ScienceDaily: Back and Neck Pain News

Long-term use of prescription painkillers for back pain linked to erectile dysfunction in men

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:49:49 EDT

Regularly taking prescription painkillers, also known as opioids, is associated with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction in men.

Chronic pain sufferers likely to have anxiety

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:31:31 EDT

Patients coping with chronic pain should also be evaluated for anxiety disorders, according to new research.

Weeks after stroke, some patients develop chronic, debilitating pain

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:28:28 EDT

Nearly 1 in 10 stroke patients suffer chronic and debilitating pain, typically described as sharp, stabbing or burning. It is treatable with medications and magnetic or electrical stimulation of the brain. But physicians often fail to correctly diagnose the condition.

Influence of the family on back pain sufferers

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:13:13 EDT

Researchers have published a research paper that focuses on the social factors involved in back pain sufferers returning to work, to give a wider context to the medical factors that are often considered.

3-D system could prevent shoulder injuries in baseball pitchers

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:40:40 EDT

A new 3-D motion detection system could help identify baseball pitchers who are at risk for shoulder injuries, according to a new study.

Study on patients with disc prolapse: Same gene variant promotes pain in women, suppresses pain in men

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 08:45:45 EDT

More women than men develop chronic low back pain and sciatica. The explanation may lie with a gene variant that plays into the body’s pain regulation.

Bone-marrow grafts show promise for some sufferers of low-back pain

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:40:40 EDT

Autologous bio-cellular grafts are increasingly encountered in surgical literature as a means to enhance tissue repair. Biologic graft use has expanded beyond simple platelet rich plasma to encompass bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and adipose derived autologous stem cell products. The clinical application of such grafts in the treatment of low back pain is intriguing, but remains unproven.

Long nerve grafts restore function in patients with brachial plexus injury

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:03:03 EDT

A new study challenges a widely held belief that long nerve grafts do poorly in adults with an axillary nerve injury. Investigators found that the outcomes of long nerve grafts were comparable to those of modern nerve transfers.

Docking technique to repair torn elbow ligament yields favorable results in adolescent baseball players

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 08:15:15 EDT

A new study found that a surgical procedure known as the “docking technique” to repair a torn elbow ligament in teenage athletes yielded favorable results.

Spine patients who quit smoking report diminished pain

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:14:14 EDT

Smoking is a known risk factor for back pain and disc disease. In a new study, researchers reviewed smoking cessation rates and related pain in 6,779 patients undergoing treatment for spinal disorders with severe axial (spine) or radicular (leg) pain. Information on each patient's age, gender, weight, smoking history, assessment of pain, treatment type and co-morbid depression also were assessed.

Hands-on treatment improves chronic low back pain, reduces medication use

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:29:29 EDT

A new study used osteopathic manual treatment (OMT) and ultrasound therapy to treat chronic low back pain in 455 adults. Patients in the study who received ultrasound therapy did not see any improvement, but the patients who received OMT did see significant improvement in pain, used less prescription medication and were more satisfied with their care over the 12 weeks of the study than those patients who did not receive OMT.

Repairing the nose after skin cancer in just one step

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:18:18 EDT

A new reconstruction technique allows surgeons to recreate a functioning nostril after removing skin cancer from the nose. The technique takes only one step, unlike the current practice that requires a return trip the operating room.

Neck injuries linked to high costs for patients and spouses, study reports

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:37:37 EDT

Patients with neck injuries incur increased health and social costs -- which also affect their spouses and may begin years before the initial injury, a new study reports.

Walking away from back pain

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:14:14 EST

A new study says a low-cost program of aerobic walking is just as effective as expensive clinical therapy in the treatment of lower back pain.

Double-jointed adolescents at risk for joint pain, study finds

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:03:03 EST

A prospective study by U.K. researchers found that adolescents who are double-jointed-- medically termed joint hypermobility -- are at greater risk for developing musculoskeletal pain as they get older, particularly in the shoulders, knees, ankles and feet.

