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Cardiac clearance is a medical assessment or workup that a surgeon and anesthesia provider (anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist, or CRNA) should consider before an elective, non-cardiac surgery. The idea behind cardiac..

Is stress making you frustrated and irritable? Stress relievers can help restore calm and serenity to your chaotic life. You don’t have to invest a lot of time or thought into stress..

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms that occur together, including repeated pain in your abdomen and changes in your bowel movements, which may be diarrhea, constipation, or both. With..

Kindness is increasingly recognized for its role in employee satisfaction. Kindness makes life at work easier without requiring money, training or even a lot of effort, and for staff experiencing stress or..

What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy substance your liver makes to protect nerves and to make cell tissue and certain hormones. Your body also gets cholesterol from the food you eat…

A wrist brace can also be an asset if you have wrist arthritis. Here’s why it’s so helpful.  A brace essentially immobilizes your wrist to prevent the bones from rubbing together too..

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Estimates suggest that one of every 10 men will suffer from ED at some point..

Physical therapists are experts not only in treating pain, but also its source. Yours will look for areas of weakness or stiffness that may be adding stress to the places that hurt. And..

Exercising is good for you, but sometimes you can injure yourself when you play sports or exercise. Accidents, poor training practices, or improper gear can cause them. Some people get hurt because..

The procedure is similar to a needle biopsy, and involves inserting a needle-like probe into the body. Radiofrequency waves are sent out from the probe into the surrounding tissue, which causes the..

A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to..

TENS is a handheld device that sends electrical impulses through small electrodes by adhesive pads attached to your skin. The pads are usually placed right on the part of your body that..

Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy (gestation). Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells use sugar (glucose). Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar..

If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas doesn’t make insulin or makes very little insulin. Insulin helps blood sugar enter the cells in your body for use as energy. Without insulin,..

Neuropathy is damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves that typically results in numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and pain in the affected area. Neuropathies frequently start in your hands and feet, but..

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. Although osteoarthritis..

Spinal Cord Stimulation is a pain management therapy that has garnered increased attention in recent years for its effective ability to intercept pain signals generated in the spine from reaching the brain…

Hypnosis may be a helpful nondrug therapy to reduce pain in chronic conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Studies show that more than 75% of people with arthritis and related diseases experience significant..

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (also known as chronic fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS) is a complex chronic disease that presents with symptoms in multiple body systems.  ME is a neurological disease according to the World..

Lupus is a disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin,..

Intercourse pain, or dyspareunia, can cause problems in a couple’s sexual relationship. In addition to the physically painful sex, there is also the possibility of negative emotional effects. So the problem should be..

Arthritis caused by injuries is known as post-traumatic osteoarthritis and can be triggered by sports injuries or everyday falls. Sometimes when a joint suffers an injury, it doesn’t heal properly, and over..

If you have neck or back pain, or you’re dealing with some other condition that causes muscle spasms, your doctor might prescribe a muscle relaxer (or muscle relaxant) for you. Having a muscle spasm..

A herniated disk is most often the result of natural, age-related wear and tear on the spine. This process is called disk degeneration. In children and young adults, disks have high water..

A congenital disorder of movement, muscle tone, or posture. Cerebral palsy is due to abnormal brain development, often before birth. Symptoms include exaggerated reflexes, floppy or rigid limbs, and involuntary motions. These..

Type 2 diabetes is an impairment in the way the body regulates and uses sugar (glucose) as a fuel. This long-term (chronic) condition results in too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream…

Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by fatigue and altered sleep, memory, and mood. Widespread muscle pain and tenderness are the most common symptoms. Medications, talk therapy, and stress reduction may help control symptoms…

A herniated disk can press on the nerves in your spine and cause pain, weakness, and numbness in your neck, back, arms, and legs. Sometimes these symptoms can be severe enough to disrupt your life. Some..

Joint discomfort is common and usually felt in the hands, feet, hips, knees, or spine. Pain may be constant or it can come and go. Sometimes the joint can feel stiff, achy,..

Acute pain is a sudden, sharp pain that lasts less than 6 months. Acute pain acts as a warning to your body that it is unsafe and its health has been compromised…

While there’s no consensus among scientists on the exact connection between weather and joint pain, a few theories about the relationship exist. One popular idea is that people with chronic joint pain..

After the pain goes away, you can discontinue your medications and resume your daily activities. Chronic pain is discomfort that lasts for longer than three months. Medical professionals estimate that more than 90..

About 25% of people with chronic pain will go on to have a condition called chronic pain syndrome (CPS). That’s when people have symptoms beyond pain alone, like depression and anxiety, which interfere with their..

A condition in which there are high levels of fat particles (lipids) in the blood. Examples of lipids include cholesterol and triglycerides. These substances can deposit in blood vessel walls and restrict..

Myofascial pain syndrome is a disorder in which pressure on sensitive points in the muscles causes pain in seemingly unrelated body parts. The syndrome often happens after repeated injury or muscle overuse…

Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by fatigue and altered sleep, memory, and mood.Widespread muscle pain and tenderness are the most common symptoms.Medications, talk therapy, and stress reduction may help control symptoms. Fibromyalgia is..

