Posts Tagged ‘pain management’

Can Your Thoughts Do A Better Job Than Medication?

Saturday, March 24th, 2012

In our society today the population of people over the age of 65 is rapidly growing, along with a community growing older unfortunately brings many new health challenges; chronic pain is one of the many challenges facing our seniors today due to the financial cost to treat this disease. In the first six months following diagnosis, it costs on average $3,481 for consultations, tests, and medications.

Acute pain plagues each of us at different times in our lives where as a Chronic pain is pain that a person has endured for a period of time longer than 3 months. The concern about seniors having chronic pain deals with the fact that health care premiums are on the rise and many seniors who have suffered with on-going pain would like to sidestep the expensive pharmaceuticals yet do not know how to get help otherwise, for there are as many medications available as there are causes to chronic pain.

These little things might not seem like a big deal to main stream society but to someone who has burns over 70 percent of their body, if they can find the beauty in their smile, their eyes, or even be able to find a freckle that remains on skin unaffected by a burn, what joy this person feels; it also helps the person feel healthier recover from some illness quicker.

Do you believe happiness is available to everyone if they just engage in positive thinking? A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that a patient’s thoughts can be better than medication. Optimistic thoughts can influence how we respond to symptoms and drugs, for example those who’ve attempted multiple treatment options for a chronic disease who add positive or healthy thinking find a better way to cope with their chronic disease by changing how they think and approach solutions to the disease. It’s based on research that shows that you can change how you think. And how you think affects how you feel- you are what you think.

For example those diagnosed with cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, arthritis, heart conditions and other illnesses; psychologists have found that positive attitude can even overcome serious diseases such as these and by positive thinking the body also heals faster. The illness it’s-self might not disappear but with positive thinking you are able to care for yourself and handle the situation of illness better than those who avoid or can only see the negative oppression of their illness.

It comes down to choice- you can believe in positive thinking and directing the brilliant power of one’s mind and subconscious to produce a life of health or you can be a skeptic, negative person, whose health may or may not improve with this kind of thinking. What will you choose?

Needing a medical professional, but don’t know where to go, or what benefits you are qualified for? Let Social Service Coordinators help you, for free. They will find the programs you qualify for within your local area.

An Overview of Arthritis Pain Management Treatment

Thursday, March 1st, 2012

There are several different types of arthritis, and they fall within an area known as the rheumatic diseases. Treatment for arthritis will vary based on the type patient has along with the symptoms they’re suffering from. The various types of arthritis have similarities in that they all affect joints, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Several types of arthritis also affect internal organs.

Arthritis Treatment Varies Based on Forms of the Disease

There are multiple different types of arthritis so there’s not one treatment that is uniform to all. Over 100 types of arthritis are known in that number gets larger every few years. The main type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which leads to normal wear and tear on a person’s cartilage with increasing age. Another type of arthritis as a result of an overactive immune system and this is rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis in America is the most common illness of a chronic type is not surprised as are so many different types.

Around the world, over 350 million people suffer from arthritis. Is not just an older person’s disease, as over half of those afflicted are under age 65. 60% of those with arthritis are women, which is interesting because as a worldwide population women do not make up 60%.

Contributing Factors to Arthritis Treatment

There are several contributing factors into how arthritis gets treated. The type of arthritis dictates some of the treatment, but in large part it is how bad the symptoms are, persistence, location, and parts of the medical history can also play a role in the type of treatment. Treatment for arthritis is also subject to the treatment preferences of the doctor.

There are several arthritis treatments that have been handed down for generations and include homeopathic remedies and over-the-counter medications which can keep the cost of treatment low. As you move up the severity, there are prescription drugs, injections into joints with steroid and other regenerative medicine substances, and also as a last resort surgery.

One treatment that can work extremely well for arthritis is losing weight which can decrease pressure on the joints. What you really want an arthritis treatment is to relieve the pain and inflammation, along with protecting the joint so that is not subjected to such bad arthritis going forward.

