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• May 7, 2008

  Brittle bones linked to heart disease
  Among people checked out because of chest pain, the likelihood that the pain is due to obstructed coronary arteries is greater for those with low bone mineral density (BMD) than those with normal BMD, researcher report.

• May 6, 2008

  Health Tip: Is Your Baby in Pain?
  Here's how to tell

• May 3, 2008

  Migraine often associated with psychiatric disorders
  Migraine is commonly associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and social phobia, a new study shows.

• May 3, 2008

  Frequent headache linked with smoking risk in teens
  Adolescents who have frequent headaches appear to be at increased risk of becoming daily smokers, Dr. Karen E. Waldie of the University of Auckland, New Zealand, told Reuters Health.

• May 2, 2008

  Pain prevalent among Americans: survey
  The results of a telephone survey indicate that at any given time about 27 percent of people in the US are experiencing pain, according to a report published the Lancet medical journal.

• May 1, 2008

  Less Money Means More Hurting
  Survey links chronic pain to income status
• Napping Habits Tied to Sleep Disorders
  Older adults battling illnesses more likely to make up lost slumber during day
• Social support, active coping ease chronic pain
  Chronic pain patients who are satisfied with their level of social support are less depressed and more likely to take active steps to cope with their pain, Spanish researchers report.

• April 30, 2008

  Low-dose pot eases pain while keeping mind clear
  Giving carefully calibrated doses of smoked marijuana to people with neuropathic pain, which can be difficult-to-treat and extremely painful, can ease their pain without clouding their minds, California researchers report.

• April 29, 2008

  British team finds two genes for osteoporosis
  British researchers have identified two common genetic mutations that increase the risk of osteoporosis and related bone fractures, according to a study released on Tuesday.
• Multiple gene locations linked to bone density
  Two studies released Tuesday report the identification of several genetic mutations that influence the risk of developing the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis and fracturing a bone.
• Lower-back supports ineffective for pain: study
  Lower-back supports may not be much help in preventing or managing back pain, a research review suggests.
• Diabetes drug linked to fractures -- more evidence
  The results of a new study provide further evidence that two frequently prescribed diabetes drugs -- pioglitazone and rosiglitazone -- increase the risk of fractures, according to a report in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Patients who use these drugs for a year or longer are more than twice as likely as nonusers to sustain a fracture.
• Genes Linked to Osteoporosis Identified
  Could be potential targets for new treatments, two studies suggest
• Alendronate may raise risk of irregular heat beat
  Women who have ever used alendronate, also known by the trade name Fosamax, may have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, according to findings from a new study. However, the overall risk is low and is likely outweighed by the benefits of fracture prevention in patients with osteoporosis if they have no other risk factors for atrial fibrillation, the investigators conclude.
• Phenytoin may cause bone loss in young women
  Treatment with the anti-seizure medication phenytoin appears to lead to the loss of bone mineral density at the hip in young women, whereas treatment with other antiepileptic agents, such as carbamazepine and lamotrigine, does not, U.S. researchers report.
• Chronic pain common with c-section incision
  Chronic pain is often seen in patients who receive a "Pfannenstiel" incision as part of a c-section or other operation, Dutch researchers report in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology. In moderate-to-severe cases, the pain often stems from compression of nearby nerves.
• Artificial Cervical Disc Surgery Cheaper Than Fusion
  Savings of almost $6,000 primarily due to earlier return to work, analysis finds
• Quick Decompression Aids Spinal Injury Recovery
  Done within 24 hours, the procedure improved neurological outcomes a year later
• Gastric Bypass May Also Relieve Low Back Pain
  Discomfort appears to decline along with weight, study finds

• April 28, 2008

  An Alternative to Medicinal Marijuana
  Nerve agents stimulated cannabinoid receptors in mice, offering pain relief without side effects

• April 27, 2008

  Cola May Be Bad to the Bones
  Research suggests the beverage contributes to osteoporosis

• April 26, 2008

  Early-onset osteoporosis linked to cancer risk
  Early onset of the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis seems to be related to an increased risk of certain cancers, while later onset of osteoporosis may be related to a decreased risk of other cancers, researchers report.

• April 25, 2008

  Cuddling helps preemies bear pain: study
  Cuddling up against mother's bare skin can help tiny premature babies recover more quickly from the pain of being stuck with needles and other procedures, Canadian researchers reported on Wednesday.

• April 24, 2008

  Cutting Phosphate May Protect Kidney Patients From Heart Trouble
  High levels are major source of cardiovascular death risk in those with chronic disease
• Exercise Plays Role in Recovery From Sports Injuries
  Expert says goal is to maintain strength, not gain it, while you mend

• April 22, 2008

  Raloxifene safe for women with kidney disease
  Treatment with raloxifene safely increases bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with chronic kidney disease, and also lowers their risk of vertebral fractures, according to an analysis of data from the Multiple Outcomes of Raloxifene Evaluation (MORE) trial.
• Headaches linked to painful skin sensations
  Many patients with chronic headaches are often overly sensitive to touch and ordinary activities like rubbing the head or combing the hair cause pain, according to findings from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention Study.

• April 19, 2008

  Exercise Combats Cancer Fatigue
  Review suggests it be included as basic component before and after treatments

• April 18, 2008

  Deep Brain Stimulation Aids Those With Rare Headache Condition
  Though it didn't stop attacks, therapy eased frequency of episodes for SUNCT sufferers
• Children With Migraines at Higher Risk for Sleep Disorders
  They're twice as likely to have apnea, repeated arousals from slumber, study finds

• April 17, 2008

  U.S. FDA approves new migraine drug
  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a combination migraine drug from GlaxoSmithKline Plc and Pozen Inc, the companies said on Tuesday.

• April 12, 2008

  Novartis says Aclasta better at boosting bone mass
  Novartis AG's Aclasta was more effective than Procter & Gamble Co's Actonel in increasing bone mass in patients with the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis, a study showed.
• Traditional acupuncture may ease migraines
  Acupuncture, as practiced in traditional Chinese medicine, may offer some relief from migraine pain, a new study suggests.
• High blood glucose linked to reduced fracture risk
  Middle-aged people who have high levels of glucose in their blood seem to run less of a risk of suffering broken bones, Swedish researchers have found.

• April 10, 2008

  Raloxifene Safe for Women With Decreased Kidney Function
  Osteoporosis drug promoted bone density, reduction in fractures, study finds

• April 8, 2008

  Testosterone Therapy May Reduce Bone Loss in Older Men
  But long-term effects of the hormone treatment aren't known, researchers say

• April 5, 2008

  Yoga Program May Help Prevent Falls in Elderly
  9-week course for women over 65 showed increased flexibility, balance and stance

• March 23, 2008

  Music as Medicine
  Music therapy can help reduce anxiety and improve physical health

• March 22, 2008

  Deep Sedation Becoming More Common for Dying Patients in Holland
  Study doesn't make clear if practice is being carried out in lieu of euthanasia
• Health Tip: Weight-Bearing Exercises Strengthen Bones
  And help prevent osteoporosis

• March 21, 2008

  New Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Works for Adults, Children
  But the real test for tocilizumab lies in head-to-head drug trials, expert says
• Trauma Patients Suffer Even 12 Months After Injury
  Those with joint and extremity damage had chronic pain lasting years

• March 19, 2008

  Pain Relief for Osteoporosis Patients With Fractures
  Vertebroplasty shows benefit in study of those with spinal afflictions
• Health Tip: Tame Tension Headaches
  How to help prevent and control them

• March 17, 2008

  Health Tip: When Flat Feet Cause Pain
  See your doctor for treatment

• March 10, 2008

  Thyroid Hormone Could One Day Treat Osteoporosis
  Animal experiments show thyroid stimulating hormone prevented bone loss

• March 7, 2008

  Health Tip: A Sprain in the Neck
  Here are common symptoms

• March 6, 2008

  Health Tip: Help Prevent Stress Fractures
  Take some precautions

• March 5, 2008

  Aromatherapy Falls Short, Study Finds
  It didn't heal wounds, relieve pain or boost immune status
• Health Tip: Choose the Right Backpack
  Prevent back problems in your child

• March 3, 2008

  Health Tip: Safe Snow Shoveling
  Take extra precautions

• February 28, 2008

  Health Tip: Muscle Injury?
  Try the RICE method

• February 27, 2008

  Headache common in people with GI trouble
  The prevalence of headache is higher in people with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as nausea, acid reflux, diarrhea, and constipation, than in people who don't have these bothersome symptoms, new research indicates.
• Patients educate patients to control migraine
  When migraine patients trained other migraine patients how to prevent migraine headaches, attacks declined and both trainers and trainees gained a greater sense of control over their attacks, researchers report.
• Red algae extract may help arthritic knees
  A natural dietary supplement derived from seaweed could help improve pain and stiffness in people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee, according to a preliminary study.
• Health Tip: What's Behind My Migraine?
  Some common triggers

• February 26, 2008

  Acupuncture may be effective for menstrual pain
  Acupuncture can help relieve menstrual pain and improve the quality of life for some women, a new study from Germany shows.

