A key to understanding why migraines and head pain are so misunderstood is by realizing just how complicated our brains really are. Our human brains–the foundation of how we experience pain and memory–are vastly complex. Of course, realizing this in a theoretical way is much different than actually understanding it in a literal way. Thankfully, a collection of TED…
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD, also known as TMJ) affect the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. This joint offers a full range of motion for daily activities including chewing or talking. There are multiple causes of TMD, which can include grinding or clenching the teeth, dislocation of the jaw, or even arthritis.…
Headache pain is generally divided into four separate types: migraines, cluster-type headaches, tension-type headaches, and secondary headaches (as a result of another condition or as a side effect of treatment). Each of these can be severe enough to impact daily life, and each of them can benefit from a treatment called neuromodulation for head pain.…
Headaches and migraines are unfortunately common, but invisible to many. Over 42 million people in the U.S. suffer from headaches and migraines. During Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, the National Headache Foundations asks people to share their stories of suffering with head pain to show others that they aren’t alone. Why is Migraine and Headache Awareness…
Acupuncture can be used for a wide variety of conditions from sports injuries to help alleviate pain from cancer treatment. Consider these top five benefits of acupuncture. If your doctor at NVCPC thinks you’d be a good candidate for acupuncture, they’ll refer you to a trusted provider. It’s an alternative treatment with very few side…
Food and dietary supplements can have big benefits for health and wellness. Unfortunately, however, there are more than a few unsafe supplements sold today. Why are there unsafe supplements on the market? In the U.S., dietary supplements themselves fall into a regulatory black hole. They’re not drugs, so they can’t be outright banned. They’re also…
The misuse and abuse of opioid medications have a very real impact on all of our lives. This is true for chronic pain patients, family or friends of those with pain, or members of the community. Prescription opioids claim more than 46 deaths every day from overdoses. Because of these alarming statistics, many groups are coming…
When faced with the need to medicate for chronic pain, patients need to feel comfortable asking questions and taking control of their care. Opioids are a common treatment for many pain issues. However, there are some risks with them and it is important to be aware of them. That’s especially true for those that have…
Back pain is often caused by simple things–poor posture, excessive sitting, excessive weight, or injuries from sports or repetitive movements. However, there is a category of causes that are a bit more ironic in their nature, but also possibly more dangerous. Back pain may occur after spinal surgery due to movements in the discs or…
Often we get so caught up in the right kind of exercise that we don’t notice the calorie burning activities that we do each and every day. If the thought of going to the gym sets you on edge, consider adding a few more of these everyday activities into your routine to boost your fitness…