Depression Linked to Increased Menstrual Pain

Summary: Depression may increase the risk of menstrual pain, or dysmenorrhea, through mechanisms such as sleep disturbances. Using genetic analysis, researchers found that depression likely causes period pain, rather than…

Listening to Music After Surgery Lowers Pain and Anxiety

Summary: A new study suggests that listening to music after surgery can significantly reduce pain, anxiety, and even heart rate, aiding recovery. An analysis of 35 studies found that patients…

Morphine’s Pain Relief Mechanism Unveiled

Summary: Researchers have uncovered how morphine relieves pain by activating a specific group of neurons in the brain, termed the ‘morphine ensemble.’ These neurons, located in the rostral ventromedial medulla…

Molecule Discovery Could Revolutionize Chronic Pain Treatment

Summary: Researchers have identified a natural molecule, phosphatidic acid, that reduces the sensitivity of touch-sensing ion channels, providing a promising new avenue for managing chronic pain. By increasing levels of…

AI and Mindfulness: A New Way to Manage Pain

Summary: A new study examines the potential of artificial intelligence to shift chronic pain treatment from opioids to mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Utilizing machine learning to analyze extensive patient data,…

Untangling the Ties Between Chronic Pain and Mental Health

Summary: A recent commentary underscores the complex relationship between chronic pain and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. The interaction is revealed to be driven by a bi-directional feedback…

Conceptual Linking: How Pain Avoidance Can Spread to Safe Activities

Summary: Avoiding activities associated with past pain can cause individuals to shun related tasks that might be painless. This avoidance may generalize to safe activities, leading to needless abstention from…

Music Can Be an Alternative to Opioid-Based Medication for Chronic Pain

Summary: Music has been suggested as a complementary alternative to chronic pain medication. A new study examines the experience of a woman with chronic pain who used music for pain…