While natural anti-inflammatory supplements like turmeric may help manage mild to moderate symptoms, many patients with persistent arthritis pain still require medication management for chronic pain to control inflammation safely and effectively under medical supervision.
For individuals experiencing significant lower back pain or nerve-related arthritis symptoms, lumbar epidural steroid injections for back pain can deliver targeted anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of pain, often providing faster and more noticeable relief.
When conservative treatments and supplements are no longer effective, advanced options such as radiofrequency ablation for chronic pain relief may help by interrupting pain signals and offering longer-lasting pain reduction for arthritis and spine-related conditions.
Turmeric is typically taken as a dietary supplement at 500mg twice daily. For those of you who are a bit more adventurous, try brewing turmeric tea – watch the video below to learn how. For more information on treating your arthritis, visit a board-certified Austin pain management doctor at Capitol Pain Institute.
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Cervical strain is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by damage or injury to the muscles and/or tendons of the neck. It is typically caused by sudden or excessive movements of the head and neck, such as whiplash injuries from vehicle accidents, falls, or sports-related trauma. The condition may also result from prolonged poor posture, repetitive strain, or carrying heavy objects on the shoulders.
The most common symptoms of cervical strain include pain, stiffness, tenderness, and limited range of motion in the neck. In some cases, individuals may experience headaches, dizziness, and/or numbness or tingling sensations in the arms or hands.
A pain management doctor will inquire about the patient’s medical history and previous neck injuries, as well as the location, duration, intensity, and associated symptoms of the pain. After reviewing the patient’s history, a physical examination of the neck and shoulder area will be conducted, searching for signs of tenderness, restricted range of motion, muscle weakness, or nerve damage. Imaging tests, including X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, may also be ordered to rule out other potential causes of neck pain.
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Various treatment options are available for cervical strain, and a pain management doctor can help identify which may work best for each unique situation. Some treatment options include rest, ice and heat therapy, physical therapy, massage therapy, and injections. Rest and ice/heat therapy can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, while physical therapy and massage therapy can improve the range of motion in the neck, stretch and strengthen the muscles, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
In severe cases of cervical strain where other treatments have been unsuccessful, a pain management doctor may recommend specific injections. Three common types of injections used for cervical strain are trigger point injections, epidural steroid injections, and facet joint injections.
Trigger point injections involve the direct injection of a local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid into the trigger points or knots in the muscles of the neck to reduce pain and muscle tension. Epidural steroid injections involve the injection of a corticosteroid and anesthetic medication into the epidural space around the spinal cord to reduce inflammation and pain in the cervical area. Facet joint injections involve the injection of a corticosteroid and anesthetic medication into the facet joints to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with cervical strain.
The recovery time for cervical strain depends on the severity of the condition and the individual’s overall health. In general, most people recover within a few weeks to several months with proper treatment and rest. Pain management doctors can help individuals manage their pain during the recovery process, which can improve overall outcomes and expedite healing.
Cervical strain can be prevented by maintaining good posture, avoiding sudden or excessive movements of the head and neck, using proper lifting techniques, and staying physically active to improve neck strength and flexibility. Regular exercise, stretching, and maintaining good form and posture can help reduce the risk of developing cervical strain.
Cervical strain is a common injury caused by straining or tearing of the muscles in the neck. Only a doctor will be able to diagnose if pain, stiffness, tenderness, and limited range of motion in the neck are due to cervical strain or other causes. If you’re experiencing issues with cervical strain, a pain management doctor can help identify the best treatment options, which can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Recovery time for cervical pain varies from person to person and working with a pain management doctor can help improve the probability of recovery and increase comfort along the way.
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Thanksgiving is right around the corner, meaning our tables (and bellies) will soon be full of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, casseroles, and pies. And after the wonderful meal, a nice nap sounds good. Well, there’s a reason for that: the nutrients in certain foods affect our bodies differently.
The saying goes, “You are what you eat,” but it should be more like, “You feel like what you eat.”
