Pain

Worsening Postures And Back Pain Due To Phones And Tablets

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/06/2015 - 9:00am

Although smartphones and tablets are no doubt convenient to use, these devices can result in serious back pain and bad posture. Mobile devices aren’t the only culprits though, bad posture can also occur while reading a book, sitting at a desk, watching television, etc., it just depends on how you’re sitting or standing while doing these activities.

The pain management physicians at Southwest Spine and Pain Center treat patients with chronic back and neck pain on a consistent basis and witness how debilitating these conditions can be for daily functioning. Therefore, in an effort to prevent the likelihood of others suffering from neck aches and other symptoms, the team is sharing ways to maintain a good posture while using phone and tablets.

Can Certain Psychological Or Physical Conditions Lead To Pain?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/27/2015 - 9:00am

Somatization disorder develops in individuals suffering from emotional distress and can cause physical symptoms like headaches, chest and back pain, nausea, fatigue and dizziness. Psychosomatic disorder is another general term for a physical condition that is caused, or made worse by, mental factors. The team at Southwest Spine and Pain Center understands overcoming chronic pain requires more than just modern medicine—it requires a positive attitude too. Therefore, the pain management physicians are sharing what psychological and physical conditions can eventually lead to chronic pain symptoms.

Psychological Conditions

What Causes Face Pain? (Trigeminal Neuralgia)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/18/2015 - 9:00am

Face pain, or trigeminal neuralgia, is usually caused by a nerve disorder that creates electric-shock-like pain throughout the lower face and jaw, and/or anywhere near the nose, ears, eyes or lips. Patients suffering from this condition usually describe the pain as “intense” or “burning.” According to Medical News Today, roughly 45,000 people in the U.S. and one million people worldwide have trigeminal neuralgia. Additionally, this chronic condition is twice as common in women and rarely affects people under the age of 40.

Five Common Causes of Back Pain

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/11/2015 - 9:00am

There are a number of situations that can create and/or exacerbate back pain: poor posture, walking in heels, sleeping on an old, uncomfortable mattress, etc. Regardless of the reason, back pain is largely preventable and can be avoided by making relatively easy lifestyle changes. The team at Southwest Spine and Pain Center is addressing the five most common causes of back pain and what to do if you’ve already fallen victim to the condition.

Common Injuries in Football

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/28/2015 - 12:54pm

With Super Bowl XLIX starting in 4 days, the team at Southwest Spine and Pain Center wants to discuss common football injuries. Moreover, what can be done to reduce pain caused by these injuries. Without further ado, below are some of the most common injuries professional football players sustain.

Sprains, strains and tears account for 40% of injuries. This typically includes:

  • Anterior and posterior cruciate ligament tears (ACL; PCL)
  • Medial collateral tears (MCL)
  • Torn rotator cuff
  • Wrist, knee and ankle sprains

Contusions account for 24% of injuries. This typically includes:

Implications Of Prolonging/Avoiding Treatment

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/16/2015 - 8:07am

Certain spinal and/or chronic pain conditions can be tricky for patients to manage. For example, if a patient is prescribed a pain medication and does not use it appropriately, serious health issues can occur. Another example may include a spine fracture patient forgetting or purposefully putting off a treatment or surgery for an extended period of time. No matter how you look at, spine and pain conditions can place a heavy burden on patients, and if not taken care of by a trained professional, can have serious implications. The specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are cognizant of this and want patients to understand the ramifications avoiding or prolonging the time between treatments can have.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Chronic Pain

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/24/2014 - 6:34am

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center in Utah, our pain management doctors understand that chronic pain can make other conditions worse, or can be made worse by other conditions. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD can be related to chronic pain conditions, just as depression can.

There are no true identified causes of SAD, but many experts believe that it is related to hormonal changes in the brain that occur at certain times of the year. It is thought that the lack of daylight in the winter time may also contribute, as the brain makes less serotonin, which is a chemical linked to regulation of mood.

Weather & Headaches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/19/2014 - 8:23am

Changes in the weather can be major triggers for those enduring chronic migraines. Bright sunlight, high humidity, dry air, extreme wind and drastic changes in temperature can all cause imbalances in brain chemicals, causing migraines.

The double-board certified pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center provide comprehensive pain care. They know that whether you’re suffering from acute or chronic pain, living your life to the fullest is what’s important. Therefore, if you suffer from migraines that are triggered by weather, there are a few things you can do to lessen their effects.

Movement is the Best Treatment for Back Pain

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/28/2014 - 6:12am

For those who are experiencing chronic back pain, movement may seem like it will cause more pain, and rest should make it better. At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, our pain management specialists will often recommend movement to help relieve chronic back pain, and will advise against immobilizing and rest.

One of the best pieces of advice to try to stick to if you work at a computer is to get up at least twice an hour to move around, stretch, and walk a bit. The average American sits six or more hours per day, and in addition to other chronic health conditions, this can lead to chronic back pain.

How To Host A Thanksgiving Party Without Pain

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/14/2014 - 9:39am

It’s Thanksgiving, and guess who’s hosting this year? Why, you of course! On one hand, seeing family and friends will be the cherry on top of a perfect year! On the other, your chronic pain symptoms are undoubtedly going to get in the way of hosting this event.

You may have mixed feelings about hosting this year’s Thanksgiving festivities (completely understandable), but do not panic! The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are here to help. Consider these tips for hosting your Thanksgiving meal or party this year, without pain.

1. Plan Ahead