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Pain Management / Anesthesia Stories

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Ingesting Food Can Function As Pain Relief

It's common knowledge that people often eat food to feel better, but researchers have now found that eating chocolate or drinking water can blunt pain, reducing a rat's response to a hot stimulus. Researchers believe this natural form of pain relief may help animals in the wild avoid distraction while eating scarce food. However, in modern humans with abundant food available, the effect may contribute to overeating and obesity.


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Chronic-Pain Patients With Low Vitamin D Need More Narcotics

Among patients who need heavy-duty pain medication, those with low levels of vitamin D in their blood need nearly twice the dosage of narcotic drugs to manage their chronic pain, a recent study discovered.
   
On questionnaires, low vitamin D patients also reported a worse perception of their physical functioning and overall health than those with higher levels of the vitamin. Moreover, the research found that low vitamin D was associated with increased body mass index (a measure of overweight and obesity).



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Ozone Injections Relieve Pain of Herniated Discs

A non-surgical, radiologically guided injection of oxygen and ozone into bulging or herniated discs results in just as much pain relief and restoration of function as back surgery but with fewer complications and shorter recovery time, two recent studies revealed.
   
The groundbreaking therapy involves injecting a gaseous mixture of oxygen and ozone into a damaged spinal disc, using an imaging machine to guide the needle. The ozone causes a slight shrinkage of the disc, which relieves internal disc pressure and lessens back pain considerably. Researchers at the Society of Interventional Radiology predict this therapy will become standard in the United States in the next few years.



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Antidepressants Found Ineffective Against Back Pain

Antidepressants, commonly prescribed to relieve low back pain, don’t relieve it at all, according to a recent analysis of several studies.
   
The medications are routinely prescribed by almost a quarter of doctors who treat low back pain. But an overview of 10 published studies by the Cochrane Collaboration, a nonprofit group that appraises medical research, revealed that most of the studies found no more pain relief or improvement in function for patients taking antidepressants than for those taking placebos.



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As Back-Pain Spending Rises, Results Worsen


Eight years have seen a huge increase in spending on back-pain problems in America. Ironically, however, the proportion of Americans suffering from spine problems has actually increased, too, according to a recent study.


The findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that the public’s outlays on spine issues were almost $86 billion in 2005, which represents a jump of 65 percent from 1997, after taking account of inflation. At the same time, the fraction of citizens with debilitating back difficulties rose during the same period, even after adjusting for the increasing proportion of aged people.



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MRI Excellent in Investigating Back Pain

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming more and more useful to doctors in identifying the multiple possible causes of back pain, according to a recent evaluation of the technology from an orthopedic perspective.

The evaluation, which appears in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, observed that MRI is effective and even vital over a wide range of clinical disorders, and that, in years to come, technical developments will produce yet more orthopedic benefits.

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Long, Skinny Muscle Found Crucial to Healthy Spine

A pencil-thin, roughly 2-foot-long muscle running from the base to the top of the spine is composed of a novel "scaffolding" of fibers that strengthen and support the back, a recent research study has shown.

"The multifidus muscle was formerly thought to be relatively unimportant based on its fairly small size," said Richard L. Lieber, professor and vice chair of the University of California at San Diego's Department of Orthopedic Surgery and director of the National Center for Skeletal Muscle Rehabilitation Research. "Our research shows that it's actually the strongest muscle in the back because of its unique design. It's like a long, skinny pencil packed with millions of tiny fibers."

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Myths and Facts About Back Pain

While the common cold claims the most sick days among U.S. workers under age 45, lower back pain comes in a strong second, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In addition, it says, some 80 percent of adults are expected to experience lower back pain at some point in their lives.

Even though back pain is so prevalent, it's surrounded by a host of common misunderstandings. Among them, according to Kam Raiszadeh, an orthopedic surgeon who is medical director of the Advanced Spine Institute at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego, are:

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Tree Bark Found to Improve Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis of the knee affects millions and is one of the five leading causes of disability among the elderly. A recent study published in the journal Nutrition Research reveals Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, improved physical function by 52 percent in cases of patients suffering from osteoarthritis. The condition develops due to the gradual loss of cartilage elasticity that leads to it hardening and beginning to crack. As a result, the cartilege is more prone to damage and erosion by use or injury and often leads to pain, swelling, a decrease in joint motion, stiffness, or the formation of bone spurs. Current treatments include regular exercise and pain relievers such as NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitor pills to relieve pain and stiffness. In severe cases, cortisone shots can decrease inflammation in the joint and extreme cases include joint replacement operations.



