Exercise Decreases Diabetic Neuropathic Pain

February 16, 2013 by

ExerciseRegular exercise reduces the development of painful diabetic neuropathy in animals—apparently related to increased expression of a protective substance called “heat shock protein” 72 (Hsp72), reports an experimental study in the February issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS).

The observations add to previous studies suggesting that “progressive exercise training markedly decreased diabetes associated neuropathic pain,” write Yu-Wen Chen, PhD, of China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, and colleagues. The link to Hsp72 offers a clue as to how exercise can prevent or slow the development of neuropathy—a major complication of diabetes.

Exercise Reduces Diabetic Nerve Pain in Rats
Neuropathic pain is a common and difficult-to-treat type of pain related to nerve damage—most commonly caused by diabetes. Affecting about half of patients with diabetes, diabetic neuropathy causes symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pain in the arms and legs. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Alzheimer, Pain Tagged With:

Tighten Opioid Label Restrictions, Physicians Tell FDA

July 29, 2012 by

A coalition of 37 physicians that includes pain management and addiction experts petitionedthe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday to tighten label restrictions for opioid analgesics as a way to combat the epidemic of addiction and fatal overdoses associated with these drugs.

Under the proposed label changes, opioids would no longer be indicated for moderate noncancer pain. The petition notes that moderate to severe pain is the FDA-approved indication for nearly all instant-release opioids as well as extended-release versions when 24/7 pain relief is needed for a long stretch of time. Such “overly broad indications” imply that the FDA has established that long-term use of opioids is safe and effective, the petition states. “An increasing body of medical literature suggests that long-term use of opioids may be neither safe nor effective for many patients, especially when prescribed in high doses.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Pain, Pain Management Tagged With:

Medtronic Pain Therapies

June 15, 2012 by

Medtronic offers a wide range of neurostimulation and Targeted Drug Delivery products to fit the unique needs of each individual patient.

  • Neurostimulation
  • Targeted Drug Delivery
  • MRI Labeling

Neurostimulation

Neurostimulation therapy consists of an implantable system that delivers small electrical signals via a lead implanted in the epidural space. Pain signals are inhibited before they reach the brain and are replaced with a tingling sensation that covers the specific areas where pain is felt. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Pain Tagged With: ,