Research on pain and how to relieve it. Covers chemotherapy nerve injury, music and pain, migraine patterns, and back-pain treatments.
A large study found that most symptoms of long COVID resolve within a year after a mild COVID-19 infection. Vaccinated people were at lower risk of breathing difficulties, the most common effect to develop after mild infection, compared with unvaccinated people.
A third of orthotists in the UK want to leave their profession due to inadequate working conditions and lack of time with patients. This poses a significant threat to the healthcare sector, highlighting the need for urgent action to address staff satisfaction and retention.
A Swedish study of 3,525 university students found procrastination associated with worse mental health, disabling pain, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. The findings suggest that enhancing understanding of students' health is crucial due to the prevalence of procrastination among this population.
A common fatty acid found in the Western diet contributes to increased temperature and pain sensitivity in psoriatic lesions. The findings could lead to improved pain treatments for psoriasis patients.
A randomized trial found that non-invasive interventions for treating spine pain improved disability and quality of life but did not decrease healthcare spending. Both treatments provided a small but significant reduction in pain-related disability at 12 months.
A new study found that music therapy resulted in clinically significant reductions in pain and anxiety for patients with cancer and sickle cell disease. Patients with SCD who received music therapy also reported significantly higher pain and anxiety at baseline compared to those without SCD.
A study published in Addiction journal found a significant decrease in codeine consumption across Australia after the country's most misused legal opioid was switched to a prescription-only medicine. The switch led to a 37% overall drop in codeine consumption, with smaller decreases observed in regional areas.
A study followed over 7,000 Canadians for three years to find that being female, physically active, and not obese were key to maintaining excellent health. Factors such as high income and social support also played a crucial role in optimal aging.
As people age, their health care needs become more complex, making it essential to consider anatomical and functional changes when diagnosing and treating ACS. An individualized and patient-centered approach is best for older adults, considering coexisting conditions and input from multiple specialists.
A national US study found that people with disabilities who misuse opioid drugs are 73% more likely to attempt suicide. The study, which looked at over 38,000 adults, also found that those with disabilities were more likely to have serious thoughts of suicide and make a plan or attempt to take their own life.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that patients who used virtual reality (VR) during hand surgery required less sedation and had shorter recovery times compared to those who received monitored anesthesia care. VR use also improved patient comfort and reduced anxiety.
Researchers discovered 10 novel genetic loci associated with osteoarthritis, which are robustly found in every population ancestry studied. The study also identified genes expected to contribute to OA included targets for existing drugs against cancer, epilepsy and acne.
Through its Integrated Pest Management program, WVU Extension educates growers on safe techniques, including barriers, insect traps, and predatory insects. The goal is to reduce pesticide use and promote environmentally friendly practices.
A minimally invasive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome provides complete and long-term relief to patients. Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection effectively treats nerve entrapments without surgery or corticosteroids.
Two studies found corticosteroid injections associated with osteoarthritis progression, while hyaluronic acid injections may slow down progression. Corticosteroids increase risk of disease progression, highlighting need for cautious use.
A recent study found that cannabis studies are often reported in positive terms in the media regardless of their results. The analysis of 20 studies involving 1,500 individuals showed a moderate to large placebo response, where pain was rated as being significantly less intense after treatment with placebo.
A pooled data analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials involving 1040 women found that acupuncture significantly relieved pain during pregnancy, improved physical function, and quality of life. The therapy was also found to be safe, with no observable major side effects for newborns.
A new study found that taking NSAIDs for osteoarthritis pain and inflammation may worsen joint inflammation and cartilage quality over time. Researchers used MRI-based structural biomarkers to analyze the association between NSAID use and synovitis in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Researchers found cannabis users had decreased patency and were 1.25 times more likely to require amputation one year after lower extremity bypass surgery. Cannabis use was also associated with a higher risk of opioid use after discharge.
A systematic review found significant effects on anxiety, depression, fatigue, physical activity, quality of life, and social impairment in cancer patients who combined behavioural graded activity with psychological therapies. The effects remained significant after a period of one to three months.
A randomized controlled trial found that both total ankle replacement and ankle fusion improve quality of life and have similar clinical scores in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. However, TAR is associated with greater wound-healing complications and nerve injuries, while AF is linked to more blood clots and nonunion of t...
