Back pain seems almost inevitable as we get older. These sharp pains can be enough to prevent us from enjoying the activities we want to do, as well as decrease our overall quality of life. One of the most prevalent causes of back pain is degenerative disc disease, which is when one or more discs in the spine begin to wear down. This can be caused by overuse, sports, or simply the aging process. If left untreated, degenerative disc disease can lead to years of intense pain. However, ... [Read More]
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What is Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is the biggest single nerve in the human body. It begins in the lower back and runs through the buttocks, and down through each leg to the foot. When this nerve becomes compressed anywhere along its length, it is called sciatica and can result in significant pain as well as numbness and a pins-and-needles sensation. Traditionally, sciatica affects one leg although there is no reason it cannot occur on both sides. Many conditions can compress the sciatic nerve, including a ... [Read More]
How Can Interventional Pain Management Work for Cancer Pain?
Cancer patients, especially those at later stages of the disease, often reference the crippling pain they endure. It may be caused by the cancer itself as well as the treatments used to combat the disease such as chemotherapy and radiation. Often, when people hear the term “pain management,” they may imagine treatment that consists entirely of prescription narcotics like opioids. While these powerful painkillers can play a role in fighting pain, it is merely one facet of a multipronged int ... [Read More]
Chronic Pain and Depression: Double the Problems
Chronic pain is defined as any pain that is ongoing and lasts more than 12 weeks. Chronic pain is not exclusively a physical condition, because it has a tremendous effect on a person’s mood and thoughts. In fact, there is a link between chronic pain and depression. Research shows that 30 to 50 percent of people with chronic pain also struggle with depression and anxiety. A person in chronic pain, in most cases, will end up depressed, just as a person depressed eventually manifests it p ... [Read More]
Car Accidents and Whiplash Injury
Whiplash is an injury to the soft neck tissue that usually occurs after being involved in a car accident. The injury is caused by the jolting forward and backward of the head when a vehicle suddenly stops or turns to avoid a collision. In a whiplash injury, the neck muscles and tendons are stretched or torn. Whiplash is not exclusive to major car accidents – it can occur even in a minor car accident where the vehicle sustains little or no damage. If left untreated, you are likely to suffer i ... [Read More]