Pain Archive

Topicals aren't as popular, but they can be very effective.

Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a common fix when you're suffering from osteoarthritis of the knees or hands. But applying NSAIDs directly to the skin (topically) can bring weeks of pain relief, and without the risks of oral NSAIDs, according to a new review by the Cochrane Collaboration, an international research organization. "Topical NSAIDs are an excellent choice for a lot of people, especially those who are at high risk of complications from oral medications," says Dr. Eric Berkson, director of the Sports Performance Center at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

Valve replacement may be needed, but the topic is hotly debated.

The amount of total knee replacements in the United States has more than doubled since 1991. This may reflect an expanding pool of older adults and a desire to maintain a more active lifestyle that is possible only if arthritic knees are replaced.

The number of total knee replacement (TKR) procedures performed on people in the Medicare system has grown dramatically, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. From 1991 to 2010, 3.2 million Medicare beneficiaries underwent either a first TKR or a replacement implant because of infections, implant failure or wear, or other complications. Medicare reimburses for TKRs at a rate of around $15,000 per knee.

One factor driving the implant upsurge is the desire of an aging population to remain physically active. Another factor is an increase in people who are overweight or obese, which causes joints (both natural and implanted) to wear out faster.

This common affliction can limit your daily activities if you don't take steps to prevent it.

Everyday life isn't kind to our necks. You know that crick you get when you cradle the phone between your shoulder and ear? Or the strain you feel when you crane your neck to see your computer monitor?

Some topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve osteoarthritis pain as well as oral medicines, with less risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The best evidence is for diclofenac solution or gel.

Q. How long should I let a headache last before I see a doctor?

A. That's a hard question to answer without knowing a lot more. Some people have headaches frequently. Women are more likely to suffer from migraine headaches if another close relative (particularly a female relative) suffers from migraines. Many types of headaches, particularly migraine headaches, begin in childhood and afflict people for years.

Next time you're looking for pain relief, try a little distraction.

A recent study published in Current Biology found that mental distractions actually block pain signals from the body before they ever reach the brain. "Human brains have a limited capacity for attention. If you have a demanding enough task, you'll have less attention to give to your pain," explains Dr. Randy Gollub, associate professor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

Are these popular therapies effective or just snake oil?

You might be tempted to try just about anything to relieve the pain and stiffness from your arthritic knees. And while your doctor will likely support other treatments before recommending a knee replacement, not all therapies are proven effective, and the hype on some seems too good to be true. So what's the best approach? "Arm yourself with information," says Dr. Eric Berkson, director of the Sports Performance Center at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

Acupuncture helps relieve chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, as well as pain from osteoarthritis and headaches, according to a new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

To compare acupuncture with conventional pain therapy, researchers pooled the findings of 29 past studies involving nearly 18,000 people. The study revealed that some, but not all, of the pain relief was due to the placebo effect, in which people experience benefits from treatments that may not have a documented effect.