Spinal cancer: Guidelines for diagnosis unsupported in patients with lower back pain

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:56:56 EST

A new systematic review has raised doubts as to the effectiveness of "red flag" indicators at both identifying and excluding cancer in patients with lower back pain. The authors of the review concluded that most individual red flags were poor at diagnosing spinal malignancies and call for further studies focused on combinations of red flags.

Texting becoming a pain in the neck

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:12:12 EST

Orthopedic surgeon, spine specialist says excessive leaning head forward and down, while looking at a phone or other mobile device could result in what some people call “text neck.”

Preventing chronic pain with stress management

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:20:20 EST

For chronic pain sufferers, such as people who develop back pain after a car accident, avoiding the harmful effects of stress may be key to managing their condition. This is particularly important for people with a smaller-than-average hippocampus, as these individuals seem to be particularly vulnerable to stress.

Heavy backpacks may damage nerves, muscles and skeleton, study suggests

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:16:16 EST

Damage to muscles and the skeleton is the frequent consequence of carrying heavy backpacks and occupational gear on our backs. New research confirms that damage to the nerves that travel through the neck and shoulders is also a serious risk.

Surgeons find better ways to treat nerve compression disorder that can sideline athletes, studies suggest

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 19:21:21 EST

Two new studies suggest ways to improve surgical treatment for a debilitating condition caused by compressed nerves in the neck and shoulder.

Study identifies skiers who can be successfully treated without surgery after an ACL tear

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:37:37 EST

Roughly a quarter of recreational skiers who tear their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while hitting the slopes can be successfully treated without surgery, according to a new study.

Significance of second trimester markers for Down's syndrome revealed

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:18:18 EST

A new analysis has found that some second trimester markers for Down's syndrome that are detected by ultrasound are more telling than others. The study's results will help adjust pregnant women's risks for having a child with the condition.

Discovery could eventually help diagnose and treat chronic pain

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 19:57:57 EST

More than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. But treating and studying chronic pain is complex and presents many challenges. Scientists have long searched for a method to objectively measure pain and a new study advances that effort.

Progress reported in quest to create objective method of detecting pain

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 23:49:49 EST

A method of analyzing brain structure using advanced computer algorithms accurately predicted 76 percent of the time whether a patient had lower back pain according to a new study.

Patients with severe back pain who quit smoking report less pain than patients who continue to smoke

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:24:24 EST

For years, research has shown a link between smoking and an increased risk for low back pain, intervertebral (spine) disc disease, and inferior patient outcomes following surgery. A new study also found that smokers suffering from spinal disorders and related back pain, reported greater discomfort than spinal disorder patients who stopped smoking during an eight-month treatment period.

Sharp spike in computer-related injuries predicted for medical workers, find studies

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:17:17 EST

As U.S. health care goes high tech, spurred by $20 billion in federal stimulus incentives, the widespread adoption of electronic medical records and related digital technologies is predicted to significantly boost musculoskeletal injuries among doctors and nurses.

High-dose opioid treatment associated with mental health and medical comorbidities

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:39:39 EST

A new study shows that patients on higher doses of opioids had higher rates of psychiatric problems, co-prescriptions of sedatives and health care services utilization.

Yoga shown effective for treating chronic neck pain

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:38:38 EST

A German study shows that yoga appears to be an effective treatment for neck pain and provides added benefits of improved psychological well being and quality of life.

Five things everyone should know about lung cancer

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:31:31 EST

More than an estimated 160,000 people in the United States will die from lung cancer this year, making it the country's leading cause of cancer death. According to the National Cancer Institute, it surpassed breast cancer as the number one killer in women back in 1987. It causes more deaths than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined, according to the American Lung Association.

Dance intervention improves self-rated health of girls with internalizing problems

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:13:13 EST

A dance intervention program improved the self-rated health of Swedish girls with internalizing problems, such as stress and psychosomatic symptoms.

Minimally invasive lymph node dissection in breast cancer has advantages over conventional surgery

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 08:42:42 EST

Axillary lymph node dissection is done in conjunction with lumpectomy or mastectomy to determine if breast cancer has spread to the adjoining lymph nodes. The conventional surgical approach leaves a surgical scar that is unattractive and can restrict range of motion in the shoulder joint. Also, squeezing and pulling the tumor during the breast operation can stimulate tumor cell metastases. A new study reports that an endoscopic technique, mastoscopic axillary lymph node dissection, can reduce these complications.

