The opioid crisis is one of the most pressing issues of our time. With more than 130 people dying every day from overdosing on opioids, it is now at the forefront of political talks. Opioid abuse has destroyed many lives and families. What was once...
When any pain that has lasted more than 3 months, it is defined as chronic pain. The first and critical step in treating chronic pain is accurate diagnosis. Your pain doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. S/he will discuss your concerns and...
A spinal injection usually involves injecting a local anesthetic and corticosteroid into one or more levels of the cervical or lumbar spine. The local anesthetic provides immediate, short-term pain relief. The corticosteroid is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug that slowly takes effect and provides long-term pain...
Chest wall pain is a relatively common occurrence that affects people for a wide variety of reasons. It can feel like anything from a sharp shooting pain that occurs randomly, to a constant dull ache that lingers all the time. Causes of chest wall pain...
A lumbar epidural steroid injection is a procedure that can relieve low back pain, that may or may not be radiating down the leg. A lumbar epidural spinal injection is recommended to– reduce nerve inflammation and pain aid healing get important diagnostic information, such as...
Pelvic pain can be very frustrating to deal with. There are many different causes of pelvic pain ranging from urologic to gynecologic concerns. Gastrointestinal disorders, renal colic, endometriosis, and ovarian issues are all potential causes of pelvic pain. Diagnosing pelvic pain can take months and...
Nerve blocks are a treatment for pain management. They are an alternative treatment that allows patients to avoid surgical procedures. Many people suffer from chronic pain, often due to their nerves. Nerve blocks allow the medication to be injected into specific nerves, which can help...
A nerve root is the first part of a nerve that extends directly from the central nervous system. There are two different kinds of nerve roots: cranial and spinal. Cranial nerve roots extend from the nerves closest to the brain stem. Spinal nerve roots extend...
Joint pain is a very common complaint as people age. This pain can range from mild to severe and is typically caused by inflammation. In some cases, joint pain is so severe it prevents people from partaking in normal daily activities. Often, normal medication is...
Many people hear Botox and immediately think of the over plumped faces of people trying to look young. However, there are many different medical uses of Botox that extend far beyond cosmetic purposes. Botox has become much more widely used in the medical community to...