Cuddle Hormone May Provide Pain Relief
Researchers at the University of Florida are exploring whether synthetic oxytocin, often called the “cuddle hormone,” could help reduce opioid addiction in older adults. This two-year study aims to determine if oxytocin, when used alongside prescription opioids, can effectively manage pain while lowering the risk of opioid addiction. The study, which involves 30 participants aged 55-85 with some history of opioid use, is testing the impact of oxytocin nasal spray versus a placebo, paired with oxycodone.
Follow this link to learn more about this study, who’s researchers include Yenisel Cruz-Almeida
New Research Focused on Thumb Osteoarthritis
Thumb osteoarthritis can cause significant pain and difficulty using the hand, but there are not many effective treatments. In women with thumb osteoarthritis, pain and other symptoms can change depending on how severe the condition is.
A new study recently published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open by researchers at The University of Florida including Yenisel Cruz-Almeida, Jennifer Nichols and Tamara Ordonez Diaz, explores how different aspects of pain (physical, psychological and sensory) vary between women with early-stage and end-stage thumb osteoarthritis to help improve individual treatment!
Check out the article, “A multi-modal evaluation of experimental pain and psychological function in women with carpometacarpal osteoarthritis”
A New Pilot Study Around Sleep, HIV and Chronic Pain
In a new pilot study published in Behavioral Sleep Medicine, researchers Daniel Kusko and Burel Goodin investigate methods to assist people with HIV who suffer from both insomnia and chronic pain. The study focuses on a method called Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia (BBTI).
The results are promising, showing that individuals with HIV who use the BBTI method not only sleep better but may also experience a reduced impact of chronic pain in their daily lives.
Check out an article on the study “Improving Sleep in People with HIV and Chronic Pain: A Pilot Study of Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia” here.