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How You Can Manage Your MS-Related Pain

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 17:04:52 GMT

How You Can Manage Your MS-Related Pain

If you have multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, then you probably have a variety of aches and pains all over your body. At first, you may not think that your pain is related to your condition, but as time progresses, these pains can be more consistent. Your pain may range from mild to debilitating and often interferes with your normal activities. However, treatments are available that may help you manage your pain.

Reasons for MS-Related Pain

Because MS is a condition where your immune system attacks your nervous system, your nerves do not function normally. This often causes your nerves to send false signals to the brain and muscles when nothing is wrong. This results in not only vague aches and pains but also strange sensations and even involuntary muscle spasms.

Types of MS-Related Pain

When you have MS, you can experience pain and strange sensations in a variety of ways. These pains often mimic pains from other conditions, so you may not realize that MS is the cause.

Facial Pain

You may experience a condition called Trigeminal neuralgia. This is a sudden sharp, intermittent pain, usually around the cheek area that mimics a toothache. If you haven't seen a dentist a while, then have your teeth checked out first. If your teeth are fine, then the pain may be related to your condition.

Back Pain

Back pain is sometimes caused by false signals or muscle spasms but could also be caused by other related issues such as muscle weakness. MS frequently causes gait issues, and this could affect your spine's movement.

Headaches

You are more likely to experience certain types of headaches if you have MS. These headaches are often intense and chronic. In many cases, an increase in headaches is one of the first signs that your MS is relapsing if you have been symptom-free for a while.

Muscle Spasm Pains

Sometimes, muscle spasms are so severe that they cause a feeling that ranges from a dull ache to a sharp pain. This may lead to additional pressure on your joints and increase pain in those areas.

Burning Feelings

You may experience a type of pain called dysesthetic pain which includes strange sensations such as a burning feeling or itchiness with no apparent cause. These types of pains most frequently affect the legs or the extremities, such as your hands and feet.

Generalized Aches and Pain

MS often causes vague, all-around aches with no consistent location or area. You can also experience what is commonly referred to as the MS hug. This is a spinal cord-related condition that makes you feel an increasing tightness around your midsection similar to a tight hug.

Treatments for MS-Related Pain

Treatment for MS-related pain depends on the type of pain, its possible cause, and the severity. Here are some traditional examples that your doctor may focus on for treatment.

Medications

Medications range from simple analgesics and anti-inflammatories all the way up to anti-seizure and antidepressant drugs. You may also benefit from certain types of muscle relaxants.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist will help you manage your muscle issues and manage any changes that affect your movements. The therapist may also recommend exercises that keep you healthy without aggravating your condition.

Massage

Massage stimulates blood flow, relaxes the muscles, and generates a feeling of well-being. Massages also reduce stress that can worsen your condition. However, talk to your doctor first because some types of massage may make things worse rather than better.

Stretching

Stretches are another way to help with muscle issues and reduce spasms and overall soreness. Yoga and Tai Chi are other ways to keep to reduce muscle tension.

You shouldn't have to put up with MS-related pain, especially if that pain disrupts your life. Various treatments are available to help lessen and manage your pain. Pain Care Management has various treatments available that could help reduce your MS-related pain with both traditional and complementary treatments. Call us at one of our two Florida locations for an appointment and assessment.

Common Hip Pain Causes and Treatments

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 16:54:36 GMT

Common Hip Pain Causes and Treatments

Your hips are one of the biggest joint and muscle systems in your entire body, and they are designed to take a lot of stress. But hips can and do break down. When your hips begin to have trouble, the pain can keep you from doing even the most basic activities.

Fortunately, you don't have to live forever with hip pain, and many treatments and procedures are available. Here is more about what causes hip pain and how hip problems are commonly treated.

Common Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain is caused by a variety of issues due to its position in the body. This means that it is prone to pain and overuse injuries. Here are some of the top causes for hip pain.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a term that refers to a pinched or irritated nerve that runs across the hip and down each of your legs. Common causes of sciatica include a herniated disc and bone spurs. Sciatica is especially a problem if you sit or stand in one position for long periods.

Tendinitis

Your hip has a bundle of tendons to support your back muscles and legs. Any of these tendons, or several of them, could become inflamed and cause stiffness and pain. Age and overexertion are common causes of tendinitis in this part of the body.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can deteriorate the thick cartilage that cushions where your femur and pelvis connect. When the cartilage gets thin or disappears completely, then severe pain is usually the result. Osteoarthritis is difficult to completely prevent but can be slowed down with proper therapy and good health habits.

Fracture

If you've recently had a fall, then you could have a fractured hip. Fractured hips are especially a problem for older women who are more likely to have osteoporosis. Hip fractures often cause sudden, intense pain, and they need immediate treatment.

Gynecological Issues

Your hip area supports and carries many internal organs and body parts, so a pain in the hip area may be due to something other than the actual hip. For example, if you are female, then endometriosis can cause severe pain that radiates across the hips and the lower back. Fibroids also cause a great deal of pain in the pelvic area.

Effective Methods of Hip Pain Treatment

How your hip pain is treated depends on the cause and severity. A pain specialist will help determine the best way to relieve your pain or refer you to a surgeon if needed.

Bed Rest

If your hip pain is mainly caused by overexertion or strain, then the doctor is likely to recommend temporary bed rest along with medication. This will give your hip time to heal. If the pain does not subside, then you may require additional therapy and treatments.

Medications

Traditional medicines and anti-inflammatories are immensely helpful when it comes to muscle and joint pain. If your pain is severe and muscle-related, then you may particularly benefit from injection therapy as well.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is especially helpful for sports-related injuries as well as when you recover from hip or back surgery. Electric stimulation therapy, combined with medication, can also help aid in pain reduction and recovery.