Nutrition can directly affect a person’s mood, energy levels, and — especially — their pain. Studies have shown that poor dietary intake can cause weight gain, negatively impact mental health, increase the risk of multiple illnesses as well as the impact and severity of chronic pain.
One of the most common contributors to chronic pain is inflammation. While inflammation is a normal reaction to our body trying to fight injury or infection, pain can result if it lasts too long. The pressure that is then put on the nerves in the area sends pain signals to the brain, causing you to feel discomfort.
Foods rich in anti-inflammatory compounds are essential for the holistic management of chronic pain. However, for individuals experiencing nerve-related pain that persists despite dietary improvements, peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic pain may provide targeted relief by interrupting pain signals at their source. Leafy greens, berries, and other fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants that help combat inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon and walnuts, can also help reduce pain and stiffness.
Incorporating a variety of whole, nutrient-dense foods into your diet can support your body’s natural ability to ease pain and inflammation. While nutrition plays an important role in reducing inflammation, some individuals may require medication-based chronic pain treatment to effectively manage ongoing or severe pain symptoms.
Foods like:
Certain foods can contribute to inflammation, potentially worsening chronic pain. Processed foods, sugary snacks and beverages — as well as refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta — can trigger inflammatory responses in the body.
To minimize pain, consider limiting:
Sometimes, concerns about nutrition and chronic pain are more general, and some are more specific — like wondering whether sugar leads to an increase in arthritic inflammation.
Some research suggests that excessive sugar intake can affect and exacerbate arthritis symptoms. High levels of sugar in the diet can trigger the release of cytokines—proteins that play a role in the body’s inflammatory response. Reducing added sugars in your diet may help lower inflammation and improve joint health, making it a smart choice for those managing arthritis.
So, this holiday season, try to fill your plate with some of the anti-inflammatory foods from the list above to see if it helps relieve ease pain. While nutrition plays an important role in reducing inflammation, patients with severe or long-standing pain may also benefit from advanced options such as spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain as part of a comprehensive pain management plan. Don’t worry – there is also there’s always room for that slice of pie, too.
At the end of the day, eating a well-balanced and nutrient-filled diet can only help your overall well-being. While these are only general recommendations, if you struggle with chronic pain, we encourage you to reach out to a pain specialist before starting any specific diet so they can help you address your individual situation.
If you are ready to meet with one of our chronic pain experts, call us at 844-562-0518 or request an appointment online today.
Happy Holidays!
The post How the Right Foods Help Ease Chronic Pain appeared first on Capitol Pain Institute.]]>Our bodies are not meant to be still for so long. It’s vital that you take the time to get up and move around. Especially if you’re experiencing regular back or neck pain, stretching or taking a short walk could make all the difference. Stretching not only gets your blood flowing but also stimulates the muscles that haven’t been in use.
Good posture: a simple and small change we can probably all make. Something as basic as the way you sit can have a huge effect on how your body functions. If you have a desk job, remind yourself to stop slouching and sit up straight throughout the day. Having better posture could possibly greatly reduce back and neck pain. Pull back your shoulders, uncross your legs, and possibly do some desk exercises to fix your posture. Another way your posture can come into play is the way you type or hold your hands and wrists. Carpal tunnel is extremely common, but also preventable. Be mindful of your hand and wrist habits, because they can have a huge effect in the long run.
If you have a job that requires you to be on your feet, you can improve your posture by keeping your head in line with your shoulders as well as making sure your feet are about shoulder’s width apart.
A classic, affordable pain solution is using cold and heat. This can include applying ice-packs, heating pads, warm baths, or cold gels. Another easy, safe way to relieve pain is electrotherapy, or TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). The electric pulses are non-invasive and can relieve pain in the short-term. Perhaps the most obvious way to treat pain is through medication. Over-the-counter can help more mild issues, while more serious medication can help if your pain is more intense.
Sometimes no matter what you do, the pain still persists. That’s when it’s time to go to a professional. Fortunately, Capitol Pain’s physicians strive to provide comprehensive services that put your needs and comfort first. We provide a variety of pain solutions, including stem cell therapy, spinal cord stimulation, bracing, various types of injections, and more. Making an appointment today could save you from years of pain.