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Worried Sick? There Might Be Some Truth There

A recent report by health provider BUPA has found that people's worries are damaging their health by causing sleepless nights, loss of sex drive, and erratic eating habits. The 2007 Worry Report demonstrates that almost one in five people constantly worry about numerous things, and more than half feel they worry more now than five years ago. Half of the people surveyed this year, which is 6% more than in 2006, claimed they were more worried about their health and their family's health than about other concerning issues such as climate change or terrorist attacks. The survey finds that almost three quarters of people worry, but around 19% admit to worrying all the time or about a number of things.



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Degenerative Disc Disease Orlando, Florida

Dr. Rex W. Roffler, DC

Dr. Rex W. Roffler, DC

Roffler Spinal Aid of Winter Park, FL

5502 Lake Howell Rd.
Winter Park, FL 32792

Call: 888-268-4760

Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common forms of lower back pain today. While for most people the pain is manageable, it has the potential to be a debilitating condition without the proper care and maintenance. If you and your loved ones are tired of using temporary methods of pain relief, Dr. Rex Roffler can help. As the director of Roffler Spinal Aid, he brings thirty years of pain relief experience to the Orlando, Florida area.


Sciatica Bergen County, New Jersey

Dr. David Podell, DC

Dr. David Podell, DC

Waterfront Institute for Spine and Joint Rehabilitation

115 River Rd, Bld 10
Edgewater, NJ 07020

Call: (888) 319-4510

Do you have this burning pain shooting down the back of your leg but you don't know where it's coming from? Sciatica affects millions of Americans but it is often left untreated. Dr. David Podell, DC can treat your sciatica properly. He is the head of the Waterfront Institute in Bergen County, New Jersey.


Neck Pain Relief Manhattan

Dr. Steven Shoshany

Dr. Steven Shoshany

New York Integrative Medical and Rehab

632 Broadway, Ste 303 (btw. Bleecker & Houston)
New York, NY 10012

Call: (888) 435-7155

Stiff and tense feelings will only serve to promote more Neck pain as your movement becomes more strained and difficult. Choosing the right medical specialist can prove to be detrimental in obtaining total relief from the rigid and restraining effects of neck pain. For this reason, many individuals choose to experience the recuperative benefits offered by the specialist health care providers at New York Integrative Medical and Rehab in Manhattan. For years, Dr. Steven Shoshany has helped the New York community to rid itself of aggravating effects of chronic joint illness by utilizing the latest techniques in chiropractic procedures to achieve complete wellness and a considerable amount of neck pain relief.


Spinal Stenosis Staten Island, NY

Dr. Robert M. Browne DC

Dr. Robert M. Browne DC

Staten Island DRX

3204 Amboy Rd.
Staten Island, NY 10306

Call:

Have you found yourself incapable of completing simple tasks because of the pain? Unable to get through a days work without feeling discomfort? Over-the-counter drugs may be able to relieve pain temporarily, but drugs only deal with the symptoms not the source of the pain. At Staten Island DRX in Staten Island, NY, Dr. Robert M. Browne DC uses spinal decompression to relieve spinal stenosis.


Dolor Crónico de Espalda Astoria, Long Island City, Queens

NY Rehab, Pain Management & Medical Services, P.C.

NY Rehab, Pain Management & Medical Services, P.C.

32-44 31st Street
Astoria, NY 11106

Call: (888) 292-7798

Para el dolor crónico de espalda, su respuesta es SpineForce. NY Rehab, Pain Management & Medical Services, P.C. en Astoria, Long Island City, Queens, NY le proporciona alivio a su dolor crónico con un cuidado quiropráctico especializado. NY Rehab ofrece en su práctica una estabilización central exclusiva y altos protocolos de revitalización para asegurar que los pacientes permanezcan saludables después del tratamiento.


Back Pain Relief Thunder Bay, Ontario

Dr. Michael Pustina DC

Dr. Michael Pustina DC

Spinal Health and Rehabilitation Center of Canada

1091 Dawson Rd.
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 1K8

Call: 888-342-1697

Tired of using over-the-counter drugs that mask the pain, but never get to the source of the problem? Surgery can be terrifying, most people fear the knives and needles involved. At Spinal Health and Rehabilitation Center of Canada in Thunder Bay, Ontario Dr. Michael Pustina uses spinal decompression to bring patients lasting back pain relief. If you are in pain call today.


