http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/back_and_neck_pain/ Read the latest research on preventing and dealing with pain -- especially back pain, shoulder pain and neck pain. en-us Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:05:02 EST Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/back_and_neck_pain/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201092301.htm A new study finds new evidence that touch-sensing nerve cells may fuel tinnitus. Future treatments may target these cells. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201092301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125091055.htm The sudden popularity of tablet computers such as the Apple iPad has not allowed for the development of guidelines to optimize users' comfort and well-being. Researchers now report that head and neck posture during tablet computer use can be improved by placing the tablet higher to avoid low gaze angles, and through the use of a case that provides optimal viewing angles. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125091055.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123114257.htm Researchers have found a biomarker in head and neck cancers that can predict whether a patient’s tumor will be life threatening. The biomarker is considered particularly promising because it can detect the level of risk immediately following diagnosis. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123114257.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209105129.htm Children who suffer from persistent or recurring chronic pain may miss school, withdraw from social activities, and are at risk of developing internalizing symptoms such as anxiety, in response to their pain. In the first comprehensive review of chronic pain in children and adolescents in 20 years, a group of researchers found that more children now are suffering from chronic pain and that girls suffer more frequently from chronic pain than boys. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209105129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140527.htm Researchers have identified the area of the brain that controls our ability to correct our movement after we've been hit or bumped -- a finding that may have implications for understanding why subjects with stroke often have severe difficulties moving. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122115522.htm Among patients with head and neck cancer, poor overall quality of life, pain, and continued tobacco use appear to be associated with poorer outcomes and higher mortality rate two years after diagnosis, according to a new study. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122115522.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220257.htm Yoga can provide more effective treatment for chronic lower back pain than more conventional methods, according to the UK's largest ever study into the benefits of yoga. The study found that people offered a specially-designed 12-week yoga program experienced greater improvements in back function and more confidence in performing everyday tasks than those offered conventional forms of care. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220257.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027083039.htm Researchers report on the first comparative study of the two most commonly corticosteroid doses administered for shoulder pain. They found that lower doses were just as effective as higher doses in terms of reduction of pain, improved range of motion and duration of efficacy. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027083039.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025091632.htm A new study has found that women under age 55 fare worse than their male counterparts following a heart attack -- and their health status declines more than that of their male counterparts after one month. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025091632.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164710.htm Yoga classes were found to be more effective than a self-care book for patients with chronic low back pain at reducing symptoms and improving function, but they were not more effective than stretching classes, according to a new study. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164708.htm Yoga classes were linked to better back-related function and diminished symptoms from chronic low back pain in the largest U.S. randomized controlled trial of yoga to date. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164708.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012153755.htm New research shows one in four people with psoriasis may have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis, in addition to the up to 2 million people already diagnosed with the disease. Also, there's a significant delay of diagnosis for psoriatic arthritis. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012153755.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003132439.htm If a patient is not likeable, will he or she be taken less seriously when exhibiting or complaining about pain? Researchers have found that observers of patients estimate lower pain intensity and are perceptually less sympathetic to the patients' pain when the patients are not liked. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003132439.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928125401.htm Kentucky women who smoke heavily may experience more chronic musculoskeletal pain, suggests a new study. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928125401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920095251.htm Patients with acute low back pain who were advised to stay active despite the pain fared better than those who were told to adjust their activity in line with their pain. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920095251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915091029.htm In Spain, 5-year survival following breast cancer diagnosis is more than 83%. Around 66% suffer fatigue following treatment. A Spanish research has established the factors associated with tiredness in cancer survivors to improve their quality of life and rehabilitation. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915091029.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145101.htm A gene responsible for regulating chronic pain, called HCN2, has been identified. Chronic pain comes in two main varieties. The first, inflammatory pain, occurs when a persistent injury (e.g. a burn or arthritis) results in an enhanced sensitivity of pain-sensitive nerve endings, thus increasing the sensation of pain. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145101.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907132100.htm Adhesive capsulitis, sometimes described as "frozen shoulder," is a condition where the connective tissue around the shoulder joint becomes chronically inflamed, causing thickening and tightening in the affected joint. Diagnosing adhesive capsulitis can be difficult because its symptoms -- restricted movement and considerable pain -- are similar to a variety of shoulder-related musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis. Proper diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis may require extensive investigation into the patient's medical history to eliminate other causes. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907132100.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906152501.htm Neurosurgery researchers have used a new, leading-edge stem cell therapy to promote the growth of bone tissue following the removal of cervical discs -- the cushions between the bones in the neck -- to relieve chronic, debilitating pain. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906152501.