Pain Research / 22.11.2024

Neck pain is a widespread issue that transcends age, geography, and lifestyle, making it an unavoidable reality for many individuals. Studies indicate that around 10% to 20% of the population will sometimes experience neck pain with varying degrees of severity. This common ailment is often underestimated but can significantly impact a person's daily activities, productivity, and overall quality of life. Consequently, it's essential to understand its prevalence and recognize that timely interventions, such as the Las Vegas Neck Pain solutions, can offer substantial relief and improve daily functioning.  

Common Causes of Neck Pain

The causes of neck pain are as varied as the symptoms, with factors often overlapping in complex ways. The modern lifestyle, heavily reliant on digital devices, has resulted in a phenomenon known as “tech neck,” caused by the perpetual forward head posture while looking at screens. Furthermore, degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis and spondylosis, which naturally occur as people age, contribute to the discomfort experienced in the neck region. Stress, often an overlooked factor, can exacerbate these physical symptoms by causing muscle tension and fatigue. Understanding these causes enables individuals to adopt preventive measures tailored to their specific risk factors. (more…)
Author Interviews, Orthopedics, Pain Research, Surgical Research / 20.11.2024

Discussion and Explanation of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery by: Brent A. Felix, M.D Spine Surgery, Bone & Joint Surgery Salt Lake Orthopaedic Clinic Suite 4050 Salt Lake City, UT 84124 and Alpine Orthopaedic Specialists North Logan, UT 8434  

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) has become a game changer in orthopedic surgery, offering patients safer and less painful options for treating spinal issues. Dr. Brent Felix, a leading orthopedic spine surgeon, is at the forefront of this movement, advocating for these innovative techniques that provide multiple benefits over traditional methods.

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery, or MISS, is a technique that allows surgeons to address spine conditions with much smaller incisions compared to traditional surgery. Rather than making large cuts to access the spine, Dr. Felix and his team use special instruments and imaging tools to perform surgery through small incisions. These tools include tiny cameras or endoscopes, which provide a clear view of the spine without the need for large openings.

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Anesthesiology, Pain Research / 29.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with a Vertex spokesperson.   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
  • We presented Phase 3 data for our investigational, oral pain signal inhibitor, suzetrigine, at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2024, the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ annual meeting. The Phase 3 data were previously announced in January 2024, and this is the first time the findings were presented to the medical community. The data were featured in the “Best Abstracts” session at the meeting.
  • Our Phase 3 acute pivotal program for suzetrigine included two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pivotal trials, one following abdominoplasty surgery and one following bunionectomy surgery, as well as a single arm safety and effectiveness study which enrolled patients with a broad range of surgical and non-surgical pain conditions. All three studies demonstrated compelling and consistent efficacy and safety across multiple acute pain conditions and settings.
  • Together, the data demonstrate suzetrigine’s potential to offer a safe, well tolerated and effective alternative to the current acute pain treatment paradigm, without addictive potential.
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Anesthesiology, Pain Research, Pets / 29.10.2024

As a dog owner, ensuring your furry friend's health and happiness is a primary duty and yet a challenging task. Unlike humans, dogs can't vocalize their pain, so recognizing pain is all about understanding and observing the signs. As dogs are more sensitive pets, it is easy and essential to notice the changes that occur in them. Whether a minor injury, illness or something severe, early identification is crucial to prevent your dogs from further discomfort and complications. Professional support like Mesa Emergency Vet will provide immediate pet care, and it is the dog keeper's responsibility to convey what is really happening with your dog. As you scroll down to read further, you will learn about the symptoms of your dog's pain and what you can possibly do to help them.