Whiplash, also called neck sprain or neck strain, is injury to the neck. Whiplash is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck. In whiplash, the intervertebral..

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, just above your collarbone. It is one of your endocrine glands, which make hormones. Thyroid hormones control the rate of many activities in..

Simply put, failed back surgery means you have persistent back or neck pain after spine surgery. In other words, your and your surgeon’s expected surgery outcome—that your spine pain would be minimized..

After a stroke, around 30% of survivors experience pain. This is most likely to happen soon after a stroke, but can also develop sometime later. Types of post-stroke pain include muscle and..

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice of medicine that has gained popularity in Western culture and around the world. It involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin to stimulate nerves,..

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough or respond normally to insulin, causing blood sugar (glucose) levels to be abnormally high. Urination and thirst are increased, and..

Drinking lots of water. Foods high in vitamin B12 such as eggs, meat, milk products, fortified breakfast cereals, and some nutritional yeast products. Foods high in folate such as dark leafy green vegetables,..

Lifestyle and home remedies Lifestyle changes are essential to improve your cholesterol levels. Lose extra pounds. Losing weight can help lower cholesterol. Eat a heart-healthy diet. Focus on plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables and..

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that most often is diagnosed in adolescents. While scoliosis can occur in people with conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of..

Everyday routines Pay attention to your joints, whether sitting, standing or engaging in activity. Keep your joints moving. Do daily, gentle stretches that move your joints through their full range of motion. Use..

High Blood Pressure raises your chances of having both heart attack and stroke. It’s important to know your numbers, because if you have high blood pressure you’ll want to bring those numbers..

Yoga can help people with arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine, low back pain, and many other types of chronic pain conditions. A study that was published found that among 313 people with chronic low back..

Depending on the reason for treatment, the benefits of physical therapy include;  pain management with reduced need for opioids avoiding surgery improved mobility and movement recovery from injury or trauma recovery from..

Wrist braces support your wrist in a neutral position, which may help bring relief to wrist discomfort and pain. They prevent repetitive movements, which is helpful for conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis…

Several types of diseases and conditions can cause pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain can result from more than one condition. Pelvic pain can arise from your digestive, reproductive or urinary system. Recently,..

Could you be a candidate? The best candidates for SCS trials are patients who suffer from chronic back or neck pain that’s not related to movement. SCS can also benefit patients who..

For most people, the symptoms of shingles  usually fade away along with the rash that may have appeared along one side of their body or face. But for some people, pain persists long after their skin has cleared…

Facet joint syndrome is an arthritis-like condition of the spine that can be a significant source of back and neck pain. It is caused by degenerative changes to the joints between the spine..

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain all over the body (also referred to as widespread pain), sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to..

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition characterized by pain coming from the trigeminal nerve, which starts near the top of the ear and splits in three, toward the eye, cheek and jaw. We have..

Neck pain can come from trigger points or knots in the neck muscles. Basically, a trigger point is when muscle tightens up in a particular spot. Stretches & exercises can help relieve..

Joint injections can provide relief from pain and inflammation by reducing blood flow and decreasing the accumulation of immune system cells in the affected joint. The injections typically contain a local anesthetic and..

Make sure to get vaccinated Authorized COVID-19 vaccines can help protect you from COVID-19. You should get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can Once you are fully vaccinated, you may be..

You may feel like resting, but moving is good for your back. Exercises for lower back pain can strengthen back, stomach, and leg muscles. They help support your spine, relieving back pain…

“The year end brings no greater pleasure than the opportunity to express to you season’s greetings and good wishes. May your holidays and new year be filled with joy.” – Charles Dickens…

What are the benefits of RFA? The biggest benefit of RFA is that it provides effective relief in about 80% of patients! Though you’ll have some relief right away, it takes about one to..

This basically consists of paying attention to when you are hungry and full, taking in as many of your calories from unprocessed foods as possible, generally avoiding sugar, and trying to get..

Health benefits of tai chi On the physical side, tai chi supports or improves balance, coordination, flexibility, muscle strength, and stamina. On the mental side, tai chi helps relieve stress, improves body..

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been scientifically proven to provide numerous health benefits, such as reducing your risk of several chronic diseases and keeping your body healthy. However, making..

If you’re having the occasional twinge of joint pain when you go for a walk or climb stairs, or you’re worried about arthritis because a parent had it, one step toward prevention..

Phantom limb pain (PLP) refers to ongoing painful sensations that seem to be coming from the part of the limb that is no longer there. The limb is gone, but the pain..

Lifestyle changes are behavior modifications or habit changes that encourage positive changes in your life. These are a fundamental component to any wellness program. Examples of lifestyle habits include: Sleeping patterns Eating..

Back braces are helpful at controlling pain by limiting these movements and allowing the damaged structures to heal. They also help to alleviate pain symptoms by compressing the abdomen, which helps to unload..

Know about the different types of pain Acute pain: usually starts suddenly and has a known cause, like an injury or surgery. It normally gets better as your body heals.procedures solid icon Chronic..

