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New Therapy Combines Nerve Stimulation and Talk Therapy to Help People Overcome Severe PTSD
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that can be difficult to treat, especially for people who don’t respond to traditional therapy or medication. A new study tested an innovative approach that combines a proven talk therapy called prolonged exposure therapy with gentle stimulation of the vagus nerve—a key nerve that helps regulate stress and emotions. Using a small implanted device, the nerve was activated during therapy sessions to help the brain form new, healthier connections. In a group of nine people with severe, treatment-resistant PTSD, all showed major improvements, and none met the criteria for PTSD after completing the therapy. The benefits lasted for at least six months, and no serious side effects were reported. This promising new treatment could lead to better options for people who have struggled to find relief from PTSD.
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How Your Own Blood May Help Relieve Carpal Tunnel Pain Better Than Steroids
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that causes pain, tingling, and weakness in the hand due to pressure on a nerve in the wrist. This study compared two common treatments—steroid injections and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which use a patient’s own blood to promote healing. Both treatments helped improve symptoms, especially in the short term. However, PRP showed better long-term results, with patients reporting less pain and better hand function over time. While steroid injections worked well at first, their effects tended to wear off, making PRP a promising option for longer-lasting relief.
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Telephone-Delivered Walk With Ease Program Boosts Health for Adults with Arthritis
A recent study has shown that a telephone-delivered version of the Walk With Ease (WWE-T) program can significantly improve the health of adults with arthritis. The program, which is conducted remotely over six weeks, helps participants manage pain, increase physical function, and improve their confidence in handling arthritis symptoms. Through two weekly phone calls, participants were guided to walk for at least 30 minutes a day, several times a week. The results were impressive, with improvements in physical activities, reduced fatigue, and greater self-efficacy lasting up to a year. This easy-to-follow program provides a great alternative for those who may struggle to attend in-person exercise classes due to mobility issues or other barriers, making it an accessible option for a wide range of people.
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Vagus Nerve Stimulation Shows Promise for Treating Severe Depression
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is showing promising results as a potential treatment for people with severe depression, especially those whose symptoms haven’t improved with traditional therapies. In a recent study, participants who received VNS—where a device sends mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve—reported significant improvements in mood, quality of life, and daily functioning. Encouragingly, these benefits seem to last over time. Now, the same researchers are testing VNS for people with bipolar disorder and planning to continue their work for another four years to see if it helps certain groups even more. While VNS isn’t a cure-all and doesn’t work for everyone, it offers hope for those who have struggled with depression and bipolar disorder for years, showing that with continued research, it may become a key part of managing these challenging conditions.
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Poor Oral Health Linked to Migraines and Body Pain in Women with Chronic Pain Disorders
A recent study found that poor oral health may be linked to increased migraines, stomach pain, and body aches in women with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. Researchers analyzed saliva samples from 158 women and discovered that certain harmful bacteria in the mouth were more common in those reporting higher levels of pain. Women with the lowest oral health scores were significantly more likely to experience migraines and severe gut-related pain. While the study doesn’t prove that poor oral health causes pain, it highlights a possible connection between the mouth’s microbiome and chronic pain. Experts say this research could open new doors in understanding how oral health affects overall well-being, especially in women with central sensitization disorders.
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