Pain
Polyphenol-rich diet prevents inflammation in older people
A diet rich in polyphenols appears to hold off inflammation in older people. How? By altering the microbes in the gut and inducing the production of a potent neuroprotective antioxidant called indole 3-propionic acid (IPA).
Men and women process pain signals differently scientists discover
Neurons in the spinal cord process pain signals differently in women and men, scientists discover for the first time. The finding could lead to better and more personalised treatments for chronic pain.
Knee op in the pipeline? Do some physiotherapy while you wait experts suggest
Pain, and overly thinking – catastrophising – about pain means knee replacement operations can be less successful. A good quality home-based physiotherapy programme may be a solution; if people deal with pain better, the success rate of surgery goes up.
Tick saliva protein (Votucalis) could be developed into chronic pain drug
A protein found in tick saliva may soon be turned into a drug that eases both chronic pain and chronic itching. It is hoped that the protein – called Votucalis – could lead to a replacement for traditional painkillers, for example opioids, that can be ineffective, have serious side-effects and are addictive.
Achieving a good night’s sleep can be difficult, especially for people with arthritis, but Dr Rob Hicks is here to help
Many people with arthritis have an increased risk of sleep disturbance. Let’s look at why this may be, and the positive changes that can be made to help those sleeping with arthritis have the best chance of reaching the holy grail of a good night’s sleep. Information, after all, is power.
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