Understanding that chronic back pain originates from within the brain could lead to quicker recovery, a new study finds

An intriguing therapy that shifts what people perceive as the source of their pain could aid in pain management.

Yoni Ashar, Assistant Professor of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
Nov. 3, 2023 ~5 min

Endometriosis afflicts millions of women, but few people feel comfortable talking about it

Health care providers often dismiss endometriosis pain as ‘all in your head’ − which can delay a correct diagnosis and treatment for years.

Kristina S. Brown, Professor and Chair of Couple and Family Therapy, Adler University • conversation
Nov. 1, 2023 ~8 min


White patients are more likely than Black patients to be given opioid medication for pain in US emergency departments

Undertreated pain can result in unnecessary suffering and a greater likelihood of long-term chronic pain.

Sofia Stathi, Professor of Social Psychology, University of Greenwich • conversation
Oct. 27, 2023 ~5 min

Chronic pain can be objectively measured using brain signals – new research

Pain has long been subjectively measured, leading to frustrations for patients and doctors alike. Identifying neural biomarkers of pain could improve diagnosis and lead to better treatments of chronic pain conditions.

Prasad Shirvalkar, Associate Professor of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco • conversation
May 22, 2023 ~6 min

Use of psychedelics to treat PTSD, OCD, depression and chronic pain – a researcher discusses recent trials, possible risks

The early research suggests the drugs might be effective for some conditions. But scientists have safety concerns.

Jennifer Mitchell, Professor of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco • conversation
Feb. 10, 2023 ~6 min

CBD is not a cure-all – here's what science says about its real health benefits

CBD isn’t a miracle cure for everything that ails a person – but science shows that it has the potential to help treat a number of health conditions.

Kent E Vrana, Professor and Chair of Pharmacology, Penn State • conversation
Feb. 9, 2023 ~10 min

Yoga: Modern research shows a variety of benefits to both body and mind from the ancient practice

Yoga’s surge in popularity in the past decade has spurred more research into its effects. The combination of physical movement and mindfulness provides a wide range of health benefits.

Herpreet Thind, Associate Professor of Public Health, UMass Lowell • conversation
Jan. 24, 2023 ~8 min

Cannabis holds promise for pain management, reducing the need for opioid painkillers – a neuropharmacology expert explains how

Studies suggest that marijuana and CBD use might help relieve chronic pain while also reducing a patient’s need for opioids.

Benjamin Land, Research Associate Professor of Pharmacology, University of Washington • conversation
Nov. 2, 2022 ~9 min


How do painkillers actually kill pain? From ibuprofen to fentanyl, it's about meeting the pain where it's at

Different painkillers provide relief in different ways. The most effective medication is the one that best targets the type of pain you’re experiencing with minimal side effects.

Benedict Alter, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences • conversation
June 24, 2022 ~11 min

In research studies and in real life, placebos have a powerful healing effect on the body and mind

Drug manufacturers often shun the use of placebos in clinical trials. But research suggests that placebos could play an important role in the treatment of depression, pain and other maladies.

Hans Schroder, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Michigan • conversation
Feb. 11, 2022 ~11 min

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