If you had chickenpox as a child, you may be at risk of developing shingles as an adult, as both conditions are produced by the same virus: varicella-zoster. Even after the condition has improved and symptoms have disappeared, people never truly recover from the disease. The virus lies dormant in the body and has the potential to resurface later in life. Research suggests that the virus comes back as an individual gets older and their immune system becomes weaker. The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are able to help patients understand what shingles pain is and how to prevent it from becoming chronic. 

Yoga is a complementary medical practice that can be used as a possible pain treatment. During a yoga session, the yoga instructor walks his or her students through a series of poses and breathing exercises. Yoga has been known to help patients with osteoarthritis, back pain, and other musculoskeletal problems by strengthening muscles and improving flexibility for better mobility and less pain. In addition, several studies have linked exercise to a better emotional state due to the neurotransmitters released at the time. So not only could yoga reduce stress, but also it could have lasting effects on pain reduction when paired with other treatments received at Southwest Spine and Pain. While yoga focuses on the mind and whole body, there are certain poses that specifically strengthen...

Sciatica typically occurs from a herniated disc or narrowing of the spinal canal. These actions can cause sciatic pain that begins in the lower back and travels down the legs. Although preventing sciatica generally goes hand-in-hand with preventing spine disorders or condition, there are some health factors, like age or a history of poor spine health, that could increase a person’s risk. Nevertheless, patients should start paying attention to their body mechanics. Studies over the years have indicated body movements and certain positions could increase your risk of sciatica. 

Four things patients should keep in-check throughout their day includes: posture, sitting position, lifting technique and sleeping....

Living in chronic pain may force you to modify your life a little. If you love hiking, you may need to pass up hiking Mt. Everest and settle for a flat, even-path overlooking Utah’s gorgeous mountain views. If you used to be a gym buff, you may need to exercise at a slower pace and opt for a yoga class over something as strenuous as CrossFit. Although these modifications can make living with chronic pain a little more tolerable, there really isn’t a way to “modify” how you parent. 

Our team recently reviewed an article in Slate Magazine titled, “Parenting With Chronic Pain.” This article described the struggle we often hear from patients. It was a heartbreaking story about a...