• February 25, 2008

  Language problems seen with anti-migraine drug
  Migraine patients taking topiramate, a drug used to stave off the debilitating headaches, may experience disturbances in language, according to a recent report.

• February 22, 2008

  Aquatic Exercises May Ease Fibromyalgia
  Exercise in heated pool brought relief from chronic pain, study found
• Health Tip: Don't Get Burned by Hot Water
  Some precautions to consider for kids
• Taking Multiple Pain Relievers May Cause Complications
  Dual use of prescription, over-the-counter drugs raises risk of adverse side effects
• Socially connected people do better after surgery
  People who have a strong social network feel less pain and anxiety before having surgery than their more isolated peers, according to a new study in VA patients. This translates to less pain and anxiety after the operation, less use of pain medication, and fewer days spent in the hospital, researchers report.

• February 21, 2008

  Weight training aids chronic neck pain
  New research suggests that strength training may ease chronic neck and shoulder pain, a problem that has grown increasingly common as people spend more time on computers.

• February 20, 2008

  Surgery Best for Narrowing of Spine
  Study says it beat nonsurgical care for painful condition that often accompanies aging
• Study Suggests Glucosamine Won't Ease Hip Arthritis
  Research adds to debate on the supplement but doesn't settle it, one expert says

• February 18, 2008

  Glucosamine no better than placebo for hip arthritis
  Many people take glucosamine for arthritis-like symptoms but results of a new study suggest that glucosamine has no clinically meaningful effect on pain, function, or disease progression in patients with arthritis of the hip.
• Parent education curbs ER visits for kids' ear pain
  Parents who were given "anticipatory guidance" and a prescription for pain-relieving ear drops at a 15-month well-child care check-up are apt to make fewer trips to the local emergency department when their toddler gets an earache, hints research conducted at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

• February 14, 2008

  Weight loss may not harm obese teens' bones
  Although adults who lose weight may also lose some bone mass, obese adolescents seem to keep gaining bone density as they shed pounds, a study suggests.
• Health Tip: Painful Urination
  Here are possible causes

• February 13, 2008

  U.S. back pain costs rise but pain still there
  The total cost of treating back pain in the United States has risen 65 percent in the past decade, but after all the pricey treatments, many people are still left with an aching back and an increasingly empty wallet, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.

• February 12, 2008

  Back Pain Spending Up, Relief Down
  Extra dollars aren't buying results, study says
• Drug doesn't help prevent migraine after all: study
  Contrary to some reports, the anti-epilepsy drug oxcarbazepine does not appear to prevent migraine headaches, new research suggests.

• February 11, 2008

  African Americans less open to epidural for pain
  African Americans are less willing than whites to have an epidural to ease pain following surgery, a new study suggests.

• February 8, 2008

  Chronic Pain Harms Brain's Wiring
  Constant firing of neurons could cause permanent damage, researchers say
• Health Tip: Giving Pain Medication to Your Child
  Speak to your doctor first

• February 7, 2008

  Health Tip: Pain Isn't a Normal Part of Aging
  You don't have to hurt all the time

• February 6, 2008

  Chronic pain seen altering how brain works
  Brain scans of people in chronic pain show a state of constant activity in areas that should be at rest, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday, a finding that could help explain why pain patients have higher rates of depression, anxiety and other disorders.

• February 4, 2008

  A spoonful of sugar eases babies' vaccination pain
  Giving infants a small dose of a sugar solution just before they get injections seems to make the pain more tolerable, a study shows.
• Sugar Water Eases Pain of Infant Vaccinations
  Study found it lowered pain scores by more than 78%

• February 1, 2008

  Osteoporosis common in stomach cancer survivors
  A new study confirms there is a high rate of the bone-thinning disease -- osteoporosis -- in patients who've had their stomach removed because of cancer.
• Vitamin D ups calcium's bone-building effect
  In elderly women, adding vitamin D to regular calcium supplements produces long-term improvements in hip bone density, researchers report.

• January 25, 2008

  Painkillers safe for kids after tonsil surgery
  Children recovering from having their tonsils and adenoids removed can be given painkillers like ibuprofen without increasing the risk of postop bleeding, according to a new study.

• January 24, 2008

  Strict dieting may harm young runners' bone health
  Teenage girls who stringently restrict their energy intake while involved in endurance sports may end up with low bone density, researchers report.

• January 23, 2008

  NSAIDs No Better for Low Back Pain
  Acetaminophen provides comparable relief, researchers say
• Health Tip: Preventing Back Injury
  Lifting techniques to help protect the back

• January 22, 2008

  Hip fracture risk seen with chronic kidney disease
  Men with chronic kidney disease are at increased risk of sustaining a hip fracture, researchers report.
• Health Tip: Follow Instructions on OTC Pain Relievers
  Signs that you may have taken too much ibuprofen

• January 21, 2008

  Exercise Program Eases Arthritis
  Even 6 months later, improvements in pain and fatigue still evident, study finds

• January 18, 2008

  Genes Linked to Height Also Tied to Osteoarthritis Risk
  Short and tall extremes may put added pressure on joints, study suggests
• Bone-Strengthening Drugs May Be Overprescribed
  Doctors suggest drug makers exaggerate benefits for women who do not have osteoporosis

• January 17, 2008

  Altered brain response seen with irritable bowel
  New research suggests that women with irritable bowel syndrome have a different brain response to anticipated pain compared with other women.
• Health Tip: Dealing With a Canker Sore
  Here's how to tame the pain

• January 16, 2008

  Calcium supplements linked with heart attacks
  Older women who take calcium supplements to maintain bone strength may have an increased risk of heart attack, researchers in New Zealand said on Tuesday.
• Swiss study in mice may lead to new pain drugs
  Enhancing a natural pain-filtering mechanism in the spine helped relieve chronic pain in mice without the unwanted side effects of current pain relievers, Swiss researchers said on Wednesday.
• Sickle Cell Patients in More Pain Than Thought
  Many are struggling at home almost every day
• Health Tip: If You Have Sinus Problems
  Know what triggers your pain
• Calcium Supplements Could Raise Heart Risks in Postmenopausal Women
  Study found those taking tablets had 47% higher risk of cardiovascular trouble

• January 15, 2008

  Low testosterone tied to broken bones in older men
  Men 60 years and older with low levels of testosterone in the blood are at increased risk for fractures due to the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis, results of a new study suggest.
• More evidence exercise helps arthritis sufferers
  Moderate exercise can help older adults with arthritis ease their pain and fatigue, a new study suggests.
• "Chocoholics" may risk brittle bone disease
  There's increasing evidence that chocolate is good for the heart, but new research suggests it may not be so great for the bones.
• Severe daily pain common in sickle cell disease
  The pain that adults with sickle cell disease experience has been greatly underestimated, primarily because these patients usually manage their symptoms alone without seeking health care, study findings indicate.

• January 14, 2008

  Strength training relieves chronic neck pain
  For women with chronic pain in the trapezius muscle, the muscle that extends along the back of the neck, high-intensity strength training targeting the neck and shoulder muscles provides long-lasting pain relief, new study results show. General fitness training, on the other hand, offers little benefit, Danish investigators report in the current issue of Arthritis Care and Research.

• January 13, 2008

  5 Problems With Feet That Men Shouldn't Walk Away From
  Ankle sprains and ingrown toenails need a doctor's attention, experts say

• January 11, 2008

  Strength Training Eases Chronic Neck Pain
  Danish study of women showed effect lasted long after program ended

• January 11, 2008

  Lidocaine eardrops may ease pain of otitis media
  Along with oral painkillers, eardrops containing the analgesic lidocaine may provide speedy pain relief due to a common ear infection in kids called acute otitis media, or AOM, Australian researchers report.

• January 9, 2008

  Women With IBS Unable to Switch Off Pain Response
  Finding could improve understanding of irritable bowel syndrome and lead to new treatments

• January 8, 2008

  Lipitor doesn't improve bone health after menopause
  When administered at doses that lower lipid levels, atorvastatin, sold in the U.S. under the trade name Lipitor, appears to have no effect on bone mineral density or bone metabolism in postmenopausal women, according to researchers.
• U.S. warns of severe pain with osteoporosis drugs
  Patients treated with widely used osteoporosis drugs may develop severe and sometimes disabling muscle, joint and bone pain, U.S. officials said on Monday in an alert highlighting the previously known risk.
• Supreme Court takes up major death penalty case
  The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Monday in a death penalty case being watched around the world, to decide whether the lethal injections used to execute criminals cause unacceptable pain.

