Yearly Archives: 2011

/2011

“Zombie” cells may have implications in aging

2018-09-17T10:13:37-04:00

Scientists have long known that once the DNA of a cell becomes damaged in any way, it typically becomes "senescent," meaning it stops functioning and multiplying. The immune system has mechanisms to clear these cells out of the body, but as we age a weaker immune system can no longer remove the bulk of them. It was unclear what effect this build-up of zombie-like cells had on the body until researchers at Mayo Clinic exposed mice to an agent that kills senescent cells, and reported that symptoms of aging such as muscle weakness and cataracts were delayed. They wish to continue [...]

“Zombie” cells may have implications in aging2018-09-17T10:13:37-04:00

A New Approach to a Growing Pain Problem

2018-09-17T10:13:25-04:00

Spinal vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are the most common fracture due to osteoporosis, are painful, and after the first occurs the risk doubles. The traditional treatment for these fractures was bed rest and medications, with a newer procedure allowing cement to be injected into the fracture site, hardening quickly and stabilizing the bone. However, new technologies have allowed a more viscous cement to be used, opening the doors to treating many for VCFs and in a wider array of patients. http://www.mdnews.com/news/2011_10/05788_octnov2011_a-new-approach

A New Approach to a Growing Pain Problem2018-09-17T10:13:25-04:00

Study shows Yoga and stretching classes are effective ways to manage back pain

2018-09-17T10:13:08-04:00

A study at the University of Washington has shown that yoga is as effective as conventional stretching classes in the treatment of chronic back pain, and both have better results than self-help books on the topic. The researches were seeking an alternative to the typical treatment of medication, a self-management book, and perhaps some massage therapy, and the results were positive. At the end of the study, the yoga and stretching participants were functioning better than the group which was only given a self-help manual. Time to grab a yoga mat! http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/exercise/story/2011-10-25/Study-Yoga-stretching-classes-outdo-self-care-for-back-pain/50905938/1

Study shows Yoga and stretching classes are effective ways to manage back pain2018-09-17T10:13:08-04:00

New post adressing the effects of pain on behavior

2018-09-17T10:12:37-04:00

An excerpt from the blog "In my clinic, I have a large patient population of chronic pain patients, and it is common to have the chronic pain issues overwhelm these patients' lives. When I ask most of these patients what is their biggest stressor in their life, they usually will answer that the pain is what demands most of their time and energy and affects them the most." a link to the post is provided below http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julie-chen-md/pain-affecting-behavior-_b_1027659.html?ref=chronic-pain

New post adressing the effects of pain on behavior2018-09-17T10:12:37-04:00

Bob Harris has fought chronic pain, and now shares his experience

2018-09-17T10:12:24-04:00

Eleven years ago carpenter Bob Harris was in an accident at a work site that severely damaged his knee, leading him to eventually need two complete knee replacements, two total hip replacements, as well as 12 more surgeries. Despite visiting 20 didfferent doctors, Harris still battles pain daily. He has begun to find relief using an Empi Active knee TENS system, as recommended by pain specialist Dr. Tony Lababidi, which sends electric pulses into his knee intercepting the pain signals before they reach the brain. Harris now speaks out to raise awareness for his condition known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, [...]

Bob Harris has fought chronic pain, and now shares his experience2018-09-17T10:12:24-04:00

U.S. Panel Says No to Prostate Screening for Healthy Men

2018-09-17T10:12:13-04:00

The United States Preventative Services task force has made the recommendation that healthy men with no signs of prostrate problems should not be getting the P.S.A. screening regularly. The test, which detects prostate specific antigen, cannot determine whether the cancer it finds is life threatening or will ever develop to dangerous extents during the patients lifetime, however the treatment that can follow positive results could cause incontinence, impotence, and even death. Although many health professionals oppose this new recommendation, claiming the test saves lives, there are also many health practitioners who agree that the test does not decrease morbidity from prostate [...]

U.S. Panel Says No to Prostate Screening for Healthy Men2018-09-17T10:12:13-04:00

St. Jude’s chronic pain neuro-stim implant wins Japanese regulatory nod

2018-09-17T10:12:01-04:00

St. Jude's has developed a neuro-stim implant aimed at treating chronic pain, and the Japanese have given their approval for it to come to market. The device contains leads which are used to provide electrical impuses near the spine which would alter or even completely interrupt pain signals. It is set up to stimulate only the areas of pain without affecting other nerves. http://www.massdevice.com/news/st-judes-chronic-pain-neuro-stim-implant-wins-japanese-regulatory-nod-prepares-launch

St. Jude’s chronic pain neuro-stim implant wins Japanese regulatory nod2018-09-17T10:12:01-04:00

Huffington Post blogs about back pain

2018-09-17T10:11:47-04:00

"At one time or another, the misery of lower back pain is felt by everyone, which is no surprise. Our upright spine is as unique to being human as having an opposable thumb. But where anyone can see that using our hands involves every aspect of life, we don't say the same about our backs. But it's just as true. You can read a great deal standing behind someone, reading victory or defeat, success and failure, pride or shame and every degree of self-esteem. More hidden are the stresses that shape the back. On the day that you feel that first [...]

Huffington Post blogs about back pain2018-09-17T10:11:47-04:00

Women smokers more likely to report chronic pain

2018-09-17T10:11:38-04:00

A study at the University of Kentucky suggests that women who smoke heavily are more than twice as likely to report chronic pain than non-smokers. Former smokers and occasional smokers also have a heightened risk, but not as great as the heavy users. In fact, the correlation between these smokers and chronic pain is actually higher than that of older age with chronic pain. http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report_women-smokers-more-likely-to-report-chronic-pain-syndrome_1593275

Women smokers more likely to report chronic pain2018-09-17T10:11:38-04:00

Actress Jennifer Grey champions national initiative to bring awareness to chronic pain

2018-09-17T10:11:27-04:00

Movie icon, dancing star and patient advocate Jennifer Grey has joined forces with Partners Against Pain to launch a new national initiative called Hands On Approach for Pain Management. The program highlights the importance of open and honest communication between people living with chronic pain and their healthcare professionals in developing an individualized treatment plan. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/actress-jennifer-grey-spearheads-national-initiative-to-promote-effective-communication-between-people-living-with-pain-and-healthcare-professionals-2011-09-28

Actress Jennifer Grey champions national initiative to bring awareness to chronic pain2018-09-17T10:11:27-04:00

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Translational Research Institute on Pain in Later Life
Weill Cornell Medicine, Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine
525 East 68th Street
New York, NY 10065
Phone: 212.746.1801
Email: krh4005@med.cornell.edu