A multi-campus research team has created a novel device that can non-invasively measure cervical nerve activity in humans, with potential applications for personalized treatments of sepsis and mental health conditions like PTSD. The device features a flexible array of electrodes that capture electrical activity across different nerves.
A recent clinical trial shows that genicular nerve blocks provide short-term pain relief for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Patients who received the blocks reported significant improvement in pain scores, particularly at weeks 2 and 4.
Researchers at UVA Cancer Center have identified interleukin-1 as a crucial contributor to the development of myelofibrosis, a potentially deadly bone marrow cancer. Targeting this cytokine could prevent myelofibrosis from progressing and spare bone marrow scarring.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University developed two tests to assess age-related memory performance and neophobia differences in dogs. The memory test found that older dogs make more mistakes before finding food, while the novel object test revealed an increased tendency to avoid new objects with age.
A new study analyzing often-overlooked racial/ethnic groups provides a new understanding of pain disparities in the US. The research, led by Anna Zajacova, reveals that Native Americans and multiracial Americans have significantly higher pain prevalence than other groups.
Researchers discovered stem cells in mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) with the potential to regenerate lost sensory neurons and glia. These cells, known as satellite glia, can become activated and generate new glia and, to a lesser extent, neurons after injury.
The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) named Dr. Sarah Kamel of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Dr. Ankur Goyal of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences as Melvin Figley and Lee Rogers Fellows in Radiology Journalism, respectively. They will receive expert instruction in scientific writing and communication through the...
A recent study found that restoring blood flow to the legs through bypass surgery or stent placement reduced pain and improved quality of life for people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The Best Endovascular versus Best Surgical Therapy for Patients with Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia Trial enrolled 1,830 participants and foun...
A new study found that a personalized 'precision' testing approach for people with stable chest pain led to more efficient evaluations and improved diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The approach involved assessing cardiovascular risk factors to identify low-risk individuals who may not benefit from further testing.
A new type of pacemaker that uses precise targeting capabilities to bypass pain receptors and reduce patient discomfort is being developed. The device, which uses light and optogenetics, could improve the quality of life for millions of people affected by atrial fibrillation.
Researchers developed a wearable soft robot called Reliebo that reduces pain and fear in patients undergoing injections. The robot's effectiveness was proven in a study where participants who wore the robot experienced less pain and reduced stress levels than those without it.
Researchers from the University of Connecticut found that both delta-8 and delta-9 THC produce similar effects in mice, including lethargy and catalepsy. The study suggests that delta-8 THC interacts with the same receptors as delta-9 THC and can lead to desensitization and withdrawal-like symptoms.
Researchers found that patients awaiting surgery experienced decreased pain and improved relaxation when given a music pillow to listen to during their wait. The study, which included over 30 participants, demonstrated a positive association between music and reduced anxiety in emergency department patients.
A study found that 16.5% of American adults with diabetes ration their insulin, with younger adults and the uninsured being most affected. Insulin rationing is often linked to cost concerns, with many patients delaying purchases or taking less insulin than needed.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that gut pain-sensing neurons regulate the microbial community in the intestines, boosting beneficial microbes to protect against inflammation. The study suggests that targeting these neurons could lead to new anti-inflammatory treatments for IBD and other disorders.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of managing PAD based on a person's experience of symptoms, rather than relying solely on clinical measures. This approach aims to improve patient-centered care and outcomes, particularly for individuals with severe limb ischemia or comorbidities.
Research suggests that diets high in omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation, while foods high in omega-3 fatty acids reduce it. A vegan diet has been found to have the lowest rates of inflammation.
A Washington State University pilot study showed that home sensors can accurately monitor overnight restlessness and sleep problems in people recovering from opioid use disorder. The sensors matched other monitoring methods about 89% of the time, validating patients' concerns about their disturbed sleep.
A study modeling 1.2 million individuals found 6.2% experienced at least one Long COVID symptom cluster within three months of acute infection. Risk was higher in females and those requiring hospitalization for initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially ICU care.
A major new study found that 24% of farmers reported mobility problems, while 31% experienced anxiety and depression. The research, published in BMC Public Health, highlights the need to tackle physical and mental health issues in the agricultural industry.
