Pain News

Think happy thoughts, feel no pain

Scared of needles? Well fear no more, scientists have found that focusing on a pretty image could alleviate the sting of that vaccine.

Women deal with pain better

Some research has hinted that women are more sensitive to pain than men are, but a new study suggests that women actually get over their discomfort more quickly.

Infant pain, adult repercussions

Scientists have uncovered the mechanisms of how pain in infancy alters how the brain processes pain in adulthood.

'Sham' surgery as effective

Two new studies suggest that vertebroplasty, a widely used surgery to help heal compression fractures, is no better than "sham" surgery when it comes to relieving pain.

Swearing helps with pain

Ever blurt out a swear word after stubbing a toe or experiencing some other painful incident? Your outburst might actually help lessen the pain, new research shows.

Slow-release anaesthetic created

A new, slow-release injectable nerve block could be a long-lasting local anaesthetic for the treatment of pain during and after surgery, US researchers say.

Pain really is all in the mind

How come some people need pain killers even just to sit in a dentist's chair? And how is it possible for rugby players to stay in the game even with a broken arm?

Hope for cannabis-type painkiller

A new type of drug could alleviate pain in a similar way to cannabis without affecting the brain, according to a new study.

Dagga not effective painkiller

Study shows oral cannabis is ineffective in treating certain types of acute pain and actually increased sensitivity to some other kinds of discomfort.

Acupuncture for menstrual pain?

Acupuncture may help relieve menstrual pain and improve the quality of life for some women, a new study from Germany suggests.