Research on pain and how to relieve it. Covers chemotherapy nerve injury, music and pain, migraine patterns, and back-pain treatments.
A recent study published in Anesthesiology found that liposomal bupivacaine is not sufficient to control pain during surgery, with successful blockade achieved in only a third of test subjects. However, the substance did lead to a reduction in pain sensitivity for 3.5 days post-operatively.
A new study from the University of South Australia shows that young children learn about pain through reading, promoting empathy and emotional development. Reading picture books frequently prompts interactions about pain and injury, teaching valuable responses to these concepts.
A new study suggests that premature surgical menopause can lead to increased muscle disorders, including musculoskeletal pain and sarcopenia. Women experiencing premature menopause are more likely to develop these conditions due to significant hormone deficiency, including decreased estrogen and testosterone levels.
Researchers at NeuRA and UniSA found that early detection and comprehensive treatment can lead to significant recovery for most people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) within 12-18 months. The study reviews the latest advances in CRPS epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Researchers discovered a novel brain network condition called 'explosive synchronization' that correlates with pain crises in sickle cell disease. This finding could lead to predicting and preventing severe episodes of pain, improving patient outcomes.
A randomized clinical trial found self-administered acupressure to be efficacious and cost-effective in reducing knee pain and improving mobility in middle-aged and older adults with probable osteoarthritis. The treatment also showed significant benefits in terms of quality of life.
A study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that dietary adjustments, such as a low FODMAP diet and low-carbohydrate diets, resulted in significantly reduced IBS symptoms for over seven out of ten patients. In contrast, medication-based treatment showed fewer symptom improvements.
A study published in Cell Reports found that early-life pain experiences can lead to genetic changes in macrophage cells, resulting in more intense pain reactions later in life. The researchers suggest targeting these genetic changes could help prevent long-lasting pain memories.
A new study from the University of South Australia explores female experiences with pelvic pain and identifies key concepts for effective pain management. The study found that women value learning about the biological explanation for persistent pain, which can help change outcomes and reduce stigma.
The study reveals how opioid receptors stabilize a state for effective signal transmission, making superagonists potent and dangerous. It also highlights the importance of understanding molecular interactions for drug development and developing safer medicines.
A study comparing progressive resistance training and neuromuscular exercise found no measurable difference in physical function, pain level, or quality of life between the two groups. The results suggest that patient involvement plays a crucial role in choosing an optimal training type for individual patients.
A 10-minute virtual reality session significantly lessened pain in hospitalized patients with cancer, with sustained benefits even a day later. The study found that VR sessions had a greater impact than guided imagery, improving not only pain severity but also related issues like general distress.
A large trial enrolling nearly 2,800 patients from five countries has clarified the situation for patients with larger metastases. The study found that leaving most of the lymph nodes intact resulted in similar recurrence rates as completion axillary dissection, but with fewer arm-related complications.
A UK study found that majority of rabbit owners could identify pain and pain-free rabbits but lacked knowledge on subtle signs, highlighting the need for education and training.
A study of 1,156 individuals aged 50+ found that those with more musculoskeletal pain complaints tended to retire earlier than pain-free participants. Chronic pain was also linked to a higher risk of ceasing work sooner, even after controlling for other factors.
A randomized controlled trial found that exercise programmes reduced fatigue and improved quality of life for patients with metastatic breast cancer. The study showed the greatest benefit among younger patients, but also suggested that supervised exercise can be beneficial for all patients with advanced disease.
Research found greater pain exposure in early life associated with altered maturation of neonatal brain connectivity, particularly in female infants. This alteration was linked to regional specificities in neurodevelopmental outcomes.
A new study by UArizona Health Sciences researchers found that sleep disturbances increase the vulnerability to migraine attacks. Improving sleep health may decrease the likelihood of migraine attacks in people with migraine. The study used preclinical mouse models and found no link between migraine-like pain and disrupted sleep.
A new study found that low-level laser therapy (PBM) provides immediate pain relief for Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) patients, with a significant drop in pain scores after each treatment. The study also observed a cumulative effect of PBM on alleviating BMS symptoms, especially up to the third treatment.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found significant variation in opioid treatment for critically ill infants across different institutions and geographic regions. The study reports wide variability in opioid prescribing practices, which can impact hospitalization length of stay, healthcare costs, and long-term outcomes.