Surgery

Surgery is usually reserved for cases where the hip's structure has been severely compromised such as a hip fracture or osteoarthritis. In these cases, the hip's structure needs to be corrected before any other type of pain management and therapy can begin.

Hip pain affects all aspects of your life whether you are an active athlete or someone who is sedentary. Therefore, if you are experiencing chronic pain, you should contact a pain specialist for help. Pain Care Management has experienced pain management doctors to help reduce pain and make you more comfortable. Contact one of our two Florida locations for an appointment.

Ways To Manage Your Back's Trigger Points

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 15:42:16 GMT

Ways To Manage Your Back's Trigger Points

If you feel like you have a knot in your back, you may actually have a trigger point. Trigger points aren't knots at all, but taut bands of tissue that no longer glide easily. While your trigger points may be caused by an underlying illness, simple things - like poor posture or repetitive motions - can cause trigger points.

Here are just a few ways to manage trigger points.

Acupuncture and Myofascial Release

At first glance, acupuncture and myofascial release may not seem to have much in common. Acupuncture requires fine needles while myofascial release is a hands-on massage technique. However, both modalities have the same goal in mind: to stimulate acupoints.

Acupoints originate from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and pinpoint common areas in the body that hold tension. When an acupuncturist stimulates the acupoints with needles, your body's trigger points will twitch and eventually relax. If you aren't keen on the idea of needles, then myofascial release may be a good option.

Instead of using broad strokes, like effleurage, the therapist will work more slowly and deeply on acupoints to release trigger points. Both acupuncture and myofascial release can help your body release endorphins, which can boost your mood and dampen pain as well.

If you have these trigger points worked on regularly, your blood circulation will improve, which can help your muscles eliminate metabolic waste and relax.

Trigger Point Injections

If the massage therapy or acupuncture treatments aren't working, you may want to consider injection therapy to relieve the pain.

Trigger-point injections are a non-invasive way to eliminate pain without major surgery. During treatment, your doctor will inject a numbing anesthetic, like lidocaine, to numb the trigger point area. Then, your doctor will inject a steroid that will bring swelling and inflammation down.

Ideally, your muscles will relax enough that fresh blood will circulate to the area and heal any taut tissues.

Hydration and Proper Diet

Drinking the recommended amount of water every day for your weight and activity level is important. Your muscles are 70% water, so the more you stay hydrated, the less tight and painful those trigger points will be.

Besides hydrating enough, you should also cut back on dehydrating foods, like deli meats, potato chips, fast food, and soda. If you cannot get all of your needed vitamins in your diet, consider taking supplements for iron, folic acid, Vitamin B, and Vitamin C.

Proper hydration and exercise can help trigger points from forming the first place or prevent them from getting much worse.

Strength Training

If you haven't done strength training exercises before, ask your doctor where to start. You should always start a new training program slowly and with the correct form.

Strength training is a great way to reduce trigger points since muscle imbalances - like a strong bicep and a weak tricep - can cause pain and overstretched muscles. For example, if you have an imbalance in the strength of the pectoralis major and rhomboids or trapezius muscles, then you can develop hunched posture. This poor posture in turn can cause trigger points in your upper back as your shoulders slump forward and your upper back overstretches.

Invest in a TENS Unit

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. While some healthcare providers use these devices in their office, you can actually purchase one for home use. They are sometimes covered by insurance if you have a chronic condition and recurring trigger points.

When small electrode pads from these devices are placed on a trigger point, they will send a pulsing current that actually interrupts the body's pain signals. If your muscles are too guarded and tense for a massage, using a TENS unit beforehand could help your muscles relax enough for deep-tissue work. Some people like to use these devices after working out since they can relieve spasms or delayed-onset muscle soreness in trigger point areas.

These are just a few ways to relieve trigger points. At Pain Care Management, LLC, we want to help you relieve trigger points and other areas of pain. Contact us today for more information.

Treatments for Managing Some Types of Multiple Sclerosis Pain

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 15:27:31 GMT

Treatments for Managing Some Types of Multiple Sclerosis Pain

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the protective sheet covering nerve fibers. The result is miscommunication between the brain and the rest of the body. Such miscommunication often results in pain. Unfortunately, researchers haven't found a cure for MS yet, but you do have many options for managing common forms of the pain.

MS Hug

The MS hug is a very uncomfortable condition that feels like a tightening band around your torso. Naturally, the tightening causes pain, which can make dressing or even lying under the covers unpleasant. The MS hug can also create other sensations, such as tingling, tickling, vibration, and difficulty breathing.

If you become prone to the MS hug, take note of what triggers it. Triggers include oncoming illnesses such as colds and the flu as well as being stressed out or tired. Whenever possible, avoid the triggers. Your doctor may also prescribe medications such as steroids, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxers. Doctors also recommend using over-the-counter pain relievers.

Non- pharmaceutical therapies for the MS hug include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as drinking enough water and eating healthy food. You should also get adequate sleep. In many cases, massage and yoga can help stave off the sensations.

Erythromelalgia

Erythromelalgia is a rare condition that does, unfortunately, plague people who suffer from MS. The condition is characterized by burning pain in the hands and feet. The temperature in both can actually rise as a result. The feet can also feel swollen.

With hot feet, the key is to manage the uncomfortable sensations. Naturally, cool water or compresses can help reduce the temperature. Wearing pressure socks encourages good circulation, which can help alleviate the discomfort. Likewise, try activities such as swimming, which also get the blood flowing without putting pressure on your feet.

With your hands, cool water or compresses are also helpful. You can also try some exercises to promote blood flow and improve function of your hands. The exercises target flexing and extending your fingers, thumbs, and wrists.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

As noted, the pain associated with MS is from the immune system destroying the protective sheets covering nerves. Well, such destruction can cause damage to the nerves themselves. In the case of trigeminal neuralgia, the trigeminal nerve in the side of the face has damage. The result is a lightning-like, or stabbing, pain to the side of the face.

