A team of researchers believes that using cells that are already present within the human body to help fight chronic pain can be a safe and effective alternative for many people.
The team from Oxford University recently completed a study that indicated that natural killer cells, a part of the human immune system, could hold the key toward naturally fighting chronic pain. Natural killer cells are a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. Primarily, they attack viruses and tumors within the body. However, this team believes that they can also be used to target whatever the root causes of chronic pain might be. While there are a lot of theories regarding treatments to alleviate pain, such as using antidepressants or undergoing physical therapy, these can sometimes be masks and not actually address the injury or infection. Working within the immune system to encourage the body to heal is a more complete treatment.
The team also stated that we are likely to see an increase in the prevalence of chronic pain related to neuropathy in the coming years. With more and more elderly people in our communities, more of a focus on the dangers of other types of pain treatment (such as opioids), and increased longevity, it only makes sense that pain is going to continue to be a factor for our seniors. As treatments for things like cancer, dementia, and diabetes continue to improve, we need to keep chronic pain relevant in the discussion as treating these things could make chronic pain a factor in people’s lives later on in life.
They published their findings in the journal, Trends in Neuroscience. Their biggest takeaway from this study was that much more research here is needed. They urged other researchers to pick up where they had left off and continue to study the mechanisms behind how natural killer cells work and their potential for treating and reducing chronic pain. Hopefully, this proves to be an effective path forward in the future.
There’s no secret that the opioid pandemic has brought chaos upon the senior population. While pain is definitely not something that anyone wants to experience, treating with opioids has done more harm than good in some instances. Unfortunately, opioids can cause long term complications such as addiction and even premature death. They can be misused and the results can be deadly. Finding a safe and effective alternative to opioids can be a viable path forward to help people live healthier, happier lives.
When chronic pain is present, extra help around the house can sometimes make life a little bit easier for the person suffering. Having a professional caregiver help out can ensure that essential things are still done in a safe manner by adding extra support around the house.
This is one of the big benefits of in-home care–and it doesn’t just apply to those suffering from chronic pain. In-home care can help people in many different ways with many different needs and goals.
If you’d like to learn more about in-home care, please feel free to reach out.
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