Researchers found comparable pain management with less nausea-medication usage and reduced need for residential rehabilitation after hospital discharge. This switch also improved patient experience, enabling quicker return to daily activities.
A recent study found that parents and clinicians are in favor of a mobile app to help manage child cancer pain at home. The app aims to ease the burden on caregivers and provide personalized pain management support. Recommendations for the app include improved accessibility, language options, and gamification features to involve children.
Researchers found that 86 patients experienced severe residual paresthesia after spinal surgery, leading to lower satisfaction rates. Patients with pre-surgical pain were more likely to have persistent paresthesia, highlighting the need for treatment strategies for this condition.
Researchers developed a compact, cost-effective PA sensing instrument for biomedical tissue diagnosis, showcasing its potential to streamline sampling processes and improve diagnostic accuracy for breast disease. The instrument successfully differentiated various tissue types based on quantitative spectral parameters.
A new study from the Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai reveals significant variations in emergency medical service (EMS) performance across the United States. The research found that EMS agencies in rural areas were less likely to provide optimal care, including treating low blood sugar and pain for trauma patients.
A new study published in CANCER reveals that higher levels of physical activity are linked to lower pain intensity for both adults with and without a history of cancer. Participants who exceeded physical activity guidelines reported 16% less moderate-to-severe pain compared to those who did not.
A Boston University study of over 2,000 cisgender women found that COVID-19 can impair sexual function, with long COVID having a detrimental effect on arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pain scores. Women with long COVID had markedly worse sexual well-being, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to address this taboo topic.
A machine learning study of 22,000 surgical cases found that models can inform individual prognosis and aid in decision-making to reduce ineffective spine care. The findings suggest that these models may improve outcomes for patients undergoing lumbar disc herniation surgery.
Researchers have discovered that Schwann cells, previously thought to be solely responsible for protecting nerve fibers, also detect sensory stimuli such as touch, heat, and cold. The findings open new avenues for understanding and treating pain and impaired touch perception.
The American Dental Association has released a new clinical practice guideline recommending the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone or with acetaminophen to manage short-term dental pain in adolescents and adults. The guideline also provides recommendations for prescribing opioid medications, emphasizing caution ...
Research at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that social inequity contributes to lower use of epidural analgesia among non-Hispanic White and African American women. In counties with high social inequity, labor neuraxial analgesia was used by 72% of African American women, compared to 78% in low-equality counties.
Researchers found that the brain's pain modulatory system changes with age and gender, making females more sensitive to moderate pain as they get older. The study used fMRI scans to examine brain responses in men and women aged 30-86 and identified a key role for the descending pain modulatory system.
Researchers have identified a molecule that reduces hypersensitivity in trials in mice by binding to a protein involved in neuropathic pain. The compound, FEM-1689, has been shown to be an effective painkiller with long-lived effects.
A new study found that nearly half of older adults who considered elective surgery were deterred by financial concerns and the need for paid time off. In contrast, those worried about post-operative pain were more likely to proceed with surgery.
A new study published in Neurology found that young Black and Hispanic women with multiple sclerosis face greater challenges in pregnancy, have more advanced disease, and experience higher inflammation levels, which may signal MS progression. The researchers also noted disparities in healthcare access and treatment.
A recent trial assessed a novel combination of local vibration and extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the effective treatment of plantar fasciitis, with results showing significant reductions in plantar fascia thickness and heel pain. The study highlights a promising therapeutic intervention to treat this common musculoskeletal cond...
Researchers found that counties with higher uninsured rates and reduced access to mental health services have higher opioid prescriptions. Conversely, better healthcare quality was associated with a greater drop in opioid prescriptions over time.
A new study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders found that chiropractic spinal manipulation significantly reduces the likelihood of undergoing additional lumbar surgery. Adults who received CSM for sciatica experienced a substantial 45% reduction in lumbar spine reoperation compared to those receiving usual medical care.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients who underwent a single session of aerobic exercise experienced temporary reductions in blood pressure at rest and under stress. The study, conducted at the University of São Paulo, demonstrates the benefits of moderate-intensity walking for cardiovascular management and blood pressure control.
Researchers develop injectable hydrogel electrodes for treating ventricular arrhythmia, providing a potential solution to painful defibrillation and improving quality of life. The novel pacing modality addresses the pathophysiology of re-entrant arrhythmia and offers a promising alternative to existing therapies.