Doctors typically prescribe anti-seizure medication for trigeminal neuralgia. In extreme cases, when the anti-seizure medication doesn't work, your doctor may suggest minor surgery to block the pain pathways.

You can also try some holistic methods for pain management. Meditation works well because it decreases your anxiety, which intensifies the feeling of the pain. Another method for decreasing anxiety, and so lessening pain, is guided imagery. You can envision yourself in a pleasant place or imagine the pain leaving your body. Both help take your mind away from the pain.

Dysesthesias

Dysesthesia isn't related to a specific part of the body. Rather, dysesthesias are a type of pain sensation - in this case, burning or aching. The pains result from that major miscommunication between your now-naked nerves and your brain. Dysesthesias are the most common type of pain people with MS endure.

Two types of medications work on dysesthesias. Antidepressants or antianxiety medications can change how your body responds to pain, thus negating the miscommunication. Anticonvulsants calm overstimulated nerves, thus lessening the pain.

Non-medication treatments include both acupressure and acupuncture. Both treatments open blocked energy pathways, thus relieving pain. You can also work with a physical therapist to learn how to move your body to reduce the pain.

Don't live with the effects of MS pain - find methods both pharmaceutical and holistic to manage it. Talk to Pain Care Management about treatments for managing the pain from MS symptoms.

5 Ways to Support Your Pain Management Therapy at Home

Mon, 27 May 2019 15:18:45 GMT

5 Ways to Support Your Pain Management Therapy at Home

If you're one of the 50 million adults that deal with chronic pain in the United States, you may follow a pain management plan prescribed by your doctor. These plans often rely on a combination of medication, physical therapy, injection therapy, and neuromechanical therapy to alleviate your pain, and they are quite effective.

However, did you know that you can do a few things at home to support your pain management plan? If followed, these tips will improve the results of your treatment protocol, which leaves you with less pain.

1. Get Active

Exercising and moving more helps alleviate pain naturally by loosening up and strengthening affected muscles. You don't have to do anything too strenuous; it's actually advisable for you to start off slow. A simple walk or water exercises will stretch out your muscles and release endorphins in your brain, which are your body's natural pain killers.

As time passes, work on increasing the amount of activity you incorporate into each day.

2. Stretch Often

Like exercise, stretching can help loosen you up and lower your pain level. While you can choose from a variety of stretching methods, you should tailor yours to your type and location of pain. For example, toe touches will loosen up lower back muscles. If you don't know which stretches are right for you, talk to your doctor. They can likely create a customized stretching plan to suit your unique needs.

3. Apply Heat

Heat and ice therapy can provide you with immediate relief on difficult days. Heat relaxes stiff, aching muscles while ice reduces heat and inflammation. Before you decide which remedy to choose, you must make an accurate assessment of the cause of your pain.

If the area is hot, swollen, and inflamed, ice will work. However, applying heat may intensify your pain. The opposite is true of pain caused by stiff muscles; heat is best, while ice may exacerbate the situation.

Whichever type of therapy you choose, it's vital that you don't apply it for an extended period of time. Twenty minutes of heat or cold every four to six hours is recommended.

4. Eat Better

Your diet can increase inflammation within your body. Thus, increasing your pain. A diet loaded with refined sugar and simple carbohydrates causes the most inflammation. You should avoid eating high-caloric, sugary and fatty foods. Instead, choose fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and carbs with a low glycemic index. Limit empty fats. Choose healthy fats, such as olive oil.

5. Say No

Know when to say no. When you have chronic pain, you will likely have some days that are better than others. What's more, certain activities may exacerbate your pain. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. If it feels like an activity is too much, don't do it. On days when you're in exceptional pain, take measures to trim your schedule and to-do list so it's more manageable.

Saying no also involves telling your doctor when a certain regimen is not working well. If you experience worsening pain or other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling, or if you simply aren't getting any relief, let your doctor know. Other treatments may work better for you, but your doctor won't know to change yours if you don't speak up.

If you suffer from chronic pain, the above at-home tips will help. However, if you still experience chronic or debilitating pain, you don't have to live with it. Call Pain Care Management, LLC , today to establish a new pain care management plan or tweak an existing one. Do not spend one more day in pain.

Options for Managing Ongoing Whiplash Pain

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 15:05:50 GMT

Options for Managing Ongoing Whiplash Pain

Many people develop whiplash after being involved in a car accident or another traumatic event which results in a rapid, back-and-forth movement of the neck. In many cases, the stiffness and neck pain associated with whiplash clear up within a few weeks. However, some patients' whiplash symptoms linger for months and years post-accident.

If you are one of those patients with chronic, ongoing whiplash symptoms, you'll want to look beyond overthe-counter pain relievers for treatment. The following are three treatments that can help ease your symptoms and offer lasting relief.

1. Physical Therapy

If you have not already had S-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to visually assess your whiplash injury, talk to your doctor about scheduling these diagnostic tests. The resulting images will allow a physical therapist to design a custom treatment routine to assist in your recovery.

In the early stages, your physical therapist may use healing therapies like cold treatment to stimulate healing of soft tissues. Cold therapy is really helpful for whiplash, since it helps reduce the inflammation and muscle spasms responsible for much of the pain. Your physical therapist may also use deep tissue massage to increase blood flow to the injured areas, which further speeds up healing.

As you heal, your physical therapist will teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles in your neck and back. He or she may offer tips and advice to help you alter your posture and perform your daily activities in a manner that's less aggravating to your neck. The results won't be instant, but if you stick with the exercises and routines, your whiplash symptoms should improve over time.

2. TENS

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. This treatment is performed with a special device that delivers low-current electricity via two electrodes. The electric pulses penetrate your skin and travel along nerve fibers. For the treatment of whiplash, the electrodes are typically placed on either side of the spine, just above the shoulder blades.