• January 7, 2008

  Health Tip: Help Ease Growing Pains
  Here's what you can do

• January 4, 2008

  46 Million Americans Suffer From Arthritis
  By 2030, 40% of U.S. adults will have the condition, experts say

• January 3, 2008

  Oral bisphosphonates may lower jaw necrosis risk
  A report in the Journal of the American Dental Association clarifies the risk of jaw osteonecrosis associated with bisphosphonates, which are used to prevent or slow the progression of osteoporosis.

• January 2, 2008

  Minorities Less Likely to Get Powerful Painkillers in ER
  Study finds whites are prescribed opioids more often than blacks, Hispanics

• January 1, 2008

  Racial gap in ER opioid use in US still persists
  Since national quality improvement initiatives were introduced in the United States in the late 1990s, use of opioid painkillers in the emergency room (ER) setting for pain-related visits has increased, new research shows. However, white patients continue to be treated more often with these pain-relievers than patients of other racial groups.

• December 31, 2007

  Chronic pain possible after vasectomy
  Some men who undergo vasectomy may have some pain for months afterward, a new study suggests.

• December 26, 2007

  Stimulating muscles may improve musician's dystonia
  Vibrations that alter the brain region responsible for controlling the hands could be used to treat musician's dystonia, a movement disorder in which the muscles contract involuntarily, UK researchers suggest.

• December 25, 2007

  NSAIDs won't protect ultra-marathoners' muscles
  Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen during endurance events does not help prevent muscle damage or next-day muscle soreness, a study in ultra-marathoners indicates.

• December 24, 2007

  Chronic tummy aches common in young teens
  One in five children will develop chronic abdominal pain during adolescence, according to a new study in English schoolchildren.
• Health Tip: Prevent Shin Splints
  Don't change exercise routine too abruptly
• Daily calcium quota may be too high: study
  Adults may need half the amount of daily calcium currently recommended, researchers report based on a review of published studies.
• FDA Renews Warnings on Pain-Relief Patch
  Misuse and misprescribing can lead to overdose, death from fentanyl-laden patches

• December 21, 2007

  US issues new warning on misuse of pain patch
  U.S. health officials issued a second warning on Friday about reports of deaths and dangerous side effects in patients who used Johnson & Johnson's Duragesic pain-killing skin patch or generic versions.
• Constipation as cause of stomach pain overlooked
  Parents and doctors may overlook constipation as the cause of acute stomach pain in children, but constipation may account for most of the abdominal pain among kids, a study shows.

• December 20, 2007

  Bone test predicts long-term fracture risk
  A single test of bone thickness can predict whether a woman is likely to experience backbone or "vertebral" fractures in the next 15 years, according to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
• Surgery doesn't relieve knee-cap pain
  People who suffer chronic knee pain known as patellofemoral pain syndrome are unlikely to get any more benefits from surgery than from home-based exercises, a new study suggests.
• Health Tip: What's Plantar Fasciitis?
  A painful foot condition

• December 18, 2007

  Massage may ease pain after surgery
  An evening back massage may help relieve the pain and anxiety experienced by patients after major surgery, according to study results reported in the Archives of Surgery.
• Growth hormone may relieve fibromyalgia pain
  Daily injections of growth hormone may help reduce pain and improve the quality of life in some patients with fibromyalgia, new findings of a small study suggest.
• Denosumab fortifies bone in breast cancer patients
  The osteoporosis drug denosumab increased bone strength in women receiving hormone therapy for breast cancer, drug maker Amgen Inc said Friday.
• Massage Eases Pain, Anxiety After Surgery
  It's now standard post-surgical practice at some U.S. hospitals

• December 15, 2007

  Super-thin women at risk of brittle bone disease
  Women who are unusually thin but don't have anorexia have poor bone quality that puts them at risk of developing osteoporosis, French researchers report.
• Growth hormone may curb fibromyalgia pain
  Some people who suffer from a common and often debilitating chronic pain condition called fibromyalgia may find relief with shots of growth hormone, a study hints.

• December 14, 2007

  Pregnant? Backache? Thank evolution
  Pregnant women may stand out a mile away with their characteristic backward-leaning stance, but that clumsy-looking position is a unique adaptation that evolved over millennia, anthropologists said on Wednesday.
• Neck jab reduces migraine symptoms
  Injection of a local anesthetic into active trigger points in the lower part of the neck -- the cervical spine -- ameliorates migraine symptoms, Italian investigators report.

• December 13, 2007

  Evolution Tips the Balance in Mom's Favor
  Female spine has evolved to better accommodate pregnancy, study says
• Cancer Patients Hold Fast to Belief That Opioids Mean Death
  Docs need to educate that drugs such as morphine are more than just a last resort

• December 11, 2007

  Stomach drugs' hip risk eyed; heart OK
  U.S. regulators said on Monday they had cleared AstraZeneca Plc's best-selling heartburn drugs Prilosec and Nexium of links to heart problems, but disclosed a review of a potential risk for hip fractures.
• Stimulants for ADHD may cause mild heart symptoms
  The use of stimulants by children and teenagers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be to blame for an increased number of visits to the emergency room or doctor's office because of heart-related symptoms, but deaths or serious heart complications are rare, according to a study from Florida.
• U.S. FDA finds no heart impact of Prilosec, Nexium
  U.S. regulators gave a clean bill of health to AstraZeneca Plc's Prilosec and Nexium Monday, saying they found no evidence of an increased risk of heart problems from the popular heartburn drugs.

• December 9, 2007

  Adolescent overweight bad for the bones
  Adolescent girls who are overweight may have weaker bones that their leaner counterparts, which may boost their risk of suffering fractures later in life.

• December 7, 2007

  Simple test predicts osteoporosis risk in men
  A simple test, called the Male Osteoporosis Risk Estimation Score (MORES), identifies men at risk for osteoporosis who might benefit from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to determine their bone mineral density, according to a report in the Annals of Family Medicine.
• Spinal pain control helps rotate breech babies
  The results of a new study conducted in women who'd never given birth before suggests that a commonly used technique to rotate a fetus from a feet-first "breech" position into the normal head-first "cephalic" position is more likely to be successful if pain control drugs are injected into the spinal canal first.

• December 4, 2007

  Hip fracture often deadly for older folks
  Mortality after hip fracture is increasing among elderly people, results of a study from Denmark indicate. The study also shows an increase in the number of men sustaining hip fractures.
• Study explains diabetes drug bone fracture risk
  GlaxoSmithKline Plc's diabetes drug Avandia stimulates the action of a cell that drives the normal bodily process of reabsorbing bone, making bones more apt to break, researchers said on Sunday.
• Genetic testing may help in severe type of migraine
  - a rare, often severe subtype of migraine in which attacks are associated with a weakness affecting one side of the body -- may want to consider genetic testing, researchers suggest.

• December 1, 2007

  Ibuprofen Preserves Lung Function in Kids With Cystic Fibrosis
  Therapy slowed respiratory decline by almost a third, study found
• Study Probes Source of Knee Arthritis Pain
  It's not based on damage to the knees' cushioning elements, study suggests

• November 29, 2007

  Depression common in headache sufferers
  Major depression occurs very frequently among patients with chronic headaches, researchers report.
• Freezing tumors eases cancer pain in study
  Freezing tumors may help relieve the extreme pain of cancer that has spread to the bone, which is often untouched by narcotics or radiation, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.

• November 28, 2007

  Depression linked to brittle bones in women
  Depression should be added to the conditions that lead to osteoporosis in women, conclude the authors of a new study.
• No-suture hernia repair eases groin pain
  Hernia repair using human fibrin glue -- making sutures unnecessary -- relieves chronic groin pain in athletes with a groin hernia, according to a report in the International Journal of Sports Medicine.
• High-impact fracture risk tied to osteoporosis
  Contrary to popular belief, high-trauma fractures, such as those seen with vehicle accidents or falls from high heights, are associated with osteoporosis in older adults, new research suggests.
• Health Tip: Build Healthy Bones
  Start early, benefit later

• November 27, 2007

  Anesthesia pouch gets kids home sooner after surgery
  Children recovering from orthopedic surgery feel less pain and leave the hospital sooner when they go home with a small anesthetic pouch that delivers a local numbing medication.
• Non-White Women More Prone to Breast Cancer Pain
  It may be undertreated compared to white patients, research suggests
• Depression Linked to Bone Loss in Younger Women
  Finding could aid efforts to prevent osteoporosis, researchers say
• Drug Combos Effective Against Rheumatoid Arthritis
  Older and newer medicine together often bring relief, study finds

• November 25, 2007

  Back Pain Prevention Should Start With a Plan
  Traveling or just under stress, holiday period is perfect time to lighten your load

• November 23, 2007

  Effect of pot smoking on pain all in the dose: study
  A study suggests that smoking a moderate amount of cannabis (marijuana) may relieve pain but smoking high doses may increase pain.