Normal joint fluid contains a substance called hyaluronan. It acts like a shock absorber and lubricant in your joint and is needed to help the joint work properly. Hyaluronan is highly viscous,..

If your lower back pain is muscle-related, your doctor may suggest a trigger point injection. Myofascial trigger points are felt to be hyper-irritable foci (points) in muscles and fascia (connective tissue) associated..

Radiofrequency ablation uses an electric current to heat up a small area of nerve tissue to stop it from sending pain signals. It can provide lasting relief for people with chronic pain,..

Although it’s uncommon, a small percentage of patients continue to have chronic knee pain after knee replacement surgery. But when that happens, you don’t have to just put up with the pain. Have..

Diabetic neuropathy is a serious and common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It’s a type of nerve damage caused by long-term high blood sugar levels. The condition usually develops..

Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time and dynamic images of the body. Ultrasound is increasingly being used to assist Sports Medicine..

The shoulder is the site of multiple injuries and inflammatory conditions that lend themselves to diagnostic and therapeutic injection. Joint injection should be considered after other therapeutic interventions such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory..

Nerve blocks are used for pain management and management. Often a group of nerves, called a plexus or ganglion, that causes pain to a specific organ or body region can be blocked with..

Trigger point injections are often useful for reducing or eliminating persistent heel or foot pain due to plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, as well as for other muscle pain problems. These injections..

Bruise, strains, sprains, tears, and broken bones can result from sports injuries. Soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, and bursae may be affected. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is another potential type of..

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes..

Let’s face it, the holidays might be a good time for your taste buds, but it isn’t exactly an ideal season for your waistline (looking at you, eggnog and mince pie!). But..

Although the AC joint is between the shoulder and the clavicle, it is considered an intermediate joint. If you look at the example intermediate joints in the descriptor for 20605 they include: temporomandibular,..

Phantom limb pain is pain that is felt in the area where an arm or leg has been amputated. Although the limb is gone, the nerve endings at the site of the..

Post-herpetic neuralgia is a lasting pain in the areas of your skin where you had shingles. Around one in five people with shingles will get post-herpetic neuralgia. People age 50 and over are..

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a broad term describing excess and prolonged pain and inflammation that follows an injury to an arm or leg. CRPS has acute (recent, short-term) and chronic (lasting..

Trigger point injection (TPI) may be an option for treating pain  in some patients. TPI is a procedure used to treat painful areas of muscle that contain trigger points, or knots of muscle..

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of your hand. When the..

Phantom limb pain is pain that is felt in the area where an arm or leg has been amputated. Although the limb is gone, the nerve endings at the site of the amputation..

Ultrasound-guided injections are a modern solution to giving injections “blind.” They are conducted in a similar way to traditional injections, although technology is used to see exactly where the injection must be..

Trigeminal neuralgia is sudden, severe facial pain. It’s often described as a sharp shooting pain or like having an electric shock in the jaw, teeth or gums. It usually happens in short, unpredictable..

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit is a battery-operated device that some people use to treat pain. TENS units work by delivering small electrical impulses through electrodes that have adhesive pads..

The name of the condition tells you a bit about what it is: Peripheral: Beyond (in this case, beyond the brain and the spinal cord.)Neuro-: Related to the nerves-pathy: Disease Peripheral neuropathy refers to the..

Often a group of nerves, called a plexus or ganglion, that causes pain to a specific organ or body region can be blocked with the injection of medication into a specific area of the..

Phantom limb pain is pain that is felt in the area where an arm or leg has been amputated. Although the limb is gone, the nerve endings at the site of the amputation..

Transforaminal epidural steroid injections are a popular, minimally invasive, non-operative treatment option for back and leg pain. They are used to relieve pain arising from irritated nerves in the lumbar spine. Causes of..

A disorder in which the piriformis muscle in the buttocks irritates the sciatic nerve.Piriformis syndrome is a disorder of a narrow muscle located in the buttocks.Symptoms include pain, tingling, or numbness in..

Trigger points are commonly thought to be a sensitive area within muscle or connective tissue (fascia) that becomes painful when touched or overworked, and sometimes they can refer pain to other parts..

Nearly three-quarters of stroke survivors in the USA have leg weakness, and over three quarters have arm weakness. If your muscles are weak you could have difficulties with walking, moving your arms..

Your weight is a balancing act, and calories are part of that equation. Weight loss comes down to burning more calories than you take in. You can do that by reducing extra..

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a common treatment option for many forms of lower back pain and leg pain. They have been used for decades and are considered an integral part of..

A steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure that can temporarily relieve pain caused by an inflamed joint. The cause of joint pain (arthritis, injury, degeneration) is not well understood. The procedure..

The L5-S1 spinal motion segment, also called the lumbosacral joint, is the transition region between the lumbar spine and sacral spine in the lower back. In this region, the curvature of the spine..

Joint pain is extremely common, especially as you age. But joint pain can affect any part of your body, from your ankles and feet to your shoulders and hands. Often, the pain..

A chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet.In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue, including joints. In severe cases, it attacks internal..

A type of arthritis that occurs when flexible tissue at the ends of bones wears down.The wearing down of the protective tissue at the ends of bones (cartilage) occurs gradually and worsens..