Although researchers are not entirely sure how TENS works to relieve pain, a common theory is that stimulating the nerves with electricity stops them from sending pain signals. TENS may also stimulate your body to release endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving hormones.

TENS is safe for most whiplash patients, except for those with a pacemaker and those in early pregnancy. You will feel a tingling sensation as the device works, but no pain. Your doctor or physical therapist may initially administer TENS in their office, but they can also recommend a TENS device for at-home use.

3. Injections

For more serious whiplash pain, your doctor may recommend injections in combination with physical therapy or TENs treatment. There are three main types of injections used for whiplash.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Sometimes, whiplash patients have nerve roots that have become compressed in the space between two vertebrae. When this is the case, injecting steroids into this space, known as the epidural space, can bring relief. You may need two or three injections spaced several months apart.

Trigger Point Steroid Injections

If the pain comes mostly from an irritated muscle in your neck or back, your doctor may inject a local pain reliever or steroid preparation directly into the sore area. If you have several so-called trigger points, each area may need to be injected separately.

Facet Joint Injections

The facet joints are the joints on either side of your spine where the vertebrae come together. Some chronic whiplash pain is caused by damage to the facet joints in the cervical (neck) vertebrae. If this is true of your injury, your doctor can inject a corticosteroid directly into the facet joint to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Facet joint injections are typically performed under local anesthesia. Your doctor may use a fluorescent imaging procedure to guide the needle and ensure they place the injection in the correct site.

If you are still suffering whiplash symptoms several weeks or months after an accident, don't hesitate to seek treatment. Contact Pain Care Management to make an appointment. We offer physical therapy, injection therapy, and other treatments to provide the lasting relief you deserve.

4 Facts About Phantom Limb Pain

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:57:09 GMT

4 Facts About Phantom Limb Pain

If you recently had a limb amputated, or if you have begun discussing the possibility of amputation with your doctor, you likely have some concerns about phantom limb pain. Also known as phantom limb syndrome, this phenomenon causes amputees to experience pain and unpleasant sensations that they believe to be coming from the missing limb.

Phantom limb pain is very real, and it is quite common in amputation patients - so you have reason to be concerned. Thankfully, however, treatments and management practices for phantom limb pain have come a long way in recent decades. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Phantom Limb Pain Can Come on at Any Time

Most patients begin experiencing phantom limb pain within a week of their amputation procedure, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, in some cases, the pain does not begin until months or even years later. You should never hesitate to talk to your doctor about phantom pains you experience, regardless of the timeline.

Do not dismiss discomfort that feels like cramping, throbbing, or burning, either. Everyone experiences phantom pain differently; it's not always the stabbing, shooting pains as portrayed on TV.

2. Phantom Limb Pain Has Several Risk Factors

Between 50 and 80 percent of amputees suffer from phantom limb pain. This may leave you wondering what the differences are between those who suffer and those who do not.

Patients are more likely to experience phantom pain if they had pain in the limb prior to amputation. Those who have both legs or arms removed are more likely to suffer than those who have one limb removed. Damage to the nerves in the amputated limb's stump also increases the risk of pain, as does the presence of pain elsewhere in the body - such as headaches or joint pain.

3. Phantom Limb Pain Is Caused by Changes in the Brain

A physician named V. S. Ramachandran made great strides towards understanding the cause of the condition in the 1990s. He proposed that it was not the nerves leading to the amputated limb that were causing the pain but rather the brain itself.

According to Ramachandran's theory, after a limb is amputated, the part of the brain dedicated to that limb becomes desperate for sensations and generates pain signals as a result. Ramachandran's discoveries led to the development of mirror therapy, one of the most effective ways to treat phantom limb pain.

With mirror therapy, the patient stands with their existing limb in front of the mirror, generating a reflection. They then watch themselves using the limb, and the reflection makes their brain think the missing limb is being used. This satisfies the brain's need for sensory input from the missing limb, thus alleviating the phantom pain.

4. Phantom Pain Can Be Managed in Many Ways

In addition to mirror therapy, phantom limb pain has a multitude of treatment options. Deep brain stimulation, a procedure in which a surgeon places an electrode on the surface of the brain and administers electrical impulses to eliminate pain signals, works well for some patients.

Others experience relief from injections pain relievers into the amputation site. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants may provide some relief.

For some patients, cognitive behavioral therapy helps reduce phantom limb pain. This type of therapy aims to change the way you think about your pain. Instead of seeing it as an insurmountable problem, you begin to see it as a challenge you can conquer.

Treating phantom limb pain requires that you work closely with your doctor to try multiple approaches and combinations of treatments. Be patient; no single approach works for everyone.

If you are dealing with phantom limb pain after an amputation, contact the doctors at Pain Care Management . We offer a wide range of pain management treatments, including neuromuscular therapy, oral medications, injections, and stress-reduction therapy.

4 Often-Overlooked Causes of Aches and Pains

Thu, 22 Nov 2018 15:48:44 GMT

Are you frequently suffering from back, shoulder, or neck pain? Learn about four causes of aches and pains and what you can do about them.

4 Often-Overlooked Causes of Aches and Pains

Are you frequently suffering from back, shoulder, or neck pain? If so, you should see a doctor or pain management specialist to rule out possible medical reasons, such as arthritis, curvature of the spine, or fibromyalgia. The doctor may prescribe therapy or other treatment to control your symptoms.

In the interim, you might consider some often-overlooked causes that could contribute to your random aches and pains. Here are a few factors to mull over, some of which may cause your random pain.

1. Sleeping on a Bad Mattress or Pillow

If you have frequent bouts of pain and can't find a logical cause, assess your sleeping essentials. If your mattress is old, sagging, and does not provide adequate support, you place strain on your spine. This contributes to your neck, shoulder or back pain.