• November 21, 2007

  New mothers' fatigue can last for months
  Three months after giving birth, many women still have fatigue, headaches and other symptoms related to childbirth, a new study shows.

• November 20, 2007

  Brain differences detected in migraine sufferers
  People who get migraines have structural differences in their brains, notably in the cortex area that processes pain and other sensory information from the body, scientists said on Monday.
• Hypnosis may calm kids' irritable bowels
  Gut-directed hypnotherapy is "highly effective" for children with long-standing abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome (known as IBS), researchers have found.
• Lumbar supports help prevent recurrent low back pain
  Home care workers may experience fewer bouts of low back pain if they use lumbar supports, according to the first study to evaluate the devices in this setting.
• Migraine Tied to Thickening in Brain Area
  But scientists aren't sure which comes first

• November 14, 2007

  Exercise found to ease chronic pain of fibromyalgia
  Regular walks and stretching exercises can help ease the chronic, depressing pain of fibromyalgia, a mysterious ailment with no obvious cure, researchers said on Monday.

• November 13, 2007

  Exercise Eases Fibromyalgia Symptoms: Study
  Biggest beneficiaries were women who also received training to manage the condition

• November 10, 2007

  Spinal manipulation ineffective for low back pain
  Going to a chiropractor for spinal manipulation or taking the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac probably won't speed recovery from acute low back pain, a study shows.

• November 10, 2007

  Vioxx Settlement Puts Painkillers Back in the Spotlight
  Cox-2 inhibitors not so bad if used wisely and in the right patients, experts say
• Drugs Can Ease Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
  3 trials show some success in helping children
• Health Tip: When a Stomachache Requires Medical Attention
  When to head for the hospital

• November 9, 2007

  Osteoporosis "case managers" seen helpful
  The use of a case manager can significantly boost treatment rates among elderly people with the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis who have suffered a hip fracture and are at high risk of future fractures, research suggests.
• Vioxx Ban Tied to Rise in Serious GI Trouble
  Without such stomach-shielding drugs, patient health has suffered, researchers say

• November 8, 2007

  Migraine linked with sleep problems and fatigue
  Recent findings confirm that excessive daytime sleepiness is more frequent in people who get migraines than in those who don't. However the findings tend to discount the theory that the underlying cause involves the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that produces hormones that control thirst, hunger, body temperature and sleep. Rather, the investigators suggest that problems may arise "from the complex burden" of the migraine.

• November 7, 2007

  Prognosis good for sex-related headaches
  The exact frequency of headache associated with sexual activity in the general population is unknown, but findings from a small study suggest three quarters of such headaches are episodic and most cases do not require medical treatment. Even the for chronic form of these headaches, about 80 percent will go into remission within 3 years.

• November 3, 2007

  Restless legs may be associated with migraine
  Restless legs syndrome occurs more often in people who suffer migraines than in those free of these debilitating headaches, according to results of a study. Depression may also be associated with RLS and migraine.
• Blocking Potent Oxidant Could Prevent Morphine Tolerance
  Findings in animal tests may lead to new therapies for treating chronic pain

• November 2, 2007

  Male cyclers may be losing bone mass
  Bicycling may do a man's heart good, but it won't do much for his bones, the results of a new study suggest.

• November 1, 2007

  Right Dose of Pot Can Ease Pain
  But too much can actually boost discomfort, study finds

• October 30, 2007

  Rheumatoid Arthritis Death Rate Unchanged
  Underlying inflammation may affect heart despite symptom relief, experts say

• October 28, 2007

  Why painkillers may not work in fibromyalgia
  People who suffer from a common chronic pain condition called fibromyalgia often report that they don't respond to the types of medications that relieve other people's pain. Results of a new study suggest why that may be.

• October 26, 2007

  Rates of second hip fracture high in elderly
  Older men and women who have fractured a hip have a high risk of fracturing the other hip, according to a study that included members of the Framingham Heart Study.

• October 24, 2007

  Health Tip: Prevent Injury From Raking Leaves
  Take these precautions
• Health Tip: What's Behind Your Toothache
  Things that can cause tooth pain

• October 18, 2007

  New US vaccine guidelines for adults released
  The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has released the 2007-2008 recommended immunization schedules for adults in the US, according to a report in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

• October 17, 2007

  Winning Super Bowl players healthy decades later
  The select group of professional football players that comprised the 1969 Super Bowl winning team appears to be as healthy as other men in their age group.
• Acupuncture cuts post-surgical pain: research
  The use of acupuncture before and during surgery reduces patients' post-operative pain as well as the need for pain-killing medication, researchers said on Tuesday.
• Chinese herbs may relieve menstrual cramps
  A study involving nearly 3,500 women in several countries suggests that Chinese herbs might be more effective in relieving menstrual cramps than drugs, acupuncture or heat compression.
• Water Workouts Work for Arthritis Patients
  Sessions relieve pain and help improve daily function, researchers say
• Acupuncture Cuts Need for Post-Op Painkillers
  It also eases nausea linked to these drugs, research shows.
• Shoe Insoles No Rx for Back Pain: Study
  Researcher says they may help some people, but not all

• October 15, 2007

  Pepper drug eases pain after groin surgery- study
  The compound that makes chili peppers spicy can ease the pain that follows groin surgery, Danish researchers reported on Saturday.
• Anti-Convulsant Aids Knee-Replacement Patients
  Pregabalin reduced pain, increased range of motion, study found
• Nicotine, Chili Peppers Offer Post-Surgery Pain Relief
  Findings could bring new treatment options for patients, researchers say.
• Many Patients Don't Report Use of OTC Pain Drugs
  Aspirin, ibuprofen and similar medicines pose big stomach risks, study notes.

• October 13, 2007

  Morphine Painkillers Won't Impair Driving
  Study found no difference in motorists' reaction times.

• October 12, 2007

  Antidepressants Boost GI Bleeding Risk
  And the danger rises if the drugs are used with certain painkillers, study finds

• October 11, 2007

  Prosecutions for pain scripts may be on the rise
  A U.S. survey of state medical board members suggests that while many believe prolonged use of opioid analgesics is necessary to combat severe chronic pain, they also feel that more and more doctors are now being prosecuted for over-prescribing these agents.
• Health Tip: Got Low Back Pain?
  Suggestions that may help

• October 3, 2007

  Anesthesia method offers no pain, big gain
  A new approach to anesthesia using the chemical that gives chili peppers their kick promises an improved way to treat pain in surgery, dentistry and childbirth, researchers said on Wednesday.
• Drug Combo Blocks Pain Without Impairing Movement
  Chili pepper compound plus lidocaine derivative anesthetizes without numbness in rat study.

• October 2, 2007

  Experts Issue Guidelines on Treating Low Back Pain
  One recommendation: MRIs, other scans aren't always helpful

• October 1, 2007

  Common pain screening test often inaccurate
  A pain screening method widely used in US primary care settings is doing a poor job of identifying patients with serious pain, a new study suggests.

• September 28, 2007

  U.S. to target unapproved, often abused painkillers
  U.S. regulators said on Friday they were beginning a campaign to crack down on companies selling unapproved versions of an often-abused painkiller with the potent narcotic hydrocodone.
• Brain 'Switch' Helps Doctors Deal With Patients' Pain
  Area that helps them appreciate another's discomfort shuts down, study finds

• September 26, 2007

  Injury to the neck vertebrae can cause headaches
  In rare cases, injury to the vertebral disc in the lower neck will not only lead to neck pain and pain radiating into the arm, but also to headaches, the results of a new study indicate.
• Caffeine Plus Acetaminophen Toxic for Some
  Rat study suggests liver danger, but doses must be very high.

• September 25, 2007

  Health Tip: Causes of Corns and Calluses
  Some are preventable
• Acupuncture may improve lower back pain
  Acupuncture leads to greater improvements in chronic lower back pain than does standard treatment, according to the results of the German Acupuncture (GERAC) trials.

• September 24, 2007

  Calcium, extra weight protect women from bone loss
  Women in early menopause who consume less calcium are at greater risk of osteoporosis than their peers who take in more of the mineral, Italian researchers report.
• Even Sham Acupuncture Eases Low Back Pain
  Study finds real improvements compared to standard therapy

• September 21, 2007

  Calcium's anti-fracture effect varies with age
  In women, calcium supplements offer the greatest protection against forearm fractures early in menopause, whereas they offer the best protection against broken hips later in life, new research suggests.
• Bone health initiative aims to stop osteoporosis
  A public health initiative called American Bone Health was launched this week at the 29th annual meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

• September 20, 2007

  Whiplash may lead to jaw pain, problems
  People who suffer whiplash injuries in car accidents are at increased risk of having temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems months later, Swedish researchers report.
• Surgery an option for mild parathyroid disease
  Even though surgery to remove diseased parathyroid glands (also called parathyroidectomy) is not indicated in mild cases of hyperparathyroidism, surgery may in fact benefit such patients in some cases, according to a study.

