News

CDC is looking for new panel members with expertise in prescription drug overdose. Nominations are due March 31, 2017. More information.

The new Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will be releasing a new funding announcement titled, "Optimal Treatment Sequences for Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain."

Advocate for more support and increased pain research funding at NIH by submitting this fillable form to the US Senate.

Chronic pain is a major health problem, particularly among economically disadvantaged people. Preliminary results of a PCORI-funded project suggest that group sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy and education about pain can help disadvantaged people deal with chronic pain. If the methods prove effective, healthcare providers may be able to offer evidence-based pain-management approaches that don't require advanced technology.

Tai Chi, a low-impact mind-body exercise, can be as effective as neck exercises in relieving persistent neck pain, according to results of randomized controlled trial reported in The Journal of Pain.

The two priority research questions of this funding announcement are:

1. Among patients with chronic noncancer pain on moderate/high-dose long-term opioid therapy, what is the comparative effectiveness of strategies for reducing/eliminating opioid use while managing pain?
2. Among patients with chronic noncancer pain on moderate/low-dose long-term opioid therapy, what are the comparative effectiveness and harms of strategies used to limit dose escalation?

HHS has funded 44 states, four tribes and the District of Columbia in an effort to improve access to treatment, reduce opioid related deaths, improve drug misuse preventios efforts, and support data and analysis of overdoses.

Strategies to Prevent Unsafe Opioid Prescribing in Primary Care among Patients with Acute or Chronic Non-Cancer Pain, has been released. Submit letters of intent by September 14, 2016, 5 pm EST.

The site features resources for clinician and patients, and treatment guides. Visit the site and take the Pledge to end the opioid crisis!

The first-ever North American Pain School (NAPS) took place June 26-30, 2016, in Montebello, Quebec, Canada. An educational initiative of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP); Analgesic, Anesthetic, and Addiction Clinical Trial Translations, Innovations, Opportunities, and Networks (ACTTION); and the Quebec Pain Research Network (QPRN), NAPS brought together leading experts in pain research and management to provide 30 trainees with scientific education, professional development, and networking experiences.

Research indicates racial bias may affect diagnosis and pain treatment in minority patients. 

Brain Stimulation Technique Shown Effective in Phantom Limb Pain

CHICAGO, Aug. 10, 2016 -- As many as 25,000 people a year worldwide lose limbs from land mine blasts, and a new study, published in The Journal of Pain, shows that transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) administered to the scalp can stimulate the brain and provide significant reductions in phantom limb pain.

The deadline is near! Urge the Obama Administration and the Department of Health & Human Services to ensure implementation and funding for the National Pain Strategy (NPS). Sign and share the petition by August 12! Sign the petition.

Celebrating 40 years of innovation, research and collaboration, the 2016 Rita Allen Foundation Award in Pain recipients gathered at the plenary meeting held July 15-18, 2016, in Palo Alto, CA.  Many APS past recipients spoke at the 40th Anniversary of the Rita Allen Foundation Scholars to support an outstanding investment in biomedical sciences for early career professionals. Click here to read coverage of the event.

The 2017 Call for Award Nominations has been extended to Monday, August 8. Recognize your colleagues by nominating them for their excellence in the field of pain science. Submit a nomination!

Study Shows Pain Often Improves in Older Veterans

Study Shows Distress Intolerance Associated with Opioid Misuse

APS is pleased to announce the publication of the seventh edition of the Principles of Analgesic Use.

Call for Nominations for the American Psychological Foundation's (APF) 2017 Gold Medal Awards for Life Achievement in Psychology.

The Rita Allen Foundation has named its 2016 class of Rita Allen Foundation Scholars, recognizing seven young leaders in biomedical science whose research holds great promise for revealing new pathways to advance human health. Read more about the 2016 Scholars.