In addition, consider the level of firmness your mattress provides. A too-soft mattress causes some misalignment of the spine and places stress on your lower back. Conversely, a mattress that is too firm for your body or sleep position causes stiffness and pain. If your mattress is several years old, visit a sleep center and ask for advice on the most suitable type for you, as this may solve your pain issues.

At the same time, evaluate your pillow. Be sure it is supportive enough. If your pillow has lost its support or it has flattened out, it's probably time to toss it in favor of a new one that brings you the support your body needs.

2. Poor Posture and Ergonomics

When you slouch on the job or at home, you place stress on the neck, shoulders, and back. Poor posture, while you walk or stand, sets yourself up for chronic aches and pains. Be mindful of your posture and avoid poor body mechanics.

In addition, there are a few things you might want to change while working. Take frequent breaks while doing computer tasks, and stretch in between. Also, be sure you use ergonomically designed office equipment, such as chairs with added lumbar support. Don't hunch forward as you are sitting, as this places strain on the shoulders.

3. Being Overweight

Obesity can be a cause for your pains and aches. According to some studies, individuals who are obese have a greater chance of suffering from pain. Some experts believe that fat cells contribute to inflammation in the body, which in turn leads to pain.

Your health care provider determines if you need to lose weight. Under the advice and guidance of your physician, you adhere to a sensible weight loss program if that's what they recommend. Do not undertake weight loss procedures without consulting your health care provider.

4. Exercising Without Care

Regular physical exercise can be very beneficial for many individuals, however, it should be done in the correct manner. Be sure to exercise in a way that doesn't place strain on your muscles and joints. A common mistake that many individuals make is to dive into their exercise routine without properly warming up.

Failure to warm up before exercising can lead to strains, sprains, and sore muscles. To warm up your muscles before exercising, perform some simple stretches. Also, gradually increase the intensity of your exercise to avoid injury.

You must take time to recover between exercise routines to avoid potential injury and pain. It's probably not a good idea to work out for several consecutive days in a row. Instead, take a rest period or day off to allow your muscles and tendons to rest and repair.

If your pain is ongoing and affecting your quality of life, schedule an appointment with a pain care specialist today.

Using Acupuncture for Pain Management

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 14:42:02 GMT

Medications aren't the only way to manage pain. One alternative pain-relief treatment is acupuncture. Learn more about this alternative to pain medications.

Using Acupuncture for Pain Management

Medications aren't the only way to manage pain. In some cases, alternative or complementary treatments may be just as beneficial or more beneficial. One pain management treatment with a significant amount of research to back up its use is acupuncture.

The Basics of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a method used in traditional Asian medicine which involves inserting very thin needles into the body at specific points. Sometimes these needles are heated or moved about slightly or herbs are burned near the insertion points. Treatments typically involve up to 12 sessions, each lasting between 10 and 30 minutes.

Duration of Benefits

Some people experience more benefits or longer-lasting benefits from acupuncture than do others. The painrelief benefits from just one session of acupuncture typically last a few hours. For longer-lasting relief, you'll likely need to complete a longer-term treatment program over the course of 3 months or more.

Mechanisms of Acupuncture

Although the exact mechanism isn't clear, the needles may cause the release of endorphins, serotonin, or adenosine to bring about pain relief. Another theory is that the acupuncture helps relieve inflammation, which is known to cause pain. Some people think that acupuncture benefits may be due to an increase in blood flow in the areas where the needles are inserted.

Acupuncture for Chronic Pain

Studies show potential pain relief benefits for those who suffer from headaches or lower back, shoulder, neck, arthritis, or knee pain. People who receive acupuncture treatment experience benefits compared to those who don't get this type of treatment or who had a sham version of the treatment for purposes of the study.

Acupuncture for Menstrual Cramps

Although research is still in the preliminary stages, acupuncture may benefit women with painful menstrual cramps. The pain from these cramps may be decreased by as much as 50 percent with acupuncture, according to one study, with those receiving 3 treatments in the week before their period experiencing the most benefits.

Other Potential Benefits of Acupuncture

Some research shows that acupuncture treatments may be helpful for those undergoing cancer treatment, people with neurologic injuries, and those trying to become pregnant.

Acupuncture versus Opioids

Because of the risk of addiction, overdoses, or other adverse effects for people taking opioids, many doctors are attempting to prescribe less of these medications. Some of these doctors are turning to acupuncture instead. In one study, 32 percent of opioid users given acupuncture treatments were able to cut back on the amount of opioids they used for pain relief.

Acupuncture versus Massage

As with acupuncture, people sometimes turn to massage for pain relief purposes. At least one study showed that acupuncture was more effective for treating chronic neck pain than massage, with 50 percent of people experiencing improvements in pain compared to only 32 percent who experienced pain relief from massage. The difference was most noticeable in those with myofascial pain syndrome.

Increasing the Potential Benefits

Recent research shows that pain relief from acupuncture may be due to the release of adenosine, which can bring about pain relief. However, caffeine binds to the same receptors as adenosine. This may explain why some people experience more benefits from acupuncture than others. Avoiding caffeine may make acupuncture more effective.

Potential Considerations

Only seek treatment from trained and certified individuals after checking with your doctor, as this limits the already very minimal risk of adverse effects from acupuncture. Certain people may want to avoid acupuncture, including pregnant women, those with a higher risk of infection, people with chronic skin problems, people with pacemakers, and people taking certain medications.

For more information on acupuncture and other methods of pain relief, contact Pain Care Management, LLC. They offer integrative pain management treatments which include both medications and complementary medical treatments.

Knee Pain: Weight Loss Can Make a Difference

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 14:38:17 GMT

Weight loss brings many health benefits for the entire body. Many people don't factor how weight control helps knee pain. Learn more to find out.

Knee Pain: Weight Loss Can Make a Difference

Sometimes, sports or trauma make injuries to the knees unavoidable. However, many people can avoid knee pain and joint problems with simple lifestyle choices. One of the major risk factors for developing chronic pain from osteoarthritis and inflammation in the knee is excess weight.

