Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is the term used for continued pain a patient has after an unsuccessful back surgery. The patient is usually referred to a pain management specialist to treat existing pain. The goal of spinal surgery is to decompress a nerve root or to stabilize a … [Read more...] about Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Chronic Pain: Things to Know
Chronic pain is classified as a pain or discomfort that is ongoing and lasts three months or longer. It is typically caused by an underlying chronic condition, although not always. Unlike pain from pulling a muscle or stubbing your toe that goes away after the injury is healed, chronic pain can last … [Read more...] about Chronic Pain: Things to Know
How is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?
What is Spinal Stenosis? The spine consists of bones called vertebrae. The job of these bones is to provide stability and support for the upper body. Nerves run through the openings in the vertebrae and transmit signals from the brain to the rest of the body. If the surrounding bones or tissues … [Read more...] about How is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?
Chronic Pain and Acute Pain: How are They Different?
When it comes to your pain, there are two different types of pain: acute and chronic. All pain is uncomfortable, unwanted, and unpleasant. No matter the type of pain, it can range from mild to severe and all pain has the ability to reduce your quality of life and prevent you from living the … [Read more...] about Chronic Pain and Acute Pain: How are They Different?
Early Warning Signs of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a gradual disease, with symptoms that appear over a long period of time. Depending on the joints and bones that are affected, symptoms vary, some that are more severe than others. Osteoarthritis affects over 27 million Americans each year. The … [Read more...] about Early Warning Signs of Osteoarthritis
Seasonal Activities to Reduce Chronic Pain
When you live with pain, the warmer weather isn’t always a welcomed change. Changes in temperature and humidity may have you begging for air conditioning or the indoors. The expectations of springtime typically include spending time outside, having cookouts, and doing fun activities – all things … [Read more...] about Seasonal Activities to Reduce Chronic Pain
What’s the Difference Between a Herniated Disc and Bulging Disc
Discs are the cushions between the vertebrae in the spine. They are made up of cartilage – soft cartilage on the inside with an outer layer of tough cartilage. The 23 vertebral discs in the back have three main roles: to act as a shock absorber, to allow for spinal mobility, and to act as ligaments … [Read more...] about What’s the Difference Between a Herniated Disc and Bulging Disc
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain
Living with chronic pain is often associated with a decreased quality of life, diminished state-of-mind, can put a lot of stress on one’s mental health. When your body aches, you know the pain is just not “in your head” and the discomfort is real. Pain becomes your whole … [Read more...] about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain
Exercises to Reduce Chronic Joint Pain
People who live with chronic joint pain know how debilitating it can be. Joint pain makes doing daily activities difficult and typically has a negative effect on the quality of life. It can steal away joy from doing the things they love and spending time with loved ones. Chronic joint … [Read more...] about Exercises to Reduce Chronic Joint Pain