One of the 1st things most doctors do with patients is to prescribe rest to the area in question. If that individual is an avid runner, and suffering from an arthritic flare in one of the knees, then it’s prudent to hold back on the running for a bit. Ice and heat compresses along with pain cream formulations may provide excellent pain relief. Chondroitin and glucosamine are an excellent over-the-counter supplement for providing some pain relief and joint protection going forward.

Several arthritis treatments involve trial and error. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications often work great for patients, but it may not be the 1st medication tried that does the trick. Sometimes naproxen works well patients, other times its ibuprofen that performs better for pain relief.

Exercise is one of the best treatments around for arthritis, and strengthening up the muscles around the arthritic joints can relieve pain off of the joint itself. The exercise may occur in a formal physical therapy program, home exercise program, or as a regular fitness center.

Along with that, steroid injections into the problematic area may give substantial relief for months. This may allow people to dramatically improve their activity and avoid surgery, or at a minimum delay it.

Braces can help arthritic joints for pain relief a lot as well. This may include a brace on the wrist for instance to mobilize it, or a knee offloading brace or even a lumbar back brace in a time of an arthritic flare too. TENS units may help substantially as well.

If a patient has mild to moderate pain, an over the counter medication such as Tylenol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories may make life much more tolerable. In those instances where pain is substantial, a short term course of narcotics can help a patient get through the rough patch.

Want to find out more about the best back pain Phoenix clinic, then visit Preferred Pain Center’s site on how to choose the best Arizona pain clinic for your needs.

Treatment By a Scottsdale Chiropractor Benefits Asthma And Diabetes

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

Quite a bit of literature now shows an association between diabetes and numerous musculoskeletal problems. It is becoming more common for diabetic individuals to seek out chiropractic treatment for alternative therapies.

Most chiropractors will probably help these types of patients at some point in their career if they haven’t already.

What is Diabetes?

Patients obtain a diabetes diagnosis when they are unable to properly regulate blood sugars and glucose due to either a problem making insulin or problem using the insulin that they have.

Often times individuals with diabetes will inject themselves with insulin to keep in normal amount in the body. This is particularly true if type I diabetes is present.

Here are several common diabetes symptoms:

1. Losing weight unintentionally

2. Dry mouth causing excessive thirst

3. Abdominal pain

4. Frequent urination

5. Abnormal pains

6. Fatigue

7. Irritability and problems with vision

These symptoms may occur acutely or over a period of several weeks. Worst case scenario is they occur for a number of years.

Benefits of Chiropractor Therapies in Diabetes

1. The diagnosis of diabetes is made by a medical doctor, not a chiropractor. But diabetics who receive regular spinal adjustments may also receive excellent nutritional advice along with advice for a great home exercise program.

2. Chiropractic adjustments can help with stabilizing blood glucose levels along with the numerous other treatments available under their care.

3. Many chiropractic offices have a masseuse who can reduce stress, which can then improve circulation and move nutrients and oxygen through the body.

Asthma

About 5% of the population is affected by asthma. Wheezing, continuous coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing are just a few of the symptoms that asthmatic patients possess.

It is possible for individuals to keep on having attacks of asthma while using an inhaler or on medication. This is just where chiropractic treatment fits in.

Asthma has been linked to the nervous system in children, which is a skill set chiropractors have. The ribs and spine help with filling the lungs with air.

Any lung dysfunction may restrict its capacity, but make it harder to breathe. That is the reason asthmatics have such a hard time breathing, and this is why chiropractic adjustments are helpful to kids dealing with asthma.

Want to find out more about the best chiropractor Port St Lucie, then visit Florida Pain Network’s site on how to choose the best Daytona Beach Chiropractor for your needs.

The Facts on Pain Management in the US

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

The CDC has labeled narcotic medication prescription abuse as an epidemic. Studies from the last few years have shown that well over 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, which represents over 30% of the population. Cost of pain management the United States approaches $600 billion every year.

There was a study performed back in 2010 by the American osteopathic foundation which also showed some amazing numbers. The survey showed that approximately 70% of Americans say either they have experienced pain in the last 30 days or someone they care for has had pain.