Weight loss brings many health benefits for the entire body. You might sleep better and have more energy. You'll have an easier time being active, and you can avoid many chronic heart and lung problems. However, many people don't factor in the amazing improvements weight control provides for knee pain.

Why Extra Weight Is Hard on Knees

Every time you take a step, the leg you step onto must support the majority of your weight. Your legs also must provide stability. However, joints are relatively small in surface area, which means the amount of pressure from each step is actually much higher than just your body weight.

Your knees support a force of 1.5 times your body weight. This means that if you weigh 150 pounds, your single knee supports the equivalent of 215 pounds every time you take a step. The higher your weight, the greater the amount of pressure. Over time, this pressure can increase wear and tear in the tissues and cartilage that cushion your knee.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University also suggest that being overweight can affect the overall blood flow to your joints, including your knees. Blood delivers food and oxygen to cells, allowing them to remain healthy and repair themselves when they are injured. With restricted blood flow, you won't recover as quickly from stress to the joint.

In general, an overweight woman is four times more likely to develop painful osteoarthritis, and an overweight man is five times more likely.

How Weight Loss Helps Pain

Weight loss helps to prevent future knee problems, especially if you are still young. Even for people who already struggle with joint pain and knee injuries, losing weight can help with treatment success.

The main reason why losing weight helps is through how much pressure is taken off the joint with every pound you lose. To put the amazing effects of reduced weight into perspective, the reduced stress on the knee that comes with losing just one pound would be the equivalent of walking nearly 5000 miles on that knee!

Losing a sustained 11 pounds would reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis by half.

Many patients can become discouraged when their physician recommends weight loss as a way to help with knee and joint pain. Many feel like they would need to lose drastic amounts in order to make a difference. However, you will feel the difference with just a few pounds. Don't let large weight loss numbers or expectations scare you away from reaping the rewards.

Strategies for Safe Weight Loss

If you are committed to losing weight for pain management, you need to make sure you protect your knees as you increase you activity level. Increased activity will stress your knees, so you must be careful. Make sure you:

Begin slowly. Use low-impact exercises for weight loss. Biking and swimming can be excellent calorie burners.
Speak with your doctor. Have a pain specialist check your condition before you begin. They might recommend diet-only weight loss until you are safe to add more activity.
Rest. After activity, you need to give your knees time to recover. If you start running, lifting weights, or doing other load-bearing exercises, plan rest days in between.
Listen to your body. If you notice any knee pain at all when exercising, stop the exercise and rest.
Continue with pain management. You may need steroid shots and pain medications to manage as you increase activity. Always follow the regimen your doctor recommends.

Becoming more active is often an essential part of sustained weight loss, but you need to stay safe and protect your knees in the process.

For more information on managing your pain, contact us at Pain Care Management, LLC .

Managing Fibromyalgia Pain: What You Should Know

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:34:53 GMT

When you suffer from fibromyalgia, and the symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and exhaustion, you will also inevitably find yourself dealing with fibromyalgia pain.

Managing Fibromyalgia Pain: What You Should Know

When you suffer from fibromyalgia, and the symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and exhaustion, you will also inevitably find yourself dealing with fibromyalgia pain. The pain you experience from fibromyalgia can be quite severe and overwhelming at times. However, there are ways that you can treat and manage your fibromyalgia pain.

Use this blog to learn more about managing and treating your fibromyalgia pain. Then, you can get the help you need to manage the pain you experience as the result of your fibromyalgia.

Make Good Sleep a Priority

One of the problems with fibromyalgia is that it can create vicious cycles in your life. For example, the pain you experience may make it difficult for you to sleep. At the same time, not sleeping enough and not sleeping well can worsen fibromyalgia pain.

To help with your fibromyalgia pain as well as the other symptoms of the condition, you need to make good sleep a priority in your life. Set a sleep schedule for yourself with specific times you will go to bed and get up in the mornings. Stick to that schedule, even on weekends or days off from work.

Setting a sleep schedule will help your body get used to going to sleep at a certain time every night. You will be able to sleep deeply and you'll be able to sleep more when you stick to such a schedule. This, in turn, will help your body to regulate and deal with your fibromyalgia pain.

Try Exercise and Physical Therapy

Another option to try when you are struggling with your fibromyalgia pain is to begin a light exercise program. Of course, discuss this with your doctor before you start. Light aerobic exercise like swimming and water aerobics or just getting up and going for a walk can help to strengthen muscles and increase suppleness and flexibility. This can, in turn, help to reduce pain and discomfort.

Physical therapy is another option to help you manage your fibromyalgia pain. When you go to see a physical therapist, you will learn exercises, stretches, and strategies to cope with and reduce your fibromyalgia pain. Physical therapy can help relieve stress and tension so that you'll be able to better manage the pain you are experiencing.

Physical therapy treatment for fibromyalgia pain can also include options like hydrotherapy or whirlpool therapy that can help to relax your muscles. Combining your own exercise routine with physical therapy is one of the best ways to deal with your fibromyalgia pain and discomfort.

Take Your Medications

One of the first lines of defense against symptoms of fibromyalgia is prescription medications. There are numerous types of medications that are prescribed to manage fibromyalgia. Antidepressants are one such type of medication. While these are generally mental health medications, in the case of fibromyalgia, they can help with pain and fatigue.
There are also anti-epileptic and other medications that address the nervous system issues associated with fibromyalgia. They work to slow the pain signals that are sent to and from the nervous system. And, of course, pain medications are also sometimes prescribed to deal with severe fibromyalgia pain.

Managing your fibromyalgia pain depends on you taking your medications as prescribed. You need to have a medical team that properly manages your medications, including what medication combinations you are taking and the dosages.

Be honest with your doctors about how you are feeling while you take your medications. If your pain has not subsided or gets worse on a medication, speak up. It can take time to find the right combination of medications to manage your fibromyalgia pain.

