Opioids are a class of medication derived from the opium plant. Their primary function in medicine today is for pain relief and to sedate patients. These medications have a history that spans thousands of years. Often, opioids have a negative reputation because their propensity to be addictive; however, used responsibly they can be effective for…
Last week we talked the biggest benefits of exercise, from reduced risk of early death to combatting pain. Since we know that exercise is crucial for pain patients, we’re tackling this topic again this week. If your doctor has already approved you for exercise, it can be one of the most beneficial additions to your overall…
When you’re living with the effects of chronic pain it can be difficult if not impossible to see how physical activity can keep you healthy. Pain affects your ability to move naturally. It can also cause depression and anxiety that stops you in your tracks when you do decide to try something new. However, the…
New Year’s Eve marks a night of, oftentimes, overindulgence, excess, and general celebration. For 45% of people in the U.S., however, the next day turns towards more positive, healthy goals and resolutions for the coming year. How did that transition happen and when did the practice of New Year’s resolutions start? Why do we make…
The holidays are a time for being with family, relaxing, and making those memories that we’ll reflect on for years to come. Pain, however, is never mindful of the day or the week. Often, with the stress of keeping up with the general merriment and being constantly “on,” we can create pain flare-ups in days…
With some basic exercises, you may be able to improve overall health, physique, and even find benefits for injury rehabilitation. Pilates is a physical fitness system designed by Joseph Pilates. It has millions of practitioners worldwide following its development in the early twentieth century. The exercise routine focuses on the core muscle groups and emphasizes…
Yoga, or even modified stretching, is a great way to relieve pain. However, when we spend more time at work than we do at home it can be hard to fit it into our schedules. There may be something that can help. Have you ever heard of office yoga? The idea is to take frequent stretch…
Do you remember that burning feeling in your mouth after you’ve eaten a particularly hot pepper? That heat is created by a chemical found in peppers called capsaicin. There is even a culture of foodies in the United States who aim to eat some of the the hottest peppers in the world containing this chemical. While…
Have you heard the terms “vertebroplasty” and “kyphoplasty” used in regards to the treatment of a spinal compression fracture? If so, it may be important to understand what they are as well as the differences between these two procedures. Both of these procedures treat the same injury, a compression fracture in the spine often caused…
Because of the controversy with opioid use for patients suffering from chronic pain and the risk for addiction, there is some concern in the medical community that the drugs be used safely and effectively. How can patients reduce their own use of these drugs? Here are five ways you can curb opioid use when using…