A recent review of opioid medicines for cancer pain found surprisingly large gaps in evidence regarding their true benefits. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be at least as effective as some opioids for background cancer pain, offering potential alternatives to reduce dependence and waning analgesia over time.
A study by the University of Sydney and University of Warwick found large gaps in evidence regarding opioid medicines for cancer pain. Non-opioid medicines, including aspirin, may be as effective as opioids for background cancer pain.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that Vikings in Sweden had a high prevalence of tooth decay, with many exhibiting severe caries and other dental pathologies. The findings provide insights into the lives of these ancient Scandinavians and their attempts to treat dental issues.
A study found that saliva biomarkers sTNFR2 and sIgA can effectively detect pain in people with dementia, providing an alternative to invasive methods. The researchers discovered a decrease in sTNFR2 levels and an increase in sIgA in patients with dementia compared to a control group.
A systematic review has identified 29 primary risk factors associated with long-term arm morbidities following breast cancer treatments. The main risk factors include removal of lymph nodes, high body mass index, mastectomy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, infection, and trauma to the affected arm.
Post-surgery pain relief has shifted away from opioids since 2016, with a 36% drop in prescription rates and 46% decrease in average amount of opioids. However, the rate of decline slowed after 2020, suggesting ongoing efforts are needed to right-size prescribing.
Researchers analyzed leishmaniasis lesions on mouse skin to detect metabolic signaling pathways that differed from uninfected mice. They found pathways with pain-relief properties tied to the brain's endocannabinoid system, which is involved in a host of physiological processes, including the pain response.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 875 patients with knee osteoarthritis found significant reductions in patient-reported pain from the third month onwards. Stem cell treatment was most effective when using patient's own fat-derived stem cells, leading to better pain alleviation and recovery of joint function.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that glial cells in the gut can sensitize nearby neurons, causing them to send pain signals more easily during inflammation. This discovery could help develop new therapies to alleviate visceral pain by counteracting the glia's sensitizing efforts.
Nerve damage can lead to severe and long-lasting effects, including depression. Researchers have developed new technology to repair and reconstruct damaged nerves using simple electrical circuitry in implants. This innovation has the potential to benefit people with injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.
A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that cannabidiol (CBD) reduces dental pain intensity by 70% and improves bite force. While side effects occurred more frequently than placebo, promising results suggest CBD may be an effective alternative to opioid painkillers for managing acute toothache.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 35% of women with breast cancer used self-discovered or peer-recommended techniques to enhance their sexual function. These techniques fell into four main domains: pain reduction, intimacy and relationship enhancement, desire and arousal enhancement, and emotional coping.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that younger patients and those with no prior experience with opioids are more likely to use few or no opioids after surgery. The researchers used data collected through automated text messages sent to 3,600 patients who underwent common surgical procedures.
Researchers found that acupuncture improved symptoms in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), but the benefits were not significant enough to meet the minimal clinical difference threshold. The study included over 300 participants and suggested that clinicians should consider using acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment.
Jenny Wilkerson receives $1.94 million grant to develop novel models and investigate antinociceptive profiles of basal sex hormone alterations in patients with chronic post-op pain. The study aims to answer questions about the impact of altered sex hormone levels on recovery times, drug effectiveness, and long-term health.
Researchers have identified a small molecule that reverses four types of chronic pain in animal studies without troublesome side effects. The compound, CBD3063, binds to the inner region of a calcium channel, indirectly regulating its activity and reducing neurotransmitter release.
The ORBITA-2 trial found that stenting improves symptoms compared to a placebo procedure, providing evidence-based treatment for stable chest pain. The study suggests updating guidelines for stable coronary artery disease and offers patients and medical teams two treatment strategies with similar benefits.
Two reproductive health conditions, polycystic ovary syndrome and dysmenorrhea, are linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk in women. Studies suggest that girls with polycystic ovary syndrome have a 30% higher risk of high blood pressure, while women with dysmenorrhea are twice as likely to experience ischemic heart disease.
Researchers describe the use of ripretinib and repeated surgical resection in a patient with recurrent GIST harboring a KIT exon 11 mutation. The treatment led to extended clinical benefit, outperforming current reported data from ripretinib clinical trials.
Researchers are conducting a four-year study to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing stable angina-related chest pain. The study will enroll 112 participants and compare acupuncture treatment to watching TED Talk videos for symptom relief.