An editorial in Nature Neuroscience argued that biological tests, such as brain scans and biomarkers, do not prove or disprove a person’s pain. However, a responding researcher said that doesn’t make biomarkers “futile or conceptually flawed.” Lead pain researcher Jan Vollert at the University of Exeter and 10 colleagues argued
Even as clinical guidelines discourage routine imaging for low back pain, many patients continue to ask for MRIs, X-rays, or CT scans. Not necessarily for diagnosis, but for something harder to measure: reassurance. A 2025 study published in BMC Primary Care suggests that imaging is less about medical necessity and
An inguinal hernia occurs when a weakness in the lower abdominal wall at the inguinal canal allows the contents of the abdomen to bulge through the rupture. “Hernia,” from the Latin for “rupture,” is used to describe several conditions in your body, and inguinal hernia is one of the most
Lumbar epidural steroid injections (LESIs) remain a popular minimally invasive option to reduce nerve-root inflammation and buy time before—or instead of—surgery. A 2025 narrative review published in Cureus by Soin et al. synthesized the latest evidence on LESIs’ real-world performance from 2020 to 2025. The authors concluded that LESIs function
Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek health care, yet it remains widely misunderstood. In Tell Me Where It Hurts: The New Science of Pain and How to Heal, pain psychologist Rachel Zoffness translates modern pain science into accessible language. The result is not just an
Shoulder abnormalities, such as osteoarthritis and rotator cuff tears, do not always mean they are the primary cause of shoulder pain. A 2024 systematic review published in Osteoarthritis & Cartilage found 30% to 75% of the general population with such shoulder abnormalities are asymptomatic. Although researchers Ibounig et al. wrote
Lymph drainage massage (or manual lymphatic drainage, MLD) is a type of gentle massage that is supposed to reduce swelling in the limbs due to fluid buildup. It may help “clear out” congested lymph nodes in a particular area of your body by performing a series of rhythmic, compressive strokes
If you don’t wish to deal with stains on your sheets and clothes, massage creams may be the best choice for you. Like oils, lotions, and gels, massage creams allow a smooth glide while allowing you to provide deeper pressure if needed. But creams don’t drip like oils and lotions,
A good massage can work wonders on the body and mind, but with so many different types of massage, it can be difficult to know which lubricant to use. Massage oil is usually the first to come to mind due to general association, but there are also massage gels, creams,
Pain science has leaned on a familiar aphorism: Nociception is neither necessary nor sufficient for pain. The phrase typically appears in textbooks, lectures, and research papers, often used to explain why pain can exist without clear tissue damage. But according to pain researchers Asaf Weisman, Dr. Milton Cohen, and Dr.
For decades, fear-avoidance beliefs have played a central role in how clinicians and researchers understand chronic pain. When pain is interpreted as a sign of harm, people may avoid movement or activity, leading to physical deconditioning, emotional distress, and disability. This framework has shaped assessment tools, treatment approaches, and patient
Key takeaways Consider these factors when shopping for massage oils: Make sure the oil is all-natural and hypoallergenic to ensure that it won’t cause any skin irritation. Look for an oil with a light scent that won’t be overbearing in the room. Choose an oil that is water dispersible so