There is a lot of exposure given to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease in America. Chronic pain actually affects more people than all 3 of these combined period because narcotic medication in the US has such a stigma surrounding it now, a significant amount of individuals are ambivalent about discussing narcotics with their physician because it is potentially embarrassing to be labeled a drug seeker.

In the foundation survey, about 50% of those responding did not think the traditional pain treatments can help their chronic pain. About 40% looked in pain is simply a part of aging, and about 10% were able to thankfully just ignore their pain.

Over 33% of individuals in the survey said over fears of addiction they would refuse an opiate prescription from their physician. Also, one 3rd of the respondents in the survey thought that opiate prescriptions lead to more side effects than actual benefits.

These statistics point to a concerning issue. Legitimate patients who have legitimate pain are finding it difficult to speak to their doctor about it.

There is a large knowledge deficit regarding pain management and opiate medications in the United States and there have been stereotypes formulated regarding narcotics which has turned patients who have legitimate complaints into embarrassed individuals scared to talk to their doctors about it. They feel they will be labeled as drug seekers and potentially abandoned even with legitimate complaints being discussed.

It is time for numerous things to happen with pain management in America. More modern medications with less addictive side effects should be produced. Additional research is necessary in pain management because of its epidemic status.

Additionally, education of a larger sort needs to be provided to the medical community so that the signs of chronic pain can be noticed and safeguards can be put into place so that patients don’t feel so embarrassed about bringing up chronic pain issues to their doctors. Public awareness with public service announcements are probably in order as well.

Want to find out more about the best pain management Scottsdale, then visit Preferred Pain Center’s site on how to choose the best Arizona pain clinic for your needs.

Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause a disruption of the quality of life sufferers are used to. The fact is that it does afflict millions of people. The earliest rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are generally redness and swelling of the smaller joints of the feet and hands.

Rheumatoid arthritis is not the same as osteoarthritis which causes pain and stiffness because of the deterioration of cartilage which cushions the bones at the joints and prevents them from rubbing together. Osteoarthritis is caused by the deterioration of the cartilage which provides cushioning of the bones at joints to prevent them from rubbing together. The pain of rheumatoid arthritis is due to inflammation of the lubricating membranes which protect those same joints. While you might think that the painful symptoms would be enough, suffers of rheumatoid arthritis often develop lumps and nodules under the skin of the joints.

There has been extensive research conducted to help determine what the most common and earliest rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are so that something can be done to prevent this disease from getting so far that deformities of the joint can occur. At the present time, doctors are limited to making the diagnosis after the initial symptoms present themselves.

Even though it is not fully understood what the cause of these symptoms are, the reasons for them are better known. Most believe that it is some form of auto-immune system disorder. The auto-immune system is the defense mechanism of the body which is in charge of destroying viruses and bacteria when they enter the body. When it is not working properly, the auto-immune system can turn on the body causing inflammation, joint stiffness and swelling. It can even affect other body parts.

One of the less common symptoms presented by those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation around the lining of the heart and lungs. Some people even experience inflammation of tear ducts and salivary glands. It even rarely causes inflammation of the lungs and blood vessels While the most recognized rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may be confined to the small joints, other symptoms can occur and this is often seen when treatment is not started quickly enough.

Most treatment options for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis focus on reducing inflammation, pain and swelling. Drugs used for this purpose are typically non-steroidal anti-inflammatory in nature and can cause some very unpleasant side effects.

Most patients with this disease see rheumatoid arthritis symptoms exhibited in different intensities from one time to the next. Today there are natural treatments being tried which do not come with the same side effects that are part of the currently favored treatment options.

If you could treat this debilitating disease with natural products that do not carry the same undesirable side effects that come with chemically based options wouldn’t you give it a try?

Do you know there are some very serious rheumatoid arthritis? For more information, please visit my website: Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Looking at Some of the Myths of Pain Management

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

In the next dates, pain management is a very large business. There are over 100 million people in America suffering every year from chronic pain, and the cost of this exceeds $500 billion annually. Multiple misperceptions exist in the field of pain management, and here are a few of them described.

