PAIN, ACUTE

This study looked at whether taking ibuprofen for eight days after hip or knee replacement surgery is safe. Over 2,900 adults were randomly given either ibuprofen or a placebo. Researchers tracked serious problems like heart attack, stroke, blood clots, kidney failure, and bleedi…

This completed phase 2 trial tested whether oxytocin, given as a nasal spray or through an IV, can reduce pain from heat in healthy adults. Twenty-four participants rated their pain on a 0-10 scale after skin heating. The study also looked at whether age, weight, or sex affect ho…

This study looked at two simple ways to help adults feel less pain and anxiety during a blood draw: doing breathing exercises or squeezing a stress ball. 90 people took part, split into three groups: one did breathing exercises, one used a stress ball, and one had no special tech…

This study compared two methods of pain relief after hip replacement surgery: a newer technique called erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and the standard epidural. 60 adults having hip replacement took part. Researchers measured pain levels, opioid use, muscle strength, and walki…

This study tested a new online program that teaches mindfulness and coping skills to people recovering from surgery. The goal was to see if patients find it helpful and easy to use compared to a workshop led by a psychologist. 68 adults who had surgery and were referred to a pain…

This study looked at 46 adults having spinal surgery to find out if giving a pain-relieving nerve block (ESP block) before or after surgery works better. The goal was to see which timing reduces opioid use and improves recovery. Results will help anesthesiologists choose the best…

This study tested whether giving a low dose of ketamine over 30 minutes instead of 15 minutes could reduce side effects like dizziness or hallucinations while still controlling acute pain. 55 adults with severe pain in the emergency department took part. The goal was to find a be…

This study tested two methods to control pain after laparoscopic gallbladder removal: a nerve block (external oblique intercostal block) and injecting pain medicine into the surgical cuts (port-site infiltration). Sixty adults were followed for 24 hours after surgery to see which…

This completed trial tested whether high-dose vitamin C can raise how much pressure people can detect or tolerate before feeling pain. Thirty-eight healthy adults took either vitamin C or a placebo over 24 hours. Researchers measured pain thresholds using a device that applies pr…

This study tested whether a drug called dexmedetomidine can help control pain and reduce the need for strong painkillers (opioids) in people with three or more broken ribs from blunt chest injuries. 41 adults in the ICU took part. The goal was to see if the drug could lower pain …

This study tested whether giving patients open-label placebo pills (honest placebos) for acute pain in the emergency department is practical and acceptable. 57 adults with non-specific acute pain received either open-label placebo or ibuprofen. The main goal was to see if enough …

This study looked at whether breathing hydrogen gas before and after surgery could reduce pain and inflammation in 37 people having back surgery for a herniated disc. Participants received hydrogen inhalation around the time of their operation. The researchers measured pain level…

This study tested whether an ultrasound-guided nerve block (Serratus Anterior Plane Block) can improve pain, breathing, and coughing in emergency room patients with rib fractures. Forty adults with confirmed rib fractures received either the nerve block or usual care. Researchers…

This study tested whether breathing in morphine works as well as getting it through an IV for quickly treating severe pain in the emergency department. 226 adults with intense pain were randomly assigned to receive either inhaled morphine plus a placebo IV, or IV morphine plus a …

This study tested a 6-week program for new mothers who were breastfeeding and experiencing breast and nipple pain. The program included a daily pain journal, text support from a nurse, and online educational modules. Researchers wanted to see if this approach could reduce pain, b…

This study tested whether using virtual reality (VR) can lower the pain people feel from short, hot but tolerable pokes on the skin. 24 healthy adults rated their pain with and without VR, and also when getting one poke versus two at the same time. The goal was to see if VR can b…

This study tested whether reflexology or classical hand massage can reduce pain, anxiety, and improve vital signs in 70 patients who had coronary angiography. Participants received one of the two massage types, and their pain and anxiety levels were measured. The goal is to see i…

This study looked at whether stimulating a newborn's natural palmar grasp reflex (the instinct to grip a finger) can reduce pain and improve comfort during PICC line care in preterm babies. 32 infants participated. The goal was to find a simple, drug-free way to ease discomfort d…

This study tested whether a biofeedback-based virtual reality (VR) program could help children and teens aged 12-18 manage pain after surgery. 93 participants used the VR tool before and after their operation. The goal was to see if the approach was feasible and acceptable, not y…

This study tested whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce persistent pain after fracture surgery. Over 1,000 adults with broken arm or leg bones received either CBT or usual care. The goal was to see if CBT lowers the number of people who still have moderate to seve…

This study tested two types of nerve blocks—Quadratus Lumborum (QL) and Erector Spinae (ESP)—to see which provides better pain relief after abdominal surgery. 100 adults having surgery for colorectal, prostate, or kidney cancer, or gallbladder removal, received one of the blocks …

This completed study looked at how often hospitalized patients with cirrhosis experience pain. Researchers asked 30 patients about their pain, its location, intensity, and whether it was chronic. The goal was to highlight an often-overlooked issue and encourage better pain care f…

This study looked at 75 adults having lower back surgery to see if body weight affects how well a nerve block controls pain. Researchers measured pain levels at rest and while coughing in the first hours after surgery. The goal is to understand if heavier patients need different …

This study looked at how short-term pain impacts the ability to learn and remember new walking patterns in 61 healthy young (18-35) and older (55-85) adults. Researchers measured how well participants learned and retained a new way of walking while experiencing acute pain. They a…

This study looked at why some people feel a sharp increase in pain when a numbing injection (nerve block) wears off after surgery. Researchers gave 40 healthy adults a nerve block in one arm and measured pain sensitivity as the block faded. The goal was to understand if the block…

This study tested whether a mild electrical stimulation on the ear (taVNS) can change how healthy people sense pain, their heartbeat, and temperature. 50 healthy adults took part. The goal is to understand if this simple technique can improve the brain's ability to read body sign…