Behavioral Changes

Dogs are typically energetic and social creatures, but if they are not feeling well, they suddenly withdraw, become lethargic, or avoid interaction, just like how humans react to a situation. Changes in the behavior are not only unusual actions, but they may also growl, snap or even get agitated in a situation where they wouldn't normally react; if so, it has to be treated as soon as possible. If they are whining, whimpering or licking a specific area, they communicate their distress. Paying close attention to its daily behavior and treating the discomfort could soon let them relax to a normal state. (more…)
Orthopedics, Pain Research / 19.10.2024

Cervical stenosis is a bone disease where the cavity in the neck that houses the spinal cord or nerve root gets smaller. This constriction may produce complex neurological conditions and severe pain. The condition can be treated if it is diagnosed early on. This also prevents further complications. Listed below are five signs that may indicate you have cervical stenosis:
  1. Neck Pain and Stiffness
The initial and main symptom of cervical stenosis is chronic neck discomfort and stiffness. You may experience discomfort and pain primarily in the neck region or a feeling of tightness in your muscles that restricts the range of movement of your head. While this stiffness may only show up in certain situations, it tends to become worse with time as the spinal canal starts to narrow further. The pain you experience may vary depending on your posture, how far you move, your posture during work, or when you remain stationary for long periods of time. The causes of cervical stenosis include degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, and injuries that lead to inflammation of the spinal canal. The most common cause of these changes is aging which causes wearing out of the spine, resulting in degenerative disc disease and arthritis that affects the spinal joints. (more…)
Cannabis, Pain Research / 09.10.2024

As awareness grows regarding the therapeutic properties of cannabis, many are turning to cannabis edibles as an option for pain management. Edibles provide a discreet, long-lasting, and controlled way to consume cannabis without the need for smoking or vaping, for those seeking relief from chronic pain. This article explores the benefits of cannabis edibles, how they work in pain management, and how you can find the right product for your needs.

Why Cannabis Edibles Are Effective for Pain Management

Cannabis contains compounds known as cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate various physiological functions, including pain perception. The two primary cannabinoids in cannabis are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), both of which play a role in pain relief. (more…)
Orthopedics, Pain Research / 07.10.2024

Our joints are pretty amazing, aren’t they? They keep us moving, bending, stretching, and dancing. But sometimes, the wear and tear of life catches up to us, and our joints begin to protest – loudly. When the pain becomes persistent, you might wonder, “Is it time for a joint replacement?” While this can feel like a big decision, knowing when to take that next step can make all the difference for your quality of life.

1. Persistent Pain That Won’t Quit

Pain is your body's way of sending you a message. But what happens when the message never seems to stop? If you’re dealing with joint pain that’s constant or regularly interrupts your daily activities, it might be time to think about looking into self pay joint replacement so you can get the expert help you need as soon as possible. Pain that keeps you awake at night, doesn’t respond well to medication, or is present even when resting are all red flags. The purpose of joint replacement isn’t just to eliminate pain; it’s about reclaiming your everyday life. When over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, or other treatments aren’t cutting it anymore, it could be time to consult with a specialist. (more…)
Addiction, Aging, Pain Research / 29.09.2024

Why Older Adults are Using Drugs to Excess and How We Can Help Them   Most news stories tend to focus on how drugs and the opioid epidemic are impacting people in their teens and early adulthood. However, I can tell you from personal experience, that there are a lot of older adults who are also abusing drugs alcohol at record rates.  This is borne out at our family’s drug treatment program which I founded and run in San Diego, California. You may be surprised to hear that the rates of opioid overdose in the U.S. have increased the most among people ages 65 and up (from 2021 to 2022) and that older adults have seen the greatest increase in cannabis use in Canada. One thing you also may not realize is that older adults have the highest recovery rates of all age groups. (more…)
Chiropractic, Pain Research / 27.09.2024

  Table of Contents
  1. The Impact of Desk Jobs on Health
  2. Common Issues Faced by Office Workers
  3. The Benefits of Chiropractic Care
  4. Practical Tips for Office Workers
  5. Simple Exercises to Alleviate Discomfort
  6. The Role of the Eastbourne Chiropractic Clinic
  7. Embracing a Healthier Work Environment
The Impact of Desk Jobs on Health In today’s digital age, many workers find themselves tethered to desks for extended hours. While this lifestyle offers convenience, it also poses a range of health challenges. Sedentary behaviour, poor posture, and repetitive motions can lead to various musculoskeletal issues. The Eastbourne Chiropractic Clinic has observed an increase in patients seeking relief from conditions exacerbated by desk jobs, underscoring the need for effective strategies to counteract these issues. Sitting for long periods can negatively affect the spine, leading to discomfort and pain. Furthermore, the modern workplace often lacks the ergonomic features necessary for maintaining good posture. Understanding the impact of these factors is essential for office workers who wish to protect their health and well-being. (more…)
Pain Research, Plastic Surgery / 21.09.2024

Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) is capturing attention as a modern, non-invasive treatment option that claims to help with a variety of conditions, including erectile dysfunction and muscle pain. This therapy uses sound waves to stimulate the body's own healing processes, which can improve blood flow and promote tissue repair. For those considering if this is a treatment worth incorporating into your clinic service, the answer is yes. AWT (Acoustic Wave Therapy) can enhance blood circulation and potentially improve sexual performance for some individuals. It's particularly noted for helping men with vascular-related erectile dysfunction. Although not yet approved by the FDA, many clinics worldwide offer it as a promising alternative. Aside from erectile dysfunction, acoustic wave therapy is researched for its potential benefits in reducing cellulite and chronic pain. It's a quick procedure with minimal discomfort, making it an attractive option for those looking for a less invasive therapy. With these advantages, AWT is becoming a topic of interest for patients and medical professionals. (more…)
Chiropractic, Pain Research / 18.09.2024

Editor's note:   Be sure to check with your health care provider for new, persistent or changing pain before embarking on any therapeutic maneuvers. Lower back pain, a common issue affecting millions, can result from flawed posture, injuries, or chronic illnesses. Chiropractic treatment offers an effective, non-invasive method to alleviate this discomfort by concentrating on spinal adjustments and manipulations to restore alignment and improve mobility. Through targeted techniques, chiropractors help reduce pain and promote healing.  In this article, we will analyze effective chiropractic methods for relieving lower back pain and improving overall spinal health. 

Understanding Lower Back Pain(LBP)

Lower back pain is a widespread condition caused by muscle strain, poor posture, herniated discs, or underlying medical ailments like arthritis. It can occur due to sudden movements, prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or age-related wear and tear on the spine. While common in older adults due to degenerative changes, lower back pain can affect people of any age, including young adults, athletes, etc. According to Statista, around 28% of American adults were found to have chronic lower back pain in 2022. More than 44% of adults having chronic back pain have been suffering for 5 years or more. The pain has deteriorated their quality of life. Risk factors that may cause back pain include obesity, sedentary lifestyles, lack of exercise, and certain occupations. Regardless of age, lower back pain can disrupt daily actions, limiting movement and quality of life for many individuals. Lower back pain (LBP) has impacted around 619 million people worldwide in 2020. The WHO estimates that this number will go up to 843 million by 2050. (more…)
Pain Research / 08.08.2024

topical-gels-pain-relief Pain management is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. While there are various methods to alleviate pain, topical gels have gained popularity due to their targeted approach and ease of use. Here are some of the key benefits of using topical gels for pain relief:

1. Targeted Relief

One of the primary advantages of topical gels is their ability to provide localized relief. Unlike oral medications that affect the entire body, topical gels can be applied directly to the affected area. This targeted approach ensures that the active ingredients are concentrated where they are needed most, potentially leading to faster and more effective relief. (more…)
Chiropractic, Pain Research / 20.06.2024

pain-painrelief-pexels-photo-4506105The unpleasant sensation of chronic pain can have a considerable impact on an individual's life. Frequently lasting for months or years, chronic can affect individuals in any part of the body and for a variety of reasons. Chronic pain conditions affect a large number of Americans, who are left with no choice but to resort to various alternative medicines and physiotherapy. This blog reflects the professional opinions of several pain management doctors and discusses their professional opinions regarding pain management techniques and treatments. Effective pain management hinges on a comprehensive approach that involves medication and appropriate therapy. Let us explore some of the best practices for pain management.