1. Narcotics are always a terrible medication. Annually over 15,000 fatalities occur from narcotic overdoses and there’s a lot of bad press every week regarding pill mill practices. So is only natural that a significant amount of America looks at narcotics as being always a terrible thing to prescribe.

However, they definitely have their place in the management of pain. In the patient with cancer for instance, they can make the end-of-life much more tolerable than living last few months in horrific pain.

In patients who do not have a surgical option for their chronic pain, narcotics other types of pain management along with can allow patients to work, and enjoy functional lives play with their children.

So opiates do actually have a place in the treatment of those dealing with acute pain and some forms of chronic pain as well.

2. An MRI always gives a definitive back pain diagnosis. Even with the most highly trained medical specialists, only 50% of the time is impossible to tell a patient definitively what their diagnosis is further back pain.

This include patients who have had a complete musculoskeletal workup which includes a history, physical examination, x-rays, and even an MRI. So an MRI is not always the go to trustworthy part of the workup.

3. Back surgery fixes most back pain. A significant amount of time there is not really a true cure for a person’s lumbar pain. Spinal fusion surgeries and United States have increased 15 fold over the last 10 years and the population in America has not gone up nearly that much. So it is a fact that with all these surgeries being performed the results have not improved substantially and in fact they remain moderate at best.

4. Only 3 steroid injections are permitted per year. Pain management specialist are not in agreement with, injections are definitively allowed annually. This is because research has not shown what is the best number. So some individuals say 4 injections per year and others say a lot more than that is okay.

With the steroid being injected into one particular area, medicine is able to stay in that region and only a tiny bit of it actually seeps into the bloodstream. So truly more than 3 steroid injections can be administered annually but we actually don’t know the definitive number that is okay.

5. All pain management involves opiate prescriptions. This is definitely a myth. The most modern types of pain management involve a comprehensive approach. This includes multiple pain doctors from different specialties collaborating and may include physical therapy, interventional pain management, or chiropractic treatment. Injections may include trigger points, epidural injections, or facet injections. This comprehensive treatment approach allows patients a lot of pain relief and tries to minimize the narcotics necessary.

Want to find out more about Pain Management Arizona, then visit Preferred Pain Center’s site on how to choose the best Chandler Chiropractor for your needs.

Pain Management With Tens Stimulation

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

TENS, What is that there are they have other work for pain relief? To begin with tens stands for transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation. They have 4 small pads with connections consisting of electrodes or small wires, which are placed right on the skin close of the area that is painful.

Individuals with a tens unit often feel the sensation of pins and needles which is not typically painful but it can irritate the skin. If this occurs, patients should receive hypoallergenic patents. Tens units are typically utilized to treat many different painful conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, back sprains or strains, or pain from scoliosis.

How TENS Work

The tens unit for the patient receives a programming that relieves pain but remains comfortable. The tens unit is programmed to administer small electrical impulses the skin which goes down to nerve fibers. The patient is able to change the settings at will. Tens units work by jump starting the bodies and or fenced to help alleviate pain.

TENS have also been used on stroke patients, and have been known to help give stroke survivors feeling in their limbs again. What the doctors use are called NESS L300, and they attach to the patients brace (wherever that may be), and they detect whether the patient has their limb in the air, or on the ground. They then send an electrical current to the patient’s peripheral nerve that helps activate their muscles and corrects their gaits.

Lovely Benefits

They are mainly used to though to help relieve pain, and strengthen the muscles by reducing muscle spasms. The electrical therapy also helps increase circulation and can increase range of motion as well. For stroke patients, higher electrical impulses utilized which may improve a persons walking abilities, increase blood flow, and increase walking speed.

In addition to being used for stroke patients, tens units have also been used for dramatic brain injury patients, cerebral palsy patients, multiple sclerosis patients, and the typical patients with pulled muscles and stiff joints.