The post Workplace Pain Relief and Management: The Best Ways to Diminish Pain appeared first on Capitol Pain Institute.]]>Injury is one of the most obvious causes of knee pain. Also, there are so many kinds of arthritis, a lot of which can affect the knee. If that’s not your issue, it could be patellofemoral pain syndrome. Otherwise, the problem could be dislocation or even something that’s the result of another part of your body.
Staying at a healthy weight is one way to avoid knee pain. Another method is to stay active, while not pushing yourself too much. Exercising regularly helps with your whole health, but going too far won’t be good in the long run. Also, stretching helps maintain flexibility, as tight muscles increase the risk of injury.
Whatever your problem, Capitol Pain has a solution to help you feel better. NSAIDs can help with minor pain, while more advanced options such as regenerative stem cell therapy for joint pain may help support healing in damaged knee tissues.
Another option available is physical therapy, and for inflammation-related pain around the knee or nearby joints, GT bursa injections for hip and knee pain relief can help reduce swelling and improve mobility. We also provide spinal injections and advanced options like intrathecal pain pump therapy for severe chronic pain for patients who need long-term pain control.
However, you don’t need to stress out about figuring out what will work best for your unique situation. Our physicians focus on both the physical and mental parts of patients’ health. We strive to be accessible, accommodating, and put your needs first. Contact us at (512) 467-PAIN or see our website to find out more.
The post Knee Pain — Healing for Health and Happiness, Capitol Pain appeared first on Capitol Pain Institute.]]>Several companies are working hard toward medical advancements. Beyond the lab and a cure for disease, other companies are finding ways to help patients. One example is NeuroMetrix and its wearable technology designed to block natural pain signals. These types of non-invasive pain management options help patients live more comfortably. This helps anyone with chronic back, leg, foot, and nerve pain. What makes this product great is its easy-to-use app and comfortable wear. This product has also shown strong results. 80% of people who wore it reported reduced pain. More importantly, 60% reported reducing their medication intake.
Going a little further, the SPRINT PNS system is inserted into the body. This product is placed near the nervous system and is great for those who have just lost a limb or are experiencing lower back or shoulder pain.
When discussing pain management, we often recommend meditation, yoga, or other techniques. Instead of pushing medication at all times, it’s better to look at other ways that we can help your bodies. Notably, VR companies have entered the medical field in this way. This technology now enables breathing techniques through the digital experience.
As we get closer to 2020, it’s unclear what kinds of technology will be developed to help reduce chronic pain. To keep patients healthy, specialists and innovators are thinking outside the box. We will soon see the possibilities and the decrease in pain without having to rely heavily on opioids.
As we know, the source of the pain can be a number of things. Maybe you slept wrong, maybe your overexerted yourself playing a sport, or you lifted weights without the proper form. Or maybe you had a bad fall. All of these are things to consider when thinking about pain in your body.
There might be things going on internally. Basic wear and tear of your joints cause one to feel sharp pain. In the case of Olecranon Bursitis, that is exactly what is happening. This is a very common form of arthritis that causes your joints to feel pain.
When we talk about Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, however, we are talking about stretching or pinching at the elbow. It is not a comfortable feeling. This is caused by direct trauma to the ulnar nerve as it passes through a tunnel. It’s felt with repetitive motion, like bending at your elbow a lot. Patients with this usually feel a numbness or tingling sensation. The feeling will likely be felt all the way down to your ring and pinky fingers. Notably, this is another serious pain that needs a specialist.
Say that you’ve just recently had an injury. Afterward, you notice a lot of pain in your elbow. You’ll want to see a specialist in the case that it’s Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CPRS). This is a painful and gradual pain that needs attention. It usually follows after a traumatic injury.
Pain from your elbow might not seem as pressing as back pain or arthritis felt elsewhere. Unfortunately, it’s just as serious and does need the right professional attention. So, make sure you talk to a physician and get your pain sorted out sooner rather than later.
Click here to view story and video at KXAN.com.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Millions of people in the United States suffer daily from chronic pain. According to the American Chiropractic Association, low back pain is the most common condition for which opioids are prescribed.