Understanding Pain and its Causes

The first stage in developing a pain treatment strategy is identifying pain's kind, origin, cause, and character. Understanding what may be causing pain allows for targeted treatment as different conditions demand varying and specific remedy methods. Patients can seek advice from the experienced and trusted doctors for pain management franklin tn to understand the nuances of their chronic pain, evaluate its intensity, and schedule the appropriate treatment process. (more…)
Chiropractic, Pain Research / 19.06.2024

chiropractic-care-chiropractor-pexels Although chiropractic care originated in China and Greece thousands of years ago, the practice of chiropractic care was formalized in 1895 in Iowa by D.D. Palmer when he manipulated a spine for a patient who was then healed of deafness and pain. Today, the advances in chiropractic training and experience have resulted in vastly-improved health outcomes and pain-free living for individuals worldwide.  Most people know how to find a good physician, but what elements are important in chiropractic care? What helps determine whether you will receive the care you need or not? If you ask friends for chiropractor recommendations, you may hear that one friendly chiropractor has a convenient office in the neighborhood, while another will recommend a female chiropractor who offers holistic care far beyond the basics. What elements should be included in effective chiropractic care?  

Element 1:   Training and Experience

Visiting a chiropractor can be daunting, especially on a first visit. Many times, individuals are uncertain regarding manipulations they’ve heard about. Stories circulate about chiropractors who pummel patients with hard-cracking spinal adjustments that simply cause more pain. However, the truth is far from that scenario and the best chiropractors have been fully trained and are experienced in chiropractic care. On a first visit, check to ensure the chiropractor is board certified and has experience in the field. The healing power of chiropractic care begins with a board certified chiropractor who has some years of experience.  (more…)
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, Pain Research, Personalized Medicine / 10.05.2024

On your path to recovery after an injury, you’ll find that medical science keeps evolving. New treatments and tech are not just healing; they’re changing the game of how we bounce back. Guided by fresh insights into technology, we make sure your way back is as effective as it is straightforward. Photo by cottonbro studio Healing Faster: Breakthroughs in Recovery from Personal InjuriesUnderstanding the Latest Diagnostic Tools Enhancing Personal Injury Recovery In the realm of personal injury recovery, precision in diagnosis is key. Advanced imaging techniques such as High-definition fiber tractography (HDFT) now allow for a superior visualization of neural pathways. Medical pros can pinpoint where you’re hurt with such precision, crafting a rehab plan that fits just right. Thanks to biomarker technology, figuring out how long recovery will take has gotten a whole lot smarter. Imagine doctors using clues from your body’s own building blocks—genes and proteins—to create a recovery plan that’s all about you. It means less wondering, “Will this work?” and more knowing it will help stitch things back together quickly. (more…)
Author Interviews, Opiods, Pain Research / 29.03.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jay P. Solgama Medical Student Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton PA   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The opioid crisis in the United States continues to escalate, with opioid-related deaths increasing by over 800% since 2000. Prescription opioids, particularly oxycodone, have been a contributor to this crisis, with substantial variations in their distribution observed across different states [1,2,3]. Against this backdrop, the study conducted by researchers from the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine aimed to characterize the distribution of oxycodone across US states from 2000 to 2021. By analyzing data from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s comprehensive Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) databases, the study sought to identify trends and patterns in oxycodone distribution and their potential implications for opioid-related deaths [4,5]. (more…)
Author Interviews, Hematology, Pain Research, Pediatrics / 10.12.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: David Brousseau, MD, MS Chair of Pediatrics Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware and the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited red blood cell disorder – the most common genetic disorder in the United States, affecting about 100,000 Americans (1 of every 365 Black births and 1 of every 16,3000 Hispanic-American births) (source: CDC). Pain is its most common symptom. Patients may experience acute or chronic pain or both. Acute episodes of pain, or pain crises, can vary in duration and severity. Many are treated at home; however when the pain is excruciating and cannot be treated at home, they lead to Emergency Department (ED) visits and even hospitalization. Reducing pain through prompt administration of pain medication in the ED is a core principle of national guidelines for SCD care. However, little data exists on how pain scores and changes in pain scores in the ED are associated with the patient’s disposition and the odds of a return visit. (more…)
Pain Research / 09.11.2023

