Early life inflammation is associated with spinal cord excitability and nociceptive sensitivity in human infants

Immune function and sensitivity to pain are closely related, but the association between early life inflammation and sensory nervous system development is poorly understood—especially in humans. Here, in term-born infants, we measure brain activity and reflex withdrawal activity (using EEG and EMG) and behavioural and physiological activity (using the PIPP-R score) to assess the impact… Continue reading Early life inflammation is associated with spinal cord excitability and nociceptive sensitivity in human infants

Lidocaine infusions for refractory chronic migraine: a retrospective analysis

Introduction Patients with refractory chronic migraine have poor quality of life. Intravenous infusions are indicated to rapidly ‘break the cycle’ of pain. Lidocaine infusions may be effective but evidence is limited. Methods The records of 832 hospital admissions involving continuous multiday lidocaine infusions for migraine were reviewed. All patients met criteria for refractory chronic migraine.… Continue reading Lidocaine infusions for refractory chronic migraine: a retrospective analysis

Behavioral and inflammatory sex differences revealed by celecoxib nanotherapeutic treatment of peripheral neuroinflammation

Neuropathic pain affects millions of people worldwide, yet the molecular mechanisms of how it develops and persists are poorly understood. Given that males have historically been utilized as the primary sex in preclinical studies, less is known about the female neuroinflammatory response to injury, formation of pain, or response to pain-relieving therapies. Macrophages contribute to… Continue reading Behavioral and inflammatory sex differences revealed by celecoxib nanotherapeutic treatment of peripheral neuroinflammation

Pain sensitivity is associated with general attitudes towards pain: Development and validation of a new instrument for pain research and clinical application

With regard to attitudes towards pain, many questionnaires have been developed. Although undoubtedly useful, they were specifically designed for the use in chronic pain and are less suitable for the assessment in the general population. The purpose of the present paper was to develop a measure for the assessment of general attitudes towards pain applicable… Continue reading Pain sensitivity is associated with general attitudes towards pain: Development and validation of a new instrument for pain research and clinical application

Chronic pain precedes disrupted eating behavior in low-back pain patients

Chronic pain is associated with anhedonia and decreased motivation. These behavioral alterations have been linked to alterations in the limbic brain and could explain the increased risk for obesity in pain patients. The mechanism of these behavioral changes and how they set in in relation to the development of chronic pain remain however poorly understood.… Continue reading Chronic pain precedes disrupted eating behavior in low-back pain patients

Pilot randomized controlled trial of a #hypnosis intervention for women with #bladder pain syndrome

To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a randomized controlled trial of a hypnosis intervention for the treatment of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) in women. MethodsWe conducted a parallel arm, non-blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial of standardized hypnosis sessions including a hypnosis web tool versus usual care in adult women with BPS/IC. Pilot study… Continue reading Pilot randomized controlled trial of a #hypnosis intervention for women with #bladder pain syndrome

Passive transfer of #fibromyalgia symptoms from patients to mice

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness, and patients typically experience fatigue and emotional distress. The etiology and pathophysiology of fibromyalgia are not fully explained and there are no effective drug treatments. Here we show that IgG from FMS patients produced sensory hypersensitivity by sensitizing nociceptive neurons. Mice treated with IgG from… Continue reading Passive transfer of #fibromyalgia symptoms from patients to mice

Sex- and age-specific genetic analysis of chronic back #pain

Sex differences for chronic back pain (cBP) have been reported, with females usually exhibiting greater morbidity, severity, and poorer response to treatment. Genetic factors acting in an age-specific manner have been implicated but never comprehensively explored. We performed sex- and age-stratified genome-wide association study and single nucleotide polymorphism-by-sex interaction analysis for cBP defined as “Back… Continue reading Sex- and age-specific genetic analysis of chronic back #pain