Physical Therapy Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 Hauptman Family Health Center

Hauptman Family Health Center

Hauptman Family Health Center

Rodin Place, 2000 Hamilton Street Ste. 303
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130

Call: 888-551-0868

Has recent trauma or injury decreased your mobility? Is limited range of motion making everyday activities a nightmare? Do you or a loved one find yourself relying on painkillers just to get through the day? With decades of combined medical experience, the father and son team of Dr. Stephen and Dr. Garret Hauptman know it takes more than a passive approach to achieve optimal health. Offering comprehensive physical therapy services to the people of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the team at Hauptman Health Care can guide you to heightened health, happiness and quality of life.


DRX9000 Central New Jersey

Dr. Ronald Spiaggia

Dr. Ronald Spiaggia

Performance Rehabilitation & Sports Injury Center

459 Watchung Avenue
Watchung, New Jersey 07069

Call:  888-897-4870

Looking to end low back pain? At Performance Rehabilitation in Central New Jersey, New Jersey Dr. Ronald Spiaggia uses the DRX9000 to treat back pain. Spinal decompression with the DRX9000 is a non-invasive, drug free alternative to surgery.


Spinal Disc Decompression Therapy Manhattan, NYC

Dr. Steven Shoshany

Dr. Steven Shoshany

New York Integrative Medical and Rehab

632 Broadway, Ste 303 (btw. Bleecker & Houston)
New York City, NY 10014

Call: (888) 435-7155

New York Integrative Medical and Rehab offers Spinal Disc Decompression Therapy for spinal problems in Manhattan, New York City, NYC and NY. At New York Integrative patients can receive state-of-the-art treatments, combined with advanced spinal correction, exercise, and lifestyle advice. Chiropractors use techniques that are non-surgical and non-invasive to ensure long-term results for clients.


Ruptured Disc Boro Park, Brooklyn, NY

Dr. Melinda Keller, D.C.

Dr. Melinda Keller, D.C.

Brooklyn Spine Center

1117 57th Street
Boro Park, NY 11219

Call: 888-772-6132

Unbearable back pain? Have everyday activities like walking or even sitting become impossible from the discomforting pain? If you or a love one suffers from a ruptured disc, do not give up there is hope. At Brooklyn Spine Center in Boro Park, Brooklyn, NY Dr. Melinda Keller DC utilizes spinal decompression to bring patients long-lasting relief for a ruptured disc. At Brooklyn Spine Center you will be assisted by a staff of compassionate, caring individuals. They provide patients with the highest quality care possible and their attention to detail is unmatched.


TMJ Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dr. Lenny Roberts DC

Dr. Lenny Roberts DC

Roberts Family & Sports Chiropractic

8151 Ridge Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19128

Call: 888-653-1365

If you or someone you know is suffering with Temporamandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, you know all too well how aggravating it can be. Some common symptoms of TMJ include eye pain, facial pain, earache, neck and shoulder pain, and migraines. Unfortunately, conventional treatment such as pain killers and rest rarely provide lasting relief. However, studies have shown that chiropractic can be used as an effective treatment option for TMJ disorders, and can greatly reduce pain and promote health. Dr. Lenny Roberts D.C, is proud to offer his vast experience and knowledge of chiropractic to all residents of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.


Hip Pain Brunswick County, NC

 Pamela Owens

Pamela Owens

At The Beach Chiropractic

6934 Beach Drive SW Suite 2
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469

Call: 910-575-2225

When hip pain strikes, it can make it challenging for you to move from place to place, Let alone perform your best at work as well as every other aspect of your life. Rather than letting hip pain persist to no end, you should consider a safe and unconventional way to treat it. At the Beach Chiropractic Health Center in Brunswick County, NC offers the services of Dr. Pamela Owens and her team. They provide a number of safe and effective alternatives to traditional medicine, which are designed to resolve pain without putting your health at risk.


Low Back Pain Midtown Manhattan, NYC

Dr. Evan S. Levine DC

Dr. Evan S. Levine DC

20 East Chiropractic of Midtown

20 E. 46 St. Suite 202
New York, NY 10017

Call: 212-687-3865

If you can no longer embrace your wife or lift your baby out of her crib because your back hurts too much Dr. Evan S. Levine of 20 East Chiropractic of Midtown in Manhattan, New York can put your loved ones back in your arms again. Dr. Levine is readyto help you get back to a healthy lifestyle by brnging you relief from low back pain.


