So many people rely on caffeine to make it through the day. Coffee, diet Coke, energy drinks, or anything else containing the stimulant are very popular in our fast-paced culture. While caffeine is naturally occurring, it does have some negative consequences for some people, especially those already dealing with chronic pain conditions. Here are some…
You may be surprised to learn that there are some foods that can cause or exacerbate pain. You probably know about celiac disease and gluten intolerance, but sometimes the issues go beyond specific related conditions. What foods can cause pain or exacerbate chronic conditions such as arthritis? Sugars: Increased sugar intake, which increases the body’s production…
Opiates and opioid medications are often prescribed to patients with chronic pain or as they recover from surgery or major injury. However, there are indicators that some individuals have or may develop a tolerance to opiate drugs. To better understand it is important to know the signs of opiate tolerance and be proactive about alternative…
If you have never experienced it yourself, you have probably heard others say that the same amount of painkillers simply don’t work for them anymore. Just how does this type of painkiller tolerance happen? Sometimes the effects can be psychological and sometimes they can be biological. First, we need to understand the definition of painkillers…
Before we dive into the questions and answers about spinal cord stimulation it is important to understand the procedure and its benefits. From our website’s description of spinal cord stimulation and how it can help pain: “Spinal cord stimulation is a procedure that uses mild electrical impulses to the spine to treat chronic pain due…
Many researchers are beginning to unlock the benefits of exercise for overall health and wellness. John J. Ratey, MD claims that exercise can improve neurological functioning and help treat many common mental conditions. Other researchers are now studying how exercise can impact and help treat chronic pain conditions. From diabetic nerve pain to fibromyalgia, researchers…
Often when it comes to back pain, the recommend treatment is rest. Sometimes pain relievers, such as NSAIDs, can also help reduce the recovery time. However, there are times when gentle exercises can speed the healing process. Exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles in the back can improve the overall recovery time. Here are…
Physical therapy is a practice that uses active and passive techniques to treat, heal, and prevent injuries or disabilities. Trained, licensed physical therapists are experts in relieving pain, improving mobility, and restoring function to different areas of the body. As such, many chronic pain patients may attend physical therapy sessions in order to help their pain.…
Integrating exercise into your daily routine doesn’t have to be difficult and it can have huge benefits for your health. One of the major reasons for not starting an exercise program can be the cost. A gym membership is often based on a year-long contract that you may not necessarily use. However, there are many inexpensive…
Cigarette smoking has long been the subject of medical scrutiny for all of the possible negative effects on the body. While much of the research focuses on the cancer causing properties of cigarettes, some studies have also shown a correlation between smoking and chronic pain. According to one study published by Medscape in 2012, the…