• September 19, 2007

  Breast cancer treatment hard on the bones: study
  The bones of breast cancer patients tend to age prematurely as a result of chemotherapy and aromatase inhibitor therapy, according to research reported at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research meeting this week.

• September 18, 2007

  Bone drug cuts death after hip fractures - study
  In a study that could change the way hip fractures are treated, doctors have discovered that giving the Novartis osteoporosis drug Reclast can prevent later fractures and helps patients live longer.

• September 17, 2007

  Surgeons remove gallbladder through vagina
  French surgeons have successfully removed a woman's gall bladder through her vagina, leaving her completely scar-free, according to an expedited report published in the Archives of Surgery.

• September 15, 2007

  Don't Ignore Tough or Long-Term Stomach Pain
  It could point to serious underlying health trouble, experts say.

• September 14, 2007

  Physiotherapy helpful after breast cancer surgery
  Women may benefit from physiotherapy if they experience shoulder pain and reduced arm function after they undergo surgery for breast cancer, doctors from the Netherlands report.

• September 13, 2007

  Coming Soon: Pain-Free Dentistry
  Scientists hard at work on no-drill dental fillings
• Stomach Virus a Culprit in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  Research was spurred by father's concern for son with debilitating condition.

• September 12, 2007

  Health Tip: Tension Headaches
  Can be triggered by stress

• September 6, 2007

  Bone size normalizes in young diabetics: study
  Children with type 1 or "insulin-dependent" diabetes have transient impaired bone growth that normalizes over time, according to study findings.
• Early abuse may lead to migraine, depression
  Stressful early life events such as child abuse may make women more susceptible to migraine and depression as adults, survey findings suggest.

• September 5, 2007

  Genes Boost Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus
  Discoveries could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases, scientists say.
• Knee Pain May Signal Lung Cancer
  It could give an early warning and improve treatment success, researchers say
• Health Tip: Preventing a Bunion
  How to treat your feet

• August 30, 2007

  Weight loss can mean bone loss for older women
  Losing weight around the time of menopause may accelerate the bone loss that women typically see as they age, a new study suggests.

• August 30, 2007

  Whiplash May Result in Delayed Jaw Pain
  Trauma patients 5 times more likely to suffer facial dysfunction after a crash
• Direct Anesthetic Infusion Helps Colorectal Cancer Patients
  Ropivacaine helped control postoperative pain, cut recovery time, study finds

• August 29, 2007

  Diabetes linked to increased risk of hip fracture
  Men and women with diabetes, either type 1 or type 2, are more likely than the general population to fracture a hip, according to a review of studies reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

• August 29, 2007

  Soy-based supplement may lower cardiac risk
  Daily supplements of genistein, a naturally occurring compound found in soy, combined with calcium, and vitamin D, as well as a healthy diet, may help prevent heart disease and help regulate blood sugar in postmenopausal women with bone loss, study findings suggest.
• Health Tip: Coping With Chronic Pain
  Some drug-free treatment options

• August 28, 2007

  Hypnosis can reduce pain perception after surgery
  Hypnosis before breast surgery reduces the amount of medication required during the procedure and lessens postsurgical pain and nausea, according to results of new study. Hospitals also benefit from lower costs.
• Hypnosis Eases Pain of Breast Cancer Surgery
  Other benefits: Less anesthesia, faster recovery, less cost, study finds.

• August 27, 2007

  IBS pain sensitivity may be psychological
  Increased colon pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) appears to be related more to "a psychological tendency to report pain," rather than to actual increased neurosensory sensitivity, investigators report.
• Study Points to Cause of Vioxx Heart Risk
  The drug ups levels of a protein linked to clotting, researchers say.
• Health Tip: Soothing a Sore Throat
  Here are suggestions
• Back to School Means Backpack Safety
  Help protect kids from stress and strain, experts say.

• August 24, 2007

  Pain sensitivity in IBS patients may psychological
  Increased colon pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) appears to be related more to "a psychological tendency to report pain," rather than to actual increased neurosensory sensitivity, investigators report.
• Frovatriptan may prevent puncture-related headache
  Frovatriptan, used to prevent and treat migraine headaches, may also be of use in preventing post-dural puncture headache, according to Italian researchers.
• Oral contraceptives, other factors reduce bone mass
  Oral contraceptive use and loss of normal menstrual function may negatively impact bone health, according to a study of female military cadets.
• Topiramate reduces frequency of chronic migraine
  In patients with chronic migraine, a daily dose of topiramate (Topamax) is reasonably well tolerated and reduces the number of headaches per month, even in patients who are overusing pain medications, a new study shows.

• August 21, 2007

  Preventive migraine therapy raises quality of life
  The results of a study published in the medical journal Cephalalgia indicate that preventive migraine therapy with nadolol or topiramate significantly improves the quality of life of patients with migraine, although their quality of life still remains below the average level.
• Triptan nasal spray effective for adolescent migraine
  A nasal spray containing the drug zolmitriptan, which is known by the brand name Zomig, effectively relieves migraine headache in adolescents and is well tolerated, according to a study.

• August 17, 2007

  US warns about codeine use by some nursing mothers
  Breast-feeding mothers who break down the drug codeine very quickly may put their infants at higher risk of a morphine overdose, U.S. health officials warned on Friday.

• August 16, 2007

  Menopause hard on couple's sex lives
  When a woman enters menopause, her sex life and that of her partner may suffer, according to a survey in which more than half of the women reported a decrease in sex drive and in the amount of sex they were having since entering menopause.
• Obesity may not bring on migraine
  Obese middle-age and older women appear no more likely to report migraine than their non-obese counterparts, a new study suggests.

• August 15, 2007

  Medicare won't cover back disc for older people
  The U.S. Medicare health insurance program has decided it would not pay for a Synthes Inc. artificial disc for the lower back in patients older than 60.

• August 14, 2007

  Nanotechnology Could Help Ease Soldiers' Pain
  A battlefield 'pen' might deliver drug to injury site, scientists hope

• August 13, 2007

  Verapamil for headaches may cause heart problems
  When high doses of the drug verapamil are used to prevent cluster headaches, a severely painful type of headache, about one in five patients will develop some form of cardiac irregularity, according to a report by UK researchers.

• August 10, 2007

  Competitive swimming linked to lower back injury
  Elite swimmers appear to experience higher rates of lower back disk degeneration than recreational swimmers, study findings suggest.
• Stroke a risk in women with migraine and aura
  Among young women, stroke is more likely to occur in those suffering from migraines accompanied by visual aura than in those with other types of headache or no headaches at all, according to new findings.
• Botox and placebo similar for preventing migraines
  Multiple treatments with Botox injections into muscles of the head and neck are not significantly better than inactive "placebo" injections for preventing migraine episodes, according to European and US researchers.

• August 9, 2007

  Exercise rate low in childhood leukemia survivors
  A new study suggests that many adult survivors of childhood leukemia get little or no exercise, a fact that may boost their already elevated risks of long-term health problems.
• Osteoporosis testing advisable for some older men
  Osteoporosis screening to measure bone density, followed by bone-strengthening medication if indicated, appears to be worthwhile for many elderly men, US researchers report.

• August 7, 2007

  Heredity may factor into girls' stress fractures
  Physically active teenage girls may face an increased risk of stress fractures if they have a family history of osteoporosis, a new study suggests.

• August 7, 2007

  Bone Tests Cost-Effective for Elderly Men
  Younger men with prior fracture could also benefit, study finds.

• August 6, 2007

  Low-dose fluoride being tested for osteoporosis
  Adding low doses of fluoride to estrogen therapy may be useful for combating the brittle-bone disease osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, according to researchers from New Zealand. However, there are hurdles to be overcome.

• August 6, 2007

  REFILE: Hysterectomy unrelated to osteoporotic fractures
  Hysterectomy that includes the removal of the ovaries does not pose much of a long-term risk for fractures due to osteoporosis, the results of a study in the journal Fertility and Sterility suggest.
• Hysterectomy unrelated osteoporotic fractures
  Hysterectomy that includes the removal of the ovaries does not pose much of a long-term risk for fractures due to osteoporosis, the results of a study in the journal Fertility and Sterility suggest.
• Pain patient's behavior tips off opioid abuse
  Among chronic pain patients who have been prescribed opioid drugs such as OxyContin or Percocet by primary care physicians, nearly 4 percent abuse these drugs, according to the results of a large study conducted in Wisconsin.

• August 3, 2007

  Neuro symptoms in pregnancy rarely stroke-related
  Neurological symptoms that occur during pregnancy are rarely caused by a mini-stroke, or "transient ischemic attack" (TIA), but instead are usually associated with migraine with "aura," according to a report in BMC Medicine.

• August 2, 2007

  Good attitude may make exercise less painful
  The right attitude may take some of the aches and pains out of vigorous exercise, new research suggests.

