Latest news with #painrelief
CBS News
a day ago
- Health
- CBS News
Spinal Cord stimulation offers relief for South Florida chronic pain patients
South Florida patients suffering from chronic pain are finding relief through spinal cord stimulation, a therapy that uses targeted electrical signals to block pain from reaching the brain. The treatment, now being offered at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, is helping patients regain mobility and comfort where other methods have failed. Alexa Alexander said she turned to spinal cord stimulation in 2023 after exhausting nearly every other option for her severe back pain. "In 2023, I had a horrible back issue. I could barely walk," Alexander said. "It was excruciating to the point where even when I would breathe, it would hurt." After physical therapy, injections, pain management, and even back surgery failed to help, doctors at Baptist Health recommended spinal cord stimulation. "I like to describe it to patients as a pacemaker for the spine," said Dr. Akshay Goyal, pain management physician at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute. "It's a device that sits underneath your skin and sends electrical signals to the spinal cord in a very precise manner to block the pain signals from going from the lower back or legs all the way up to the brain." Dr. Jason Liounakos, director of Outpatient Spine Surgery at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, explained how the device changes how patients experience pain. "So essentially what it does is it'll cover up the pain signal with a numbness or tingling feeling and for most people that's a lot more palatable than just a feeling of excruciating, sharp burning pain," Liounakos said. Alexander now controls the intensity of the stimulation through an app on her phone. "I think I've probably gone up to 25, and it starts getting uncomfortable," she said. "It's a very aggressive tingling." When CBS News Miami met her, Alexander had the device set to 13—far below its maximum of 132. Spinal cord stimulation can also be used to treat conditions including diabetic neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, spinal cord injuries, and postsurgical pain. Liounakos said it may also soon help patients who've never had surgery but suffer from back pain or sciatica. "The technology, even though it's come a very long way in the last 50 years, there's still a big untapped sort of potential for it," Goyal added. Alexander said the difference in her quality of life is dramatic. "I would say I'm at a 90% difference from when we started in January of 2023," she said. "It's huge." She recharges the battery every few months using a wireless charger strapped to her lower back for about 90 minutes. The device itself can last for years, depending on usage.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
New cancer pain relief procedure becomes available in Leeds
A new procedure to reduce pain for cancer patients has been carried out in Yorkshire for the first time. Leslie Thompson, 79, was the first person in the region to undergo the treatment, at St James' Hospital in procedure, which is being offered to some terminally ill cancer patients, involves heating up nerves at the top of the spinal cord to permanently relieve the pain on the affected side of the body. Mr Thompson, from Yeadon, said he thought the treatment was a "good idea", having suffered "unbelievable" pain from lung cancer. Leeds has become the fourth centre in the UK to offer the procedure, after London, Glasgow and Liverpool. NHS bosses said eligible patients from across Yorkshire will no longer have to travel as far for the after the procedure, Mr Thompson said: "I feel less pain in my lung. I think it's a good idea and it will help a lot of other people. "The pain you get with cancer is unbelievable and it affects lots of people." While the nerves responsible for causing the pain are burnt in the neck, patients still retain their ability to walk and move around afterwards. The procedure involves using a radiofrequency generator, and needles which heat up and burn the nerves on the opposite side of the neck to where the pain is treatment is only suitable for patients who have pain on one side of the body and are well enough to benefit from the procedure, according to the NHS. Dr Sheila Black, consultant in anaesthesia and pain management at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said the procedure would make the last weeks and months of a patient's life "more comfortable". She said: "I asked Leslie after the procedure: "How is your pain?" and he said: "What pain?". That's really wonderful to hear."Lots of the other treatments we have for pain have side effects, like morphine, which can cause sickness and constipation and sometimes still not help relieve the pain." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Health Line
21-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Acupressure Points for Toothaches