Stay in bed or feel the burn? What to do when you are sick

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 13:21:21 EST

Stuffy noses, hacking coughs and aches all over -- cold and flu season has arrived. Though your body may be aching and your nose running like a faucet, it can be difficult to decide if you should continue your exercise routine or take a temporary break.

Archery fad by kids could shoot up shoulder, arm, hand injuries

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 13:35:35 EDT

With so many youngsters picking up the sport/hobby of archery thanks to its increased popularity in TV shows like “Revolution” and movies like “The Hunger Games” and “Brave,” Harris Health System rehabilitation and pediatric experts caution parents about the potential dangers of long-term injuries to hands, wrists, arms and shoulders.

Antidepressant eases radiation-related mouth pain in head, neck cancer

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:12:12 EDT

An oral rinse of the antidepressant doxepin significantly eased pain associated with oral mucositis in patients receiving radiation therapy for cancers of the head and neck, a new study has found.

Standardized child booster seat laws would save lives, study suggests

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 08:06:06 EDT

State laws that mandate car booster seat use for children at least until age eight are associated with fewer motor vehicle-related fatalities and severe injuries, and should be standardized throughout the US to optimally protect children, according to new research.

Is immediate and long-term pain after a motor vehicle collision hereditary?

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 13:15:15 EDT

Two studies have found that hereditary genes were responsible for the amount and type of pain experienced after a motor vehicle collision (MVC). Many drivers experience symptoms after an MVC, including musculoskeletal pain in the back, neck and other areas. It has been unknown why some drivers feel pain immediately after a collision or develop persistent pain after a collision, while others do not.

Foot, knee and hip pain a problem in obese children

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 12:55:55 EDT

Pain in the lower extremities -- feet, ankles, knees and hips -- contributes to both poor physical function and a reduced quality of life in obese children, according to a new study. The research shows that obese children with lower extremity pain have worse physical function and poorer psychological health than obese children without lower extremity pain.

Botox injections reduce chronic neck and cervical muscle pain

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 17:41:41 EDT

A study revealed Botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX) injections significantly improve pain and quality of life in people with chronic bilateral posterior neck and shoulder myofascial pain syndrome.

Shoulder dislocation in older patients poses different challenges in diagnosis, treatment

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 13:48:48 EDT

Although shoulder dislocation can occur at about the same rates in both younger and older patients, injuries in older patients are more likely to be overlooked or misdiagnosed, resulting in years of persistent pain and disability.

Getting athletes back in the game sooner following shoulder injuries

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:14:14 EDT

Biceps tenodesis hastens recovery, cuts rehabilitation time for labrum tears allowing athletes to return to play sooner.

Evidence-based guidelines to help physicians manage patients with acute low back pain

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 08:33:33 EDT

Radiologists have developed evidence-based guidelines to assist physicians with the process of managing patients with acute low back pain. Low back pain is one of the most common reasons for visits to physicians in the outpatient setting.

Work-family conflict translates to greater risk of musculoskeletal pain for hospital workers

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:26:26 EDT

Nurses and other hospital workers, especially those who work long hours or the night shift, often report trying to juggle the demands of the job and family obligations. A study out suggests that the higher the work-family conflict the greater the risk that health care workers will suffer from neck and other types of musculoskeletal pain.

New back pain gene identified in largest genetic study of its kind

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:18:18 EDT

Researchers have for the first time identified a gene linked to age-related degeneration of the intervertebral discs in the spine, a common cause of lower back pain.

Evidence does not back-up spinal manipulation for acute lower back pain, review finds

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:14:14 EDT

Manipulating or "adjusting" the spine is a popular way to treat occasional or acute lower back pain and is covered by many health insurance plans, but a recent review finds no evidence to suggest it is more effective than other therapy options.

Novel surgery removes rare tumor, rebuilds face and jaw

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 12:51:51 EDT

Using a novel surgical approach, it's possible to rebuild a functional lower jaw and mouth, and preserve a patient's ability to eat and speak after removing an invasive facial tumor, according to a new report.

