Pain

Golf Injuries and Protecting the Spine

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/27/2013 - 8:37am

Warm weather, clear skies, and fresh greens are all a golfer could ask for. For the advocate, practice makes perfect, and when you couple free time with good weather, they will indeed be practicing their swing on the course. Unfortunately, a perfect swing and the repetitive motion can place a lot of stress on the lower back.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, sports injuries, specifically golf, are common amongst patients. Activities that require repetitive motion can cause degenerative problems and promote pain. With our experienced medical team and dedication to providing excellent care, we hope to deliver a beneficial treatment plan.

Dirty Dancing's Jennifer Grey Sustains Ruptured Disc on Dancing with the Stars

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/25/2013 - 9:45am

Most women only dream of dancing alongside Patrick Swayze and being lifted and spun in the air in the last act of a summer camp show. For Jennifer Grey, that was a reality. In 2010, “Dancing with the Stars” producers invited Grey to participate in the dancing competition and her 1980s role in Dirty Dancing paid off. Grey went on to win the show’s 11th season.

Grey didn’t win the show with ease, however. During the competition, Grey sustained numerous neck complications. The night before her last dance, Grey was hospitalized for a ruptured disc in her lower back.

Good Posture For Good Cervical Spine Health

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/20/2013 - 8:11am

We do all that we can to eliminate back pain. Some cases require physical therapy and epidural injections, while others may require more aggressive therapies such as surgery. When managing back pain, we want to alter our lifestyles to best accommodate for this. One of the simplest ways is to work on posture.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, we provide pain management strategies not only for office visits, but for patients to take home with them as well. Good posture not only makes us look younger, but it also eliminates the hunch, promotes good health and mood, and reduces pain.

Upper Abdominal Spine Pain

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/18/2013 - 10:15am

Most often, patients seek back and spine pain assistance for lower back pain. According to experts, the most common causes of back pain include aging, arthritis, a herniated disc, or a condition such as scoliosis.

However, upper back pain can be just as debilitating as low back pain if not treated immediately. Upper abdominal pain is a term that describes pain in a different location than the spine damage.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center patients can expect a comprehensive and expert assessment followed by a complete treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs and goals. Lower and upper spine pain are conditions that are regularly treated at all of our Utah clinics.

Pain Education For Elderly Persons

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/11/2013 - 10:31am

Many people believe that old age is the reason for pain for people over 65. This is partly true. As we get older, our body changes: our bones become a little weaker, our backs aren’t as sturdy as they once were, and our eyesight loses its strength. However, old age isn’t the only source of the problem. There is always a real condition behind these aches and pain.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, our medical staff strives to give proper diagnoses and pain education for the elderly patients who are looking for more reasoning than, “You’re getting older.” It is important that all of our patients recognize the relationship between aging and pain so they are equipped with knowledge during pain-related events.

Cholesterol Medications Linked to Muscle and Joint Problems

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/30/2013 - 9:37am

The June 3, 2013 JAMA Internal Medicine online publication reported findings from a study concerning statin drugs linked to an increased risk for muscle and joint diseases as well as strains, sprains, and dislocations. Statin medications are used for cholesterol control and prevention of heart disease. However, researchers found that statins, such as Zocor and Lipitor, may contribute to muscle weakness, cramps, and tendon problems.

Metal Hip Implants May Cause Tissue Damage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/23/2013 - 8:42am

In the past, artificial joints were most often considered with metal implants. However, recent statements have reported the damaging side effects that a metal-on-metal hip implant can cause. According to Fox news, The US Food and Drug Administration stated that metal implants can cause severe tissue and bone damage.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, surgeons carefully evaluate every patient to ensure that an implant will outweigh the benefits of an alternative hip system. The Southwest team applies nonsurgical therapies before considering surgical means for treatment.

When Will Robert Griffin III Return To The Field?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/21/2013 - 11:25am

Fans of the Washington Redskins football team are anxiously awaiting news on the breakout superstar quarterback, Robert Griffin III, known to diehards as RG3. Griffin suffered two ACL tears requiring knee surgery and rehabilitation. In the training camps, his coach and others were optimistic that he would return to the field ready to go, but now that the regulation season is getting closer, there is certainly some hesitation.

In the preseason matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, RG3 sat on the bench again, and the team’s PR gurus were quick to deny any reports that RG3 may sit out the first few regulation games of the season. In fact, rumor mills are churning that we may not see RG3 in a game until October 13, which is week six of the regulation season.

Poor Shoe Choices Lead to Poor Foot Health

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/16/2013 - 3:01pm

Many people don’t realize that back problems and foot conditions can actually be the result of the shoes we wear. At least 75 percent of Americans will experience foot pain during their lifetime, and the majority will be women. Society has created the image of a woman in high platform shoes as being sophisticated, poised, and beautiful. Most women are guilty of falling into the trap and end up paying for the price of beauty.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, patients receive ample one-on-one time with a physician to go over their condition and what steps need to be made to improve pain. Offering the best pain management strategies and exceptional patient care, Southwest Spine and Pain Center caters to each patient individually.

Physical Therapy Versus Surgery for Knee Pain

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/09/2013 - 2:56pm

The decision between physical therapy a surgery for a knee injury can sometimes be a difficult one. Elena Losina, a professor of orthopedic surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, says that “there are patients who would like to get better in a ‘fix me’ approach” and many times, surgery will do that. However, a recent study found that physical therapy could be just as effective as surgery- and cheaper, too!

Southwest Spine and Pain Center is the premier pain care facility that caters to patients who suffer from joint pain, back pain, neuropathy pain, and much more. A conservative approach to treatment is typically sought before recommending surgery to handle a diagnosis.