Now that you know some of the ways that you can manage your fibromyalgia pain, you can contact our medical team to get started with treatment as soon as possible.

Ways to Manage Your Cancer Pain

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 14:31:53 GMT

If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer or you have recently begun going through cancer treatments, you may find yourself experiencing a great deal of pain. While you may think that pain is an inevitable part of the cancer process, you do not have to go through it without the help of treatment.

Ways to Manage Your Cancer Pain

You can manage your cancer pain in a variety of ways. Learn more about the different pain management methods that you can use to treat your cancer pain.

Over-the-Counter Pain Medications

The easiest way to address cancer pain is through over-the-counter pain medications. These medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be purchased at any local drugstore or pharmacy and can help to reduce or ease cancer pain.

However, these medications are not especially strong and if your pain is persistent and severe, you may not want to rely solely on over-the-counter drugs. Taking too much acetaminophen, for example, can result in damage to the liver that could be life-threatening. Too much ibuprofen can similarly cause organ damage and could also result in painful stomach ulcers.

Prescription Pain Medications

Another option for cancer pain is to rely on prescription pain medications. Prescription pain medications vary in type and potency. However, the most common prescription painkillers are narcotic drugs. When you tell your medical team that you are experiencing serious pain from your cancer and/or cancer treatments, they will likely start with the leas potent medication option possible.

In the case of opioid medications, this means that they will start with mild opioids like codeine. If these are effective, then your doctors will stick with such mild medications. However, if your pain increases or is not helped by mild painkillers, they may opt for more potent pain medications like oxycodone or fentanyl to help treat your pain.

Neuromechanical Therapy

Another treatment option that may help you with your cancer pain is known as neuromechanical therapy. This type of treatment combines conventional medical practices with alternative medicine practices to create a unique and highly effective treatment program.

It is based largely on the philosophies and theories of ancient Chinese medicine like acupuncture and acupressure. These theories revolve around the idea that the human body is made up of flowing energy that moves throughout the body to keep everything up and running (much like the blood or the nervous system).

In the body, there are also energy hubs or points that are significant in stimulating the flow of energy throughout the body and keeping that energy flow in balance. While acupuncture and acupressure only utilize tiny needles and manual pressure to access these energy points, neuromechanical therapy takes it a bit further.

Neuromechanical therapy combines these theories from ancient Chinese medicine with conventional medical practices by utilizing electrical or microcurrent stimulation. Depending on where you are experiencing the most pain, the doctor will find the correct acupuncture point on the body. Then, they will send microcurrents through that area to therapeutically trigger the energy to the affected area.

Such treatments can be repeated as needed for cancer pain and can have effects that last for days or weeks. They can also be used in combination with other treatments including medications to provide more comprehensive and long-lasting pain relief.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can sometimes also be used to help with cancer pain. Oftentimes, cancer and cancer treatment can cause stiffness and discomfort in the joints as well as sore or achy muscles. Going to physical therapy sessions can help you learn ways of coping with and reducing that pain.

Your physical therapist will teach you strength-training and stretching exercises designed to help you keep those joints and muscles as flexible and relaxed as possible. This can help to reduce your pain over time and will also give you strategies to use at home when your pain levels increase.

With these pain management options in mind, you can be sure that you talk to your medical team about your pain and the treatment options that might work best for you.

Understand That These Things Are Normal When You Have A Spouse Dealing With Pain

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 15:27:10 GMT

Any time that you have a spouse who is dealing with any sort of pain, it's a good idea to encourage him or her to visit a pain management specialist. Whether the pain is chronic or just appears occasionally, pain can be highly disruptive. It's important for you to be as supportive as possible during this time, regardless of whether you both know the reason for the pain or are confused about what might be causing it.

Understand That These Things Are Normal When You Have A Spouse Dealing With Pain

Sleeping a Lot

Many people who are contending with pain will spend a lot of time in bed. Pain can sometimes subside when the person is lying down. For example, if your spouse has back pain or knee pain, he or she may find that spending time in bed can provide some degree of relief. In other cases, the person will feel physically and emotionally exhausted because of the pain, and going to bed is one way of dealing with this situation.

Missing Work

It's common for people who are dealing with acute or chronic pain to be unable to work. In minor cases, your spouse will need to take a day or two off here and there. In more serious cases, he or she may be unable to work for an extended period of time. This situation can cause financial stress for both of you, especially if your household is relying heavily upon your spouse's income, but you should try to avoid getting frustrated and blaming him or her because your finances are suddenly tight.

Being Short Tempered

Unfortunately, many people react to pain by acting in a short-tempered manner. When someone is uncomfortable, his or her threshold for annoyances can be limited. This might mean that your spouse snaps at you or gets frustrated at minor things that occur during the day. It's in everyone's best interest to remember that this behavior is likely a result of the pain. Arguing back at your loved one might seem tempting, but will only exacerbate the situation. It's better to take a deep breath and avoid compounding the problem.

Losing Interest in Sex

When your spouse is in pain, sex may be the last thing on his or her mind. The discomfort can make your spouse feel inward and upset, thus leading to little to no feelings of romance. Additionally, physically having sex can be difficult for someone who cannot move without pain. Try to avoid taking this situation personally. Your spouse's lack of interest in sex isn't a reflection on how he or she feels about you but is rather a common reaction to experiencing physical pain.

Withdrawing From Normal Activities

Someone who is in pain may feel so miserable that he or she no longer wants to partake in normal activities. This can mean that your spouse may not wish to cook, eat much, or spend time doing things that you normally enjoy together. You'll only worsen the situation by pestering your spouse to make things return to normal, and you should accept the reality that his or her pain is getting in the way of whatever "normal" is.