Acupressure points like Gallbladder 21 (GB21) and Small intestine 18 (SI18) are believed to relieve toothache pain. Other points may help with facial pain or promote relaxation. Acupressure has been practiced for more than 2,000 years. Many people advocate its effectiveness in soothing muscle aches and pains. Some research suggests that applying pressure to acupressure points may also relieve tooth pain during dental procedures. Toothache pain requires treatment by a dentist. Untreated, specific underlying causes of tooth pain can get worse. But if you're looking for relief while waiting for your appointment or during a dental procedure, stimulating acupoints may help as a complementary therapy. Acupressure is a natural, holistic form of Chinese traditional medicine that involves applying pressure to a certain point on the body. The pressure signals the body to relieve tension, remedy blood flow issues, and reduce pain. It can be done by self-massage, by a professional, or by a friend. However, acupressure is not a substitute for dental care. Keep reading to learn how to perform acupressure and the specific points that may help relieve toothache pain. How do I do acupressure? Acupressure can be administered at home or in an acupressure therapy facility. If you choose your home, pick a quiet, non-stressful area of your living space to help you focus and maximize the benefits of acupressure. Get into a comfortable position. Breathe deeply and try to relax your muscles and limbs. Massage or rub each point with firm pressure. Repeat as often as you like. Make sure to stop if intense pain occurs. Trigger finger 4 (TF4) for toothaches The trigger finger 4 acupressure point, also known as Shenmen or 'Heavenly Gate,' may be beneficial for tooth pain, according to a 2022 study. It's located on the top of the ear in the middle of a depression. Small intestine 18 (SI18) for toothaches The Small intestine 18 acupressure point, also known as Quanliao, is widely used to relieve pain associated with: toothaches swollen gums tooth decay It's found perpendicular to the outside of your eye and the outside of your nose, under the cheekbone. It's typically called the cheekbone crevice. To find it, draw a line directly from the outer corner of your eye down to the hollow of your cheekbone. Gallbladder 21 (GB21) for facial pain The Gallbladder 21 point, also known as Jianjing, is often used for: facial pain neck pain headaches It's located at the top of your shoulders, one on each side. It's right in the middle of the end of your shoulder and the side of your neck. Practitioners recommend not using the Jianjing acupressure point if you are pregnant, as it may potentially be implicated in inducing labor. Large intestine 14 (LI4) for above-the-neck pain The Large intestine 14 point, also known as He Gu, is used for: headaches stress other pains above the neck You can find it between your thumb and index finger. You can find it by resting your thumb beside the second knuckle of your index finger. The apple (highest point) of the muscle is where LI4 is located. Chinese medicine practitioners recommend not using the He gu acupressure point if you are pregnant, as it may potentially be implicated in inducing labor. Stomach 6 (ST6) for mouth and tooth ailments Stomach 6, also known as Jiache, is typically used to relieve mouth and tooth ailments, particularly those that affect the jaw. This point is halfway between the corner of your mouth and the bottom of your earlobe. To find it, clench your teeth together naturally. It's located halfway between the corner of your mouth and the bottom of your earlobe. It's the muscle that flexes when you press your teeth together. Stomach 36 (ST36) for stress The Stomach 36 acupressure point, also known as Zusanli or Leg Three Miles, is typically stimulated to relieve: nausea tiredness stress It is located below your knee. If you place your hand on your kneecap, it's typically where your pinky is resting. You should apply pressure in a downward motion to the outside of your shin bone. Extra points on the head and neck 1 (EXHN1) for pain The EXHN1 acupressure points, also known as Sishencong, are believed to relieve head pain, including tension-type headaches. A 2023 experimental study suggests that acupressure at this point reduced pain during IANB injection in 5- to 10-year-olds and can be used along with conventional measures like topical anesthesia to reduce pain. It is a group of four points at the vertex of the head around Bai Hu (GV20), in front of, behind, and to either side of GV20. Extra points on the head and neck 3 (EXHN3) for relaxation The EXHN3 acupressure point, also known as Yintang or the Hall of Impression, is associated with mental stability and relaxation. A 2022 clinical trial in children undergoing a dental procedure suggests that stimulating this acupressure point before the procedure may lower heart rate, a potential indicator of anxiety. It is located in the center of the forehead between the eyebrows. When to contact a doctor Acupressure should not be used in place of a visit to a dentist or doctor. However, it can help provide temporary pain relief along with traditional treatments for toothaches, like pain relievers, until you can schedule a dentist or doctor's appointment. You should contact your doctor if: your pain is worsening or unbearable you have a fever you have swelling in your mouth, face, or neck you're experiencing difficulty swallowing or breathing you're bleeding from the mouth »FIND CARE: Find a dentist in your area today. Potential risks of acupressure Acupressure is generally viewed as safe. However, if you experience worsening pain while stimulating acupressure points, do not continue. Acupressure should not hurt. If you are in pain while performing acupressure, talk with a doctor. You should also talk with a doctor before performing acupressure if you are pregnant or have chronic health conditions. People who are pregnant should not stimulate Jianjing (GB21) or He gu (LI4), as they have the potential to induce labor.
