Kaitlyn Wekerle's blog

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.

Scientists at John Hopkins University continuously study osteoarthritis and different aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and eventually what will best benefit the patient. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting about 27 million Americans, and remarkably does not have a cure.

Researchers theorize that this degenerative disease is not solely a cartilage problem, but also a condition that breaks down the bone underneath the cartilage and exacerbates the pain and damage.

Offering the best spine and pain care in all of Utah, Southwest Spine and Pain Center continues to provide incomparable care for all of our patients.

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.

It’s no surprise that osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. As fast-paced Americans, we are constantly straining and overusing our bodies to better assimilate our lifestyles. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 26.7 million adult American suffer from osteoarthritis. Currently, patients can receive treatment in the form of medication, therapy, injections, and surgery.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, patients receive incomparable care coupled with numerous treatment plans catered to their specific condition. The team at Southwest Spine and Pain implement effective pain management strategies to return patients back to a mobile lifestyle.

Many would agree that avoiding surgery is ideal for most chronic pain sufferers. If there are behavioral therapies and exercises that can reduce pain symptoms, then that is what should be applied before any kind of surgery talk.

Pain management specialists will recommend a slue of treatments that patients can do at home. By eating healthy, exercising regularly, and following further instructions from a doctor such as medication or physiotherapy, patients may find significant relief without considering surgery.

When first introduced into the medical world, pain was frequently ignored and seen as purely a psychological condition that was manifested in a person’s head. Since then, scientists and physicians learned the interdependencies between the brain, nervous system, and the body. Doctors have refined their practices to offer effective treatments to reduce pain and target psychological conditions associated with their pain. People with multiple conditions, such as anxiety and depression, often feel hypersensitive and need treatment that targets all aspects of their mental health.

Jennifer Aniston wasn’t getting away from the question that was in the back of all of our minds: What in the world were those circular marks on her back that were seen when she stepped onto the red carpet in May 2013. She’s not the first one whose been seen in public with these unusual markings. Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Simpson, and David Arquette all have snapshots of them with these strange markings.

According to reports, Aniston admitted that the marks were the result from an ancient Chinese treatment called “cupping therapy.” This form of alternative medicine is said to reduce swelling and pain by improving blood flow and the bodily energy referred to as “qi.” Many Chinese cultures believe in improving qi in order to promote wholesome healing.

The most common problem after a car accident is chronic headaches as a result of whiplash. This injury often occurs because of a car crash, but could result from a similar injury or trauma. Whiplash is described as a person’s head unexpectedly moving forward and backward from an external force.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, patients who need care for a whiplash injury are assessed and treated based on pain in the neck, back, and head.

The most common symptoms associated with whiplash syndrome are:

In many cases, people who are overweight struggle with cases of chronic pain. The over bearing mass that gets in the way of day-to-day activities takes a toll on the body, in many aspects. An overweight person runs the risk of deteriorating joint health, muscle pain, diabetes, trouble breathing, back pain, and many more diseases.

The medical staff at Southwest Spine and Pain Center designs treatment plans based on every facet of a physical exam. One of the most important factors is the patient’s weight and overall health. If a patient is overweight, the physicians will recommend physical activity and may even refer him or her to another specialist.

The most common condition of back pain is developed in the lower back. This leaves us to question what we should hold accountable for upper back pain. This uncommon spinal disorder can cause significant pain and discomfort when it occurs. The team at Southwest Spine and Pain Center is equipped with treatment plans and pain management techniques that is specialized for each patient.

The leading cause for upper back pain is muscular irritation or muscle imbalance. A postural dysfunction is responsible for an irregular position of the joints. This increases wear and tear on joints, ligaments, and muscles.