Physical Therapy Can Help You Avoid Opioids When Joint Pain Strikes

FRIDAY, Dec. 14, 2018 -- People who get prompt physical therapy for pain in the knee, shoulder or lower back may have less need for opioid painkillers, new research suggests.

The study, of nearly 89,000 U.S. patients, found that people given physical therapy for their pain were 7 percent to 16 percent less likely to fill a prescription for an opioid.

Push-Button Pain Meds Curb Need for Opioids After C-Section: Study

MONDAY, Oct. 15, 2018 -- Letting women who've had a cesarean section dispense and control pain medication through a catheter reduces their use of addictive oral opioid painkillers, researchers report.

Their study included 576 women who had planned C-sections. In such cases, it's common to inject a local anesthetic and a small dose of morphine into the spinal fluid. The morphine provides about 18 hours of pain relief after surgery, but significant pain may continue for several days.

Three New Genes Linked to Chronic Back Pain

MONDAY, Oct. 1, 2018 --

New research pinpoints three genes responsible for skeletal development that appear to be connected to chronic back pain.

An Expert's Guide to Avoiding Back Pain

THURSDAY, Oct. 25, 2018 -- Back pain is a common problem in the United States, but there are ways to protect yourself, an expert says.

"The back is a complex structure with many delicate parts, but with good judgment and healthy lifestyle habits -- including proper lifting, good posture and exercise -- it's possible to avoid common back pain caused by strained muscles," said Dr. Lawrence Lenke. He is director of spinal deformity surgery at the Spine Hospital at New York-Presbyterian in New York City.