical care to determine their cause, especially those with known cardiovascular risks.
A new study highlights the need for improved care of vulnerable older adults with conditions such as bedsores and incontinence. Leech therapy shows promise in relieving pain from osteoarthritis, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
A new study investigates women's experience with heart attacks, revealing a wide range of symptoms that can indicate the disease. The research aims to improve early detection and prevent cardiac events in women.
Researchers found that social exclusion activates the same part of the brain as physical pain, leading to elevated activity in the anterior cingulate cortex. The study's authors theorize that this automatic response evolved to protect human survival and well-being.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that listening to calming music during early active labor can significantly reduce the sensation and distress of pain. The study, led by Sasitorn Phumdoung, suggests that music may be a widely-used alternative to medication for easing pain during childbirth.
Researchers discovered that 'hot pepper' receptors on the heart trigger symptoms of heart attack and may lead to new treatments for angina pectoris. The study found that these receptors cause blood vessels to constrict and increase blood pressure, leading to chest pain.
Researchers found that hypnosis did not provide better pain relief compared to non-hypnotic treatments. The amount of pain relief experienced was largely due to participants' expectations from the therapy, according to the study's lead author.
Researchers used MRI to assess brain function while participants experienced heat stimuli. People who reported higher pain levels showed increased activation in key brain areas, such as the primary somatosensory cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. This confirms the importance of self-reports in guiding pain treatment.
A new blood test can detect heart attacks in just five minutes with a 99% accuracy rate, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The test identifies two proteins associated with the earliest stages of a heart attack, reducing unnecessary hospital stays.
The UK is experiencing an increased rate of gonorrhoea infection due to growing antibiotic resistance, particularly with ciprofloxacin. The Health Protection Agency recommends reviewing national and local treatment guidelines to ensure effective treatment using alternative antibiotics such as cephalosporins or spectinomycin.
Radiofrequency ablation has shown promising results in treating advanced lung cancer, with significant pain reduction and improved survival rates. The procedure involves using extreme heat to destroy or slow the growth of tumors, and can be used as an alternative to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a nerve cell receptor as necessary for initiating inflammatory bowel disease. The study suggests that blocking the VR-1 receptor could halt the development of IBD in an animal model.
A new study published in The Lancet has found that laparoscopic adhesiolysis does not provide substantial pain relief or improvement in quality of life for patients with adhesions and chronic abdominal pain. The study recommends abandoning this procedure as a treatment option.
A University of Toronto study estimates that pain pump programming errors could result in up to 667 deaths, with reporting rates ranging from 1.2% to 7.7%. The researchers recommend redesigning the control panel using human factors engineering techniques to reduce human error.
The CT1 is a small, wireless device providing pain relief with minimal side effects. It can be used for various conditions such as arthritis, minor cuts, and surgical procedures.
A study of 81 undergraduates found that males exhibit higher pain thresholds and tolerances than females. The researchers also discovered that psychological factors can influence the association between physiological responses and pain responses, and additional research is needed to replicate these findings.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that alpha lipoic acid significantly improved symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, including a 5.7-point total symptom score improvement. The treatment had no unfavorable side effects and may be a promising lead for future research into the cause and prevention of diabetic neuropathy.
A new study by McGill University found that redheaded women respond better to a painkilling drug due to a genetic variation in the Mc1r gene. This gene is associated with pigmentation and variants cause red hair and fair skin, leading to a heightened response to kappa-specific analgesics.
A new study finds Keppra alleviates severe nerve pain in cancer patients by reducing VAS scores to 0-3 within 3-14 days, with a significant decrease in opioid use. The medication was well-tolerated and showed potential therapeutic benefits for further investigation.
A Mayo Clinic study found that total hip replacement surgery can significantly improve the quality of life for patients over 90 years old. The study, which reviewed medical records from 1970 to 1997, showed that patients experienced substantial relief of pain and functional improvement after surgery.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that providing extra nitric oxide through inhalation may reverse or stop vaso-occlusive crisis symptoms. The treatment reduced pain scores and morphine use in patients with severe sickle cell disease, warranting further investigation.
Researchers found that specific genetic variants, such as the val158met polymorphism in the COMT gene, influence an individual's sensitivity to pain. This genetic variation affects brain regions involved in pain perception and emotional regulation, leading to increased pain ratings and a more negative internal state.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center has established criteria for safely treating patients with cocaine-associated chest pain. The study found that patients who did not show evidence of heart-muscle damage or cardiovascular complications during a 12-hour observation period had a low risk of death or other problems in the 30 ...
Researchers found depression before surgery significantly increased hospitalization for cardiac reasons six months post-operative, with patients experiencing prolonged surgical pain and failure to return to normal activities. Depression also persisted post-surgery, often unrecognized and untreated.
A study of 61 patients with HIV-related peripheral neuropathy found that psychotherapy reduced pain intensity and improved daily life functions. However, high dropout rates and short attendance periods made it challenging to assess the treatment's effectiveness.
A study examining ambulance transport data in Toronto found that diversion can cause important delays for critically ill patients. The researchers used data from 3609 patients with chest pain in 1997 and 1999 to show a 28.4% increase in transport intervals during periods of high overcrowding.
HIV patients who use self-distraction techniques or drugs to cope with stress report reduced energy levels and social activity limitations. Pain affects daily activities, work performance, and school performance.
Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) who undergo supervised exercise programs experience improvements in blood flow, reduced systemic inflammation, and enhanced cardiovascular health. By walking on a treadmill several times a week, PAD patients can eventually reduce their leg pain and increase their walking distance.
Researchers have solved the structure of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme that metabolizes endocannabinoids like anandamide, which provide natural pain relief. By inhibiting FAAH, scientists aim to increase the longevity of these molecules, potentially leading to effective and long-lasting pain relief without side effects.
A new test protocol has been shown to accurately diagnose chest pain in emergency patients, with a 100% sensitivity rating for heart attacks. The protocol's accelerated evaluation tool may reduce hospital admissions and improve patient outcomes by enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A study on atorvastatin found patients experienced quality of life improvements, but primary endpoints were not met. Peripheral arterial disease affects millions worldwide, causing leg pain and reduced blood supply.
A study of 610 participants found that wearing an ionized bracelet for 28 days did not provide significant pain relief compared to a placebo. The researchers conclude that the equivalent improvement in pain scores may call into question the true benefit of using such bracelets.
A recent study found that depression one month after coronary artery bypass surgery is a significant risk factor for continued cardiac problems. The research suggests that evaluating patients for depression after surgery and providing treatment may enhance long-term outcomes.
Patients receiving enzyme replacement therapy for a near-two-year period show improved pain levels and reduced organ damage. The treatment continues to be effective despite the presence of antibodies in some patients.
A study by Shinya Ugawa and colleagues found that acid sensing ion channels (ASICs) function as acid sensors within a specific pH range, while VR1 receptors are not involved. The ASICs inhibitor amiloride may be a useful analgesic for treating localized pain within this range.
The Mayo Clinic study shows RF ablation can effectively kill cancer cells causing bone pain, with 95% of patients experiencing significant pain relief. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes and alleviates pain by killing nerve endings and cancer tissue.