What most people call the shoulder is really several joints that combine with tendons and muscles to allow a wide range of motion in the arm — from scratching your back to..

B12 Shots for Weight Loss B12 is one of those incredible ingredients that can do a whole host of good for your body. Those who lack B12 can find themselves chronically tired, weak,..

Hand numbness can be caused by damage, irritation, or compression of one of the nerves or a branch of one of the nerves in your arm and wrist. Diseases affecting the peripheral..

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a common treatment option for many forms of lower back pain and leg pain. They have been used for decades and are considered an integral part of..

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only..

Trigger point injection (TPI) may be an option for treating pain in some patients. TPI is a procedure used to treat painful areas of muscle that contain trigger points, or knots of..

Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble B complex vitamin found naturally in a variety of foods, including meat, fish and dairy products. Vitamin B-12 is also added to some foods and is available..

A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) device is surgically placed under your skin and sends a mild electric current to your spinal cord (Fig. 1). Thin wires carry current from a pulse generator..

Spondylolisthesis is a condition of the spine. It happens when one of your vertebrae moves more than it should and slips out of place. It usually happens at the base of the spine…

Postherpetic neuralgia (post-hur-PET-ik noo-RAL-juh) is the most common complication of shingles. The condition affects nerve fibers and skin, causing burning pain that lasts long after the rash and blisters of shingles disappear…

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back..

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that, over time, can cause some of the small bones in your spine (vertebrae) to fuse. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result..

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular..

Regularly stretching the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the spine is an important element of all back exercise programs. Stretches designed to alleviate neck and back pain are likely to be..

The best way to describe ultrasound therapy is by simply thinking of ultrasounds given to pregnant women, as the technology is largely the same. Small, handheld probes are placed on the problem..

Trigger point injection (TPI) may be an option for treating pain in some patients. TPI is a procedure used to treat painful areas of muscle that contain trigger points, or knots of muscle that..

Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It..

A radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys the nerve fibers carrying pain signals to the brain. It can provide lasting relief for people with chronic pain, especially in the..

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of your hand. When the..

Hand numbness can be caused by damage, irritation, or compression of one of the nerves or a branch of one of the nerves in your arm and wrist.Diseases affecting the peripheral nerves,..

Prescription medications to treat overweight and obesity work in different ways. For example, some medications may help you feel less hungry or full sooner. Other medications may make it harder for your..

Proponents of vitamin B-12 injections say the shots give you more energy and boost your metabolism, helping you shed unwanted pounds. But unless you have a vitamin B-12 deficiency, vitamin B-12 injections..

TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a back pain treatment that uses low voltage electric current to relieve pain. TENS is typically done with a TENS unit, a small battery-operated device. The device can..

Neck pain is a common complaint. Neck muscles can be strained from poor posture — whether it’s leaning over your computer or hunching over your workbench. Osteoarthritis also is a common cause..

Regularly stretching the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the spine is an important element of all back exercise programs. Stretches designed to alleviate neck and back pain are likely to be..

Discectomy is surgery to remove lumbar (low back) herniated disc material that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord.It tends to be done as microdiscectomy, which uses a special microscope to view..

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Although osteoarthritis can damage any..

Damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. A traumatic spinal cord injury may happen because of a sudden blow or cut to..

Tennis elbow is inflammation or, in some cases, microtearing of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse..

Neck pain can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease. Examples include prolonged straining (looking up or down), sleeping in an uncomfortable position, stress, or wearing heavy necklaces. How to loosen the..

Dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint, also called the SI joint, can sometimes cause lower back and/or leg pain. Leg pain from sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be particularly difficult to differentiate from radiating..

Shoulder pain may arise from the shoulder joint itself or from any of the many surrounding muscles, ligaments or tendons. Shoulder pain that comes from the joint usually worsens with activities or..

Cervical spondylosis is the natural wearing down of cartilage, disks, ligaments and bones in your neck. Main symptoms include neck pain or stiffness. Physical therapy; ice, heat, massage; soft collar and drugs..

Hand numbness is usually caused by damage, irritation or compression of one of the nerves or a branch of one of the nerves in your arm and wrist.Diseases affecting the peripheral nerves,..

Yoga is a mind-body and exercise practice that combines breath control, meditation, and movements to stretch and strengthen muscles. What sets yoga apart from most other exercise programs is that it places..

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles (uh-KILL-eez) tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.Achilles tendinitis most..

Muscle tension is when your muscles stay partially contracted for a period of time, at first causing them to feel stiff and achy, and eventually leading to chronic pain. Muscle tension can be caused by stress, physical..

Knee replacement surgery — also known as knee arthroplasty (ARTH-row-plas-tee) — can help relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. The procedure involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage..

A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that..

Muscle stiffness is when your muscles feel tight and you find it more difficult to move than you usually do, especially after rest. You may also have muscle pains, cramping, and discomfort.This..

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a common treatment option for many forms of lower back pain and leg pain. They have been used for decades and are considered an integral part of..

A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that..