• July 27, 2007

  Brain abnormalities seen with writer's cramp
  People who suffer from writer's cramp appear to have structural abnormalities in the cerebellum, the area of the brain involved in regulating movements, and in areas on the opposite side to the affected hand, researchers report in the journal Neurology.

• July 26, 2007

  To Itch or Not to Itch? It's in the Genes
  Finding could lead to targeted remedies for chronic scratching
• Back fractures common after stem cell transplant
  More than one third of children and adolescents who undergo allogenic stem cell transplantation have thinning of their bones, and one in five had crushed vertebrae in their backs, Finnish researchers report.

• July 24, 2007

  Hip protectors don't prevent hip fractures
  Hip protectors designed to absorb and disperse the impact of falls are not effective in preventing hip fractures among nursing home residents, according to trial results reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
• Spine injuries common in young tennis players
  Elite tennis players in their teens appear to have a very high rate of lower spine injury, a new study suggests. Although the subjects in this study did not have symptoms, the researchers point out that these injuries will probably progress to more serious conditions if training techniques are not modified.
• Health Tip: Prevent an Overuse Injury
  Listen to your body while running
• Writer's Cramp May Be Tied to Brain Abnormalities
  Researchers find gray matter lacking in people with the painful condition.

• July 23, 2007

  Menstruation key to bone rebuilding in anorexics
  Adequate nutrition can rebuild bone mass in women with anorexia, but the restoration of normal menstrual periods appears to be necessary for fully normal bone metabolism to be recovered, a new study shows.

• July 22, 2007

  Tattoos Can Be Troublesome to Remove
  Experts offer tips on picking more easily erased types, locations

• July 19, 2007

  Health Tip: Treating an Ingrown Toenail
  Early care can prevent infection

• July 17, 2007

  Health Tip: After a Muscle Strain
  Ease back into exercise

• July 16, 2007

  Tennis elbow surgery yields long-term pain relief
  People with tennis elbow pain that interferes with their daily lives are apt to find long-term relief and improved function with a type of surgery called arthroscopic release, a study shows.
• Women Slower to Recover From Knee Surgery
  Osteoarthritis may also impede return to function, research shows

• July 15, 2007

  Arthroscopic Surgery Eases Tough-to-Treat Tennis Elbow
  The condition can come from any repetitive arm movement, experts note

• July 13, 2007

  Major Study Will Assess Painkiller Detox
  Addiction to opioids such as OxyContin is rampant across U.S., experts say

• July 11, 2007

  Capps, Rogers Introduce Legislation To Help Americans Suffering From Pain
  Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA) and Congressman Mike Rogers (R-MI) introduce the National Pain Care Policy Act of 2007, legislation to improve pain care research, education, training, access, outreach and care.

• July 10, 2007

  Lasers, electrical stimulation curb knee pain
  People with knee pain caused by osteoarthritis may find relief with electroacupuncture, electrical nerve stimulation, or low-level laser therapy, research shows.

• July 9, 2007

  Cancer patients rarely want to hasten death: survey
  A desire for hastened death is uncommon among patients with advanced cancer, despite considerable levels of pain and emotional distress, new research suggests.
• 'Triptan' may safely prevent menstrual migraine
  A drug used to treat acute migraine can be safely taken long term to prevent some of the migraines women may experience around the time of their period, research shows.

• July 5, 2007

  Zapper device may ward off migraines
  Migraine headaches may one day be zapped away with a hand-held magnetic stimulation device applied to the cranium, researchers say.
• Botox shots may help kids with cerebral palsy
  As a treatment for muscle stiffness in children with cerebral palsy, shots of botulinum toxin A, best known by the brand name Botox, are safe and produce measurable improvements in function, according to a new study. However, patients and their families may not perceive the improvements as very meaningful.
• Brain Scans Show How Pain Upsets Concentration
  A key region may control both functions, scientists say

• July 4, 2007

  Health Tip: Endometriosis and Pregnancy
  Some women can still conceive

• July 3, 2007

  Bullied teens often take pain-killers to cope
  Adolescents who are victims of bullying are likely to take more medications than their peers, a Danish study shows.
• Poorer Kids at Higher Migraine Risk
  Stress, dietary factors might play a role, researchers say.

• July 2, 2007

  Migraine with skin sensitivity eased by older drug
  Dihydroergotamine or DHE, an established drug for migraine, works well even when the attack is accompanied by super-sensitivity to touch or heat and cold, according to researchers.

• June 30, 2007

  Glucosamine Trials Show Little Benefit Against Arthritis
  Results vary widely between trials, suggesting industry bias, experts say.

• June 29, 2007

  Depression may speed bone loss in older women
  Depressed older women appear to lose bone at a faster rate than their non-depressed counterparts, new research shows.

• June 27, 2007

  Calcium from diet best for building bone density
  Women who want to keep their bones strong after menopause may be better off eating plenty of calcium-rich food than relying on supplements for their intake of the mineral, a new study shows.
• Antidepressants tied to bone loss in elderly
  The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Zoloft and Paxil, for treatment of depression is associated with abnormally rapid bone loss in men and women age 65 and older, according to two reports in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

• June 25, 2007

  Women's leading complaint with heavy periods: pain
  Among women who complain of heavy periods, it's often the pain that accompanies menstruation -- not the heaviness itself -- that bothers them the most, UK researchers report.
• Soy compound may boost bone density
  Supplements containing a soy compound called genistein may help increase women's bone mass after menopause, a study suggests.
• Antidepressants Linked to Bone Loss
  2 studies turn up similar results in both women and men.

• June 22, 2007

  Self-hypnosis helps kids with frequent headaches
  Self-hypnosis training is an effective treatment for chronic recurrent headaches in children and adolescents, new research suggests.
• Alcohol injections ease common type of foot pain
  People with so-called "Morton's neuroma," which is a common cause of severe foot pain, may find relief with alcohol injected under ultrasound guidance into the lesion, a UK study shows.
• Health Tip: Numbness in Diabetics
  It may be a symptom of nerve damage

• June 21, 2007

  'Memory Traces' May Help Spur Chronic Pain
  In study with rats, drug showed potential for easing discomfort
• Headaches, fatigue tied to kids' unexplained pain
  Children who often suffer headaches or daytime drowsiness may be at heightened risk of developing unexplained body aches and pains, a study has found.

• June 19, 2007

  GW says Canada backs cannabis drug for cancer pain
  A pioneering cannabis-based drug will be considered by Canadian regulators for approval as a treatment for cancer pain, its British developer GW Pharmaceuticals Plc said on Tuesday.

• June 18, 2007

  Computer time ups aches and pains for college kids
  The more time college students spend on the computer on a particular day, the more likely they are to suffer from musculoskeletal problems during that 24-hour period, a new study shows.

• June 14, 2007

  Health Tip: Are Joint Supplements For You?
  Some people shouldn't take them

• June 13, 2007

  Study Rates New Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs
  Abatacept, rituximab and tocilizumab may offer patients new options, experts say

• June 11, 2007

  Depression-osteoporosis link still unclear
  Older women who take certain antidepressants are at increased risk of fracturing a bone, but it's not clear whether the association is due to the drugs, depression itself, or some other factor, according to a new report in the Harvard Women's Health Watch.

• June 10, 2007

  Better Education Spurs Alzheimer's Patients to Try Risky Treatments
  The more they know about their disease, the more open they are to possible side effects, study shows.

• June 8, 2007

  Current activity affects bone density in men
  The more time young men spend engaging in high-impact physical exercise, the greater their bone mineral density, a new study of medical students shows.
• Merck migraine drug shows promise in clinical trial
  An experimental migraine drug being developed by Merck & Co. significantly relieved pain two hours after dosing compared to a placebo in a mid-stage clinical trial, the company said on Thursday.

• June 7, 2007

  Parent's pain may affect child's migraine severity
  The degree of disability and pain suffered by adolescents with migraines may have a lot to do with how their parents experience pain, a new study shows.
• Young gymnasts show high bone density
  The high-impact tumbling of gymnastics may boost young girls' muscle mass and bone density, according to a small study.
• Experimental Drug May Fight Migraine
  MK-0974 could aid patients not helped by other medicines.
• Health Tip: Recovering From Root Canal
  Here's what to expect

• June 6, 2007

  Low testosterone may impair mood in anorexic women
  Low levels of the hormone testosterone in women with anorexia nervosa are associated with anxiety, depression and bone loss, Harvard researchers told attendees of the Endocrine Society's 89th annual meeting, in Toronto.