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809132222.htm Thyroid nodules affect nearly 13 million Americans and are a result of abnormal cell growth on the gland. Until recently, the only way to remove nodules and rule out cancer was through surgery that required a five centimeter incision across the front of the neck. Today however, a new option exists that allows surgeons to access the neck through the armpit, allowing for a biopsy of tissue with no visible scar. Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809132222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801160152.htm Engineers and doctors have created a biologically based spinal implant that could someday spell relief for these countless back and neck pain sufferers. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801160152.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727121553.htm Researchers have used a new imaging technique, arterial spin labeling, to show the areas of the brain that are activated when patients with low back pain have a worsening of their usual, chronic pain. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727121553.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110710132807.htm Vitamin D deficiency has been known to cause an assortment of health problems. Now, a new study suggests that lack of the vitamin might also increase the chance of muscle injuries in athletes, specifically NFL football players. Sun, 10 Jul 2011 13:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110710132807.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705211016.htm There is no evidence that Botulinum toxin injections reduce chronic neck pain or associated headaches, says a group of scientists who reviewed nine trials involving a total of 503 participants. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705211016.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705123352.htm A study of 2,500 identical and fraternal twins reveals that genetic factors affect both spine degeneration and lower back pain. The discovery could revolutionize both the study and the treatment of the debilitating complaint. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705123352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110704174603.htm Massage therapy helps ease chronic back pain and improve function, according to results of a randomized controlled trial. The first study to compare structural and relaxation (Swedish) massage, the trial found that both types of massage worked well, with few side effects. Massage helped people with back pain to function even after six months. They were more able to work, take care of themselves, and be active. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110704174603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110628111844.htm Physical exercise has a positive effect on the formation of cells in the intervertebral discs. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110628111844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110613014447.htm A new study has determined predictors that can better identify patients who will benefit from a potentially toxic second course of treatment, which offers a small but real chance of cure in select patients with head and neck cancer. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 01:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110613014447.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526064753.htm Patients with celiac disease are more than 4.5 times more likely to develop osteoporosis compared to healthy people in an age and gender matched cohort with no identifiable risk factors for osteoporosis, according to a new study. Thu, 26 May 2011 06:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526064753.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110525181439.htm Researchers are developing a robot vision-based mobility aid for the visually impaired that uses head-carried cameras linked to Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) software to build maps of the environment and identify a safe path through obstacles. The information is conveyed to the user through a guide vest that includes four micro motors located on an individual's shoulder and waist that vibrate like cell phones. Wed, 25 May 2011 18:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110525181439.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110520092730.htm The way that clinicians report outcomes of surgery for a traumatic nerve injury involving the arm is not standardized, and it is thus difficult to compare the efficacy of different surgical treatments, according to a new study. Fri, 20 May 2011 09:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110520092730.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110517171114.htm In a new study, a group of pain researchers posed a fundamental question: if you can alleviate chronic low back pain, can you reverse these changes in the brain? The answer is yes, they say. Tue, 17 May 2011 17:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110517171114.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505083111.htm While ultrasound is usually viewed as more cost effective, MRI is most often used to evaluate the rotator cuff. When performing a cost utility analysis, utilizing an ultrasound as the initial imaging test for rotator cuff tear, along with pre-operative MRI to identify alternative and concurrent diagnoses, can be a very effective hybrid imaging strategy, according to new research. Thu, 05 May 2011 08:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505083111.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110504151003.htm Women with painful periods show increased sensitivity to pain throughout their cycles, even when there is no background period pain. Wed, 04 May 2011 15:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110504151003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110504015820.htm MDCT arthrography is better than MR arthrography for diagnosing glenoid rim osseous lesions, lesions that have been identified as potential causes of recurrence after shoulder surgery, according to a new study. Wed, 04 May 2011 01:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110504015820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110502121741.htm Competitive young athletes are under increasing pressure to play only one sport year round, but such specialization could increase the risk of injuries, a new study has found. Mon, 02 May 2011 12:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110502121741.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110502083429.htm Though there have been significant improvements in the treatment of head and neck cancer, there is still a lack of data on the experience of end of life care for head and neck cancer patients, according to a new study. Mon, 02 May 2011 08:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110502083429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110429095105.htm Combining computerized tomography (CT) with fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) images results in significantly more defined tumor outlines and potentially different treatment options in head and neck cancer patients compared to using CT alone, according to new research. Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110429095105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418152338.htm Immediate treatment by a physiotherapist, bypassing a waiting list, can reduce problems with recurring low back pain, new research suggests. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418152338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404121933.htm Less than one-third of painful procedures performed on children in hospital were associated with documentation of a specific strategy to help manage pain, according to a new article. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404121933.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110322151258.htm When physical therapy and drugs fail to relieve back or neck pain, patients often turn to spinal fusion surgery as a last resort, but two new studies show that in certain situations, especially when several discs are involved, artificial disc replacement may give better long-term results at lower cost. Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110322151258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110307151918.htm Years of research show black patients getting less treatment in the American health care system than their white counterparts, but a new study suggests that a quick dose of empathy helps close racial gaps in pain treatment. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110307151918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110219165221.htm Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is highly effective and provides durable results five years after surgery, according to a large, prospective study. The study also surprisingly revealed that the rotator cuff has the ability to heal even when early imaging studies have found a defect at the site of repair. Sat, 19 Feb 2011 16:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110219165221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110218111703.htm For years, doctors have used platelet rich plasma (PRP) to promote healing in various surgeries. But a recent study demonstrates that a type of PRP did not improve healing after rotator cuff repair. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110218111703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110218111354.htm Patients who undergo elective orthopedic surgeries at high-volume, regional hospitals have better surgical outcomes and experience fewer complications than those who undergo those surgeries at local hospitals, according to new research. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110218111354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110216141030.htm A recently discovered biomarker could help doctors diagnose a common type of knee injury, according to a new study. Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110216141030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110214142342.htm Researchers suggest that viewing the knee as an organ in the same way doctors examine the heart for heart disease could lead to better therapies for treating osteoarthritis, one of the five leading causes of disability in elderly men and women. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110214142342.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110210111259.htm Robotic-assisted rehabilitation therapy, combined with standard rehabilitation, can improve upper extremity mobility in stroke patients with paralysis on one side. Patients with severe paralysis were more likely to be aided by robotic therapy. Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110210111259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110116144440.htm Shoulder motion after rotator cuff surgery remains significantly different when compared to the patient's opposite shoulder, according to new study. In a study that updated prior findings, researchers used X-rays providing a 3-D view of motion of the arm bone in relation to the shoulder blade, to compared motion in the shoulders of 22 patients who had arthroscopic surgical repair of tendon tears and no symptoms in their other shoulders. Sun, 16 Jan 2011 14:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110116144440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101206111457.htm Neck pain is more common in women than men, irrespective of occupation or age. Stressed young women develop more neck pain than their male counterparts. Women also perceive everyday life to be more stressful, according to new research. Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101206111457.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101130100352.htm Researchers in London say they have found an effective two-part treatment for microtears in the hamstring: injections of the patient's own blood and a steroid along with "dry-needling," in which repeated needle punctures cause controlled internal bleeding in the injured area. Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101130100352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101118124208.htm Doctors report the first use of a surgical robot guided by a miniature salivary endoscope to remove a 20mm salivary stone and repair the salivary duct of a patient. Giant stones have traditionally required complete removal of the salivary gland. This technique not only saves the salivary gland, but reduces blood loss, scarring, and hospital stay. Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101118124208.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101117094034.htm A new study found that patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who also have pain in other joints were more likely to experience greater knee pain. Specifically, pain in the lower back as well as foot pain and elbow pain on the same side as the affected knee were associated with more severe knee pain. Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101117094034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101104101653.htm A patient with a long head biceps tendinopathy, which is a pain and/or tearing of the tendon, may also have a shoulder problem and/or a rotator cuff tear. LHB tendinopahy can be caused by injury, trauma, overuse, inflammation or degeneration. Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101104101653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101103135336.htm Existing headgear and mouth guards have limited or no benefit in reducing concussions in rugby players, according to a Canadian neurosurgeon. Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101103135336.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101102101631.htm A third of breast cancer survivors who received the breast-conserving treatments lumpectomy and radiation rate the appearance of their post-treatment breast as only "fair" or "poor" in comparison to their untreated breast, according to a new study. Additionally, one fifth of patients report complications including chronic pain in their breast or arm and loss of arm or shoulder flexibility following their treatment. Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101102101631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101027150544.htm Laurie Harms of Los Angeles feared she'd never hold her infant daughter, Sky, again. A devastating and extremely rare bone-eroding disease -- Gorham-Stout syndrome -- had left the 31-year-old crumpled in a hospital bed -- her neck broken, arms limp and useless, and voice muted by tubes. Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101027150544.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101027091631.htm In a new study, researchers report that narcotics and diagnostic testing are overused in treating chronic neck pain. Their findings indicate clinicians may overlook more effective treatments for neck pain, such as therapeutic exercise. According to reviews cited in the study, evidence to support the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise in treating chronic neck pain is good, yet only 53% of subjects were prescribed such exercise. This information was based upon reported data from a representative sample of North Carolina residents. Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101027091631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101004101126.htm Interactive gaming devices can cause a broad range of injuries, from abrasions and sprains to shoulder, ankle and foot injuries, according to new research. Mon, 04 Oct 2010 10:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101004101126.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100913080825.htm A group of children who underwent fusion surgery for spondylolisthesis in the lumbar spine 30 years ago showed a clear reduction in back pain when followed up seven years later. A new study of these patients as adults has found that the benefits have lasted. Mon, 13 Sep 2010 08:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100913080825.htm