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The Hidden Link Between Chronic Pain and High Blood Pressure
Chronic pain and high blood pressure are both common health problems, and new research suggests they may be closely connected. A large long-term study found that people living with ongoing pain—especially severe or widespread pain—were more likely to develop high blood pressure over time, even after accounting for age, lifestyle, medications, and other health factors. The risk increased as pain became more severe or affected more parts of the body, and depression played an important role in linking pain and hypertension. Experts say chronic pain may keep the body in a constant state of stress, raising blood pressure and affecting sleep and mental health. These findings highlight the importance of taking chronic pain seriously, screening for it routinely, and improving how pain is measured and treated—not only to reduce suffering, but also to protect long-term heart health.
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Headache Disorders Affect Nearly 1 in 3 People Worldwide — And Much of the Burden Is Preventable
Headache disorders are one of the most common health problems in the world, affecting nearly one in three people, and a new global study shows just how big their impact really is. In 2023, headaches were the sixth leading cause of disability worldwide, with women experiencing more than twice the headache-related health loss as men. Although tension-type headaches are more common, migraine is responsible for almost all of the disability caused by headache disorders because of its intense and often debilitating symptoms. The study also highlights that more than 20% of the global headache burden is linked to overuse of pain medications—a preventable issue that can actually make headaches worse over time. Experts say that improving awareness, encouraging safer use of medications, and providing better support for people living with chronic headaches could significantly reduce the burden of these often misunderstood conditions.
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Turning Fat into Bone: Japanese Scientists Discover Promising Therapy for Osteoporosis
Scientists in Japan have found a way to turn body fat into bone to help heal spinal fractures — a discovery that could one day transform treatment for osteoporosis and other bone diseases. Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University used stem cells taken from fat tissue and guided them to become bone-forming cells. When these cells were combined with a bone-supporting material and applied to rats with spinal fractures, the animals’ spines became stronger and healthier. Because fat is easy to collect, even from older adults, this technique could offer a gentle, low-risk alternative to surgery for repairing fragile bones. Although the findings are still in early animal testing, the results are promising — paving the way for safer, more effective treatments to restore bone health in aging populations.
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Most Chronic Pain Patients Stop Using Medical Cannabis Within a Year, Study Finds
A recent study from Philadelphia shows that medical cannabis may not be a lasting option for many people with chronic pain. Researchers tracked 78 patients certified to use cannabis for back, joint, and other musculoskeletal pain and found that nearly 60 percent stopped within a year, with almost half quitting in the first three months. Older adults were the most likely to discontinue. The study found that neither pain type nor overall health at the start made a difference, suggesting other factors—such as cost, side effects, or limited benefit—play a bigger role. Experts say the findings highlight the importance of setting realistic expectations and call for larger studies to better understand who is most likely to benefit from cannabis and for how long.
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Most Chronic Pain Patients Stop Using Medical Cannabis Within a Year, Study Finds
A recent study from Philadelphia shows that medical cannabis may not be a lasting option for many people with chronic pain. Researchers tracked 78 patients certified to use cannabis for back, joint, and other musculoskeletal pain and found that nearly 60 percent stopped within a year, with almost half quitting in the first three months. Older adults were the most likely to discontinue. The study found that neither pain type nor overall health at the start made a difference, suggesting other factors—such as cost, side effects, or limited benefit—play a bigger role. Experts say the findings highlight the importance of setting realistic expectations and call for larger studies to better understand who is most likely to benefit from cannabis and for how long.
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