Recent Blog Articles

How do trees and green spaces enhance our health?

A muscle-building obsession in boys: What to know and do

Harvard Health Ad Watch: New drug, old song, clever tagline

Concussion in children: What to know and do

What color is your tongue? What's healthy, what's not?

Your amazing parathyroid glands

When — and how — should you be screened for colon cancer?

Co-regulation: Helping children and teens navigate big emotions

Dog bites: How to prevent or treat them

Will miscarriage care remain available?

Pain Archive

Pain

Vitamin D deficiency might affect recovery from knee surgery

Published September 1, 2021

A study published online May 5, 2021, in the journal Menopause found that women with a vitamin D deficiency experienced a more painful recovery from knee surgery than women with normal levels of the vitamin.

Diseases & Conditions

Looking out for diverticulitis

Updated July 18, 2023

More than half of US adults over 60 have diverticulosis, a condition where part of the wall of the colon bulges outward and forms tiny pouches. Diverticulosis does not cause symptoms, but if a pouch becomes inflamed or infected it becomes diverticulitis, which can be mild or more serious.

Pain

Right-sizing opioid prescriptions after surgery

Published July 29, 2021

It's common for doctors to prescribe opioid pain medications for their patients after surgery; however, prescribing large numbers of pills increases the possibility of dependence and overdose. Writing prescriptions for smaller quantities of pills while still monitoring people's pain is one way to reduce the likelihood that a person develops a problem.

Pain

Take on chronic pain where it lives

Published July 1, 2021

Chronic pain conditions are common in older adults. Managing pain at home can be as important as working with a doctor. There are numerous options for at-home pain management, including online workout programs, cognitive behavioral therapy programs, online support groups, and apps. Recognizing that you can take steps to decrease chronic pain is crucial to success.

Pain

Is my kidney causing my back pain?

Published July 1, 2021

People commonly think back pain comes from the kidney, but it's more likely due to a muscle- or spine-related problem. When pain is related to the kidney, the pain is higher up in the back, and the symptoms are different, such as a fever and waves of intense pain rather than a steady ache.

Pain

High-intensity walking may reduce leg pain from artery disease

Published July 1, 2021

Peripheral artery disease is a circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs and often cause leg pain from walking. A new study found that a high-intensity walking program that causes some discomfort may improve walking performance.

Pain

Are home pain relief gadgets safe for use?

Published July 1, 2021

It’s best to talk to one’s doctor before buying a pain relief gadget. The product may not work, it may cost a lot of money, it might be dangerous, or it might encourage the user to delay medical treatment. Some high-tech pain relief devices may be effective for some people, such as a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine. And some low-tech devices may also help relieve pain, such as foam rollers, handheld massagers, and heat or cold packs.

Pain

Chronic inflammation and your joints

Published July 1, 2021

The immune system sometimes launches a chronic inflammatory response in certain joints. That leads to pain, stiffness, and joint damage known as inflammatory arthritis. It’s usually unknown what triggers the conditions. Types of inflammatory arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis. Treatments include medications, such as biologic or nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and lifestyle habits, such as exercising, avoiding processed foods, reducing stress, not smoking, and getting enough sleep. Wearing a splint or brace on affected joints and seeking physical therapy may also help ease pain.

Pain

Treating a pinched nerve

Published June 26, 2021

Pain

When pain slows your new walking regimen

Updated June 1, 2021

There are lots of aches and pains that can slow down a new walking regimen. Examples include heel pain from plantar fasciitis, shin pain from spinal stenosis, and joint pain from osteoarthritis. Treatment varies, depending on the cause. Once pain has been addressed, it’s important to set realistic goals for a walking routine, starting with five or 10 minutes per day and gradually increasing the time. Doctors recommend an ultimate goal of 30 minutes of daily brisk walking.

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Recent Blog Articles

How do trees and green spaces enhance our health?

A muscle-building obsession in boys: What to know and do

Harvard Health Ad Watch: New drug, old song, clever tagline

Concussion in children: What to know and do

What color is your tongue? What's healthy, what's not?

Your amazing parathyroid glands

When — and how — should you be screened for colon cancer?

Co-regulation: Helping children and teens navigate big emotions

Dog bites: How to prevent or treat them

Will miscarriage care remain available?

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