Wrist pain may vary, depending on the cause. For example, osteoarthritis pain is often described as being similar to a dull toothache, while carpal tunnel syndrome usually causes a pins-and-needles feeling or..

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse. Not surprisingly, playing tennis or other racquet sports can cause this condition. However, several other sports and activities besides..

Your spinal column is made up of a series of bones (vertebrae) stacked onto each other. From top to bottom, the column includes seven bones in the cervical spine, 12 in the thoracic spine,..

A knee brace is one tool in managing the discomfort of knee osteoarthritis. A brace might help reduce pain by shifting your weight off the most damaged portion of your knee. Wearing..

A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle. Strains can happen in..

Topical painkillers, or analgesics, are sprayed on, rubbed in or applied as patches onto the skin over painful muscles or joints. Although are all designed to relieve pain, different products use different ingredients…

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal..

Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of low back and neck pain, and also one of the most misunderstood. Simply put, degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of..

Hip pain is a common complaint that can be caused by a wide variety of problems. The precise location of your hip pain can provide valuable clues about the underlying cause.Problems within..

Spinal discs play a crucial role in the lower back, serving as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, supporting the upper body, and allowing a wide range of movement in all directions.If a..

Knee replacement surgery — also known as knee arthroplasty (ARTH-row-plas-tee) — can help relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. The procedure involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage..

Several factors and conditions can contribute to shoulder pain. The most prevalent cause is rotator cuff tendinitis.This is a condition characterized by swollen tendons. Another common cause of shoulder pain is impingement syndrome where the..

Injections are a nonsurgical treatment option for acute or chronic neck or back pain. They are considered to treat spinal pain after other nonsurgical measures such as medications and/or physical therapy have..

Your neck is made up of vertebrae that extend from the skull to the upper torso. Cervical discs absorb shock between the bones.The bones, ligaments, and muscles of your neck support your..

Spinal cord stimulation is an aggressive pain management technique that involves the surgical implantation of an electrotherapeutic device onto the spinal cord. In the procedure, a device is implanted that introduces low..

Sciatica refers to back pain caused by a problem with the sciatic nerve. This is a large nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. When something..

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a common treatment option for many forms of lower back pain and leg pain. They have been used for decades and are considered an integral part of..

Numbness of the legs results from a compression of the blood flow or to a nerve. This damage can be caused by inflammation, trauma, disease, or infection. The numbness can dissipate quickly..

Tingling fingers usually arises from a lack of blood supply to an area or damage to a nerve or nerves that supply the hand and fingers, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or a cervical..

What most people call the shoulder is really several joints that combine with tendons and muscles to allow a wide range of motion in the arm — from scratching your back to..

Back pain can range from a muscle aching to a shooting, burning or stabbing sensation. In addition, the pain may radiate down your leg or worsen with bending, twisting, lifting, standing or..

Wrist braces offer many benefits to the wearer and can help patients recover from an injury or improve their quality of life if they suffer a chronic condition such as arthritis. Patients should..

When using most back braces today, they will have a compression strap that pulls the back brace snugly around you. When the strap or straps are pulled, this causes a compression to..

Knee braces are the least important part of preventing knee injuries or healing after an injury. Good strength and flexibility are much more important. You should focus on stretching the muscles around your..

A repetitive strain injury (RSI), sometimes referred to as repetitive stress injury, is a gradual buildup of damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves from repetitive motions. RSIs are common and may be..

Wrist tendonitis—sometimes spelled tendinitis—is the inflammation of one or more tendons in the wrist. This inflammation typically causes symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, and/or warmth in the wrist.1 Wrist tendonitis is caused due..

A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle. Strains can happen in..

Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of low back and neck pain, and also one of the most misunderstood. Simply put, degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of..

Problems within the hip joint itself tend to result in pain on the inside of your hip or your groin. Hip pain on the outside of your hip, upper thigh or outer..

Chronic lateral ankle pain is recurring pain on the outer side of the ankle often develops after an injury such as a sprained ankle. However, several other conditions also may cause chronic ankle..

PRP injections (or platelet rich plasma therapy) is a new treatment method that relieves pain by promoting long lasting healing of musculoskeletal conditions. This rapidly emerging technique is showing exciting potential with..

The iliopsoas muscle flexes your hip, bends your trunk towards your thigh and rotates your thigh bone. It’s made up of two muscles — the psoas and iliacus. These muscles run from..

Common arthritis joint symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Symptoms may come and go. They can be mild, moderate or severe. They may stay about the same for..

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only..

Cubital tunnel syndrome happens when the ulnar nerve, which passes through the cubital tunnel (a tunnel of muscle, ligament, and bone) on the inside of the elbow, is injured and becomes inflamed,..

As people age, their body composition gradually shifts — the proportion of muscle decreases and the proportion of fat increases. This shift slows their metabolism, making it easier to gain weight. In..

Carpal tunnel syndrome, also called median nerve compression, is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand. It happens because of pressure on your median nerve, which runs the..

Tennis elbow is a type of tendinitis — swelling of the tendons — that causes pain in the elbow and arm. These tendons are bands of tough tissue that connect the muscles of your lower..

