Kaitlyn Wekerle's blog

Why You Should Consider Alternatives to Painkillers

With so much speculation and controversy surrounding the use of painkillers in chronic pain treatment, ConsumerReports released a 2014 report on the reason Americans should be concerned about opioid medication.  According to reports, approximately 17,000 people die each year from overdosing on drugs such as methadone, morphine, and OxyContin.

Chronic Pain is More Than Physical

Uncontrollable, persistent pain or chronic pain comes and goes in different phases for many. Some chronic pain patients report intermittent or constant pain and mild to severe pain. Chronic pain conditions are subjective, varying in location and persistency. According to growing bodies of research, impactful pain has a great affect on the body’s immune, neurologic, cardiovascular, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems.

Football Injuries & Chronic Pain

If you’re like the millions of Americans who put their lives on hold for Football on Sundays, Mondays, and ok… Thursdays, too, then the following information may be useful. Whether you currently play football for fun or have years of the competitive sport in your past, you may have run into painful injuries a time or two. Football is one of the highest-impact sports in America today and one of the riskiest athletic sports ever.

Caffeine & Headaches-- Trigger or Treatment?

You have probably been told that sugary, caffeinated drinks should be eliminated from your diet to reduce headaches. While this is true, growing research and care plans actually use caffeinated medicines to relieve headaches. Sound confusing? It may seem like an oxy-moron, caffeine and headache treatment, but it is actually one of the most powerful additives to common pain relief medication.

Treating Pain and Improving Function

Chronic pain causes decreased function, interfering with a person’s entire life. People often feel secluded and like prisoners in their own home. Because movement often exacerbates pain, patients use rest as a coping method, which eventually aids in function erosion and even more pain.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, our team of board certified pain specialists are committed to not only connecting patients with effective treatment options, but also giving patients the tools they need to live healthy, happy, and proactive lives. With four locations in Utah, Southwest Spine and Pain Center is the best pain management facility in the entire southwest United States.

Don't Make These 4 Chronic Pain Treatment Mistakes

Chronic pain management isn’t as easy as 1, 2, 3. Sometimes, a diagnosis takes time and patience during which the patient may feel uneasy. Whether you’ve lived with chronic pain your entire life or you are just starting to feel like persistent aches and pains in your back, it is important to not miss a beat in fulfilling all your treatment requirements.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, we give our patients the information they need to successfully complete their treatment. With four convenient locations across Utah, Southwest Spine and Pain Center continues to be Utah’s best pain management facility. If you or someone you know suffers with chronic pain, review these common mistakes people make in treatment and be sure not to make them yourself!

Food Allergies Enhance Chronic Pain

Allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and headaches inevitably cause pain. Maybe this pain isn’t chronic because it can usually be cured with allergy medications and a little T.L.C., but it is painful nonetheless. At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, our pain specialists are equipped with the proper education and clinical experience to not only manage pain, but also give patients the tools to live happy and healthy lives past their pain treatment.

Southwest Spine & Pain Center Recognizes Pain Awareness Month

September is the time of the year that the United States recognizes as Pain Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing social awareness and improving the resources for people living with chronic pain. Often times, people living with chronic pain experience depressive feelings, stress, and anxiety. Treating chronic pain involves addressing other symptoms including psychological ones.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, our board certified pain management specialists believe in a multidisciplinary approach to pain management, coordinating care with any other healthcare providers involved in a patient’s treatment. With locations in Richfield, St. George, Cedar City, and Logan, Southwest Spine and Pain Center is the leading pain management facility in Utah.

Does Eye Color Affect Pain Tolerance?

While age and gender seem like obvious characteristics that can affect pain tolerance, what about eye color? It may appear far-fetched, but a study by Inna Belfer, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor or anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh, found that eye color is a genetic biomarker for pain thresholds.

Pain Management For the Elderly

The most important aspect of pain management for any person is safety. For elderly individuals, this is crucial to relieving pain and improving their quality of life. Pain management can only be effective if the patient is educated about their recovery plan and how they can participate in it, as well.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, we teach pain management and pain education to all of our patients; no matter their age. Elderly individuals deserve specific care and our medical staff takes special precautions when helping these patients. With four locations across Utah, in Richfield, Cedar City, St. George, and Logan, Southwest Spine and Pain Center is the best pain management facility in the entire state.