Pain might be the symptom that brings you to a doctor, but pain itself isn’t the final diagnosis. In medicine, the real goal is figuring out why the pain is happening. Without identifying the actual source of your aches and pains, treatment often becomes little more than chasing symptoms instead of solving the problem. Avoiding …
How Do Pain Specialists Find the True Source of Your Pain? Read More »
You did everything right. Rested, applied ice, and kept your follow-up appointments. The broken bone healed. The deep wound closed. The swelling after the car accident went down. The sports injury rehab is done. Maybe your imaging even looks normal. If you’re still dealing with pain months after a slip and fall, surgery or any …
When Minor Pain Turns Into Major Pain Symptoms Pain doesn’t announce itself before crossing the line from temporary to long-term. There’s no loud fanfare or clear “this is chronic now” moment. Instead, it sneaks in quietly, slowly infiltrating every aspect of your life. It starts with little things. You skip a walk because you don’t …
Early Warning Signs That Acute Pain Is Becoming Chronic Read More »
If you’re an adult living with scoliosis, you’re not imagining the back pain, stiffness and fatigue. It’s common and can truly interfere with your daily life. Just like the cartilage in your knees wears down over time, the cushioning in your spine does the same. This gradual wear and tear leads to a side-to-side spinal …
If you’re one of the 51 million adults in the United States who live with chronic pain, you’ve probably been looking for real, lasting relief.[1] Persistent discomfort that impacts your daily life and well-being without a known cause can be frustrating, but your doctor may suggest a diagnostic nerve block or neural blockade.[2] Think of …
What a Diagnostic Nerve Block Can Tell You About Your Pain Read More »
Chronic pain is often described as an “invisible illness.” It’s one of the most common reasons adults seek medical help, but it doesn’t always come with obvious signs. Just because someone is in pain doesn’t mean it can be seen from the outside, which makes finding the root cause just as challenging as the pain …
How Pain Doctors Use Imaging to Diagnose Hidden Issues Read More »
Be honest, are you sitting down while reading this? If so, you’re in good company! Most of us spend hours every day sitting in front of a computer, commuting in a car, or just relaxing on the couch. Add up all that derriere time, and it’s not unusual to spend 10 to 12 hours sitting …
How to Manage Pain When You Sit All Day for Work Read More »
Are you getting ready for your radiofrequency neurotomy (also known as radiofrequency ablation, or RFA) and wondering what to expect?[1] Your doctor most likely recommended this procedure because your pain is coming from irritated or inflamed spinal nerves. These irritated nerves may be related to arthritis or degeneration of the spinal joints.[2] RFA also treats …
What to Expect After a Radiofrequency Neurotomy Procedure Read More »
Living with chronic pain is challenging to put into words, even for those experiencing it. A few good days can make you forget just how tough the bad days feel, which is why keeping a journal of your symptoms can be so valuable when talking with your doctor. Chronic pain doesn’t just hurt—it can affect …
How to Keep a Pain Journal That Actually Helps Your Doctor Read More »
If you’re dealing with chronic neck or back pain from disc issues, you might be considering artificial disc replacement—or maybe you’ve already had one. Life after surgery can bring about a significant improvement, but what about the disc itself? How long does it really last? Is it like a car part you’ll eventually need to …
How Long Does an Artificial Disc Replacement Last? Read More »