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Share on Pinterest A new study found that opioids may be ineffective in treating some pain conditions. Design by MNT; Photography by CRISTINA PEDRAZZINI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images & Lock Stock/Getty Images. Researchers compared the efficacy of opioids and a placebo for treating low back pain and neck pain. There were no significant differences in pain score between the placebo and opioids group after 6 weeks of treatment, and a year later the placebo group had slightly lower pain scores. The findings suggest that opioids may be ineffective for treating certain pain conditions. Lower back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. In 2020, 619 million people globally were affected by the condition. By 2050, this figure is expected to increase to 843 million. Neck pain is also a leading contributor to disability worldwide and is estimated to be the fourth leading cause of disability in terms of “years lived with disability.” Clinical guidelines recommend opio...

Share on Pinterest Drinking coffee may have different effects on the brain compared to taking caffeine alone, a study finds. Amor Burakova/Stocksy Researchers compared the neurological effects of coffee and caffeine consumption. They found that coffee, but not caffeine consumption increases brain activity linked to visual processing and higher-level cognitive function. The findings mean that some key benefits of drinking coffee may not be related to caffeine. Could your morning cup of coffee be a placebo when it comes to boosting alertness and performance? That may be the case, according to a new study that compared the effects of drinking coffee vs. consuming caffeine only. Many people drink coffee first thing in the morning to overcome fatigue, stay alert and work effectively. Around 75% of the United States population ages 20 and over drink coffee, and approximately 49% drink coffee daily. Coffee contains various compounds that affect the brain in different ways. Caffeine is the mo...