09 Oct 2015
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

Nonsurgical treatments for spinal stenosis

Chronic Pain Conditions, Nerve Pain, Therapies & Treatments, , ,
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis about 12 years ago. I haven't had many symptoms over the years, but about six months ago I started noticing increasing discomfort in my legs. Is surgery an option to treat spinal stenosis? If not, what else can I do? The leg pain is making it hard for me to walk. ANSWER: Surgery usually isn't necessary to treat spinal stenosis. Often a combination of lifestyle changes, physical therapy and medication can effectively decrease the pain and discomfort caused by this common back problem. Spinal stenosis occurs when the open space within…
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07 Oct 2015
By webadmin@macmdaz.com
Integrated Pain Management Approach

Integrated Pain Management Approach

Chronic Pain Conditions, Exercises to Help Pain, Nerve Pain, Peripheral Neuropathy, Therapies & Treatments, , ,
Logan resident Dawn Carter’s life changed in January 2015 following an accidental fall down a flight of stairs. Originally diagnosed with just a concussion, complications from the injury now cause Carter to experience chronic nerve pain and migraines, in addition to seizures and memory loss. “There is really nothing (my doctors) can do about my pain,” Carter said. “It hurts so bad (that) I feel like an electric eel is swimming throughout my body. It mainly starts in my wrist and works up my arms, up to my shoulders and down to my back.” According to data gathered by the…
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02 Oct 2015
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

Chronic Pelvic Pain: Diagnosis & Treatment

Chronic Pain Conditions, Nerve Pain, , ,
While chronic pelvic pain is prevalent in women, it is often under diagnosed and inadequately treated. The differential diagnosis and the role of pelvic floor physical therapy are key factors in the successful treatment of the many types of chronic pelvic pain. Q: Is zero pain an achievable goal in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain?  Dr. Fitzgerald: Women should be extremely hopeful that with a multi-disciplinary approach, we can significantly reduce their pain and improve functioning. In fact, functional measures might be a better way to increase our success in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. I tell patients…
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28 Sep 2015
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

Surgical Decompression For Compression Neuropathy Offers Many Advantages

Chronic Pain Conditions, Nerve Pain, Peripheral Neuropathy, ,
Surgical decompression can offer long-lasting pain relief and restore sensation in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy, leading to an improved quality of life. That was the word from Stephen L. Barrett, DPM, an adjunct professor at Midwestern University College of Health Sciences, Podiatric Medicine Program and founder of Barrett Foot & Ankle in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Barrett said that surgical decompression has been shown to restore sensation; reduce pain; prevent amputation and ulceration; improve balance and prevent falls; decrease global healthcare costs; and perhaps most importantly, improve the quality of life for diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. 1 “Zhang, Li,…
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25 Sep 2015
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

Prediabetes in Peripheral Neuropathy

Chronic Pain Conditions, Nerve Pain, Peripheral Neuropathy, , ,
Peripheral neuropathy may be more common in patients with prediabetes than previously thought, and early interventions may be warranted in this patient population, according to researchers from the University of Utah. Currently, 86 million adults, more than one in three U.S. adults, have prediabetes, according to CDC estimates. Without weight loss and moderate physical activity, 15% to 30% of these people will develop full-blown type 2 diabetes within 5 years.1 These numbers emphasize the urgent need to treat and prevent the subsequent complications, including neuropathy, associated with prediabetes. Fortunately, researchers are on their way to learning more about the relationship…
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23 Sep 2015
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

The Four Types of Diabetic Neuropathy

Chronic Pain Conditions, Nerve Pain, Peripheral Neuropathy, , , , ,
Most of us associate peripheral neuropathy with diabetes. What might be a surprise is that there are three other forms of neuropathy that are also common to diabetics. Diabetic neuropathy is the result of prolonged periods of excess glucose in the blood damaging fragile nerve fibers. Hyperglycemia also damages the walls of the many blood vessels in the body, including the capillaries that provide the blood supply that supports the nervous system. Finally, high glucose levels interfere with the ability of the nerves to send signals. Taken together, this triad of damage causes first numbness, then extreme pain, in the…
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21 Sep 2015
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

Peripheral Arterial Disease can cause Leg Pain

Chronic Pain Conditions, Nerve Pain, , ,
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--September marks peripheral arterial disease (PAD) awareness month. A staggering 18 million Americans1 suffer from this potentially life threatening disease which is greater than the number of Americans suffering from stroke (6.8 million)2, cancer (13 million)3, and coronary artery disease (16.3 million)4. If untreated, those who suffer from PAD are at risk of very serious consequences. The five-year mortality rate is 30 percent5, which is greater than the rates for prostate cancer (less than 1 percent)6 and breast cancer (11 percent)7. For the nearly 3.5 million people who suffer from the worst form of PAD, called critical…
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16 Sep 2015
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

Disturbed Sleep: Causes and Treatments

Chronic Pain Conditions, Nerve Pain, , ,
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5, sleep-wake disorders encompass 10 conditions manifested by disturbed sleep, distress, and impairment in daytime functioning.1 Sleep disorders include insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and breathing-related disorders (obstructive sleep apnea). Excessive daytime sleepiness, or sudden somnolence, is a symptom that can occur with several sleep disorders. Excessive daytime sleepiness may include mild sleepiness, unrecognized episodes of “micro-sleep” or uncontrolled sleep attacks that result in falling asleep while in conversation, reading or watching television, or even while driving. Excessive daytime sleepiness may be caused by not getting enough hours of sleep or…
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14 Sep 2015
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

How to Treat Back Pain without Drugs

Chronic Pain Conditions, Nerve Pain, Peripheral Neuropathy, , ,
Back pain is a common health issue today that affects at least eight out of 10 people. It is a prevalent problem among Americans. In fact, statistics from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) reveal that at least 31 million Americans experience lower back pain at any given time. The ACA report also says that: One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year. Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. In fact, it is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office (next to upper-respiratory infections). As many…
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11 Sep 2015
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

10 Questions Neuropathy Patients Should Ask Their Doctor

Chronic Pain Conditions, Nerve Pain, Peripheral Neuropathy, ,
If you’re meeting with your doctor or neurologist for the first time to discuss your neuropathy like symptoms – such as pain, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet – your mind is likely swirling with questions, concerns, what-ifs and more. Taking the time beforehand to write down a list of questions or concerns you wish to discuss can have a significant impact not only on your peace of mind – but also on your chances of receiving the best advice and care possible for your own unique circumstances. Asking the right questions can help both you and your…
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