Botulinum toxin, otherwise known as Botox, is being used by some medical professionals to do more than just smooth the appearance of wrinkles. The chemical inhibits the release of acetylcholine (ACh), an ion in the nervous system that increases skeletal muscle activity.
Read MoreLow-back pain is the most common injury of war, affecting nearly half of all veterans. And the pain is more than a little bothersome.
Read MoreHere's a new reason to back off those steak dinners: scientists have discovered a chemical in red meat that precipitates heart disease. The chemical, called l-carnitine, is a nutrient found in red meat, popular energy drinks, and supplements. A new study found that regular intake of l-carnitine significantly increase cardiovascular risk. While red meat has already been linked to heart problems, it was thought that the meat's high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol were to blame for the increased risk.
Read MoreMore than one in ten people who have had an ischemic stroke will develop new chronic pain, leading to an increased risk of declining cognition and function. In a large clinical trial, researchers evaluated prevention measures for recurrent stroke, using a sample of more than 15,000 stroke patients who had no history of chronic pain before their stroke. Of these patients, 10.6% said they developed chronic pain after their initial stroke. Those who suffered chronic pain were far more likely to have a decline in functional independence compared with those who did not have associated pain. A decline in cognitive ability was also tied to patients with peripheral neuropathy or chronic pain from limb spasms or shoulder dislocation. Previous research has found a link between stroke and depression.
Read MoreIt's well known that stress and anxiety can exacerbate symptoms in patients with chronic pain. Previous research has also shown that depression can lead to worse outcomes for people with lower back pain.
Read MoreTwo thirds of employees in industrialized nations spend their days sitting in front of a computer at a desk job. All that time hunched over a screen means more people are developing chronic conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive motion injuries. A new case study highlights how chiropractic care can ease symptoms in people with work-related pain.
Read MorePopping a pill may ward of back pain for now, but new research shows that relying too heavily on medications may lead to worse symptoms later on. Opoid drugs, like Vicodin, Percocet, and OxyContin, are frequently prescribed for patients with severe pain. However few studies have examined the effects of opioid prescriptions on the long-term outcome of back-pain treatment. To better understand how opioids affect patients with back problems, the researchers recruited 715 patients who presented at primary care clinics with back pain.
Read MoreIn the past few years, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has become a more commonly-used treatment for a variety of conditions, including nervous system diseases and headaches. However, little clinical research has been done to confirm the effectiveness of this treatment for headaches.
Read MoreA panel of experts recently collaborated in a study which analyzed orders for MRI scans in two large hospitals. They found that more than half the cases in which a lumbar spine MRI scan were done should not have been ordered in the first place.
Read MoreStudies have shown that smoking is a risk factor for back pain and disc disease. But how long-term is the risk? Does giving up smoking improve back pain or it is too late for smokers? A new study shows that quitting can have big benefits.
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