Blog
New Migraine Prevention Therapy: CGRP Treatments Now a First-Line Option
The American Headache Society has recognized a new class of treatments called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)–targeting therapies as a top choice for preventing migraines. These treatments work by blocking a protein involved in triggering migraines, offering an effective alternative to older medications like beta-blockers and antidepressants, which can have tough side effects. CGRP therapies have been shown in studies to reduce the number of migraines and improve the quality of life for patients, including those who haven’t responded well to other treatments. This is a big step forward in migraine care, especially for those regularly dealing with these headaches.
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Optimal Timing for Exercise Therapy in Knee Osteoarthritis: The Impact of Early Intervention on Pain and Function
The article highlights the effectiveness of exercise therapy for individuals with knee osteoarthritis, emphasizing that those who start exercising within the first year of symptoms experience the greatest benefits. Analyzing data from 1,769 participants, the study found that early intervention with exercise significantly reduces pain and improves physical function both in the short term (about 3 months) and long term (about 12 months). Those with symptoms for less than one year saw the most notable improvements compared to those with longer symptom durations. The findings suggest that initiating exercise therapy as soon as symptoms emerge can be crucial in managing and potentially slowing the progression of knee osteoarthritis.
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Uncertain Benefits of Massage Therapy for Pain Management: A Review of Evidence Quality and Research Gaps
A recent review of research on massage therapy for pain management found that while there is some evidence suggesting it might help with conditions like lower back pain, labor pain, and post-breast cancer surgery, the overall certainty of these benefits is low. Out of 129 studies reviewed, only a few had moderate-certainty evidence, and no study provided high-certainty results. The review calls for more high-quality, long-term research to better understand how effective massage therapy is compared to other treatments for pain. Despite being generally safe, massage therapy might not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain types of chronic pain.
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"Exploring Deep Brain Stimulation for Chronic Low Back Pain: Promising Early Results and Future Prospects
Preliminary results from a first-in-human trial of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) targeting the subgenual cingulate cortex (SCC) for chronic low back pain show promising outcomes. The study, presented at the 2024 American Association of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, demonstrated significant pain reduction, a 95% decrease in opioid use, and a 90% improvement in disability for a patient with severe, refractory low back pain. DBS, which modulates brain circuits involved in pain perception, appears to be a viable option for those who have not benefited from traditional treatments like medications, physical therapy, or spinal cord stimulation. Despite these encouraging results, challenges remain regarding the generalizability of the treatment, its invasive nature, and the need for larger, multisite trials to fully establish its efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
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Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) Outperforms CBT in Reducing Chronic Pain: A Potential New Gold Standard?
A recent study suggests that Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) may be more effective than the widely used Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in reducing chronic pain. In the study, veterans who received EAET experienced greater pain relief and improvements in depression and anxiety compared to those who underwent CBT. EAET focuses on helping patients process and express emotions linked to past traumas, offering a different approach to pain management. While CBT has long been the go-to therapy for chronic pain, these findings hint that EAET could be a promising new option, especially for those who haven't found relief with traditional methods.
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