Our spine is one of the most important parts of our body, yet we often take it for granted. We use it every day without giving much thought to its health and well-being. However, when spine pain strikes, it can be debilitating and affect our daily lives in ways we never imagined. Ignoring spine pain is a mistake that can have serious consequences, and it’s one that you simply can’t afford to make. The Importance of Our Spine Our spine is made up of 33 individual bones called vertebrae, which are stacked on top of each other like building blocks and interspersed by discs.  These vertebrae ..read more

As much as we love to travel and explore new places, it can be a daunting experience for those who suffer from back pain. The long hours of sitting in cramped airplane seats or enduring bumpy car rides can trigger discomfort and worsen the condition. However, this shouldn’t stop you from having an enjoyable trip! With proper preparation and some helpful tips, traveling with back pain can be a more comfortable and manageable experience. Understanding Back Pain Back pain is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can range from mild discomfort to debilitating agon ..read more

Are you dealing with chronic pain? If so, then it might be time to consider if your diet is part of the problem. Eating an unhealthy diet can seriously affect your whole body’s health and worsen existing chronic pain. On the flip side, eating a healthy diet could help improve how your body deals with persistent pain disorders. Let us look at why food choices make such a big difference in managing chronic pain and practical tips on transitioning to healthier eating habits. Why Diet Matters for Chronic Pain When it comes to managing chronic pain, your diet can be a major factor in determining ho ..read more

Are you struggling with the pain of osteoarthritis? You’re not alone! Osteoarthritis is a common condition caused by wear and tear on the joints. It affects millions of people. While it can be debilitating, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms better. With the proper diet and regular exercise, you can improve strength, reduce inflammation, and even repair cartilage damage. Read on to discover how making simple changes in lifestyle habits has helped countless individuals living with this chronic joint condition. Understanding Osteoarthritis Before delving into the role of diet a ..read more

Do you suffer from chronic headaches? If yes, you are not alone. An estimated 47% of adults in the United States will experience at least one headache a year. Some more frequently and some less. However, those who suffer from recurring or daily headaches face unique challenges unlike anyone else. Living with chronic pain can dictate their movements, moods, energy levels, sleeping patterns, and even social activities throughout the day. Let’s explore how living with these types of headaches really affects your daily life from difficulty concentrating to difficulties performing tasks usually tak ..read more

Chronic pain can be a debilitating experience, leaving many feeling hopeless and discouraged in their search for relief. We often turn to traditional painkillers such as opioids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but they may not be effective, and their long-term potential side effects, including drowsiness, addiction risk, and gastrointestinal issues, can make them less than ideal solutions. Then there are other neuropathic medication classes that have their own side effects and drug interactions.  You may not have heard of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). This cutting ..read more

All medical procedures carry some risks, and surgical and medication risks are no exception. Each of us is unique, and what may be right for one might not apply to another. That’s why it’s crucial to discuss individual risk factors and a plan with your managing clinician before deciding whether to stop or continue your current medication for a procedure. This helps minimize the risks of any potential complications and ensures that you receive the optimum care based on your specific needs. When it comes to preparing for surgery, it’s important to discuss how certain medications might impact the ..read more

The spine is a complex and intricate structure that helps us stand upright, move and bend, throughout our daily lives. In addition, the spinal nerves originating from the spinal cord traverse the spine to reach the upper and lower extremities and the trunk.  Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the most common causes of pain in the spine that can become debilitating if left untreated. To help understand DDD, here is the information that may be useful to you. Degenerative disc disease occurs when the disks between your vertebrae become worn down with age or from overuse. These discs n ..read more

It is no secret that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise. In the United States alone, it is estimated that over 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a number that is expected to more than triple by the year 2050.  Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability due to disease or injury. In relation, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. The cause of most cases of dementia is unknown. However, some known risk factors include age, family history, and certain medical conditions. Symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the underl ..read more

Acetaminophen is a very commonly used pain reliever and fever reducer. It is available over the counter, or by prescription, either by itself or in combination with other medications. Most of us are aware of Tylenol, a commonly used brand of acetaminophen in the United States.  It works by reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are hormones that play a role in pain and inflammation. In otherwise healthy people, acetaminophen is generally safe when taken as directed. The most common side effect of acetaminophen is mild stomach pain. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomi ..read more