Chronic

Human trials have shown that hydrogel injections are a promising, effective treatment for chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease (DDD). The treatment is far less invasive than other surgeries, and has been given FDA approval.

A study has presented the most rigorous investigation to date into the long-term cognitive impacts of severe COVID-19. It found persistent cognitive deficits in hospitalized patients equivalent to declines consistent with 20 years of brain aging.

New research has followed the recovery of more than 2,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The findings show barely one in four patients reported feeling fully recovered from COVID-19 a year after being discharged from hospital.

Researchers have discovered a new type of cell in the human lung. Named respiratory airway secretory cells (RASCs), they seem to play a role in regenerating other cells and could be a target for new treatments for lung diseases like COPD.

New research hypothesizes nerve damage is the cause of long COVID symptoms in some people. The small study found treating patients with immunotherapies targeting the neuropathy could improve long COVID symptoms.

A rapid research review conducted by the UK Health Security Agency has affirmed prior findings indicating vaccination reduces a person’s risk of developing long COVID. The report also found vaccination after developing long COVID can improve symptoms.

A pair of new studies have homed in on key biomarkers that could identify those most at risk of developing long COVID. The studies suggest a combination of immune biomarkers and acute symptoms can be used to predict a person’s likelihood of long COVID.

A study has reported that immune dysregulation persists in long COVID patients up to eight months after initial infection. The research found long COVID is characterized by elevated levels of specific immune biomarkers.

New research from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has identified a link between long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome, adding to a growing understanding of the overlap between the two illnesses.

The FDA authorized a first-of-its-kind VR system designed to help reduce pain in patients with chronic lower back pain. The authorization follows a successful clinical trial demonstrating the system producing clinically meaningful reductions in pain.

A large study led by researchers from King’s College London has found fully vaccinated adults are around 50 percent less likely to suffer from long COVID if they are unfortunate enough to experience a breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection.

New research is offering a thorough look at the lasting impact of COVID-19 on immune system activity. Tracking a variety of biomarkers the research found immune abnormalities persisting at least six months after patients recover from acute disease.