Pain Studies In The News
Corticosteroid injections not as effective as surgery in treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
November 7, 2007
When considering long-term benefits, surgery may be a better treatment option than local injections of corticosteroids when treating carpal tunnel syndrome, according to research presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting. Story
Decreased use of Cox-2 inhibitors is increasing gastrointestinal complications
November 7, 2007
An increasing number of elderly users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be at greater risk of serious gastrointestinal complications. These gastrointestinal complications from NSAIDs are reduced by the use of selective COX-2 inhibitors (currently, Celebrex is the only COX-2 inhibitor on the market), an NSAID that targets the COX-2 enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain, while reducing the risk of ulcers. Story
1 in 3 Canadians now living with chronic pain
November 7, 2007
Highlights of a new comprehensive population
survey has revealed that one in three (33%) Canadians now live with moderate
to severe pain as an ongoing part of their lives. One in six (16%) live with
constant pain, and one in five (20%) experience pain daily. Story
Floating effective for stress and pain, research suggests
November 6, 2007
Relaxation in large, sound- and light-proof tanks with high-salt waterfloatingis an effective way to alleviate long-term stress-related pain. Through relaxing in floating tanks, people with long-term fibromyalgia or depression and anxiety felt substantially better after only twelve treatments. Story
NSAIDs protect against Parkinson's disease
November 5, 2007
Compared to non-users and non-regular users, regular users of non-aspirin NSAIDs reduced their risk of Parkinson's by as much as 60 percent, the study found. Women who were regular users of aspirin reduced their risk of Parkinson's by 40 percent, especially those who were regular users of aspirin for more than two years. Story
Sex differences found in analgesic response to opioids [Free login required]
November 5, 2007
Men tend to have better analgesic response to the opioid butorphanol, whereas women respond better to morphine using an ischemic pain assay Story
Pain education in Canada: vets get over 3 times more training than other Health Sciences grads, including doctors & nurses
November 4, 2007
Veterinary medicine students received an average of 98 hours of designated
pain education, with specific teaching ranging between 27 to 200 hours. In
contrast, medical schools for example identified an average of 16 hours,
ranging from zero (where the respondent couldn't identify any specific
training on the subject) to 38 hours, and nursing programs averaged 31 hours,
ranging from zero to 109 hours. Story
The painful truth about fibromyalgia
November 1, 2007
Fibromyalgia is the most common widespread chronic pain condition in the United States, affecting more than six million Americans. But a new survey showed that 45% of the general public have never even heard of it. Story
Fibromyalgia pain caused by neuron mismatch, suggests study
October 31, 2007
The unexplained pain experienced by patients with fibromyalgia is the result of a mismatch between sensory and motor systems may be created by a mismatch between what the brain sees via sensory input and what it feels through the motor system that controls movement. Story
Ultrasound-guided injections help ease chronic Achilles tendon pain
October 29, 2007
Patients with chronic tendinosis of the Achilles tendon can experience a reduction in pain when injected with a small amount of a dextrose solution, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC. Story
Neuropathic pain effectively treated by smoked cannabis
October 25, 2007
In a placebo controlled study of 15 subjects, a low dose of cannabis showed no effect, a medium dose provided moderate pain relief, and a high dose increased the pain response. The results suggest a "therapeutic window" for cannabis analgesia. Story
Debilitating workplace low back pain alleviated by naturopathic medicine
October 24, 2007
An innovative research study supports the treatment of low back pain with naturopathic medicine to mitigate workplace absenteeism, low productivity and other health-related costs. Story
Watching funny shows helps children tolerate pain for longer periods
October 21, 2007
Watching comedy shows helped children tolerate pain for longer periods of time, suggesting that humorous distraction could be used in clinical settings to help children and adolescents better handle painful procedures Story
Understanding and discussing the mind-body connection aids in the diagnosis of pain and management of depression
October 19, 2007
Eight in ten doctors say their colleagues need to be educated on the mind-body link while nearly two-thirds are concerned about misdiagnosing depressed patients with a pain condition due to possible confusion around the link that experts agree exists between the mind and the body. Story
Caffeine may boost acetaminophen risk to liver
October 17, 2007
Large amounts of caffeine may increase the risk of liver dysfunction caused by ingesting higher-than-recommended doses of acetaminophen, according to a new study. The authors are urging patients to be more judicious with these substances, especially if they also imbibe alcohol. Story
Massage could put you at risk for nerve injury
October 17, 2007
Massage is commonly regarded as a therapy associated with relieving muscle tension and pain. For some people, a routine massage may actually be the cause of considerable discomfort and physical disability. Story
Exercising in water reduces osteoarthritis pain
October 16, 2007
For patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, doing aerobic and stretching exercises in warm water can bring some relief from the pain and could improve daily function, a new review has found. Story
Are analgesics dangerous to cirrhotic patients at risk for decompensation?:
October 16, 2007
Therapeutic doses of analgesics do not appear to put cirrhotics at increased risk for decompensation, suggest researchers presenting results of a study at the American College of Gastroenterology 2007 Annual Scientific Meeting. Story
Back pain? Insoles won’t help, review insists
October 16, 2007
The advertisements are vague but alluring: Wear insoles and you will be relaxed and stand with proper posture. You will be comfortable, even blissful — all day. However, when researchers actually probed scientific studies, they found no evidence that shoe insoles prevent or treat back pain. Story
Acupuncture diminishes acute postop pain
October 16, 2007
An analysis of several large research studies found that acupuncture, a traditional form of Chinese medicine, effectively eases postoperative pain without serious side effects Story
Vitamin D inadequacy may exacerbate chronic pain
October 15, 2007
Approximately one in four patients who suffer from chronic pain also have inadequate blood levels of vitamin D, possibly contributing to their ongoing pain, according to a new study. Patients lacking sufficient vitamin D also required higher doses of morphine for a longer period of time. Story
Family-centered care more effective for managing children's pain
October 15, 2007
Chronic pain is common in children and adolescents, affecting approximately 45 percent of 10-to-18-year-olds. Unfortunately, the complete elimination of chronic pain is not always possible. A more realistic goal is to address the child and family’s medical, psychological and social needs, ultimately allowing them to return to school and regular social activities Story
Risks and health-care costs of common pain killers underestimated
October 15, 2007
Patients underreported their use of common but potentially dangerous over-the-counter pain medications known as NSAIDs -- a serious issue given the significant risk of injury and bleeding in the GI tract in patients using these drugs. Story
Morphine painkillers won't impair driving
October 13, 2007
Moderate, long-term use of opioid pain medications such as morphine does not impair a person's driving ability, U.S. researchers report. The findings suggest that patients who require long-term pain medication may "become tolerant" to side effects that could potentially impair function. Story |