Researchers at UCSF have identified six novel molecules that can alleviate pain in mice without causing sedation. These compounds target the alpha2a adrenergic receptor and are from chemically different families, making them promising candidates for further development.
A recent study published in Acta Oncologica found that young women who have had cancer are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual problems, including loss of libido and intimacy issues. The study, which surveyed nearly 700 women, suggests that the type and intensity of cancer treatment can influence a patient's sex life.
A new study found that medical cannabis users reported significant improvements in pain management, social functioning, and overall health. The majority of participants were able to stop or reduce their opioid use, with some experiencing a five-fold decrease in hydrocodone prescriptions.
A new, dissolvable hydrogel developed by Mass General Hospital promotes wound healing for second-degree burns while minimizing pain and trauma. The biomaterial is highly absorbent, based on green chemistry approaches, and can be dissolved in under five minutes.
Researchers at UVA Health have developed a new magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) technique to track peripheral artery disease, which affects over 200 million people worldwide. The CEST approach produces comparable results to the current gold standard without requiring specialized equipment.
A free web-based resource called Menstruation Matters has been developed to provide young people with accurate information about menstrual health. The study found that nearly half of participants reported a change in their understanding of what a normal period is, and 94% could identify symptoms of endometriosis.
A new research study by Danielle Abbitt, MD, shows that telehealth follow-up appointments are just as effective as in-clinic visits for detecting and addressing postoperative complications. The study found no significant difference in complication rates or emergency department utilization between telehealth and in-person follow-ups.
A randomized controlled trial found that virtual reality immersion reduced the need for sedatives during hand surgery, leading to lower doses of propofol and shorter post-operative lengths of stay. Patient satisfaction remained unchanged, but discharge times were significantly shorter.
The new SIO-ASCO guideline recommends the use of acupuncture, massage therapy, and other integrative therapies for managing breast cancer-related joint pain, general cancer pain, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The guidelines also acknowledge areas that need further research to support their recommendations.
Researchers found that using 'cracking' technology to break down exhaled nitrous oxide can significantly reduce ambient levels in maternity settings. The study showed a 71-81% reduction in nitrous oxide levels when using specific masks and coaching, suggesting pregnant women should be offered device choice options.
A consultant anaesthetist used a nitrous oxide cracking device to reduce her own exposure to the greenhouse gas during labour. The technology helps collect and break down nitrous oxide breathed out via a facemask, making it easier to use and reducing environmental harm.
Researchers found no significant difference in pain levels between children who received ibuprofen and those who received a placebo before stent removal. Only 7% of pediatric patients reported severe pain following the procedure, compared to 55% of adults.
For seven years after bariatric surgery, participants showed clinically important improvements in pain levels, physical function, and work productivity, with some backsliding over time. The study found durable effects on walking speed, fitness, and most metrics of pain, even among older adults.
Long-term opioid use after lung cancer surgery is associated with a 40% heightened death risk within two years, according to research. The study found that male sex, older age, and chemotherapy treatment are among the factors linked to long-term opioid use.
A study found that resiliency and family support play a crucial role in helping Hispanic breast cancer survivors manage lymphedema. Adaptations such as modifying work tasks and seeking support from family members enable survivors to maintain their quality of life.
A new poll reveals that nearly half of people over 50 experience joint pain, and many turn to prescription-based treatments despite potential health risks. The poll's authors stress the need for healthcare providers to discuss medication interactions and non-drug options with patients.
A new randomized, controlled trial demonstrates that Medasense's NOL monitoring during major abdominal surgery can reduce postoperative pain by 30% compared to standard care. The study found that personalized fentanyl dosing with NOL guidance leads to lower sympathetic activation and surgical stress, resulting in reduced PACU pain scores.
A small qualitative study found that emergency departments often fail to provide dignified and respectful care to frail older patients, leading to long waits and poor communication. The researchers recommend making healthcare settings more 'frailty friendly' by prioritizing patient comfort and involvement.
The 2022 ACC/AHA guideline updates chest pain definitions and establishes standardized data elements for consistent reporting. The new definitions focus on serious cardiovascular causes of chest pain and acute myocardial infarction, aiming to ensure accurate reporting across clinical trials and registries.