• June 1, 2007

  Childhood ailments linked to adult chronic pain
  Children who suffer from stomach pain, headaches, and vomiting are more likely than their peers who don't report such symptoms to go on to develop chronic widespread pain as adults, UK researchers report.
• Gene Therapy Shows Promise Against Chronic Pain
  Cutting edge therapy appears to work in rats, researchers say

• May 31, 2007

  Chronic pain may impede short-term memory
  People who suffer from chronic pain may find their memory taxed by everyday "multitasking," a new study suggests.
• Surgery can fix many back problems: studies
  Surgery works for people with a slipped or misaligned disk, but often is not necessary if patients can muster enough patience, according to two studies in the New England Journal of Medicine.
• Discrimination Linked to Health Problems Among Minorities
  Study of Asian-Americans suggests higher rate of heart trouble, pain, other problems.

• May 30, 2007

  Back Surgery Can Quickly Relieve Pain
  But waiting won't hurt your chances of recovery, new research suggests.

• May 28, 2007

  Denser bones tied to healthier eyes in aging women
  The denser an older woman's bones, the lower her risk of a sight-threatening condition known as age-related maculopathy (ARM), a new study shows.
• Obesity bad for the bones
  New research does not support the general belief that obesity increases bone mass and is therefore good for bone health. A study, in which investigators corrected for the mechanical loading effect of increasing body weight, suggests the opposite.

• May 25, 2007

  Arthritis pain may change with the weather
  People who swear they can predict the weather by the pain in their arthritic knees may be right after all, a new study suggests.
• Gene therapy helps arthritis pain, damage in mice
  A gene therapy treatment that helped make cells more sensitive to the body's own painkillers not only helped ease arthritis pain in mice but also reduced other symptoms, researchers said on Friday.
• Added Treatment Won't Speed Whiplash Recovery
  Aggressive approach may even slow healing, study suggests

• May 24, 2007

  Cell phone headaches all in the mind
  Exposure to the radiofrequency fields generated by mobile phones does not cause head pain or increase blood pressure, according to a Norwegian study. Instead, people who experience such symptoms do so because they expect that they will occur, the findings suggest.
• Hormone may foil osteoporosis treatment
  A new study suggests that elderly women about to begin taking drugs for preventing the brittle bone disease osteoporosis should have their parathyroid hormone level checked first.

• May 21, 2007

  Counseling can improve arthritis pain, disability
  Giving people with arthritis the tools to cope with pain can help them feel, and function, better, the authors of a new analysis of research on counseling for arthritis patients conclude.

• May 18, 2007

  Vitamin D needs more calcium to lower hip fracture
  The risk of hip fracture appears to be reduced by oral vitamin D supplements only if they are accompanied by additional calcium, according to a report in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

• May 16, 2007

  Gentle yoga may aid migraine sufferers
  A combination of yoga poses, breathing exercises and relaxation may help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines, a new study suggests.
• Health Tip: Healing Hemorrhoids
  Suggestions to ease discomfort

• May 14, 2007

  Mid-life headaches may be sign of retinal disease
  Migraine and other headaches are associated with abnormalities in the small blood vessels around the retina (retinopathy) in middle-age men and women, according to data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

• May 11, 2007

  Acupuncture, exercise help ease pregnancy pains
  Women who experience pelvic and back pain during pregnancy have a variety of treatments to choose from, a new review of available evidence concludes.

• May 10, 2007

  Loop recorder can diagnose unexplained palpitations
  In patients with infrequent, unexplained heart palpitations, an implantable loop recorder is a safe and cost-effective tool for diagnosing the cause, according to a study conducted in Italy and reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
• Health Tip: After Caesarean Section
  What to expect

• May 9, 2007

  Dextromethorphan does not enhance morphine effects
  Contrary to preliminary findings, the results of a phase III study failed to show that dextromethorphan significantly enhanced the analgesic effects of morphine in terminally ill patients. The findings are published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.
• Steroids prolong walking in Duchenne MS
  Boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common type of muscular dystrophy, who are treated with long-term steroid therapy are able to walk on their own for several more years than boys not treated with steroids, according to findings published in the May issue of Neurology. However, this benefit comes at the cost of more fractures.

• May 7, 2007

  Botox shot may help children with cerebral palsy
  In children with the movement disorder cerebral palsy affecting one limb, injections of botulinum toxin A, best known by the brand name Botox, appears to enhance the benefits gained from occupational therapy, new research suggests.
• Drug curbs bone loss after spinal cord injury
  The bone drug Fosamax (also called alendronate) given soon after spinal cord injury prevents bone loss associated with the injury, a study suggests.

• May 4, 2007

  MRI urged for active young adults with foot pain
  A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can spot and pinpoint bone stress injuries of the ankle and foot early, when treatment is easiest and most effective, Finnish researchers report.

• May 3, 2007

  Teens With Migraines at Greater Risk of Suicide
  Almost half have at least one psychiatric disorder, study finds
• Health Tip: Symptoms of Whiplash
  Condition typically stems from a car accident

• May 2, 2007

  Annual injection lowers osteoporosis fracture risk
  A once-a-year infusion of zoledronate, which goes by the brand names Zometa and Reclast, can significantly reduce the risk of fractures of the spine and hip in postmenopausal women with brittle bones due to osteoporosis, according to a report in this week's New England Journal of Medicine.
• Hip protectors don't always work
  Hip protectors may prevent only a portion of hip fractures due to falls when used by older women living in the community or those living in homes for the elderly.

• May 1, 2007

  Migraine during pregnancy ups risk of stroke
  Women who suffer migraine headaches while pregnant are at increased risk for suffering a heart attack, stroke or other "vascular" event, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology underway in Boston.

• April 30, 2007

  Chronic migraine linked to teen suicide risk
  Teenagers who suffer from near-daily migraines may have a higher-than-average risk of depression, anxiety and suicide, research hints.

• April 27, 2007

  Ex-Pro Football Players Struggle With Health Problems
  Depression, chronic pain can contribute to alcohol abuse, financial difficulties, study finds.
• U.S. Arthritis Numbers, Costs Soaring
  One in five adults is now affected, costing $81 billion annually, report finds

• April 25, 2007

  Health Tip: Dealing With Osteoarthritis
  In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can help
• Migraine linked to heart attacks in men
  Men with migraine headaches are more likely than non-migraineurs to experience a heart attack, according to data from the Physicians' Health Study.
• Back pain linked to short-term memory deficits
  Patients with chronic back pain have significant impairments in short-term prospective memory compared with people without pain, according to the findings reported in the February/March issue of Psychosomatic Medicine.

• April 24, 2007

  Laxatives speed GI movement after hysterectomy
  Following abdominal hysterectomy, a procedure in which the uterus is removed through a small abdominal incision, the early use of laxatives hastens recovery of gastrointestinal function, but has no significant effect on pain, nausea or vomiting, researchers from Denmark report.

• April 23, 2007

  Migraine may protect against cognitive decline
  Women with a lifetime history of migraine have less cognitive decline over time than women without migraine. It's possible, researchers suggest, that antimigraine medications, as well as diet and behavior changes, play a role in the apparent protective effect of migraine on cognition.
• Novel Stent Relieves Acute Heart Pain
  It diverts blood to oxygen-starved heart muscle, researchers say.

• April 19, 2007

  Younger women don't lose bone during weight loss
  Unlike postmenopausal women, premenopausal women who are overweight and lose weight do not put themselves at risk for osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease, if they are getting enough calcium, researchers report in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

• April 18, 2007

  Low calcium predicts bone loss in prostate cancer
  Men who are about to undergo hormone-suppressing therapy for prostate cancer may want to bump up their levels of calcium, a new study suggests.

• April 16, 2007

  Chondroitin Won't Ease Arthritic Joint Pain: Study
  Doctors should discourage use of the supplement, researchers conclude

• April 13, 2007

  Antidepressant promising for tension headaches
  For some patients seeking relief from frequent tension-type headaches, the antidepressant Effexor XR may reduce the number of days with headache, according to results of a small study conducted in Greece.

• April 12, 2007

  Migraines may take a break on weekends
  While some people suffer from so-called "weekend migraines," other migraine sufferers find they have fewer attacks on days when they're not working, new research suggests.

• April 11, 2007

  Acupuncture, massage helpful after cancer surgery
  A combination of acupuncture and massage may help ease pain and depression symptoms after cancer surgery, a new study suggests.

• April 10, 2007

  Hip fracture risk high in older diabetics
  Older people with diabetes are at greater risk of fracturing their hip than older people without diabetes, research hints.

• April 9, 2007

  Health Tip: If You Have an Ulcer
  Avoid certain foods, medications, and smoking
• Drug reduces work productivity lost to migraines
  Preventive treatment with topiramate (Topamax) is associated with a reduction in lost productivity due to migraines, researchers report.

