19 Sep 2018
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

Pain Relief with Physical Therapy and Exercise

Chronic Pain Conditions, Therapies & Treatments, ,
The use of some type of physical therapy or exercise is integral to almost all forms of back and neck pain treatment. Sometimes physical therapy and exercise are the first lines of treatment, other times it may help manage chronic pain, or provide rehabilitation after surgery. But did you know that both gentle back exercise and physical therapy play a vital role in relieving pain? Physical therapy and exercise are perhaps the most mainstream of all non-surgical treatments for back pain and neck pain. And unlike other conservative treatments (medication, injections, etc.), physical therapy can also help prevent and/or lessen future…
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17 Sep 2018
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

Scoliosis Types

Chronic Pain Conditions, ,
Scoliosis is any abnormal sideways curvature of the spine measuring at least 10 degrees on an x-ray. While it's not a disease, in rare cases it can be caused by a disease. More often, however, scoliosis develops from an unknown cause during adolescence or from spinal degeneration during adulthood. Structural vs. Nonstructural There are two general categories for scoliosis: Structural is by far the most common category of scoliosis. It involves spinal rotation in addition to the side-to-side curvature of the spine. This type can affect the spine’s structure and is considered permanent unless the spine receives treatment. Nonstructural, also known as…
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12 Sep 2018
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

Neuropathy And Chronic Back Pain

Chronic Pain Conditions, Nerve Pain, Peripheral Neuropathy, , ,
Neuropathic pain originates in the nerves; and can be thought of as similar to static on a telephone line. Neuropathy happens when nerves become damaged or dysfunctional because of an injury or trauma. It's considered a chronic condition. Neuropathic pain is distinct from other types of pain. If a person breaks a bone, pain signals are carried via nerves from the site of the trauma to the brain. With neuropathic pain, however, pain signals originate in the nerves themselves. How Neuropathic Pain Develops In many cases, the nerves become damaged or dysfunctional after responding to an injury or trauma, causing…
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10 Sep 2018
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

10 Tips for Posture and Ergonomics

Chronic Pain Conditions, Lifestyle Tips for Chronic Pain, , ,
Everyday habits, like prolonged sitting or standing, staring at screens, carrying heavy bags on the same shoulder, driving, or even sleeping; can over time may cause poor posture. Poor posture can become second nature, creating and aggravating back and neck pain. On a positive note, you can control and even changed the main variables affecting posture and ergonomics causing back and neck pain. Ten Tips for Improving Posture and Ergonomics The following guidelines suggest several ways to improve posture and ergonomics, especially for people who work sitting in an office chair for most of the day. Identify the warning signs…
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29 Aug 2018
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

Low Vitamin D linked to Peripheral Neuropathy

Chronic Pain Conditions, Chronic Pain News, ,
Recent studies have reported that patients with Type 2 diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy showed lower Vitamin D levels than patients without T2 diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. Some studies also found including a vitamin D supplementation could help improve painful neuropathic symptoms, which suggests vitamin D could have a role in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.  Low Vitamin D linked to Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients with type 2 diabetes and painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy had significantly lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels compared with healthy volunteers and patients with type 2 diabetes without neuropathy or with painless neuropathy, according to data published in Diabetic Medicine.…
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29 Aug 2018
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

Other Electrotherapy Treatments

Chronic Pain Conditions, Therapies & Treatments, , ,
Electrotherapy treatments can be helpful with providing some relief certain conditions. Chronic back or leg pain can be aided by electrotherapy, called PEMF, by promoting promoting bone growth and strength. Other forms of electrotherapy are used to help circulatory disorders, improve range of motion, and reduce muscle spasms. Both forms of electrotherapy help aid the healing process and promote faster healing times in cases of chronic or persistent pain conditions.  Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, interferential current, and galvanic stimulation are some of the electrotherapy treatments that may be helpful in certain situations. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Aids in Bone Fusion…
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28 Aug 2018
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

Diet Tips for Arthritis

Chronic Pain Conditions, Lifestyle Tips for Chronic Pain, ,
Sometimes the easiest way to improve your health with conditions like arthritis is by modifying lifestyle choices like diet and exercise. Arthritis causes pain and stiffness in joints and muscle,s which can stop people from doing every day tasks. No diets can cure arthritis, but by making small changes, like eating more fruits and vegetables, arthritis symptoms can be improved to manage pain. A Mediterranean diet has been known to help ease chronic pain associated with arthritis. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes: eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Replacing butter when cooking with healthy fats such…
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27 Aug 2018
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

Ice or Heat for Lower Back Pain?

Chronic Pain Conditions, Therapies & Treatments, , ,
Ice or heat? Which do you use when treating lower back pain? Both can provide effective relief. Cold and heat therapies treat different aspects of lower back pain; and using them in tandem can be effective. Ice therapy can help minimize inflammation and swelling. And heat therapy can help stimulate blood flow to the area to encourage healing. Dr. Castillo usually recommends alternating ice and heat therapies, in 10 minute sessions per therapy.  Cold and heat therapy may both provide effective relief from your lower back pain—but how do you know which one to use?  Read on for helpful advice…
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23 Aug 2018
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

Concussion Care

Chronic Pain Conditions, Therapies & Treatments, , ,
A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body. While there's no specific cure for concussions doctors often recommend rest and restricting activities to allow the brain to recover. This means one should temporarily reduce sports, video games, TV, or too much socializing. Medications for headache pain, or odansetron or other anti-nausea medications can be used for symptoms.  And while there is no specific cure for concussions Dr. Castillo thinks treatments like Platelet Rich Plasma therapy and Stem Cell therapies may help treat concussions and help patients…
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21 Aug 2018
By webadmin@macmdaz.com

Blood Therapy used by Pro Athletes for Injuries

Chronic Pain Conditions, Chronic Pain News, Regenerative medicine, , , , ,
Platelet Rich Plasma is a therapy treatment that uses the patient's own blood to heal itself. Blood is taken from the patient and spun down to separate the different components: red blood cells, white blood cells and plasma. The plasma, is rich with platelets that are natural occurring healing components in the body. The Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is then injected back into the body where the pain is located, helping to accelerate the healing time.The concentration of platelets is what accelerates the body's own healing process, utilizing the concentrated PRP. Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy is a minimally invasive procedure…
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