By Pat Anson, PNN Editor An experimental “injectrode” is showing potential as a new neuromodulation treatment for chronic pain, after the first human clinical trial demonstrated the device’s safety and effectiveness in stimulating nerves in the lower back. The injectrode is a thin and flexible lead wire that is injected by a needle through the skin and placed near an injured nerve. The wire can then be charged by an externally worn stimulator that sends mild electrical impulses to the nerve to block pain signals. The injectrode is being developed by Cleveland-based Neuronoff, Inc. as a treatme ..read more

By Dr. Ty Schepis Eventually, most adults reach a point where we realize we are out of touch with those much younger than us. Perhaps it is a pop culture reference that sparks the realization. For me, this moment happened when I was in my late 20s and working with adolescents in school settings to help them quit smoking. When other drugs would occasionally come up, I didn’t understand some of the slang terms they used for these drugs. Many people may have that feeling now when the topic of cannabis comes up – especially in its different and newer forms. As a professor of psychology, I focus my ..read more

By Pat Anson, PNN Editor People from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are twice as likely to develop chronic pain after an acute injury, according to UK researchers who found that smoking, fear of movement, and poor social support also raise the risk of chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP). The study, published in PLOS One, adds to a growing body of evidence linking economic, social and emotional stress to some chronic pain conditions.    Researchers at the University of Birmingham analyzed over a dozen systematic reviews of clinical studies involving nearly half a million people w ..read more

By Pat Anson, PNN Editor Diets low in carbohydrates are more effective than medication in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a new study that found over 70% patients had significantly reduced symptoms after changing their eating habits. IBS is an intestinal condition that causes abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, gas and diarrhea. An imbalance in gut bacteria is suspected as a possible cause of IBS, and symptoms can be aggravated by stress or eating a large meal. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden enrolled over 300 people with severe or moderate IBS symptom ..read more

By Phil Galewitz and Holly Hacker, KFF Health News Carrie Lester looks forward to the phone call every Thursday from her doctors’ medical assistant, who asks how she’s doing and if she needs prescription refills. The assistant counsels her on dealing with anxiety and her other health issues. Lester credits the chats for keeping her out of the hospital and reducing the need for clinic visits to manage chronic conditions including depression, fibromyalgia, and hypertension. “Just knowing someone is going to check on me is comforting,” said Lester, 73, who lives with her dogs, Sophie and Dolly, i ..read more

By Pat Anson, PNN Editor Patients of a California doctor whose license to prescribe opioids and other controlled substances was suspended by the DEA have launched another long shot legal bid to get his license reinstated. DEA administrator Anne Milgram suspended the license of Dr. David Bockoff in 2022, largely based on allegations that five of his pain patients were receiving dangerously high doses of opioids. Bockoff’s abrupt suspension left 240 patients – including many who suffer from severe and incurable pain conditions -- scrambling to find new providers and pain medication. Three of tho ..read more

By Dr. Narveen Jandu   The human immune system changes with age. Immune responses start to become less robust as people get older, which makes them more vulnerable to certain infections and diseases. However, immune system aging looks different from person to person. Research has shown that changes to the composition and diversity of the microorganisms in the gut may explain these differences in immune system aging. The gut microbiome — the population of microorganisms that lives in the gastrointestinal tract — helps the body maintain a stable internal environment when it is faced with ex ..read more

By Barby Ingle, PNN Columnist As a rare disease and chronic pain patient, I have spent over 20 years advocating for others and myself in the pain community. I’ve worked on legislation to help patients in more than 30 states, including my home state of Arizona, where two of the bills I supported have become law. I am now running for the Arizona House of Representatives from District 7, which includes Pinal, Gila, Coconino and Navajo counties, as well as the cities of Flagstaff and Apache Junction, where I live. My campaign focuses on healthcare access, pain management and disability rights. I b ..read more

By Pat Anson, PNN Editor Shortages of opioids and other medications reached a record level in the U.S. during the first quarter of 2024, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). The 323 medications listed in short supply are the highest number since the ASHP began tracking drug shortages in 2001. Some of the most acute shortages are for basic, life-saving injectable drugs used in hospitals for pain control, sedation and chemotherapy. Most of the drug manufacturers contacted by the ASHP did not provide a reason for the shortages, but some blamed supply/demand issue ..read more

By Cynthia Toussaint, PNN Columnist It’s no secret. For me, there’s no better medicine than self-care. To that point, I’m a proud member of my local YMCA. In fact, it’s been my ultimate safe-space for 15 years: around the block, accessible, a generous lap swimming pool, topped by a loving community of warm and caring people. A lot of perfect for someone who can’t walk a block due to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, but can swim a mile. To give back some, I’ve done quite a bit of fundraising to provide low-cost memberships for families in need, and landed one of the Y’s aquatic teachers a nation ..read more