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How to Help a Friend Deal with Chronic Back Pain

Submitted by Chelsey Ballarte on July 1, 2015

Back pain is the second most common reason for people to visit their primary care physician (the first being the common cold), according to the American Chiropractic Association. That being said, you may know someone suffering from chronic back pain. If your friend or loved one has been diagnosed with chronic back pain, there are many ways you can help them cope with their discomfort. 

First, do your research....

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Traveling with Pain

Submitted by Chelsey Ballarte on June 26, 2015

Thinking of traveling outside of Utah this summer? Vacations are supposed to be refreshing and relaxing, but unfortunately, chronic pain conditions combined with a change in routine can get in the way of enjoying your vacation.  

To enjoy your time away to the fullest, there may be some questions you should consider.

How is the weather where you are going? Is it humid or dry? While researchers are still trying to figure out why, many patients suffering from joint pain report that their pain gets worse in humid climates, or when it is about to rain. If you plan on walking a lot in a climate like this, consider packing light. You do not need excessive weight on your joints to bring more pain in...

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Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection

Submitted by Rachel Cohen on June 19, 2015
30-Second Blog “Snapshot:”
 
  • A caudal epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that may benefit patients suffering from chronic pain in the low back, rectal or groin.
  • The procedure injects a pain medication through an opening in the sacrum, which is the triangular bone located in the low back.
  • The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center discuss the benefits of a caudal epidural steroid injection for certain chronic pain conditions.

A caudal epidural steroid injection contains a combination of steroid medications and anesthetics to reduce the swelling, pain and discomfort of irritated...

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Arachnoiditis- Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Submitted by Rachel Cohen on June 17, 2015

30-Second Blog “Snapshot:”

  • Arachnoiditis is a neurological pain condition that causes the arachnoid, a membrane that protects nerves in the spinal cord and brain, to become inflamed.
  • Inflammation of the arachnoid creates constant irritation, scar tissue to form around the spinal nerves, and binding of blood vessels and nerve roots, which in turn causes chronic, debilitating pain.
  • The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center discuss the causes, symptoms and treatments for arachnoiditis.

Causes
Arachnoiditis may be caused by a number of things, but some of the most common occurrences or incidents include:

  • A direct injury to the spine
  • A bacterial or...
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Physical Pain Is In Sync With Emotional Pain

Submitted by Rachel Cohen on June 12, 2015

30-Second Blog "Snapshot:"

  • Chronic stress can produce many physical symptoms like exhaustion, loss of appetite and chronic pain.
  • Studies over the years have shown chronic pain may be caused by both physical injury or trauma and emotional issues.
  • The team at Southwest Spine and Pain Center discusses how physical pain and emotional pain are connected to one another.

Anxiety and stress can have physical ramifications if not controlled through counseling or some kind of behavioral health therapy. A number of studies have indicated stress can constrict the muscles and nerves, causing physical pain. The physical discomfort is often a signal to the brain that emotional traumas needs to be resolved to reduce tension and...

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Southwest Spine and Pain Center Introduces Behavioral Health Program

Submitted by Rachel Cohen on June 10, 2015

30-Second Blog “Snapshot:”

  • Behavioral health is an integral part of pain management that, unfortunately, very few practices utilize to ensure overall wellness.
  • When people receive treatment that is centered around improving their overall wellbeing, more often than not their quality of life improves as well.
  • The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are pleased to announce the practice’s newest component: the behavioral health program.

Behavioral health is defined as the study of a person’s emotions, behaviors and biology, and how it relates to their mental wellbeing and ability to function in every day life. Many psychologists, psychiatrists and other specialists would agree that “...

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Phantom Limb Pain Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Submitted by Rachel Cohen on June 5, 2015

30-Second Blog “Snapshot:”

  • Phantom limb pain is a condtion that produces discomfort for those who’ve had an arm or limb amputated.
  • This phenomenon may also exist in individuals who’ve lost other body parts like the eyes, tongue, breasts, genitalia, etc.
  • The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center discuss the causes, symptoms and treatment options for those with phantom limb pain.

Causes

Phantom limb pain is a complex condition that causes pain or discomfort in a limb or body part that no longer exists. For many years, scientists and researchers believed phantom limb pain was psychological, but a number of...

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Shingles Vaccine Reduces Risk of Long-Term Pain Among Patients

Submitted by Rachel Cohen on June 3, 2015

30-Second Blog “Snapshot:”

  • The shingles vaccine may not prevent the disease, but studies indicate it is still beneficial for lowering the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
  • Post-herpetic neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that is considered a complication of the shingles virus.
  • The leaders of Utah pain management at Southwest Spine and Pain Center discuss a study regarding the reduced risk of chronic pain for those who receive the shingles vaccination.

The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center provide a number of treatment options to help relieve chronic pain from shingles. As we mentioned in our blog “...

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Anxiety And Chronic Pain Sufferers Share Biological Mechanism

Submitted by Rachel Cohen on May 29, 2015

30-Second Blog “Snapshot:”

  • According to a study published in Medical Daily, anxiety may be biologically linked to chronic pain.
  • A team of researchers from three different countries identified the biological mechanism between neurons and an area in the brain where anxiety and pain sufferers experience more activity.
  • The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center explain why anxiety and chronic pain sufferers share a biological mechanism.

Researchers from various countries worked together to identify the biological mechanism between neurons and the anterior...

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Personality Influences Chronic Back Pain

Submitted by Rachel Cohen on May 22, 2015

30-Second Blog “Snapshot:”

  • A study from Manchester Metropolitan University in England found a patient’s level of anxiety and defensiveness is directly correlated with how they view their chronic pain.
  • Defensive, highly-anxious individuals are more likely to show persistence in the pain management system, according to the study.
  • The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center explain how personality influences chronic back pain.

The study, conducted by researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University in England, looked into the personality types of 70 test participants. These individuals were separated into 4 groups:

  • Defensive high-anxious (DHA)
  • High-anxious (HA)
    • ...
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