Gene therapy targeting sodium successfully reverses chronic pain

The National Institute of Health estimates that 100 million Americans, or around a third of the US population, live with a chronic pain condition. While the economic burden, more than US$500 billion annually, is well documented, increasingly studied is… Continue reading Gene therapy targeting sodium successfully reverses chronic pain

Painkiller producers could pivot to paper waste instead of crude oil

Paracetamol and ibuprofen are among the world’s most common over-the-counter painkillers, but manufacturing them requires crude oil. Now, researchers at the University of Bath have developed a more sustainable method, creating the drugs out of waste pr… Continue reading Painkiller producers could pivot to paper waste instead of crude oil

Placebo proves better than opioids at treating acute back and neck pain

Despite the risks associated with opioid use, they’re commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for acute lower back and neck pain. Researchers have found that, compared to opioids, a placebo is more effective in reducing acute – short-term – back … Continue reading Placebo proves better than opioids at treating acute back and neck pain

Genetic study reveals why Scottish woman feels no pain, heals faster

A few years ago, Scottish woman Jo Cameron was found to be a medical marvel who felt next to no pain, fear or anxiety, and had faster wound healing, thanks to a specific gene mutation. Now, scientists have studied in more detail to figure out how this … Continue reading Genetic study reveals why Scottish woman feels no pain, heals faster

New study identifies pathway to non-addictive pain relief

While opioids like fentanyl and oxycodone are among the most powerful painkillers known to modern medicine, they are also extremely addictive and therefore, increasingly hard to get – even for those suffering from severe pain. A new finding may offer h… Continue reading New study identifies pathway to non-addictive pain relief

Innovative therapy brings hope to chronic lower back pain sufferers

There’s new hope for chronic lower back pain sufferers after an innovative trial combining psychological and physical approaches empowered patients to manage pain and movement, resulting in a dramatic reduction in the condition and related mobility iss… Continue reading Innovative therapy brings hope to chronic lower back pain sufferers

Painless patch uses ultrasound to deliver drugs through the skin

MIT scientists have developed a new wearable patch that can deliver drugs through the skin more efficiently and painlessly. The device uses pulses of ultrasound to pry open the skin, which could improve topical medications or even tattoos.Continue Read… Continue reading Painless patch uses ultrasound to deliver drugs through the skin

Simple, portable gadget could prevent misuse of everyday painkillers

Acetaminophen (aka paracetamol) is a common go-to for treatment of acute pain like headache or toothache, and the popularity of such over-the-counter non-steroidal analgesics is clear, with around 60% of Americans having popped one of these pills in th… Continue reading Simple, portable gadget could prevent misuse of everyday painkillers

Access to e-health programs may reduce chronic pain, opioid use

A new study has shown that for people with chronic pain taking opioids over the long term, incorporating an internet-based self-management program into treatment may help reduce both pain and opioid intake.Continue ReadingCategory: Health & Wellbei… Continue reading Access to e-health programs may reduce chronic pain, opioid use

Drugs no better than placebos for lower back pain relief, study finds

Four out of five Americans will experience lower back pain in their lifetimes, it’s the most common reason for employees to miss work, and managing it racks up a hefty bill of around US$200 billion annually.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, ScienceTag… Continue reading Drugs no better than placebos for lower back pain relief, study finds