Acupuncture For Chronic Pain
Acupuncture has long been used as a treatment for chronic pain, but its effectiveness and underlying mechanisms have often sparked debate. In this article, recent research sheds light on acupuncture’s measurable impact on chronic pain management. By analyzing data from numerous studies on patients with conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic headaches, and musculoskeletal pain, researchers […]
The Unmet Mental Health Needs of U.S. Adults Living with Chronic Pain
Link to article: https://journals.lww.com/pain/fulltext/9900/the_unmet_mental_health_needs_of_u_s__adults.671.aspx?trk=public_post_comment-text According to a recently published US-based population study, adults living with persistent pain are the underrecognized majority of US adults with clinically significant mental health struggles, like unremitted anxiety and depression. Yet, typically, their mental health is only addressed after they have been through an exhaustive biomedical workup that yields no […]
Exploring The Potential Role Of Mesocorticolimbic Circuitry In Motivation For And Adherence To Chronic Pain Self-management Interventions
Adhering to pain self-management strategies is essential for improving psychobehavioral outcomes in individuals with chronic pain. However, maintaining strong adherence to these treatments, which develop adaptive skills, is often difficult, leading to adverse impacts on both individuals and society. Motivation for behavior change has been identified as a major predictor of treatment adherence, yet despite […]
NSAIDs in CKD: Are They Safe?
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) encounter specific challenges when it comes to pain management, as their altered drug metabolism and the lack of comprehensive safety data for pain medications complicate treatment decisions. Although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have traditionally been avoided due to their potential to harm the kidneys, alternative options like opioids also […]
Influence of Routine Exercise on The Peripheral Immune System to Prevent and Alleviate Pain
Chronic pain? Don’t underestimate the power of exercise! Research suggests it not only relieves pain but alters the immune system to fight it. This review explores how various exercises impact the peripheral immune system, offering potential explanations for pain relief and paving the way for future research.
Evaluation of Buprenorphine Rotation in Patients Receiving Long-term Opioids for Chronic Pain- A Systematic Review
The risks of long-term opioid use are well-documented. However, whether switching from a full opioid agonist to the partial opioid agonist buprenorphine improves pain-related outcomes and maintains acceptable side effects in patients with chronic pain remains uncertain. This systematic review of 22 studies focusing on the outcomes of switching to buprenorphine indicates, with low-quality evidence, […]
Making Pain Research More Inclusive
Much of our knowledge about pain mechanisms and treatments is derived from studies involving participants who are generally healthier, wealthier, younger, and predominantly White. This lack of diversity restricts the relevance of these findings and impedes the creation of effective interventions for various populations. To ensure equitable benefits in pain research, it is essential to […]
The Efficacy of Graded Motor Imagery and Its Components on Phantom Limb Pain and Disability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common condition after amputation, affecting up to 87% of people. It causes pain and discomfort where the limb is missing. PLP can be hard to treat and can affect a person’s mental and physical well-being.
Cognition and Pain: A Review
Our brains play a crucial role not only in feeling pain but also in understanding and remembering it. This review explores the growing body of evidence suggesting that pain can negatively impact cognitive abilities like memory and focus. We’ll delve into the brain regions involved in both pain and cognition, as well as how certain pain medications might […]
2025 PainSA Research Grant: Call For Applications
PainSA offers two research grants annually to advance knowledge and research capabilities in the field of pain and pain management. Each year, two grants are awarded: Both grants require the research to focus on pain. The study program can be undertaken on either a part-time or full-time basis. Application is open from July 22nd – […]