Imparied Sleep and Pain Sensitivity
A recent study in PAIN, the official publication of the International Association for the Study of Pain has demonstrated that in people who suffer from both insomnia and chronic pain there is a strong negative effect on pain tolerance and that these individuals may benefit from treatments targeting both conditions. The study included more than […]
Read MoreNew research finds nearly 1 in 5 adults have persistent pain
New research from the University of Washington in Seattle reported that “published adult prevalence estimates of chronic pain in the United States vary significantly. A more consistent pain measure is needed to assess unmet need for pain management in the general population.” [More…]
Read MorePain conditions among veterans with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
A study published in General Hospital Psychiatry evaluated the rates of chronic, noncancer pain conditions in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) System. Researchers used a cross-sectional design that used administrative data extracted from VHA treatment records of all individuals receiving VHA services in one year (N=751). They […]
Read MoreCognitive Behavioral Therapy Helps Treat Diabetic Neuropathies
Research published this month in the Journal Pain found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help relieve pain for people with painful diabetic neuropathies. This was a randomized, treatment as usual (TAU), controlled, non-blinded intervention pilot study with a 4-month follow-up conducted in a VA Medical Center in Boston. It was hypothesized that participants who […]
Read MoreChronic pain medicines should come with behavioral pacts
A great deal of research suggests that physicians are not good at predicting who will misuse pain medication. AMA MedNews [More…]
Read MoreAn Empathetic Doctor Can Increase A Patient’s Pain Tolerance
Clinicians are taught as part of their medical training that the therapeutic relationship is an important component of treatment and that reassurance, empathy and compassionate care are valuable elements in improving medical outcomes. A recent study published in the journal Patient Education and Counseling demonstrated that the doctor-patient relationship can actually change the brain’s response […]
Read MorePain Week
PAINWeek is the nation’s largest pain conference for frontline clinicians with an interest in pain management. Over 1500 physicians, nursing professionals, physician assistants, dentists, pharmacists, and psychologists attended this year. Courses offering over 100 hours of continuing medical education were presented and included topics such as: behavioral pain management, complementary and alternative medicine, emergency medicine, […]
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