Back Pain
Paracetamol: long-term risks may be underestimated says new review
The long-term health risks that could be associated with the commonly-taken painkiller paracetamol need to be reassessed, says a group led by Prof Philip Conaghan of the Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine. Continue reading
Spider venom analysis reveals seven compounds with potential to relieve chronic pain
Seven compounds in spider venom have been found to block a key step in the body’s ability to pass pain signals to the brain, says research in the British Journal of Pharmacology. The findings could lead to a new class of potent painkillers, according to the team involved. Continue reading
Surgery for acute spinal conditions in the over 80s… outcome similar as that for younger people, experts claim
Back surgery for debilitating spinal conditions causing leg and back pain, numbness and weakness should be an option more readily considered for people aged 80 years and over, says research in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. Continue reading
Smoking impairs response to inflammatory back arthritis drugs
The response to biological drugs used to treat inflammatory arthritis affecting the lower back is impaired by smoking, says research in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
Axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) is a relatively newly defined form of arthritis and until now it hasn’t been clear what impact smoking has on the drugs used to treat it. Continue reading
Acupuncture in back pain – higher expectations lead to greater success
People with back pain who have positive expectations of acupuncture before they start a course of treatment experience more benefit than people who don’t believe it will work, according to new research published in The Journal of Clinical Pain.
A total of 485 people who were being treated by acupuncturists completed questionnaires before they started treatment, then two weeks, three months and six months later. Continue reading
