Pain Studies In The News
Shekelle P
Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. What's New? What's Different? [expert commentary]
National Guideline Clearinghouse February 2008
Since the 1994 guideline, there has been a vast increase in the research on back pain, including a Patient Outcome Research Team, and the numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses sponsored by the Cochrane Back Group. So the time seemed ripe for a re-examination of the evidence. What should clinicians make of this new guideline? What's new or different compared to the AHCPR guideline, and can clinicians trust it? Story
Massage for migraines surprisingly effective
February 04, 2008
Studies have shown that massage therapy can relieve or prevent pain connected with migraines, though it doesn't replace the need for medication and help from a doctor, experts say. Story
Abuse history affects pain regulation in women with irritable bowel syndrome
February 1, 2008
UCLA and University of North Carolina researchers have found that women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who have experienced sexual and/or physical abuse may have a heightened brain response to pain that makes them more sensitive to abdominal discomfort. Story
Sugary soft drinks linked to increased risk of gout in men
February 1, 2008
The risk of gout increases with increasing intake of sugar sweetened soft drinks. The risk was significantly increased in men with an intake level of 5-6 servings per week and the risk was 85% higher among men who consumed two or more servings of sugar-sweetened soft drinks per day compared to those who consumed less than one serving per month. Story
Training on the correct way to lift heavy objects does not prevent back pain
Janaury 31, 2008
Researchers have found no difference in back pain in studies where one group received training and the other didn’t. Training compared to minor advice (a video) showed no effect on back pain after a year. Story
Intensive education helps back pain sufferers get back to work
January 29, 2008
People who suffer from short-term lower back pain might be able to return to work sooner if given an intensive individual patient education session from their health care provider, according to a new review from researchers in the Netherlands. Story
Vitamins may help cancer-related pain
January 28, 2008
High-potency vitamins, melatoninsupplements, and other complementary remedies may help to relieve the debilitating pain and fatigue experienced by most people with advanced pancreatic cancer Story
The American Nurses Association hosts conference on The National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators
January 28, 2008
January 28, 2008
Among the findings this year, are new data on pediatric pain relief, a key responsibility of RNs. The newest NDNQI research stresses the importance of the pain assessment cycle (assessment, intervention, and reassessment). Story
Arthritic knees remain painful after arthroscopic surgery
January 24, 2008
Trimming damaged tissue through arthroscopic surgery does not relieve pain and swelling in arthritic knees any better than simply flushing loose debris from the joint, according to a new review of evidence. Story
Allergic disease linked to irritable bowel syndrome
January 23, 2008
In a study of 125 adults, investigators at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, found the likelihood of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) was significantly higher in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (2.67 times), patients with allergic eczema (3.85 times), and patients with depression (2.56 times), suggesting a link between atopic disorders and IBS. Story
New survey finds majority of Americans in pain
January 23, 2008
In a new survey, many respondents reported that pain disrupts their work productivity (48 percent), participation in recreational activities (65 percent), ability to take care of their homes and do chores (59 percent), and ability to take care of themselves and family members (41 percent). Despite this disruption, respondents were reluctant to treat their pain, especially with prescription pills, as 93 percent agreed with the statement that "people take too many pills these days. Story
No clear evidence that antidepressants assist in the management of chronic low back pain
January 22, 2008
Researchers found no clear evidence to support the clinician’s prescription of antidepressants in reducing pain and depression for patients with chronic low back pain. Story
NSAIDs no better than other over-the counter drugs for low back pain
January 22, 2008
NSAIDs are “slightly effective” for short-term symptomatic relief, allowing a return to normal activity in patients with acute and chronic low back pain without sciatica. However, these drugs work no better than acetaminophen according to a new review of studies. Story
Talk therapy can help kids with chronic stomach pain
January 22, 2008
For up to 25 percent of school-age children, ongoing abdominal pain is serious enough to interfere with school, playtime and family life. In most of these cases, there are no medical problems— and reassurance and support are all the child needs. For children whose pain persists, however, a new review of the research suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy can help. Story
Duloxetine does not relieve painful physical symptoms in depression
January 22, 2008
Duloxetine inhibits both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and is marketed as a treatment for both the core emotional symptoms and painful physical complaints that often accompany depression. Some studies have found that duloxetine is efficacious in treating painful symptoms associated with depression but these findings have been inconsistent. Story
Is pain all in the mind?
January 15, 2008
Two London doctors underwent a hair-raising experiment to see if other cultures offer something more effective than popping pills. Story
Popular osteoporosis drugs triple risk of painful bone necrosis, study finds
January 15, 2008
A new study has found that a popular class of osteoporosis drugs nearly triples the risk of developing bone necrosis, a condition that can lead to disfigurement and incapacitating pain. The research is the largest study of bone necrosis and bisphosphonates, a class of drugs used by millions of women worldwide to help prevent bone fractures due to osteoporosis. Story
Does weather affect arthritis pain?
January 14, 2008
Two recent research studies on whether climate really does affect arthritis pain have produced conflicting results. Story
Sickle cell disease pain underestimated, study finds
January 14, 2008
More than half of people with sickle cell disease reported having pain on a majority of days and almost a third experienced it on a nearly daily basis. Story
Guidelines to improve care of 3 symptoms at end of life
January 14, 2008
New guidelines from the The American College of Physicians say that clinicians should regularly assess people with serious illness at the end of life for symptoms of pain, shortness of breath, and depression; that they should use proven therapies to treat these conditions; and should ensure that advance care planning occurs for all patients with serious illness. Story
Brain response differences in the way women with IBS anticipate and react to pain
Janaury 12, 2008
UCLA researchers found that women with IBS cannot effectively turn-off a pain modulation mechanism in the brain, which causes them to be more sensitive to abdominal pain, compared to women without IBS. Story
Methadone even at therapeutic levels can kill, study suggests
January 10, 2008
Methadone is a possible cause of sudden cardiac death even when it isn’t overdosed but is taken at therapeutic levels primarily for relief of chronic pain or drug addiction withdrawal. Story
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