Even though these issues can be challenging for your spouse and for you, they don't need to become the norm. Professional care from pain management specialists can help your spouse to overcome his or her pain, resulting in improved quality of life. If you want to be of assistance to your spouse, gently encourage him or her to seek treatment from Pain Care Management, LLC .

6 Ways to Prevent Knee Problems

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 15:20:04 GMT

Knees are one of the biggest joints in your body, so you should never take them for granted. Here are six effective ways to prevent knee problems.

6 Ways to Prevent Knee Problems

Knees are one of the biggest joints in your body, so you should never take them for granted. If you do not take good care of your knees, then they can deteriorate and make it difficult for you to run, walk, or even stand up. You may even have to get your knees replaced at some point.

Here are six effective ways to prevent knee problems.

1. Get Down to a Healthy Weight

If you are carrying excess weight, you can put a lot of force on the cartilage in your knees. The cartilage will wear down faster and lead to pain and mobility issues with your knees. If you get down to a healthy weight, you can decrease your knee pain by half.

Start off by cutting junk food from your diet and eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Exercising on a regular basis may also help you burn more calories and lose excess weight. Include a variety of different exercises into your routine, such as walking, swimming, and biking. If you are having trouble getting motivated to exercise, ask a family member or friend to work out with you.

2. Use the Proper Technique When Exercising

Exercise can lead to knee and other joint problems if you don’t know how to do it correctly. For example, if you don’t position your legs properly while doing lunges or squats, you could hurt your knees. If you don’t know how to perform a particular exercise at a gym, don’t hesitate to ask a personal trainer for assistance.

3. Include Vitamin D in Your Diet

Vitamin D is essential for knee health. If you have high vitamin D levels in your body, you can decrease cartilage loss in your knees. Good sources of vitamin D include mackerel, tuna, yogurt, and milk. If you are concerned that you are not getting enough vitamin D from your diet, then you may want to talk to your doctor about taking supplements.

4. Wear Proper Footwear When Playing Sports

If you are serious about playing a sport, you should invest in a pair of sport-specific shoes. For example, if you play basketball, you may want to buy a pair of high-topped shoes that fit your feet properly. These shoes will provide you with the support that you need and prevent knee problems in the future.

5. Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

If you are prone to knee pain, you may want to consider including more anti-inflammatory foods in your diet, like salmon. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce the pain and stiffness in your knee joints. You may also want to add onions to your diet. Onions contain quercetin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition to eating anti-inflammatory foods, you should limit refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta, from your diet because they can increase inflammation in your body.

6. Do Weight Training Exercises

Another way to keep your knees in good shape is to include weight training exercises in your workout routine. Performing lunges, squats, and other exercises with weights can strengthen your leg muscles so that they better support your knees. If you are new to weight training, you may want to work with a personal trainer in the beginning. He or she can show you how to use weights properly so that you don’t hurt yourself.

Knee problems can affect your quality of life, so it is crucial to treat your knees with the utmost care. If you have any other questions about knee pain, you may want to contact Pain Care Management, LLC.

7 Tips for Managing Arthritis Pain

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 16:22:44 GMT

Arthritis can cause severe pain and make it difficult to complete daily tasks. Here are seven tips for managing your arthritis pain.

10.06.2017

7 Tips for Managing Arthritis Pain

If you suffer from arthritis, you are not alone. According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 50 million adults have been diagnosed with arthritis. This health condition can cause severe pain in the joints and make it more difficult to do your job and complete daily tasks. However, if you take good care of yourself, you can reduce your discomfort and live a normal life. Here are seven tips for managing arthritis pain:

Try Meditation

Engaging in meditation may help you relax and reduce your arthritis pain. When you meditate, you can recognize that there is so much more to your life than feeling pain and change how you relate to pain. To start your meditation session, sit down in a quiet room, close your eyes and focus your mind on one visual object, like a painting or vase. This will help you reach a deeper level of consciousness.

If you are new to meditating, you can engage in five minutes of meditation every day.

Get Down to a Healthy Weight

If you are currently carrying around extra pounds, you can put unneeded stress on your joints, increasing pain and discomfort. Losing even a few pounds can improve your arthritis symptoms. Cut junks foods out of your diet and eat more wholesome foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits and fish.

Exercising most days of the week can also help you shed the pounds. It is best to avoid high-impact exercises, such as jogging and jumping, because they can put too much stress on your joints. Instead, try low-impact workouts, like swimming and biking.

Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Your Diet

Omega-3 fatty acids are known for decreasing inflammation throughout your body, so it is a good idea to include them in your diet. Aim to consume 1,000 to 4,000 mg of these acids every day. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish, beans, leafy greens and nuts.

Get a Massage

Getting regular massages can decrease pain and stiffness in your joints and increase your range of motion. It is a good idea to go to a massage therapist who has experience working with arthritis patients. He or she will know which pressure points to hit and leave you feeling comfortable and relaxed.

Get More Vitamin D in Your Diet

Vitamin D is another important nutrient to not avoid when you have arthritis. If you do not get enough vitamin D in your diet, your bones will not absorb calcium as well and become weaker. You can get vitamin D from many types of foods, including beef livers, eggs, fatty fish and cheese.

Do Not Skimp on Sleep

Inadequate rest can aggravate your arthritis symptoms, so it is vital to get eight hours of sleep at night. This gives your body enough time to repair itself. To help yourself fall asleep easier, try to do a relaxing activity before bedtime, like taking a warm bath or practicing yoga. You should also avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol too close to bedtime because they can keep you up at night.

Use Heat

When you feel pain in your joints, it is helpful to apply a heating pad. It will help take away some of the inflammation, relieving discomfort. If you do not have a heating pad, try soaking in a hot bath for about 20 minutes.

Living with arthritis can be challenging at times, but it is manageable. If you follow these useful tips, you can improve your symptoms and feel better about yourself. If you would like to learn more information about treating arthritis pain, contact Pain Care Management.