Neuropathic Pain

Pain management research goes far beyond identifying drug development and new uses for existing medication. One particularly interesting but neglected area of study involves prism adaptation, a non-invasive, non-medication procedure that sounds like something straight out of a science fiction novel.

A number of studies have shown that gabapentin, developed to treat epilepsy, is effective in treating postherpetic neuralgia and painful diabetic neuropathy. Now, a study has revealed that gabapentin may hold promise for treating fibromyalgia as well.

Spicy food may hold more power than just adding a little zest to a meal. Researchers have uncovered a key interaction that is responsible for the sensations of pain and heat.

Post-mastectomy neuropathic pain can be reduced in nearly one-third of women if the right assessments are completed.

Minimally invasive intervention is an effective alternative to current regional anesthetic techniques for the management of post-operative thoracotomy pain.

General physical activity is often part of the prescription for pain patients. But a new secondary analysis published in The European Journal of Pain shows that for patients with whiplash-associated disorders, neck-specific exercises can be effective and well-tolerated as well.

Pain levels due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) may be altered depending on patients' vitamin D levels, a British study. The findings will be presented in a poster session on June 8 at the American Diabetes Association 75th Scientific Sessions in Boston, MA.

While assessing treatment options for patients with post-traumatic brain injuries, a collaborative team of researchers discovered that oxygen chamber treatment may also benefit patients with fibromyalgia.

Low back pain and symptoms of depression are linked, according to a study conducted with twins in Spain.

Researchers have demonstrate the efficacy of an implantable organic electronic delivery device for the treatment of neuropathic pain in an animal model. The small organic electronic ion pump could be an effective option for patients suffering from severe nerve pain.

Chronic painful conditions can have a significant negative impact on a patient's quality of life, but are some conditions worse than others? A recent study sought to determine which chronic pain condition creates the biggest burden on patient quality of life.

Risk for neuropathy is increased for patients with celiac disease, according to research published in JAMA.

The saying "it's all in your head" may not be that far off when it comes to pain, according to a new study measuring brain activity.

Young leukemia patients are at risk for peripheral neuropathy due to an inherited gene variation, according to research published in JAMA.

University of Toronto researchers have found a novel role for a cell membrane-anchored mediator in cancer pain. They suggest that the serine protease TMPRSS2-a gene previously shown to play a key role in some of the most aggressive forms of androgen-fuelled cancers-appears to be the trigger behind the most severe forms of cancer pain.

People with a rare inherited condition known as "congenial insensitivity to pain" (CIP), which makes it impossible for them to feel pain, may hold the answer to providing pain relief for patients suffering with chronic pain.

Patients with a range of pain conditions may face amplified discomfort based how on how they perceive their symptoms. The findings were presented at the 34th Annual American Pain Society Scientific Meeting in Palm Springs, CA.

If previous research has shown a correlation between chronic pain and depression, it's only natural that the same can be said about chronic pain and happiness – right? A new study shows that's not the case.

Opioid addiction is a serious problem that a subset of patients prescribed opioids for pain could face; however, the issue presents an even more slippery slope for those with chronic pain due to the long-term need for the drugs.

The lack of biomarkers for some life-changing conditions makes diagnoses and treatments more challenging. A new study identified possible biological factors for certain painful diseases.

Competing theories have long been put forth to explain more about the cause of chronic pain, but a new study may finally have shed light on the mystery.

While maintaining high levels of physical activity may not appeal to many patients with fibromyalgia (FM), doing so may be the best way to help ease their pain.

Cases of prescription opioid misuse, abuse, and addiction are still on the rise, claiming thousands of lives each year.

Not only does poor sleep result in more pain for fibromyalgia patients, but it is also linked to a lower pain threshold.

Virtual reality experiments determined that the threshold of pain is increased when the participants do not know the degree of rotation is manipulated.

In a continuing effort to curb the spread of hepatitis C among the riskiest populations, government health officials recently held a webinar to discuss links between opioid injection drug use and increased cases of the liver disease.

Research from Harvard Medical School and Boston University School of Medicine indicates that opioid dispensing and prescription opioid overdoses decreased substantially following two major changes in the pharmaceutical market in 2010: the introduction of abuse-deterrent, extended-release oxycodone hydrochloride and withdrawal of propoxyphene.

The brain chemical typically associated with emotions and other functions may be to blame for boosting chronic pain.

Chronic itch (itch last 6 weeks or longer) is a clinical challenge, and is associated with a number of dermatologic, systemic, neuropathic, and psychogenic causes. Transmission of the itch sensation is similar to that of pain, but distinct in several ways. Scientists have found itch-specific neuronal pathways that when activated, cause considerable discomfort for patients. Current available treatments, however, are still more trial-and-error than evidence-based.

The next step in reducing and preventing neuropathic pain has been identified, according to researchers from UC Davis.