Fad or Fact? Does Cupping Therapy Really Work?

Submitted by Kaitlyn Wekerle on July 24, 2013

Jennifer Aniston wasn’t getting away from the question that was in the back of all of our minds: What in the world were those circular marks on her back that were seen when she stepped onto the red carpet in May 2013. She’s not the first one whose been seen in public with these unusual markings. Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Simpson, and David Arquette all have snapshots of them with these strange markings.

According to reports, Aniston admitted that the marks were the result from an ancient Chinese treatment called “cupping therapy.” This form of alternative medicine is said to reduce swelling and pain by improving blood flow and the bodily energy referred to as “qi.” Many Chinese cultures believe in improving qi in order to promote wholesome healing.

Licensed acupuncturist,...

Whiplash Headaches: How They Happen and Treatment Options

Submitted by Kaitlyn Wekerle on July 19, 2013

The most common problem after a car accident is chronic headaches as a result of whiplash. This injury often occurs because of a car crash, but could result from a similar injury or trauma. Whiplash is described as a person’s head unexpectedly moving forward and backward from an external force.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, patients who need care for a whiplash injury are assessed and treated based on pain in the neck, back, and head.

The most common symptoms associated with whiplash syndrome are:

Headaches
Neck pain
Upper/lower/mid back pain
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Shoulder pain
Arm pain
Numbness/ tingling

The best way to explain whiplash is to understand what happens when a...

Chronic Pain Relief in Motion

Submitted by Kaitlyn Wekerle on July 17, 2013

In many cases, people who are overweight struggle with cases of chronic pain. The over bearing mass that gets in the way of day-to-day activities takes a toll on the body, in many aspects. An overweight person runs the risk of deteriorating joint health, muscle pain, diabetes, trouble breathing, back pain, and many more diseases.

The medical staff at Southwest Spine and Pain Center designs treatment plans based on every facet of a physical exam. One of the most important factors is the patient’s weight and overall health. If a patient is overweight, the physicians will recommend physical activity and may even refer him or her to another specialist.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, the core goal is to eliminate pain and increase quality of life. Exercise helps reduce...

Upper Back Pain Causes and Relief

Submitted by Kaitlyn Wekerle on July 11, 2013

The most common condition of back pain is developed in the lower back. This leaves us to question what we should hold accountable for upper back pain. This uncommon spinal disorder can cause significant pain and discomfort when it occurs. The team at Southwest Spine and Pain Center is equipped with treatment plans and pain management techniques that is specialized for each patient.

The leading cause for upper back pain is muscular irritation or muscle imbalance. A postural dysfunction is responsible for an irregular position of the joints. This increases wear and tear on joints, ligaments, and muscles.

Upper back pain can also be attributed to an injury of the disc. A thoracic herniated disc or degenerated disc can cause severe pain. These injuries are very rare in the...

Choose an Anti-inflammatory Diet to Reduce Chronic Pain and Arthritis Symptoms

Submitted by Kaitlyn Wekerle on July 10, 2013

The produce isle has a new member in its entourage. Strawberries and Kiwis are making room for cherries in grocery stores this summer. Along with a number of other fruits and vegetables, cherries are a great option that will be sure to excite your anti-inflammatory diet. More than one third of the American population suffers from chronic pain. Medication, physical therapy, and other treatment options aren’t enough to alleviate symptoms. An anti-inflammatory diet is a lifestyle and will help reduce chronic pain and improve other bodily functions.

Southwest Spine and Pain Center treats patients with chronic pain on a daily basis and encourage treatment outside of their facilities. This means encouraging lifestyle choices that promote wellness.

An anti-inflammatory diet aids...

The Grand Opening of the Logan Clinic is Approaching!

Submitted by Kaitlyn Wekerle on July 7, 2013

Southwest Spine and Pain Center exists to provide the finest and most effective treatment plans and patient experience for pain conditions. Currently, the clinic has three locations in St. George, Cedar City, and Richfield. Southwest is proud to announce the grand opening of the Logan clinic on July 15, 2013. The company is expanding their care to better serve the patients in northern Utah. Patients can expect the same, expert care with the addition of Dr. Richardson.

Born and raised in Southwest New Mexico, Dr. Richardson joins the team at the Logan clinic to offer his expertise in diagnosing and treating pain patients. Dr. Richardson attended Brigham Young University but later transferred universities. He graduated from Chicago State University with high honors and an...

Treating Sciatica and Chronic Pain Symptoms

Submitted by Kaitlyn Wekerle on July 3, 2013

Sciatica, pain along the sciatic nerve, can be extremely draining. Patients usually feel weakness and numbness in the leg after an injury or forceful pressure on the sciatic nerve. Chronic pain is no stranger to this condition either. If a person leaves their sciatica untreated, they can expect a slue of painful symptoms. At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, physicians accurately and efficiently diagnose and treat patients who suffer with sciatica. Sciatica pain can be overwhelming at times, and our clinic is here to offer some advice for treating your symptoms at home.

The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and extends down the back of each leg to the ankle. Typically, sciatica will only affect one side of the body, but there are cases where it demonstrated symptoms on both...

Options for Treating Cervical Spine Degeneration

Submitted by Kaitlyn Wekerle on June 28, 2013

A lot of times, chronic low back and neck pain goes untreated. People think that their back pain is just the result of sitting in an awkward position or irritated muscles from an intense workout. Because of this disregard, people often live with low back and neck pain for the rest of their life.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, the physicians and entire medical staff work effortlessly to ensure all patients get the best treatment for their condition. Cervical disc degeneration is accompanied with chronic low back pain. A physical exam will determine which pain management therapy will effectively improve a patient’s symptoms and reduce pain before introducing surgery as an option.

Running, even walking, becomes difficult when you live with chronic pain. When a patient...

Freezing Nerves to Relieve Chronic Pain

Submitted by Kaitlyn Wekerle on June 26, 2013

Treatment options for chronic pain seem to be endless. Because chronic pain comes in so many forms and affects patients differently, physicians typically want to have unlimited options for their patients, especially those who want to avoid surgery. A new form of treatment for chronic pain from nerve damage, called cyroneurolysis, has shown positive short-term results.

Southwest Spine and Pain Center’s medical staff offers nothing but the best options for their patients. In order to do so, the team monitors treatment results that prove to be safe and effective.

Cyroneurolysis is administered by cooling a small probe to about 10 to -16 degrees Celsius. The probe is placed on the area of pain and essentially freezes the nerve root in which the pain signals are traveling...

An Alternative to Joint Replacement Surgery?

Submitted by Kaitlyn Wekerle on June 21, 2013

Your future with osteoarthritis won’t have to end with joint replacement. Or at least that is what researchers from a Johns Hopkins study are saying. According to their findings, the development of osteoarthritis may not be solely from the deterioration of cartilage, but rather a surplus of bone that stretches the cartilage. Dr. Xu Cao, the lead researcher on the study, recently appeared in the Nature Medicine journal and explained the process. At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, osteoarthritis patients are constantly seeking more conservative forms for treatment, and this study may be the starting point for future developments.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 27 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis. Most commonly affecting adults 65...

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