Considerations Before Use

It is recommended that a tens unit be received under a doctor’s supervision such as a chiropractor because there are some small risk associated. You should not use a tens unit if you have a malignancy, a pacemaker, or are pregnant. Tens unit should not be placed on your head, your job, or very close to metal implants.

It is also not recommended to use them if you have a heart monitor or sleep apnea. A TENS unit is not designed to cure pain it is simply designed to subdue it.

Want to find out more about the best Mesa chiropractor, then visit Preferred Pain Center’s site on how to choose the best pain management in Phoenix center for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facet Injections For Pain Management

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

What is a facet joint injection exactly?

Facet joint injections consists of steroid also known as cortisone being injected into the small joints of the spine that are causing pain. They’re about the size of a thumbnail and there is one of bilaterally at each level of the spine.

What purpose does the facet injections serve?

The facet joints develop arthritis just like any other joint in the body, and arthritis is one of the biggest problems in America today. As people age arthritis develops or it may develop after a traumatic incident, and if arthritis develops in one facet joint typically it develops in multiple.

That the patient is dealing with pain in a facet joint, surgery is not a great option sense no procedure exists yet which can replicate the facet joint range of motion. Facet injection may provide pain relief analogous to when patients get an injection into their hip, shoulder or in knee.

How long does a facet injection take?

Typically when a person is getting a facet joint injection they are receiving it into more than one arthritic joint. Each joint may only take a few minutes to inject, but when you add up the multiple joints being injected the procedure may take about half an hour.

What exactly is being injected with a facet injection?

When a facet injection is done numbing medicine such as lidocaine is typically included along with the cortisone. There are numerous steroids that pain management doctors utilize and usually comes down to what is the doctor’s personal preference. Options include methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, or Celestone.

Does a facet injection hurt?

A needle has to be placed through the skin to do a facet injection. So there may be some discomfort along with that however most pain doctors will play some numbing medicine just underneath the skin and soft tissues going down to the joint. So the injection should not be too painful. Patients may also receive IV sedation which may help them not even remember the procedure.

Is anesthesia necessary for a facet injection?

Mostly, individuals do not need sedation to receive a facet joint injection. However if the individual has anxiety problems, maybe claustrophobia, not having the sedation may cause problems with the procedure. Rather than giving the patient and IV, a good middle of the road idea is to give patients value him by mouth prior to the procedure by about 30 min.

How’s the injection performed?

The vast majority of the time people are placed prone for the procedure. Typically a fluoroscopy is used which is a real-time x-ray machine to help ensure needle placement accuracy.

The area overlying the injection is sterilized and typically vital signs were monitored during the procedure especially if IV sedation is used. After the procedure, the patient is watched for a time. Then they are allowed to go home and usually the patient will need a ride to get home.

Can patients go back to work the next day?

The vast majority of patients will be able to go back to work the following day after a facet injection. If IV sedation is not used, the patient could actually go back to work the same day if desired.

How long will the pain relief last after a facet injection?

Pain relief with an injection into the facet joints is extremely variable. It may last a few months, or may only last a few days. There really is no great way to predict the duration of pain relief.

Can a procedure be repeated if the pain relief wears off?

The answer is yes. If the medication wears off after a few months and the pain comes back. Along with this, the patient may benefit from a radiofrequency ablation procedure which can triple the amount of pain relief and that could be well over a year.

Want to find out more about pain doctors Arizona, then visit Preferred Pain Center’s site on how to choose the best chiropractors Mesa for your needs.

Chiropractic Treatment Does Not Have To Be A Lifelong Commitment

Saturday, January 7th, 2012

Chiropractors are doctors who heal by spinal manipulation and put into practice the art of healing by spinal alignment. The underlying philosophy lays with the thought that a healthy functional spine allows the nervous system to perform at an optimum capacity, therefore controlling every aspect of your body in a better and more efficient way.

