Pain Studies In The News
Electrical stimulation may ease vaginal pain
August 6, 2008
A researchteam randomly assigned 40 women with vestibulodynia to undergo real or "sham" TENS treatments delivered with a vaginal probe twice weekly for a total of 20 sessions Using standard pain scales and questionnaires, the investigators found that the TENS group experienced significant improvements in their pain, whereas the sham group did not. Story
High use of complementary methods found among cancer survivors
August 5, 2008
A new study finds many cancer patients use complementary and alternative methods, most often prayer, relaxation, supplements, meditation, and massage. Surprisingly, other methods such as acupuncture and hypnosis were used by fewer than 2% of cancer survivors, even though recent studies found them to be useful in relieving some cancer-related symptoms, such as pain. Story
Possible cause of endometriosis identified
August 5, 2008
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have identified an enzyme that could be responsible for a condition called endometriosis – the most common cause of pelvic pain in women. Story
GPs need to be alert to chronic pelvic pain in women
August 3, 2008
The first population-based study of pelvic pain in Australia has found that general practitioners need to be aware of the high prevalence of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women and be ready to discuss the issue with patients, particularly in relation to underlying issues of anxiety and depression. Story
Imaging study of pain sheds light on mystery condition
August 1, 2008
The first-ever functional brain imaging study of chronic pain conducted in children, done by researchers at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital and Children's Hospital Boston, has shed new light on a mysterious condition known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and offers hope for a better understanding of the disorder in both children and adults Story
Exercise plus relaxation may lessen migraine pain
August 1, 2008
Austrian researchers found that when 15 migraine sufferers added an exercise-and-relaxation routine to their usual care, the patients reported an improvement in migraine pain intensity over six weeks. Story
Frankincense extract said to reduce osteoarthritis pain
July 29, 2008
For patients with knee osteoarthritis, a randomized, double-blind, 90-day trial showed an extract of the Indian frankincense plant gave significant pain relief and reduced levels of a marker of joint pathology, Story
PTSD influences levels of depression and pain
July 21, 2008
University of Michigan researchers examined the contribution of post-traumatic stress disorder to the pain experience, functional disability and frequency of depressive symptoms. Results showed PTSD and depression are significantly correlated and both disorders are associated with perceived disability attributed to chronic pain Story
Study links herpes with widespread neuropathic pain
July 21, 2008
Researchers recently studied a possible association between herpes and neuropathic pain. They hypothesized that in HSV-positive patients, the active virus may alter pain processing at different levels of the central nervous system. A high percentage of patients in the study reported at least moderate pain relief with anti-herpetic medication, and in more than half there was positive correlation between the activity of the HSV infection and pain. Story
Easing pain and numbness associated with diabetes
July 19, 2008
Those with peripheral neuropathy often endure chronic pain, cramping and sleepless nights that prevent them from living a normal lifestyle. But now, scientists believe that a drug called reboxetine may alleviate their symptoms. The compound works by boosting the level of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine between nerve cells. But it also works by inhibiting the neurotransmitter's degradation within the nerve, where it is stored within the cell for later use. Story
Smokers light up after pain
July 17, 2008
The prevalence of smoking among people with chronically painful conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, is approximately double that of the general population. Researchers reported that.what is significant about this particular study is that it shows scientifically that situational pain does in fact motivate smoking. Story
Epilepsy drug eases diabetic neuropathy pain
July 17, 2008
A review of previous studies indicates that the seizure drug pregabalin (Lyrica) is safe and effective for relieving diabetic neuropathy, the pain that diabetics often experience in their feet and hands. Story
Defining the urologic chronic pelvic pain syndromes: a new beginning
July 16, 2008
A group of international experts in urology, gastroenterology, internal medicine, rheumatology, epidemiology, behavioral science and other disciplines convened with a goal of re-characterizing the two most common urologic chronic pelvic pain syndromes, interstitial cystitis and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Story
Chronic fatigue patients benefit from cognitive behavior therapy
July 15, 2008
Cognitive behaviour therapy is effective in treating the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, according to a recent systematic review carried out by Cochrane Researchers. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) uses psychological techniques to balance negative thoughts that may impair recovery with more realistic alternatives. In treating CFS, these techniques are combined with a gradual increase in activity levels. Story
Foot pain: custom-made insoles offer relief
July 15, 2008
Custom-made insoles known as foot orthoses can reduce foot pain caused by arthritis, overly prominent big toe joints and highly arched feet, a new systematic review shows. However, while c owever, whiHustom foot orthoses can be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, there are still many causes of foot pain for which the benefit of this treatment is unclear. Story
Oxygen therapy might ease pain of migraine, cluster headaches
July 15, 2008
Two types of oxygen therapy could offer some relief to adults who suffer from disabling migraine and cluster headaches, according to a new research review from Australia. While the reviewers concluded that hyperbaric treatment might give some relief for migraine headache and that normobaric therapy might provide similar relief for cluster headache, there is no evidence that these therapies will prevent future attacks. Story
Myths about postmenopausal pain during sex shattered
July 15, 2008
Using hormone replacement therapy to alleviate painful sexual intercourse in post-menopausal women is not effective for a significant proportion of sufferers, according to a new study. In looking at the evidence, it seems there are numerous types of conditions that cause pain during intercourse in postmenopausal women, and thatthese conditions are being overlooked by most treatment guidelines and healthcare providers. Story
New surgical option for treating diabetic and other neuropathies being tested
July 15, 2008
ScienceDaily (July 10, 2008) — UT Southwestern Medical Center plastic surgeons and specialists in diabetes, neurology, pain management and rehabilitation are launching a cutting-edge study of peripheral nerve surgery to alleviate long-standing pain and numbness in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Story |
