Pain Studies in the News
Pre-pregnancy exercise may not prevent back pain
December 31, 2008 [Source: BMC Public Health]
Pre-pregnancy physical activity may not influence whether or not a woman will have persistent low back or pelvic pain after pregnancy, suggest researchers from Sweden. Story
Labopharm announces FDA approval of once-daily RYZOLT (tramadol HCL extended release tablets) for management of moderate to moderately severe chronic pain
December 31, 2008 [Labopharm Inc]
Labopharm Inc. has announced that RYZOLT (tramadol HCl extended release tablets), its once-daily formulation of the analgesic tramadol, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). RYZOLT is indicated for the management of moderate to moderately severe chronic pain in adults who require around-the-clock treatment of their pain for an extended period of time. Story
High satisfaction rate, pain relief seen with thumb arthroplasty using allograft
January 2009 [Source: Orthopedics Today]
New research indicates that thumb carpometacarpal joint arthroplasty using an acellular dermal allograft can serve as an alternative technique to ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition for the treatment of thumb carpometacarpal arthritis. Story
Study investigates the cost effectiveness of spinal surgery
December 29, 2008 [Source: Rush University Medical Center]
Back pain affects more than 80 percent of people and costs more than $100 billion annually in the U.S. But is the surgery cost effective? A study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center suggests that for patients with spinal stenosis, a laminectomy, or surgical removal of some soft bone and tissue, is a reasonable value. However, for patients with spinal stenosis with associated slipped vertebrae, the benefits of spinal fusion surgery may not be enough to offset costs. Story
Pain pills may cut risk of bowel cancer: study
December 26, 2008 [Source: American Journal of Epidemiology]
A new study showed the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was associated with a 40 percent reduced risk for cancer in the lower portion of the large bowel – even after allowing for age, gender, race, body mass, physical activity, and other factors potentially associated with distal large bowel cancers. Story
Acupuncture may relieve pelvic pain in pregnancy
December 26. 288 [Source: BJOG (British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology) International]
Traditional acupuncture and non-penetrating sham acupuncture both appear to help relieve pelvic pain in pregnant women, Swedish researchers report. However, contrary to expectation, neither acupuncture approaches is more effective than the other. Story
Depression, pain may accompany chronic Lyme disease
December 26, 2008 [Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism]
Depression and the chronic pain syndrome fibromyalgia are common in patients who suffer from chronic Lyme disease and seem to correlate with poor functional outcomes, results of a study indicate. Story
Common treatment for men's pelvic pain proves ineffective, Queen's-led study shows
December 24, 2008 [Source: Queen's University]
Alfuzosin, a commonly-prescribed drug for men suffering from a painful pelvic condition failed to significantly reduce patients' symptoms in a new international study. Although the evidence for using alpha-blockers to treat new cases of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is weak, some physicians have advocated use of this class of drug in men with this condition. The findings of this study do not support this recommendation and should prompt reconsideration of use of an alpha-blocker as the first drug of choice for these patients. Story
Napo Pharmaceuticals announces publication of paper on crofelemer for indication of irritable bowel syndrome
December 23, 2008 [Source: Napo Pharmaceuticals]
A new paper discusses the results of a study of crofelemer dosed at 125, 250 and 500mg, twice daily for 12 weeks. Male and female patients were enrolled in the study. Female D-IBS patients showed improvement in the proportion of pain- and discomfort-free days during treatment with 500 mg crofelemer: month 1 (crofelemer vs. placebo: 17.7 vs. 10.2%, p = 0.098); month 2 (23.5 vs. 13.3%, p = 0.076); month 3 (26.1 vs. 10.6%, p = 0.0076). No benefit was seen in male D-IBS patients. Crofelemer was well tolerated. Story
Preemie pain alters pain sensitivity later
December 23, 2008 [University College of London]
A new study linked being born prematurely to altered responses to hot and cold. Compared to a group of children who had been born at full term, the premature children were less sensitive to temperature but not to light touch. This was most marked in those who had also undergone a surgical operation as a baby. As the same nerve fibers transmit temperature and pain, changes in thermal sensitivity may also be associated with altered responses to pain in later life. Story
Why analgesic drugs may be less potent in females than in males
December 23, 2008 [Source: Georgia State University]
Investigators at Georgia State University are the first to identify the most likely reason analgesic drug treatment is usually less potent in females than males. According to their research, sex differences in mu-opioid receptor expression in a region of the brain called the periaqueductal gray area (PAG) is responsible for this variation. Story
Use weights, not aerobics, to ease back pain
December 11, 2008 [Source: the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research]
A new study showed a 60 per cent improvement in pain and function levels for people with chronic backache who took part in a 16-week exercise program of resistance training using dumbbells, barbells and other load-bearing exercise equipment. In contrast, people who chose aerobic training such as jogging, walking on a treadmill or using an elliptical machine to ease their back pain only experienced a 12 per cent improvement. Story
Economic report finds Alexander Technique lessons are cost effective for NHS, UK
December 15, 2008 [Source: University of Bristol]
An economic evaluation published in the BMJ has found that a series of six Alexander Technique lessons followed by an exercise prescription is more than 85% likely to be a cost effective option for primary care providers treating patients with chronic non-specific low-back pain. Story
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