Times
17-07-2025
- Health
- Times
Use of gas and air in labour ‘should be reviewed' after baby death
Official guidelines on pain relief during childbirth should be reviewed, a coroner said, after a baby died while her mother had 'unlimited' access to gas and air. Liliwen Thomas died after her mother was left unattended by midwives and gave birth while in a coma. At an inquest into the infant's death, Rachel Knight, an assistant coroner for South Wales, called for a review of national guidelines on the use of gas and air during labour. Liliwen Thomas, who died 20 hours after being born, with her parents Emily Brazier and Rhodri Thomas PA The inquest was told that Emily Brazier was left with unlimited access to the pain relief while on a hospital induction ward. Medical staff were said to have failed to notice that Brazier had progressed to active labour and she was left unattended by midwives. Her newborn baby died 20 hours later owing to a lack of oxygen during birth. Knight said that she feared that more babies could die in similar circumstances. She has now written to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) — which publishes advice for the NHS — expressing concerns around pain relief and noting that current official guidelines do not offer clear advice. • My nightmare giving birth — and Britain's maternity scandal Gas and air is the most common method administered during labour in the UK — a 2022 survey found that more than 75 per cent of women used it on maternity wards. The survey also found that it was common practice for women to have unrestricted access to the pain relief. The inquest heard that Brazier was admitted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for induction in 2022, while she was more than 40 weeks pregnant. Because she was not in active labour when admitted, the unborn child's father, Rhodri Thomas, was not present. Brazier was given gas and air the next day along with pethidine, an opioid similar to morphine. However, in the early hours of the day after that, Brazier 'was not attended to or subjected to physical checks and examinations regularly enough for her progress to active labour to be recognised'. At around 2am, medical staff found that Liliwen had been born unattended and was in a 'very poor condition' under the sheets between her mother's legs. She died about 20 hours later from perinatal asphyxia — a lack of oxygen. In her prevention of future deaths report, Knight said that the current Nice guidelines failed to deal explicitly with 'pain relief levels and supervision'. She added her concern that pain relief appeared to 'mask' when women moved into active labour. However, she noted that the Cardiff & Vale Health Board had taken steps 'to significantly restrict the use of analgesia during induction and labour, including reductions of prescribed doses, allowing only limited access to analgesia on the wards and increased levels of supervision of mothers under analgesia'. Nice has until September 3 to respond to the coroner's concerns. In a statement after the inquest, Lara Bennett, the lawyer representing the parents, said that the case highlighted 'concerns regarding understaffing on maternity wards and the absence of basic care and monitoring for mothers and babies at their most vulnerable'.
Telegraph
17-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Women should not have ‘unlimited' medication in labour, coroner warns
A coroner said women should not have unrestricted access to medication in labour, after the death of a newborn. Liliwen Thomas died of a lack of oxygen 20 hours after she was born in hospital to a mother in a painkiller-induced coma, without midwives in attendance. Emily Brazier, Liliwen's mother, 'effectively became comatose' after taking prescribed painkillers and self-administering gas and air, said Rachel Knight, the coroner. Ms Knight called for a review of national guidelines for pain relief in childbirth following the incident. The coroner expressed concern that Ms Brazier had 'unlimited' access to gas and air and was not supervised by midwives or doctors when she gave birth at the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff, in October 2022. An inquest heard that Ms Brazier was admitted to the hospital's induction ward on Oct 8 while more than 40 weeks pregnant. She was given gas and air, and pethidine – an opioid similar to morphine – on Oct 9. Into the early hours of Oct 10, the inquest heard, Ms Brazier 'was not attended to or subjected to physical checks and examinations regularly enough for her progress to active labour to be recognised'. As a result of the gas, air and other pain relief, Ms Brazier slipped into a coma and delivered Liliwen. The baby's father, Rhodri Thomas, was not present as Ms Brazier was not considered to be in active labour. At 2.14am, medics attended and found Liliwen had been born unattended and was in a 'very poor condition' under the sheets between her mother's legs. Liliwen died about 20 hours later from perinatal asphyxia – a lack of oxygen. 'Risk of future deaths' Ms Knight said she feared more babies could die in childbirth in similar circumstances. She wrote a Prevention of Future Death report for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), which publishes advice for the NHS, to raise concerns about mothers' unrestricted access to gas and air while unsupervised. She said that there was not sufficient guidance for healthcare professionals surrounding painkillers and supervision. Ms Knight said: 'In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. 'Liliwen's mother was given unlimited Entonox [gas and air], as well as routine doses of pethidine and codeine. 'The result was that she effectively became comatose for a period of time, during which she delivered Liliwen.' Gas and air is the most common pain relief method during labour in the UK, with 76 per cent of women using it, according to a 2022 survey.