• April 5, 2007

  Abuse seen in many women with chronic pelvic pain
  Women with chronic pelvic pain should be routinely evaluated for abuse and for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), conclude doctors from North Carolina.
• Sleepless Nights May Encourage Pain
  Sleep-deprived women had more pain episodes, researchers report

• April 4, 2007

  Combo therapy beats monotherapy for migraine
  An experimental drug, Trexima, which combines sumatriptan and naproxen, two commonly used migraine treatments, controlled symptoms of the headache better than either one alone, a new U.S. study released on Tuesday suggests.
• Fertility watchdog seeks to reduce twin births
  British fertility clinics may be forced to limit the number of multiple births to 1 in 10 women because of the dangers posed to mothers and babies, the nation's fertility watchdog said on Wednesday.
• Ibuprofen May Boost Aspirin Users' Heart Risk
  Study of arthritis patients needs to be confirmed, experts say.
• Health Tip: Prevent Burns From a Heating Pad
  Don't use on the same injury for more than 20 minutes

• April 3, 2007

  Morphine eases pain, doesn't shorten life
  When given in the appropriate doses to treat cancer pain, morphine will not hasten a patient's death by interfering with his or her breathing, a new study shows.
• Two Medications Treat Migraine Better Than One
  Sumatriptan-naproxen combo works faster and longer, study finds.
• Guidelines for childbirth anesthesia revised
  The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has issued revised guidelines for anesthesia administration to women during labor and delivery -- whether natural or surgical -- and for pain control after delivery.

• April 2, 2007

  Disrupted sleep may alter pain perception
  People who continually have their sleep disrupted, whether by insomnia or a crying newborn, may become more susceptible to pain, preliminary research suggests.
• Health Tip: Soothing Sensitive Teeth
  A special toothpaste or mouthwash may help

• March 30, 2007

  Brain stimulation may curb MS spasticity
  Magnetic stimulation of the brain (transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS) may help relieve "muscle spasticity" in people with multiple sclerosis, Italian researchers have found.

• March 29, 2007

  Drug stops bone loss from prostate cancer therapy
  An annual dose of zoledronic acid (Zometa, Aclasta) appears to be sufficient to prevent the bone loss commonly seen with hormone treatment for prostate cancer, according to a report in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

• March 28, 2007

  Arthritis Pain Processed in Emotion-Linked Brain Area
  Findings may offer a new target for treatment, study suggests

• March 23, 2007

  Spinal Disc Transplant Shows Promise Against Back Pain
  Chinese team reports good results from small 5-year trial.

• March 22, 2007

  Omega-3 fatty acids linked to denser bones in men
  Omega-3 fatty acids may help build young men's bone strength, research hints.

• March 20, 2007

  Bone mineral loss seen in men after heart surgery
  In the year following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), bone mineral content declines significantly in men, according to findings published in the American Journal of Cardiology. Declines in bone mineral have been shown to increase the risk of fracture.

• March 19, 2007

  Bone drug may benefit immobile Parkinson's patients
  Immobilization and lack of sunlight exposure cause accelerated bone loss in people with Parkinson's disease, increasing their risk of hip fracture. But taking the bone-building drug Actonel with vitamin D seems to curb the risk of fractures in elderly men with Parkinson's disease, even though they continue to have frequent falls.

• March 14, 2007

  Biomarkers Could Warn of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  They might be used to spot repetitive stress disorders before the pain starts
• Pain complicates depression treatment in elderly
  By interfering with normal activities, chronic pain can impede recovery from depression in older adults, according to findings reported in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

• March 8, 2007

  Brain stimulation may ease headaches, studies find
  Stimulating the brain with implanted electrodes appears to help ease the pain of cluster headaches, two separate teams of researchers reported on Wednesday.
• Stimulating Occipital Nerve Eases Cluster Headaches
  But the pain returns once the experimental therapy is stopped, studies find.

• March 7, 2007

  Mental, Physical Torture Inflict Similar Pain
  Bosnian, Serbian survivors found both equally traumatizing, psychologists say

• March 5, 2007

  Nearly 80% of Hospitalized Kids Get 'Adult-Only' Drugs
  'Off-label' practice is worrisome because of lack of research into safety and effectiveness.
• Steroid Shots Provide Little Relief for Low Back Pain
  Panel finds epidurals don't provide long-term benefit beyond 3 months
• Ibuprofen Best for Kids' Injury Pain
  ER study finds over-the-counter painkiller outperformed codeine, acetaminophen.

• February 26, 2007

  Heart Experts Issue Guidelines on Use of Celebrex
  Cox-2 painkiller should be last resort because of cardiovascular risk, American Heart Association says

• February 23, 2007

  Most Americans Don't Understand Acetaminophen Dangers
  Too much of the painkiller in Tylenol, other meds, can cause liver failure, experts say

• February 16, 2007

  Smoking, Obesity Risk Factors for Spinal Procedures
  Both problems boosted risks linked to back pain

• February 15, 2007

  More Teens Abusing Prescription Drugs
  But marijuana use is down substantially, White House report finds.

• February 13, 2007

  Marijuana May Ease AIDS Patients' Foot Pain
  The smoked drug lessens a burning numbness that accompanies the illness, study finds.

• February 11, 2007

  Boning Up on Dietary Calcium
  Here's how to get it and its nutrition 'partner,' vitamin D
• Experts Offer Free Back Pain Advice Feb. 15
  Hotline focuses on preventing, easing pain in middle age

• February 9, 2007

  Biofeedback Strategies Help Curb Jaw Disorder Pain
  Study says relaxation techniques reduced chronic discomfort, costs of care for TMD
• Dealers, Family Biggest Sources of Illegal Prescription Painkillers
  Study refutes notion Internet is major supplier of Oxycontin, other opiods.

• January 30, 2007

  New Score Helps Spot Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers
  Early detection is important to safe, effective treatment, experts say.

• January 23, 2007

  Taking the Hype Out of Hypnotherapy
  It can ease pain, anxiety and addiction, but beware of false claims

• January 15, 2007

  Narcotics Offer Only Short-Term Relief of Back Pain
  Researchers also found abuse occurred in 24 percent of cases.

• January 12, 2007

  Smoking May Play Role in Knee Osteoarthritis
  Study suggests men, in particular, face cartilage loss, more severe pain

• January 8, 2007

  Chronic Headaches Leave Women Prone to Depression
  Researcher says mental state can influence course of pain management
• PTSD Patients Have Diminished Pain Response
  The anxiety disorder may lead to altered processing signals, study finds

• December 27, 2006

  Gene Found for Form of Brittle Bone Disease
  Findings could lead to test for couples evaluating risk of having more children

• December 26, 2006

  Women Can Take 'Vacation' From Osteoporosis Drug
  Postmenopausal study participants continued to reap benefits.

• December 22, 2006

  Psychological Interventions Ease Chronic Low Back Pain
  Hypnosis, biofeedback and relaxation improve quality of life, study finds

• December 18, 2006

  Alcohol May Slow Rheumatoid Arthritis
  But results in mice might not apply to humans, scientists say.
• Evidence Shows Fibromyalgia Pain Is Real: Experts
  And yet many patients still face skepticism from doctors

• December 16, 2006

  FDA OKs Celebrex for Kids With Arthritis
  Says benefits outweigh potential risks, but Pfizer will have to keep a long-term registry to evaluate safety issues.

• December 13, 2006

  Rare Gene Brings Life Without Pain
  The discovery could lead to new pain medications, experts say.

• December 12, 2006

  Height Loss in Older Men Tied to Heart, Death Risks
  Shrinking 3 centimeters or more may trigger bone loss that increases chance of illness, study suggests

• December 11, 2006

  Hysteria a Real Neurological Condition: Study
  Brain imaging study suggests unexplained ailments have solid causes

• December 7, 2006

  Rheumatoid Arthritis More Stubborn in Women
  Remission is much less likely than in male patients, study finds

• November 30, 2006

  FDA Panel Backs Celebrex for Kids With Arthritis
  Says benefits outweigh potential risks to those with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

• November 29, 2006

  Shingles Drug Reduces Spinal Cord Injury Pain
  Patients often have few options to ease their discomfort, experts note
• Hypnosis Eases Breast Cancer Biopsy Pain
  The technique has no side effects, researchers add

• November 25, 2006

  Stretch Away the Pain of Plantar Fasciitis
  New exercise eases heel trouble in three-quarters of cases, developer says
• Using the Mind to Cure the Body
  Guided imagery helps patients ease their pain, studies say.

• November 21, 2006

  Surgery Only Slightly Better for Herniated Disc
  Many patients with sciatic pain improve with other methods, studies find.

• November 17, 2006

  Newly Released Data Stirs Naproxen Debate
  Study finds Aleve boosts heart risks, but expert says data is unreliable.

• November 14, 2006

  Potent Painkiller Found in Human Saliva
  More powerful than morphine, it could lead to better pain medicines, researchers say.

• November 13, 2006

  Aleve Heart-Healthy Over Short-Term
  Drug curbs clotting to reduce cardiovascular risk, study finds.
• Merck's Vioxx Replacement Gets Mixed Reviews
  Research released at heart meeting shows no gain over traditional drug

• News Archive
  Find older stories on chronic pain here.