Sciatica Islip, Long Island, New York

Dr. Stephen Lembo, DC

Dr. Stephen Lembo, DC

North East Spine & Rehab

363 Route 111, St 107
Smithtown, NY 11787

Call: 888-266-9201

Sharp intense pain from sciatica can really take the enjoyment and purpose out of your life. It can transform you from a healthy, active individual to a person who is limited in the amount of activities they are able to do. While your predicament might seem hopeless, just know that quality treatment can restore your hope and give you the opportunity to turn your life around for the better in Long Island. At North East Spine and Rehab near Islip, New York, Dr. Stephen Lembo DC is devoted to delivering first-rate non-invasive care that can offer you a significant amount of relief as well as the chance to regain a productive lifestyle


Neck Pain Lakewood, New Jersey

Dr. Robert Lambrou, D.C.

Dr. Robert Lambrou, D.C.

North East Spine and Sports Medicine

2080 West County Line Rd.
Jackson, New Jersey 08527

Call: 888-575-1316

If opportunities are presenting themselves and you can't grasp at them because you have to hold your neck in pain the North East Spine and Sports Medicine Institute near Lakewood, New Jersey is the place for you. Neck pain doesn't have to hold you back any longer. Dr. Dimitrios Lambrou has the resources to provide the remedies for you to finally get better.


Locate a Chiropractor Brooklyn, NYC

Dr. Randy Stephan, DC

Dr. Randy Stephan, DC

Fulton Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

122 Fulton St., 6th Floor
New York City, NY 10038

Call:

Suffering from agonizing back pain and don't know where to locate a chiropractor who has the skills and the compassion to treat you right? Then there is no need to worry. A great choice for the job is Dr. Randy Stephan at Fulton Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation serving Brooklyn, NYC. He can provide you with exceptional non-invasive treatment designed to thoroughly relieve your pain and help you reclaim a healthy and active life.


Scoliosis Dix Hills, New York

Dr. Stephen Lembo, DC

Dr. Stephen Lembo, DC

North East Spine & Rehab

363 Route 111, St 107
Smithtown, New York 11784

Call: 888-266-9201

Are you suffering from pain and discomfort because of scoliosis? Scoliosis is a degenerative condition that can cause quality-of-life degrading effects if left untreated. Many people choose to forgo treatment because the prevalent option is potentially risky surgery. If you're struggling to find safe and effective Scoliosis treatment in the Dix Hills, New York area, North East Spine & Rehab can help. There they offer non-surgical spinal decompression treatment designed heal and strengthen your spine and get you back to the things you love.


Bulging Disc Treatment with Spinal Decompression in Plainview, Long Island

Dr. Stephen Lembo, DC

Dr. Stephen Lembo, DC

Northeast Spine & Rehab

363 Route 111, St 107
Smithtown, New York 11784

Call: 888-266-9201

If left untreated, a bulging disc can easily develop into a more serious condition. The pain is bad now, but it can only get worse without treatment and guidance. Northeast Spine & Rehab in Nassau County, New York has the next generation of spinal decompression technology and can help put your back in better shape again.


Massage Therapy Huntington, New York

 Huntington Medical and Rehabilitation

Huntington Medical and Rehabilitation

Huntington Medical and Rehabilitation

33 Walt Whitman Road Ste. 100
Huntington Station, NY 11746

Call: 888-304-6601

Using the expertise of medical doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists and physical therapists, patients are provided with the relief they need using massage therapy. With a broad range of treatment options, it may be easier to find the right treatment for you. In the Huntington, New York area, Huntington Medical and Rehabilitation provides patient with quality care at an affordable staff. The helpful staff understands each patient has individual needs and concerns, and your well-being is a priority at Huntington Medical Center.


MUA Lake Worth, Florida

Dr. Louis Miller

Dr. Louis Miller

Advanced Pain Relief Center of South Florida

6133 Lake Worth Road
Lake Worth, FL 33463

Call:

Manipulation under Anesthesia, also known as MUA, is a procedure that has helped many individuals suffering from spinal disorders that were unresponsive to other forms of treatment. Dr. Louis Miller, DC of the Advanced Pain Relief Center of South Florida offers this unique and revolutionary treatment to his patients. He has helped many people who thought they would live the rest of their lives in pain. The Advanced Pain Relief Center is located in Lake Worth, Florida.