Total Healing Vivacity

A full range of motion is very vital to a healthy body for functionality and overall health. When pain is a diversion of energies, it drains the body and can mask more threatening, or relevant, needs. Pain puts stress on a body, and long term stress can really takes its toll on every vital organ in the body including the heart and brain. One doctrine of chiropractic work is that is a recharging process and reconnection of the mind with the body to achieve a total healing vivacity. Once recharged, patients may enjoy life again with renewed vitality.

they patients believe wrongly that treatment with a chiropractor needs to last forever. Chiropractors trained for 7 years to learn their trade and most of the time treatment is wellness based. If the acute pain you are seeking treatment for is relieved with chiropractic care then it is not necessary to continue treatment for years.

If you want to make sure that the mind-body connection stays in balance and no underlying illness surfaces, you may want to see a chiropractor for a yearly tuneup. This would be analogous to vehicle maintenance but much less expensive. Unlike receiving of vehicle maintenance, there were obviously not be a manufacturer guarantee.

Global Views

There are quite a few countries were patients receive routine checkups with their chiropractor, similar to a dentist or an annual physical with the family practice doctor. Children and pregnant women are also encouraged to see a chiropractor as there are safe treatments and significant wellness can be achieved with them. Prior to undergoing spinal surgery, it is recommended to see a chiropractor for first-line treatment for back and neck pain.

The unknown can be a little bit scary, but chiropractic treatment is a choice perceiving treatment that is unknown that has a long history behind it and it has been shown to be extremely safe. The best route in life is transfixed the underlying cause of the problem you are facing and that is the basic philosophy of chiropractic treatment.

Want to find out more about the best Scottsdale chiropractors, then visit Preferred Pain Center’s site on how to choose the best pain management doctors in Arizona for your needs.

The Basics of Mechanical Spinal Decompression Treatment

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

Is spinal decompression therapy and effective treatment for low back pain? The theory is that distractive forces applied to the low back will create a negative pressure in the middle of the disc space.

This negative pressure that is created is of creating a vacuum that reduces pressure on inflamed nerves and allows water and nutrients in blood flow to come in to the void that has been created. Once the spinal decompression is finished, this extra fluid including the nutrients relieves pain from compressed vertebrae.

Normally, discs in the spine are known to have extremely poor circulation, and the spinal decompression allows for a reversal of this. This increased blood flow in the nutrients and brings can help heal some spinal problems and relieve pain from sciatica, disc herniation’s and bulges, disco generation, and spinal studios us. It has been shown in multiple reports that patients who have failed significant pain management treatment can receive excellent pain relief from spinal decompression.

Origination of Spinal Decompression Treatment

The original creator of spinal decompression treatment is a gentleman from Canada, Dr. Alan Dyer. This prototype was created back in the early 1990s and he claim to be pain-free after using it, this was known as the VAX-D table. This table utilized a pneumatic pump to apply and release lumbar traction.

In 2004, the system was upgraded to include computer control of an electrically driven system, which replaced the pneumatic pump. Other doctors and inventors have come forth to created similar devices that follow the same general theory. IDD (intervertebral differential dynamics) is a similar product.

How Effective is Mechanical Spinal Decompression

As with anything that doesn’t have a long history of use, there are conflicting views of how much good comes from the use of the Vax-D and other inventions of a similar type. One study shows better than a 68% success rate, but the results were on a very limited number of individuals. Other studies have not been nearly as conclusive.

In both 2004 and 2005, reviews of the Vax-D and other powered traction devices did not indicate that they were effective in treating lower back pain for any of the known causes.

In 2006 there was a study published looking at numerous years of spinal decompression for decades and showed that its effectiveness could not be proven. The report called for larger studies to hopefully show statistically significant effectiveness.

While some patients claim they have had vast improvements in their physical situations, the scientific community as a whole does not currently embrace this assumption. For those who have experienced an improved condition, it is promising that further studies will reveal more positive information.

Because the studies have inconclusive, the implementation of improved standards for measuring results is warranted since the anecdotal success rates have been so high with the treatment. Once larger studies show definitive results, insurance companies may be inclined to start covering the treatment.

Want to find out more about pain doctors in Arizona, then visit Preferred Pain Center’s site on how to choose the best Gilbert chiropractor for your needs.