An Austin doctor is using technology that claims to block your brain from feeling chronic pain and lessen the dependence on opioids. It’s called the Stimwave Freedom SCS System — a Spinal Cord Stimulation device the company calls the world’s smallest wireless system of its kind.
The wireless device is implanted in your back or anywhere you feel pain like your knee through the lumen of a standard gauge needle, without surgery and uses local anesthesia. Dr. Matt Schocket of Capital Pain Institute in North Austin uses the device on some of his patients. He implants it near the nerve site causing the patient pain. “What happens is these will send an electrical signal to that nerve blocking that nerve signal from reaching the brain,” he said.
The patient or the doctor then controls the intensity of the pain blocker through an external battery they can clip onto clothing. The wearable antenna can even be controlled through the patient’s smartphone using an App.
“What this allows us to do is either prevent people from ever taking opioids or significantly reduce their doses,” explains Dr. Schocket. He says his practice has treated thousands of patients in chronic pain over the years and says the Stimwave has helped some people reduce their pain by 50-70%.
Dr. Schocket says his patients are looking for functional improvement with the device. “What I hear are stories of things people are able to do again, I have one patient send me a video of them wakeboarding. That’s awesome but it’s usually as simple as I was able to sit down for dinner with my wife, kids or grandkids and not be miserable the entire time.”
While Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) devices have been used for chronic pain relief for more than 40 years, this latest device is smaller and wireless.
Dr. Schocket says it is covered under insurance.
Click here to view story and video at KXAN.com.
The post Austin Doctor Turns to Wireless Device to Help Patience Block Chronic Pain appeared first on Capitol Pain Institute.]]>When you’re at home, there are ways to ease the pain you feel in your neck. This is something to look into when you’re first feeling any sort of pain. After a week, it’s better to see a specialist to discuss and better assess your pain.
Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation. Alternating between cold therapy and a heating pad may ease muscle tension. Some patients also find relief using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, which can be part of medication management for pain.
If you think the pain might be from overuse, take a couple of days off from working out or any other activities. The symptoms should slowly fade. In relation to this, neck and shoulder exercise can be beneficial when advised by your physician. Moving your head from side to side can help with any tense muscles. Be mindful of posture throughout the day. Sitting or standing in one position for too long can worsen muscle-related neck pain and increase stress on the cervical spine. Regular movement and ergonomic adjustments can help prevent recurring stiffness.
You can also try getting a gentle neck massage. Long hours of work and built-up stress can easily cause pressure in your neck to become painful. Take some time to relax and have your neck treated to a massage. When it’s time for bed, you can also use a special neck pillow for sleeping.
Notably, these solutions are only good for minor pain in your neck. As mentioned before, you should see a physician if the pain lasts longer than a week. When you talk to them, let them know about any recent injuries, no matter how unrelated they seem to be. Our body is all connected, so something seemingly unrelated might actually help determine the cause.
Headaches can be caused by a lot of different things. For one, stress can be a huge factor for your throbbing head. Common ones are migraine, tension headaches, sinus headaches, and cluster headaches. However, if you’ve been experiencing headaches more than once or twice a month, you should be making an appointment. There are also other warning signs to look for that may need a physician’s advice.
You’ll want to look out for some specific signs and changes in your headaches that a physician can help with. If you’re experiencing abrupt, severe headaches, especially if you’ve never had headaches before, it’s time to make an appointment. Likewise, if the pain in your head is causing confusion, seizures, fever, or difficulty speaking, someone can better aid you after an appointment. When you are no longer experiencing normal stress or hunger headache, your body is likely telling you something else. We’re here to figure that out for you. We’re also here to help manage that pain. Understanding the pain and acknowledging the pain levels is the first step. So, if you’re also experiencing headaches after a recent head injury or new ones when you’re over the age of 55, give us a visit.
There are several ways and options available for those suffering from headaches. We have experts that can listen to your problems and determine which solution is the best for you. Having a team with personalized solutions is just a call away. Headaches are no fun, but your life can go back to being fun.