Novel Peptide May Allow Cannabis Use for Pain Relief Without Side Effects

Cannabis has been shown to relieve pain for many conditions in recent years, but the adverse effects have hindered the use of cannabis as a prescriptive pain solution. The drug can affect cognitive function and memory with long-term use. In the short term, perception and response time are impacted for several hours.

Researchers recently reported in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Medicinal Chemistry that they had used a new peptide in mice that cancels out the adverse side effects of cannabis while still providing pain relief.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 20% of adults suffer from chronic pain. This has led to an opioid crisis, but the recent studies into cannabis use may provide a non-addicting alternative. Among the conditions that respond well to medical marijuana for pain relief are neuropathy, cancer, and migraines.

The novel peptide currently being studied allows the THC in cannabis to alleviate pain while reducing the effects of THC on memory and cognition. More research will be needed, followed by human trials.

Survey Says: Disturbing Link Between Chronic Pain Treatment and Income

The U.S. Pain Foundation and Health Union began a survey in 2019 that has recently yielded some startling statistics on how income levels affect the availability and effectiveness of pain relief options available to patients.

The results of the survey are concerning for those at lower income levels who suffer from chronic pain. One-third of survey respondents who suffered from chronic pain had an income of $30,000 or less. These individuals revealed a multitude of obstacles to overcoming pain in addition to the high cost of some medications. They indicated they experienced stigma and minimizing of their pain concerns when talking to doctors and other health care professionals. People with incomes under $55,000 were less likely to be prescribed pain medication by their physicians.

A detailed poster outlines the results of the pain survey. You can take a look at the poster here.

British Researchers Propose Virtual Reality for Chronic Pain Treatment

Researchers at the University of East Anglia are busy developing ways to use virtual reality to treat chronic and debilitating pain. The hope is that new technology using VR headsets could alleviate or ease pain symptoms.

Future goals include a brain-computer interface that will allow individuals to use their minds to control elements of the virtual reality experience. According to Dr. Jordan Tsigarides, UEA’s Norwich Medical School and a rheumatology specialist, “Virtual Reality is an emerging technology where the user gains a completely immersive, interactive and often transformative experience with the use of a head-mounted display. VR seems to flood the brain with a multitude of audiovisual signals, engaging the senses and diverting the brain’s attention from processing pain signals. At present, there is evidence that VR can significantly decrease people’s acute pain. What we are looking to find out is whether this kind of technology can be used to help people suffering chronic pain as well.”

Chronic pain conditions currently being studied for the virtual reality program include total knee replacements and Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Study Highlights Psychological Impact of Chronic Pain from Musculoskeletal Injuries

The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons published an article earlier this month highlighting concerns about musculoskeletal traumas’ psychological and social impact and the resulting chronic pain.

Matthew Ciminero, MD, the author of the study, explained, “This review article looks at the majority of recent literature as it pertains to different psychological conditions and how they affect musculoskeletal trauma patients. We sought to demonstrate that of the vast number of people who will undergo orthopedic trauma in their lifetime, an alarming percentage will develop some form of psychological condition that will ultimately impair daily function.”

The study revealed limited referral to mental health professionals by orthopedic surgeons for most traumatic injuries and elective surgeries that lead to chronic pain. Post-traumatic injury effects that were detrimental to mental health were observed in many patients that could have been alleviated by attention to the psychological effects and pain and recovery.

Patients in the high-risk category (lack of support system, use of alcohol or drugs, continuing trauma or PTSD) often recovered more slowly and reported symptoms of depression.

As a result, the study authors suggest orthopedic surgeons and others working with patients suffering from traumatic injuries need to evaluate these patients for mental health concerns. If patients show signs of depression, anxiety, poor pain tolerance, or PTSD, referrals to mental health professionals are warranted.

Versus Arthritis Campaigns for Accurate Representation of Chronic Pain in Movies and Media

Versus Arthritis, a charity supporting and advocating for those who have arthritis, has launched “The Painful Truth” campaign, pressing filmmakers and producers to portray the various effects of pain more accurately on individuals and be more accurate in those portrayals. In film, characters who suffer from chronic pain are overwhelmingly portrayed as elderly and unpleasant.

A survey of over 4,000 people working in the film and television industries who also suffer from chronic pain indicated they were dissatisfied with the way pain was shown. Nearly 87 percent of those surveyed felt their conditions and pain symptoms were not represented accurately. Many commented that media and film do not portray those with chronic pain in a positive light.

In response to these concerns, Versus Arthritis developed a guide for media companies that helps them accurately portray chronic pain. It also provides resources for information on a wide range of chronic pain illnesses and injuries. Suggestions on developing storylines that incorporate chronic pain, specific injuries, or diseases are also included.

Versus Arthritis issued a statement addressing their goals, “There is a real opportunity for the TV and film industry to shift perceptions so that people with chronic pain feel seen and heard. In its entire 93-year history, only two Oscar winners have had a disability. Versus Arthritis believes that more accurate depiction and representation of invisible causes of chronic pain, such as arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, will lead to better understanding among society,” said Versus Arthritis in a statement, “a culture of silence has developed which is stopping people getting the help and support they need, and some even report a negative impact on their mental health.”