Nerve pain, also called neuropathic pain, arises from various conditions such as diabetes, infections, or injuries, which affect the nervous system's function. This type of pain is distinct from typical pain caused by cuts or bruises, as it involves abnormalities in how nerves transmit signals to the brain. Overall, nerve pain can stem from a wide range of conditions. Many diseases or injuries can affect the nervous system, highlighting the diverse nature of neuropathic pain and the importance of tailored treatment approaches. What Causes Nerve Pain? Nerve or neuropathic pain can arise from va ..read more

Migraine, a neurological condition characterized by intense throbbing headaches, affects millions of individuals worldwide. According to the NIH, up to 2% of people worldwide suffer from chronic migraines. Chronic migraines are medical conditions that cause headaches at least 15 days a month. Eight of those days typically also have migraine symptoms, such as an aura. These headaches must persist for at least three months to be considered chronic. Chronic migraines, particularly those with aura, pose significant challenges, often debilitating those who suffer from them. Despite conventional tre ..read more

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), once dubbed the "suicide disease," is a rare but profoundly disabling condition characterized by persistent, severe pain primarily affecting one limb, typically after trauma or injury. According to studies cited by the National Institute of Health, this syndrome remains underdiagnosed, with an estimated prevalence ranging from 5.46 to 26.2 per 100,000 individuals annually. Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment CRPS is often difficult to diagnose, and patients can experience significant pain as different treatments are tried and ultimately fail. Analgesic ..read more

Lumbar pain, often described as a relentless ache or sharp discomfort in the lower back region, is an all-encompassing experience that can profoundly impact one's daily life. It resides in the lumbar spine, the lower portion of the backbone, encompassing the five vertebrae between the rib cage and the pelvis. This area is a crucial support structure for the body, bearing the upper body's weight while facilitating movement and flexibility. People living with lumbar pain often sacrifice their mobility to avoid hurting themselves or feeling worse. Getting specialized pain management can help rest ..read more

People who live with chronic pain face many challenges in day-to-day life. It can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of life, from work to personal relationships. For a long time, doctors felt comfortable simply prescribing narcotic pain medication long-term to help people cope with painful chronic conditions. Today, there are better options. Relying on opioids for pain management is not the only solution, and it may not even be the most effective or safest option in the long run. Choosing alternative therapies can help you take control of your pain management. When you work with a pain s ..read more

Opioid dependence primarily refers to the physiological adaptation to opioids, while opioid use disorder encompasses a broader range of symptoms and behaviors related to problematic opioid use, including dependence. OUD is a clinical diagnosis that takes into account the impact of opioid use on an individual's life and functioning. Opioid use disorder (OUD) and opioid dependence are related but distinct concepts in the realm of substance use disorders. Understanding Opioid Dependence Opioid dependence typically refers to when a person's body has adapted to the presence of opioids. This adaptat ..read more

Two new lawsuits have been resolved in North Carolina's quest for justice against opioid profiteers. In a bid to combat the devastating grip of opioid addiction, the North Carolina Department of Justice has resolved two more groundbreaking multistate settlements for their role in the opioid epidemic. These suits were seeking justice for the opioid epidemic and peddlers of Oxycontin, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against opioid abuse. Publicis Health's Lawsuit and Role in the Epidemic The more significant settlement, a colossal $350 million national agreement with Publicis Heal ..read more

Shedding light on a statewide crisis is the mission behind the nonprofit "Know Hope North Carolina," according to a news report on WECT. In 2021, over 4,000 North Carolina residents lost their lives to opioid overdoses, each with a story to tell. Each had friends and family members left behind, many a sad void that they still grapple with daily. And now, a billboard will show the faces behind the statistics. "It's a nonprofit aimed at honoring the memory of those we've lost, offering hope to those in the throes of addiction, and providing support to those in recovery," explained Freida MacDona ..read more

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a complex medical condition that can affect just about anyone of any age -- from any walk of life. It can target people who suffer from co-occurring disorders, including depression. While certain risk factors may make certain individuals more vulnerable to developing OUD, the disorder does not discriminate. Adolescents and young adults may be more susceptible to OUD due to the ongoing development of the brain's frontal cortex, which governs decision-making and impulse control. Some people with a history of chronic pain or mental health disorders like depression or ..read more

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid primarily used for pain management, especially during sedation or with people who experience severe pain from trauma or illnesses like cancer. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, part of the body's natural pain control system. When a person uses fentanyl, it can have significant and potentially dangerous effects on the brain and nervous system, especially if it is unregulated and bought on the street. It is a highly addictive drug, and yet a very popular drug among people with opioid use disorder. How Fentanyl Effects the ..read more