Research on pain and how to relieve it. Covers chemotherapy nerve injury, music and pain, migraine patterns, and back-pain treatments.
A new study by ACS Journal of Proteome Research identifies shifts in tear protein levels as predictors of long-lasting pain after LASIK surgery. The analysis suggests that specific patterns of protein changes could one day be used to evaluate patients' risk of post-surgical eye pain and find new treatments.
Researchers have identified a novel compound that can reverse the lethal effects of opioid overdose when paired with naloxone, reducing withdrawal symptoms and extending protection. The discovery builds on new insights into opioid receptors and could combat the devastating fentanyl epidemic.
A randomized controlled trial found that four weeks of outdoor gait training, combined with home exercises, improved running biomechanics and reduced the time feet were in contact with the ground. This technique may help patients improve their stride and reduce pain associated with shin splints.
Researchers characterize thalamic and cortical neurons responding to ocular surface stimulation, showing diverse multimodal response profiles. The study provides insights into how sensory stimulus information is integrated from the peripheral nervous system into the brain's cortical networks.
A new study published in PLOS ONE explores the implementation of a paper-based system for collecting patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in an outpatient integrative health and medicine (IHM) setting. The research found that provider, operational, and clinical-level factors have a greater impact on successful completion than patient factors.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that using VR avatars with muscular bodies reduces pain perception by ~16%. The study also showed that matching the avatar's gender with the user's can further lower pain scores.
Research from the University of South Australia found that people with knee OA unconsciously believe exercise is dangerous, despite medical advice. The study developed a tool to detect and evaluate these implicit beliefs, suggesting they can be a better predictor of actual behavior than reported attitudes.
A study in São Paulo state found that chikungunya virus circulated silently for years before causing major epidemics. The researchers monitored residents for four years and discovered a significant rise in seroprevalence from 0.35% to 2.3%. This finding underscores the need for strengthened disease surveillance.
A recent study published in BRAIN found that males and females differ in their experience of pain due to functional sex differences in nociceptors. The findings support the implementation of a precision medicine-based approach considering patient sex as fundamental to treatment choices.
A breath-holding test assesses cardiorespiratory health and predicts postoperative pain risk in laparoscopic gynecological surgery. The study analyzed 489 patients and found significant correlation between breath-holding time and pain scores.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus identified key elements to improve diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) in women, addressing the common misdiagnosis of heart attacks. The new guidelines provide recommendations to help clinicians better address sex-specific symptoms and treatments.
A new study by University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found that patients seeking outpatient integrative health and medicine (IHM) care experience clinically meaningful reductions in symptoms of pain, anxiety, and stress after just one treatment. For all IHM modalities, patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms reported clinical...
A study published in Clinical Oral Investigations found that people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience bruxism, or teeth grinding. The researchers emphasized the importance of collaboration between dentists and psychiatrists to diagnose and treat these patients effectively.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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...
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 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.
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 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 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 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.