Researchers at East Carolina University, in Greenville, North Carolina, studied the response to hydrotherapy (immersion or bathing) in women in spontaneous labor. Continue reading Hydrotherapy promotes relaxation and less anxiety and pain in labor
Category Archives: Pain
Using CAM to improve the lives of cancer patients
During the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting, researchers at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, in Perth, Western Australia reported less distress, and improvements in pain, fatigue, nausea, appetite, sleep, breathing and bowel function. Continue reading Using CAM to improve the lives of cancer patients
Biofield Therapies: Helpful or Full of Hype?
Researchers from the UCLA Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, Los Angeles, California think Reiki, therapeutic touch, and healing touch warrant further research. Continue reading Biofield Therapies: Helpful or Full of Hype?
Anti-inflammatory effects of heated vs unheated ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officnale) exerts anti-inflammatory effects, and heat treatment of ginger has been suggested to enhance its pain relieving effects.
Now, researchers from Georgia College and State University, in Milledgeville report the results of 2 studies in adults. Continue reading Anti-inflammatory effects of heated vs unheated ginger
Leeches to treat tennis elbow
Chronic epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a painful condition with few treatments. It’s caused by overuse of the extensor muscles of the forearm.
Researchers in Germany tested whether leech therapy might provide symptomatic relief. Continue reading Leeches to treat tennis elbow
Massage vs music therapy to relieve labor pain
During labor, women experience intense, stressful, and steady pain.
Researchers at Ilam University of Medical Sciences, in Iran compared 2 nonpharmacologic treatment options. Continue reading Massage vs music therapy to relieve labor pain
Multidimensional benefits of yoga for patients with fibromyalgia
Just once a week improved pain, fatigue, and depression, according to researchers at Oregon Health & Science University, in Portland. Continue reading Multidimensional benefits of yoga for patients with fibromyalgia
Cannabinoids to treat chronic non-cancer pain
Effective options to treat patients with chronic pain are limited.
Researchers at the University of Toronto reviewed lots of different forms of cannabis. Continue reading Cannabinoids to treat chronic non-cancer pain
Using the Internet to manage headache in children
The benefits of 2 self-help training programs (multimodal cognitive-behavioral training [CBT] and applied relaxation [AR]) presented via the Internet were compared by researchers from the University of Göttingen, in Germany. Continue reading Using the Internet to manage headache in children
Using sucrose to control pain in newborns
Sucrose has pain relieving and calming effects in newborns. But do these beneficial effects extend to care-giving procedures performed after painful procedures?
Researchers at the University of Toronto in Ontario report their findings, with an update for 2011. Continue reading Using sucrose to control pain in newborns
Tai chi in female computer users
Workplace computer use has been linked to musculoskeletal disorders, a leading cause of work disability and productivity losses in industrialized nations.
Researchers from York University, in Toronto, Ontario studied tai chi as a workplace physical exercise for health promotion. Continue reading Tai chi in female computer users
Topical arnica increases muscle pain
Oops. Topically applied Arnica montana is reputed to decrease bruising and muscle pain.
But in this study, researchers at the Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program, in Sugar Land, Texas, found an opposite effect. Continue reading Topical arnica increases muscle pain
Review: Acupuncture to treat peripheral joint osteoarthritis
This Cochrane review covers osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, or hand. Continue reading Review: Acupuncture to treat peripheral joint osteoarthritis
Review of music therapy for end-of-life care
This Cochrane review examined the effects of music therapy on end-of-life care. Continue reading Review of music therapy for end-of-life care
Treating chronic pain with external qigong
An external qigong healer uses gentle touch or non-contact treatment to reach the client’s life energy (qi) and bring it to balance.
It was used along with pharmacotherapy by researchers at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota. Continue reading Treating chronic pain with external qigong
Effects of meditation on alexithymia and social skills
Alexithymia is the inability to describe emotions in a verbal manner. Alexithymia is likely to be involved in the pain experience of cancer patients.
Researchers at the Universidad de Almería, in Spain, report their preliminary findings using meditation (mindfulness). Continue reading Effects of meditation on alexithymia and social skills
Massage-myofacial release therapy in fibromyalgia
Fascia is the soft tissue component of connective tissue that supports and protects muscles. Myofascial release is a soft tissue therapy used to treat pain and restricted motion.
Researchers at the University of Almería, in Spain, looked for improvement in pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life. Continue reading Massage-myofacial release therapy in fibromyalgia
Is it necessary to take coenzyme Q10 during statin therapy?
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are the main drug category prescribed to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Their action on HMG-CoA lowers LDL cholesterol. But it also lowers coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) production in muscles where it’s needed to maintain muscle respiration and function.
Ms. Jessica Pomaikai Asherin at Pacific University, in Hillsboro, Oregon, reviewed the evidence for supplementing statin therapy with CoQ10 in order to lower the risk of stain-induced muscle pain and tenderness (myopathy). Continue reading Is it necessary to take coenzyme Q10 during statin therapy?
Review of acupuncture to treat rheumatic conditions
Other reviews came to contradictory conclusions.
So, Prof. Ernst reviewed the reviews. Continue reading Review of acupuncture to treat rheumatic conditions
Aloe vera following hemorrhoidectomy
Researchers at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, in Iran studied Aloe vera cream to reduce pain and promote healing. Continue reading Aloe vera following hemorrhoidectomy