Chronic knee pain is long-term pain, swelling, or sensitivity in one or both knees. The cause of your knee pain can determine the symptoms you experience. Many conditions can cause or contribute to chronic knee pain, and many treatments exist…

Regularly stretching the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the spine is an important element of all back exercise programs. Stretches designed to alleviate neck and back pain are likely to be..

A cervical herniated disc can cause many different types of pain or no symptoms at all. The pain can range from an aching in the neck, arm, and/or hand to electric-like pain..

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure in which a doctor surgically removes a painful hip joint with arthritis and replaces it with an artificial joint often made from metal and plastic components. It usually is done when..

Peripheral Neuropathy is know to be a weakness, numbness, and pain from nerve damage, usually in the hands and feet. A common cause of peripheral nephropathy is diabetes, but it can also..

A back brace can help unload some of the weight normally placed on the lower back, in the process reducing pressure on the spine’s joints, discs, and muscles. By reducing spinal pressure, a back brace may lessen painful muscle..

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular..

Pudendal neuralgia is chronic pain related to the pudendal nerve. Your pudendal nerve runs from your lower back, along your pelvic floor muscles, out to your perineum (the skin between your pubic..

A herniated disc (also called bulged, slipped or ruptured) is a fragment of the disc nucleus that is pushed out of the annulus, into the spinal canal through a tear or rupture in the..

Fibromyalgia (fi·bro·my·al·gi·a) is a condition that causes pain all over the body (also referred to as widespread pain), sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. People with fibromyalgia may be..

Sciatic nerves go from your lower back into your legs. When something presses on them, like a slipped disk or a bone spur, you get sciatica. You might have a burning sensation,..

Whether it’s sitting around the family dinner table or munching on endless snacks at a party, the holidays mean food. It can be hard to keep from overdoing it, but it is..

The goal of treatment is to provide pain relief, increase joint mobility and strength, and control the disease to the extent that it is possible. Treatment options include medication, exercise, heat/cold compresses..

With more time being spent at home and anxiety surrounding the pandemic, excessive snacking and unhealthy eating habits have been common. So it is very important to stay healthy and stay active..

We all at Amara Pain & Spine would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for allowing us to serve you. Sending you lots of good..

Topical pain medications are absorbed through your skin. The most common varieties are creams or gels that you rub onto the skin over your painful joints https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/in-depth/pain-medications/art-20045899

Every year here at Amara Pain & Spine we sponsor a child with Charlotte Mecklenburg Police department, click the link below for more information. https://www.ncfoplodge9.com/

When your joints are painful or your muscles ache, topical painkillers — those you apply to your skin may offer relief. You’ll find many products for topical pain relief at your local drugstore…

There’s a class of type 2 diabetes drugs that not only improves blood sugar control but may also lead to weight loss. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/expert-answers/byetta/faq-20057955

obesitymedicine.org Weight loss medications are an important component of a complete treatment plan for adults with obesity 

Are you looking for natural ways to boost energy and weight loss? Here are six tips to put into everyday practice. https://www.pcrm.org/news/blog/six-ways-naturally-boost-energy-and-weight-loss

Finding an eating plan that is healthful and enjoyable will help you stick with your weight loss goals for the long term and maintain any weight loss you manage to achieve. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/losing-weight-can-help-you-lose-the-pain-too

All prescription weight-loss drugs approved for long-term use produce significant weight loss compared with placebo. In addition, studies show that the addition of weight-loss medication to lifestyle changes results in greater weight..

Heel spurs are another source of foot pain. These are abnormal growths of bone on the bottom of your heel. You can get them from wearing the wrong shoes or from an abnormal walk..

Ankle pain refers to any type of pain or discomfort in your ankles. This pain could be caused by an injury, like a sprain, or by a medical condition, like arthritis. According..

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that causes lower back pain. It occurs when one of your vertebrae, the bones of your spine, slips out of place onto the vertebra below it.  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10302-spondylolisthesis

This is an opportunity to learn about what can be done that has the potential to offer additional relief. https://www.hss.edu/conditions_complementary-alternative-therapies-for-pain.asp

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms typically begin gradually, worsen over time and then resolve, usually..

A medial branch nerve block is a type of injection used to determine if the facet joint is causing the patient’s back pain. Facet joints are pairs of small joints between the..

Middle back pain occurs below the neck and above the bottom of the rib cage, in an area called the thoracic spine. There are 12 back bones — the T1 to T12..

Knee pain is a common complaint among adults and most often associated with general wear and tear from daily activities like walking, bending, standing and lifting. Athletes who run or play sports..

Lidocaine patches are used to relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN; the burning, stabbing pains, or aches that may last for months or years after a shingles infection). Lidocaine is in..

 Piriformis injections are commonly used to determine what is causing buttock and sciatica type pain. 

Endometriosis is a disorder where the tissue that makes up the uterine lining (the lining of the womb) grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis is usually found in the lower abdomen, or pelvis,..

Fibromyalgia syndrome affects the muscles and soft tissue. Symptoms include chronic muscle pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and painful tender points or trigger points, which can be relieved through medications, lifestyle changes and..

Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is swelling of the tendons that bend your wrist backward away from your palm. A tendon is a tough cord of tissue that connects muscles..

Knee pain is a common symptom in people of all ages. It may start suddenly, often after an injury or exercise. Knee pain also may begin as a mild discomfort, then slowly..

Improving the way opioids are prescribed through clinical practice guidelines can ensure patients have access to safer, more effective pain treatment while reducing the number of people who potentially misuse or overdose..

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) happens when your body’s defenses – your immune system – targets your joint linings. RA affects joints on both sides of the body, such as both hands, both wrists,..

Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of low back and neck pain, and also one of the most misunderstood. Dgenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck..

In frozen shoulder, the shoulder capsule thickens and becomes stiff and tight. Thick bands of tissue — called adhesions — develop. In many cases, there is less synovial fluid in the joint…

Osteoporosis, which literally means porous bone, is a disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced. As bones become more porous and fragile, the risk of fracture is greatly..

Tailbone pain ranges from a dull ache to a fierce stab. It can last for weeks, months or sometimes longer. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10436-coccydynia-tailbone-pain

A celiac plexus block is an injection (shot) of a medication that stops these nerves from feeling pain. This can help treat pain in your upper abdomen. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/celiac-plexus-block

Research shows exercise is an essential aspect in the treatment of chronic pain. With reduced activity the muscles lose tone and can slowly atrophy. www.hopeinstilled.org/43/Exercise-Stretching?gclid=CjwKCAjwsan5BRAOEiwALzomXyIuOJ2xmGHTShv3xWh-9__MT7MC4UThITrRGCrMiXOzvGMyt6QP8BoC1B4QAvD_B\ Call us at 704-503-9338

Identifying anxiety as the cause of your chest pain is an important step in treating your condition. As you learn to manage the side effects of anxiety, you’ll also learn to manage..

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall..

 Bioelectric therapy prompts the body to produce chemicals called endorphins, that decrease or eliminate painful sensations by blocking the message of pain from being delivered to the brain. https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/pain-management-treatment-overview#3

Injury, overuse or conditions causing inflammation involving any of the bones, ligaments or tendons in the foot can cause foot pain. Injury to the nerves of the feet may result in intense..

https://www.healthline.com/health/electromyography#preparation Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the health condition of muscles and the nerve cells that control them

If a damaged or injured tendon fails to heal with rest and physical therapy, a doctor may recommend injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP), also called autologous conditioned plasma (ACP). Many experts believe that..

Orthovisc is a thick or viscous solution of high molecular weight, highly purified sodium hyaluronate in physiological saline. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-orthovisc-190164

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of the median nerve as it passes into the hand. The median nerve is located on the palm side of your hand (also called the carpal tunnel). The median nerve..

Hip joint injections involve injecting medicine directly into the joint. These injections can help diagnose the source of pain, as well as alleviate the discomfort: https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/hip-joint-injections-pain-relief

Muscle inflammation can be caused by repetitive strain, lack of muscle activity, or a direct muscle injury. When muscles are stressed or injured, they often form tender “trigger points” that feel like..

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly referred to as COPD, is a group of progressive lung diseases. The most common are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Many people with COPD have both of these conditions. https://www.healthline.com/health/copd

Endometriosis is an often painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis most commonly..

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of your hand. When the..

Lateral epicondylitis, also known as “Tennis Elbow”, is the most common overuse syndrome in the elbow. It is a tendinopathy injury involving the extensor muscles of the forearm. These muscles originate on the lateral..

Lidocaine patches are used to relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN; the burning, stabbing pains, or aches that may last for months or years after a shingles infection). Lidocaine is in..

Fibromyalgia is chronic condition that causes pain all over the body, fatigue, and other symptoms. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people who don’t have it. This is called..

Each bone end is covered with a layer of cartilage that absorbs shock and protects the knee. Basically, the knee is 2 long leg bones held together by muscles, ligaments, and tendons…

It’s estimated that about 1/2 of all American adults attempt to lose weight per year. Exercising is one of the most common ways for those trying to shed those extra pounds. It..

To lose weight, you need snacks. That’s right – we know you’re counting the calories and watching what you eat. And you’re doing a great job of following your clean eating plan!..

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on the cause. Some common treatments involve physical therapy, surgery, and injections for increased nerve pressure. Other treatments focus on reducing pain and discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers such as..

In the TPI procedure, a health care professional inserts a small needle into the patient’s trigger point. The injection contains a local anesthetic or saline, and may include a corticosteroid. With the injection, the trigger..

How Can a Wrist Brace Help? Most people bend their wrists when they sleep. That puts pressure on the median nerve. A brace can help because it keeps your wrist in a straight,..

Knee swelling,  signals a problem with the knee. When a mild or minor injury causes swelling, it usually can be treated at home with over-the-counter medication and the R.I.C.E. formula.  https://www.arthritis-health.com/types/general/how-care-swollen-knee

The carpal tunnel is located in the wrist, and is formed by the bones of the wrist and the transverse carpal (wrist) ligament. Through this tunnel pass the median nerve, flexor tendons..

