Pain

We've long known how the nerve endings in our skin detect cold and swiftly relay the information to our brains, but we haven't understood exactly how it works. Scientists have now solved the puzzle, unlocking the mystery of this temperature pathway.

Scientists have discovered a brain circuit that gives pain its emotional sting, explaining why some hurts linger as suffering. The breakthrough challenges our beliefs about how we process pain and may transform chronic pain treatments.

Researchers have analyzed clinical trial data and ranked 12 different non-drug physical therapy treatments for knee osteoarthritis, based on their effectiveness in reducing pain and stiffness, and improving physical function.

Diagnosing celiac disease often means exposure to the thing that makes you sick, which can be debilitating. It may soon be simpler and pain-free, with a first-of-a-kind test that can detect and gauge the severity of the disease in a test tube instead.

In the ongoing search to find an intervention that does away with opioids, a new game-based system has shown huge promise in tackling chronic neuropathic pain. Using a game and a headset, it "trains" patients to rewire brain signals to relieve pain.

A new study found that non-invasive in-ear electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve safely and effectively reduces osteoarthritis-related knee pain. It opens the door to innovative, quality-of-life-improving treatment.

A new experimental painkiller has shown promise in dulling or eliminating pain without the addictive qualities exhibited by today's most popular opioids. The drug also sidesteps common opioid side effects like constipation and sedation.

The cannabis-derived compound cannabidiol is gaining traction as a treatment for a multiple conditions, but it's notoriously hard for the body to use. Now a breakthrough production method has removed a major roadblock to its bioavailability.

If you're thinking of getting an injection for back pain, you might want to think again. A panel of experts has examined the practice, found serious issues with its use – including financial gain – and issued strong recommendations to avoid it.

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of a novel painkiller for short-term moderate-to-severe pain in adults. It’s the first of a new class of analgesics to be approved in over 20 years - and, importantly, isn't addictive.

If you suffer from any leg discomfort – temporary or chronic – you'll know how hard it can be to treat, beyond frequent sessions on the physiotherapist's table. Now, US company Ublives wants to give you the same relief – whenever you need it.

Common ivy is better known as a garden invader or a rather attractive indoor plant that's prone to triggering allergies. Now, for the first time, it's been found to be very effective in blocking pain signals – by instead invading a key pain receptor.