Today's Video Headlines: 03/15/2026
And those with chronic back pain experience noise discomfort in different ways than those without pain.They aren’t just annoyed by a car door slamming or a loud stereo; they actually feel sensory overload, according to a Published last week in the journal Annals of Neurology, the research is the first to understand how those with everyday pain process sound differently and more intensely, as well as an effective treatment.
Vertically challenged? 4 health benefits of being short Researchers compared self-reported and neural responses and MRI brain imaging in 142 adults with chronic back pain to 51 patients without pain. While undergoing the MRIs, the participants were asked how unpleasant different everyday sounds felt and measured how strongly key brain regions responded.StockPhotoPro – stock.adobe.com The brain scans also showed stronger responses in the auditory cortex and insula, which process sound and emotional sensations, respectively, while seeing lower activity in the medial prefrontal cortex region that helps calm and regulate reactions. Essentially, when someone is in pain, the brain is on high alert and “turns up the volume” on all sensory inputs, not just signals from the spine, so as not to miss anything. “Their brains are responding differently, in regions that process both the loudness of sound and its emotional impact,” saidYoni Ashar. “There’s a broader sensory amplification happening in the brain, and that opens the door for treatments that can help turn that volume down.”The researchers then assigned those with back pain to one of three different treatments: pain reprocessing therapy that teaches the brain to recategorize signals, placebo treatment of a saline injection or whatever current treatments they were using. PRT was the most effective as it not only reduced heightened brain response to sound but also reduced activity in the regions that regulate unpleasant experiences. Previous research has also found that PRT was successful in completely or nearly eliminating pain in two-thirds of participants with chronic back pain. Evidence from the other groups also caused researchers to believe that those who are sensitive to light, sound or smell may be more susceptible to developing chronic pain after an injury. “These findings add to growing evidence that chronic back pain is not just a problem in the back,” Ashar said. “The brain plays a central role in driving chronic pain, by amplifying a range of sensations — sensory signals from the back, sounds and likely other sensations as well.” This research also raised the question of which came first, whether the increased sensitivity is a cause of chronic back pain or a pre‑existing vulnerability to develop chronic pain.The best creatine powders for muscle and mind — personal trainers and dietitians weigh inThe real benefits of Cindy Crawford’s morning wellness routine — that fans say they’re ‘too poor for’Tenant stunned when landlord orders all home appliances unplugged — and people are shockingly in agreementCalifornia's top librarian grilled over missing $650k from Dolly Parton's literacy program ‘The Madison’ star Michelle Pfeiffer, 67, shares her one daily habit that has helped her age gracefullyBill Maher Tells #OscarsSoWhite Critics to “Take the Win” on ‘Real Time’: “The Oscars Are a Long, Boring Show Full of All People” Stream It Or Skip It: 'The Madison' On Paramount+, Where Michelle Pfeiffer Is A New York Woman Who Goes To Montana To Deal With Her Grief After A Tragedy
Back Chronic Illness Hearing Study Says
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Federal judge blocks DOJ's subpoenas against Jerome Powell: reportToday's Video Headlines: 03/13/26
Read more »
Beloved celeb TV show 'Access Hollywood' canceled after 30 yearsToday's Video Headlines: 03/13/26
Read more »
Bay Area drivers paying $150 to fill up as Northern California suffers state’s highest gas pricesToday's Video Headlines: 03/13/26
Read more »
6 foods to eat during your luteal phase to prevent cramps, boost energy and reduce bloatingToday's Video Headlines: 03/13/26
Read more »
Gracie Abrams assembling a sprawling $12M home inside an A-list NYC buildingToday's Video Headlines: 03/13/26
Read more »
Ex-NY trooper found guilty of manslaughter for chase that led to 11-year-old's deathToday's Video Headlines: 03/13/26
Read more »