“There is probably no other medical condition which is treated in so many different ways and by such a variety of practitioners as back pain.” – John Sarno. Chronic back pain is a pervasive and debilitating issue that affects millions of people around the globe. For many, it goes beyond just discomfort to crippling suffering on both physical and mental levels that can make life difficult in general. Though progress has been slow, there are some new discussions coming out of recent research findings that offer hope for those who have found themselves battling this type of chronic pain.
The BEST Trial's Hopeful Message for Back Pain Patients
Pexels: Medical Professionals Looking at the Screen of the Cellphone Medical Professionals Looking at the Screen of the Cellphone .jpegChronic back pain troubles many people. Often, it seems as if there is hardly any relief available to them, but there is new research going on that promises better results - The BEST trial. Led by Dr Daniel Clauw from the University of Michigan, along with a team specializing in pain treatment, they aim to find effective strategies that can be custom-fit for distinct individuals suffering from back pain. Around 800 patients will participate in this process. BEST stands for Biomarkers for Evaluating Spine Treatments. It's part of the BACPAC Research Program and is supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Skin Diseases through the NIH HEAL Initiative. The goal here is simple yet profound: Understand which treatment or combination works best depending on unique traits specific to patients. This bird’s eye perspective could benefit all chronic low back-pain sufferers across America. Their findings might link specific characteristics (known as biomarkers) with different treatments’ effectiveness levels thus helping doctors help patients better. If everything goes according to plan, every chronic lower-back pain patient may receive their tailored treatment, setting them up towards a recovery road.
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Author Interviews, Opiods, Pain Research / 07.10.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Leana Pande Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Buprenorphine is not a new drug. It was developed in the 1960s with the intent of providing the benefits of opioids, without the addictive side effects. Unlike many prescription opioids,1 use of this Schedule III drug is increasing.2 It is often characterized as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor (Figure-Right). Buprenorphine is available in many routes of administration and also with (brand name Suboxone) or without naloxone. Buprenorphine is a first-line pharmacotherapy for pregnant women with OUD.3 This review was completed in order for the benefits, and risks, of buprenorphine to be more fully appreciated and inform utilization for both opioid use disorder (OUD) and the treatment of pain. (more…)
Addiction, Author Interviews, Pain Research / 01.12.2022

  MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Lavinia Harrison Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, PA  18509 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:   The opioid meperidine (Demerol) was widely prescribed in the United States (US) as an analgesic to treat moderate to severe pain. Meperidine was the most used opioid in the US in 1987 and was considered safer than other opioids during acute pancreatitis. Over the past two decades, meperidine has shifted from being frequently prescribed to being used only when patients are experiencing atypical reactions to opioids (e.g., morphine and hydromorphone); to removal from the World Health Organization's essential medication list and receiving strong warnings against its use from many professional organizations including the American Geriatrics Society. The unfortunate Libby Zion (1965-1984) case increased concerns about serotonin syndrome with meperidine. According to a prior pharmacoepidemiology report, the distribution of meperidine in the United States decreased by 95% between 2001 and 2019 [1]. The aim of the study was to include updated information (2020 and 2021) as well as examine the changes among Medicaid patients [2]. (more…)
Pain Research / 19.10.2022

It is always a good idea to seek help with any spine and disc problems that you might be experiencing, especially when you are looking at ways of alleviating your pain. You will certainly be experiencing a fair amount of discomfort and pain if you have a slipped disc. Let’s take a look at what a slipped disc is and how it can have a detrimental impact on your health. Slip disc explained A good starting point would be to have an understanding of what a slipped disc actually is. It is a term used to describe when an intervertebral disc that is part of your spine physiology manages to lose its usual shape or its level of consistency diminishes. You might also hear a slipped disc described as a herniated or ruptured disc. It is one of the same things and there are various medical terms used to describe what is essentially a slipped disc. You can experience a slipped disc as a result of a specific trauma incident, such as lifting an item that was too heavy. Or you could experience a slipped disc as a result of the aging process and you suffer natural degeneration. (more…)
Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Neurology, Pain Research / 29.03.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: William R. Renthal, MD, PhD Director of Research, John R. Graham Headache Center Department of Neurology Brigham and Women's Hospital Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?  Response: We know that a nervous system structure called the trigeminal ganglion plays a critical role in migraine headache, but the cell types that exist in this structure are poorly understood. We have used cutting-edge, single-cell genomic technologies to profile the genes expressed within each trigeminal ganglion cell type in both human and mouse with the goal of identifying molecular features that could allow us to inhibit head pain selectively without affecting other cell types. (more…)
Addiction, Author Interviews, Cocaine, Pain Research / 18.08.2021