Do you look to smoking for relief from a bad back? Or aching joints? Or abdominal pain? Think twice before lighting up that cigarette. “Nicotine-induced pain relief is short-term. Over time, smoking may..

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It causes pain, inflammation, and decreased joint movements. It can occur in any joint but generally affects the hands, knees, hips, or spine …

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected parts..

In order to break the cycle of depression-sleep or chronic pain-sleep, you need to start by getting your sleep habits under control. Some of the methods you can use to help sleep,..

All patients on long-term opioid therapy should have periodic urine drug tests (UDT). Medical experts agree that an annual UDT for all patients should be standard practice. Subsequent UDTs should be determined..

The hip joint is the body’s largest joint that can withstand repeated motion and a fair amount of wear and tear. Despite its durability, the hip joint isn’t indestructible. With age and..

With opioid addiction and prescription drug abuse considered one of the biggest public health threats of our time in the US, many are asking why so many Americans are struggling with addiction..

Prophylactic knee braces are those devices designed to prevent or reduce the severity of knee injuries; rehabilitative braces are devices aimed to limit motion of injured knees or knees following surgical treatment;..

The official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM), Pain Medicine, has published a practice guidelines article titled “Pain Management Best Practices from Multispecialty Organizations during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Public Health..

An immunoassay is a test that relies on biochemistry to measure the presence and/or concentration of an analyte. The analyte can be large proteins, antibodies that a person has produced as a..

Low back pain is not often considered to be a potential problem among young adults. So when back pain strikes at a young age, it comes as a surprise and a source of..

Growing concerns about COVID-19 has caused a surge in online searches on how to properly protect yourself against the virus. In addition to proper handwashing, what else can you do to improve..

Chronic pain patients may be more susceptible to COVID-19, and if infected with the virus, may face different consequences than others. “There is a complex relationship between chronic pain and the immune system,” said..

Amara Pain & Spine Pain Clinic’s #1 priority is to keep our patients and staff safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. At this time, we are offering Electronic office visits to ease everyone’s..

There are many things that older people can initiate themselves or with the support of a carer, if needed, to protect their mental health at this time. These include undertaking physical activity,..

El lumbago se refiere a un dolor que se siente en la región lumbar. Usted también puede presentar rigidez en la espalda, disminución del movimiento de la región lumbar y dificultad para..

A lower back brace can be an effective element of a comprehensive treatment plan for certain spinal conditions, and can provide support for the spine as it heals following back surgery. In..

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS unit) is a device that sends small electrical currents to targeted body parts. These electrical impulses flood the nervous system, reducing its ability to transmit pain..

This medication is used to treat knee pain in patients with joint inflammation (osteoarthritis). It is usually used in patients who have not responded to other treatments such as acetaminophen, exercise, or physical therapy. Hyaluronate (also known as hyaluronan) is similar..

Electromyography (EMG) measures muscle response or electrical activity in response to a nerve’s stimulation of the muscle. The test is used to help detect neuromuscular abnormalities. During the test, one or more..

Ultrasound therapy is a treatment used by physical therapists or occupational therapists to relieve pain and to promote tissue healing. There are two main types of ultrasound therapy: thermal and mechanical. Both use sound waves..

A stellate ganglion block is an injection of local anesthetic in the sympathetic nerve tissue of the neck. The nerves are located on either side of the voice box, in the neck…

 In healthy people, a higher resting blood pressure is associated with a decreased sensitivity to acute pain. In other words, if you’re blood pressure is high, you wouldn’t feel as much pain..

After cleansing the skin, a drape will be applied. The medications will be placed in syringes, ensuring sterility. A needle will be placed precisely to the target area, utilizing multiple views for..

A radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys the nerve fibers carrying pain signals to the brain. It can provide lasting relief for people with chronic pain, especially in the..

Plasma is the liquid part of your blood that’s mostly made of water and protein. It lets red and white blood cells and platelets move through your bloodstream. Platelets are a type of blood..

Diabetes and high blood sugars can cause nerve damage called Peripheral Neuropathy which presents as numbness and pain in feet, legs, or hands and sometimes loss of sensation.  This can present as..

Look at this sweet card we received from one of our patients! We would like to wish everyone a blessed holiday season!

https://www.aaomed.org/Platelet-Rich-Plasma-Injections-for-Pain PRP injections (or platelet rich plasma therapy) is a new treatment method that relieves pain by promoting long lasting healing of musculoskeletal conditions. This rapidly emerging technique is showing exciting potential..

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular..

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only..

The kind of back pain that follows heavy lifting or exercising too hard is often caused by muscle strain. But sometimes back pain can be related to a disc that bulges or..

Before leaving the Dcoctor you already have, schedule one last visit with the doctor you are leaving. Ask for a status report on current and recurring health conditions. Take notes, and take..

In spinal fusion, the surgeon joins two adjacent vertebrae (the large bones of the spine) to form a single unit. A common indication for fusion is spondylolisthesis, a misalignment of the vertebrae…

Pain management can be simple or complex, depending on the cause of the pain. An example of pain that is typically less complex would be nerve root irritation from a herniated disc with pain radiating..