Patient spending for spinal care in U.S. has nearly doubled over past decade

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:08:08 EDT

Expenditures for treatment of back and neck problems in the U.S. have nearly doubled since the late 1990s -- mainly from increased spending for care provided by medical specialists, according to a new report.

Looking one cell at a time in the brain to better understand pain, learning, memory

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 09:38:38 EDT

Scientists are developing profiles of the contents of individual brain cells in a search for the root causes of chronic pain, memory loss and other maladies that affect millions of people. They have described the latest results of a one-by-one exploration of selected cells or “neurons” from among the millions present in an animal's brain.

Yoga: a cost-effective treatment for back pain sufferers?

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 07:54:54 EDT

Specialized group yoga classes could provide a cost-effective way of treating patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain, according to the UK’s largest ever study of the benefits of yoga.

Recurring shoulder instability injuries likely among young athletes playing contact sports

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:37:37 EDT

Summer is a peak season for many sports, and with that comes sport-related injuries. Among those injuries is shoulder joint dislocation.

Nerve transfer surgery success

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 09:34:34 EDT

Because many physicians are unaware of nerve transfer surgery, some patients suffer long-term impairment from nerve injuries that could have been fixed.

Pre-season fitness makes no difference to risk of injury, but type of sport and gender does, study suggests

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 09:51:51 EDT

A new study into varsity athletics found that women had a shorter time to injury than men and that certain sports, such as volleyball, also had a significantly shorter time to injury than others, such as hockey or basketball.

Premature infants do feel pain from procedures: Physiological markers for neonate pain identified

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:26:26 EDT

There was a time when a belief was widely held that premature neonates did not perceive pain. That, of course, has been refuted but measurements of neonate pain tend to rely on inexact measures, such as alertness and ability to react expressively to pain sensations. Researchers reported that there is a significant relationship between procedural pain and detectable oxidative stress in neonates.

Why chronic pain is all in your head: Early brain changes predict which patients develop chronic pain

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 19:16:16 EDT

Why do some people with similar injuries end up with chronic pain while others recover and are pain free? The first longitudinal brain imaging study to track participants with a new back injury shows that the more two sections of the brain related to emotional and motivational behavior communicate, the greater likelihood a patient will develop chronic pain. Researchers were able to predict, at the beginning of the study, which participants would go on to develop chronic pain based on the level of brain interaction.

New surgery may reverse hand paralysis

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:16:16 EDT

A reconstructive neurosurgeon has pioneered a novel technique to restore hand function in patients with spinal cord injury. In a delicate four-hour procedure, he splices together tiny nerve endings, only one millimeter in width, to help restore hand mobility.

Engineers conceive disc replacement to treat chronic low back pain

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:51:51 EDT

A new biomedical device to surgically treat chronic back pain – an artificial spinal disc that duplicates the natural motion of the spine – has been developed.

Should spinal manipulation for neck pain be abandoned?

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 19:08:08 EDT

The effectiveness of spinal manipulation divides medical opinion. Experts debate whether spinal manipulation for neck pain should be abandoned.

Training the brain could help reduce pain

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:17:17 EDT

Training the brain to reduce pain could be a promising approach for treating phantom limb pain and complex regional pain syndrome, according to s neuroscience researcher.

Surgeons restore some hand function to quadriplegic patient

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:45:45 EDT

Surgeons have restored some hand function in a quadriplegic patient with a spinal cord injury at the C7 vertebra, the lowest bone in the neck. Instead of operating on the spine itself, the surgeons rerouted working nerves in the upper arms. These nerves still “talk” to the brain because they attach to the spine above the injury.

Back pain improves in first six weeks of treatment but lingering effects at one year, study suggests

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:27:27 EDT

For people receiving health care for acute and persistent low-back pain, symptoms will improve significantly in the first six weeks, but pain and disability may linger even after one year, states a large study.

Change in attitude may ease chronic pain by aiding sleep, study suggests

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:43:43 EDT

Chronic pain sufferers who learn to dwell less on their ailments may sleep better and experience less day-to-day pain, according to results of research conducted on people with chronic face and jaw pain.