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Youngeun Armbuster Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, Pennsylvania MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cocaine is classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule II drug that can be used as an anesthetic in various types of surgery by otorhinolaryngologists, as well as in diagnosing Horner syndrome. Although controlled doses of cocaine used in topical anesthetics does not cause myocardial infarction as can occur with recreational dosages, intranasal administration of cocaine is absorbed systemically and it results in vasoconstriction of the coronary arteries via stimulation of adrenergic receptors. These potential adverse effects may disincentivize health care providers from medical cocaine use. Our objective was to quantify the trends in licit cocaine distribution in the United States using DEA data and to determine the usage of medical cocaine in Medicaid and Medicare, as well as based on electronic medical records [1]. (more…)
Author Interviews, NEJM, Neurology, Pain Research / 18.08.2021

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jessica Ailani M.D. FAHS FAAN FANA Director Medstar Georgetown Headache Center Vice Co-Chair of Strategic Planning for MedStar Neurology Professor of Clinical Neurology MedStar Georgetown University Hospital MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Migraine is a common neurological disease that causes disabling attacks that can be frequent. Preventive treatments can help reduce the frequency of attacks and improve patient function, reducing disease burden. (more…)
Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Clots - Coagulation, Hematology, Neurological Disorders, Pain Research / 22.05.2021

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Daniel Chasman, PhD Pamela Rist, ScD, Yanjun Guo, MD, PhD Division of Preventative Medicine Brigham and Women’s Hospital  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: There has been speculation in the field about relationships between coagulation and migraine susceptibility for some time, but previous research has been largely inconclusive. In this study, we leveraged Mendelian randomization, a mode of genetic analysis that can support or refute potential causal effects on a health outcome, to examine whether hemostatic factors may contribute to risk of MA. (more…)
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Neurology, Pain Research / 10.12.2020

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: William K. Schmidt, Ph.D. Senior VP Clinical Development Helixmith Co. Ltd.  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? How common is diabetic peripheral neuropathy and how does it affect patients? Response: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 34 million people in the United States have diabetes (about 10% of the U.S. population) and about one in four patients do not know that they have it (https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/diabetes-prediabetes.htm).  Diabetes can cause significant damage to nerves in the feet, hands, eyes, and other parts of the body. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common form of nerve damage worldwide; it affects approximately half of the patients with diabetes (Iqbal et al., 2018).  In many individuals, severe burning, tingling, “pins and needles,” or cramping pain can occur simultaneously in both feet without external evidence of foot damage. Despite the pain, symptoms may be accompanied by numbness or loss of sensation in the feet. This is called painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (painful DPN or P-DPN) and may affect up to one-third of the general diabetic population (Yoo et al., 2013). P-DPN may cause increased anxiety and depression, sleep impairment, and difficulties with walking.  Up to one-third of P-DPN patients may require the use of a cane, walker, or even a wheelchair due to extreme foot pain.  Once P-DPN occurs, it may result in a lifetime of pain and disability. FDA-approved daily oral medications often used to treat P-DPN include Neurontin (gabapentin), Lyrica (pregabalin), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Nucynta ER (tapentadol).  While these “neuropathic pain” medications may dull the pain for some subjects, they produce significant side effects that may be troubling for many patients. Indeed, many patients stop using these pain killers due to lack of effectiveness at doses that they can tolerate (van Nooten et al., 2017) There is also a topical 8% capsaicin patch, but again with limited efficacy. It is well known that the most severely affected patients may require opioid analgesics to control P-DPN (Pesa et al., 2013). None of the currently used medications have disease-modifying effects. However, our new injectable medication is now in advanced clinical development that has the potential disease-modifying effects lasting months after each treatment, with limited or no side effects for most patients aside from brief injection site discomfort. (more…)