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Category: Chronic Pain

Dealing with Chronic Pain in Children and Teens

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When a child says their stomach hurts almost every day, or a teenager stops showing up for practice because their back won’t let up, it’s easy to assume it will pass. Often it does. But for a real number of young patients, the pain doesn’t resolve on its own, and it can go unrecognized for months.

Chronic pain in children is real; it’s more common than most people expect, and it’s treatable. Kids and teens experience the same lasting pain conditions adults do, just filtered through a smaller vocabulary for describing what hurts in a body that’s still developing. Research puts the number at roughly 1 in 5 children and adolescents who experience chronic pain, according to a 2024 meta-analysis. Recognizing it early, rather than writing it off as a phase, is the first step toward helping your child find relief.

Common Types of Chronic Pain in Children and Teens

  • Chronic pain in kids doesn’t always show up as one clear, describable injury. It tends to fall into a few recognizable patterns, and a child can have more than one at once.
  • Musculoskeletal pain. Discomfort centered in the muscles, joints, or bones, often tied to growth, overuse, or an old injury that never fully healed.
  • Neuropathic pain. Pain caused by irritated or damaged nerves, often described as burning, tingling, or shooting rather than a dull ache.
  • Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS). Pain that’s out of proportion to any visible injury or test result, more common in older children and teens, and often linked to how the nervous system is processing pain signals.
  • Chronic headaches and migraines. Recurring headaches that go well beyond an occasional bad day and start to interfere with school or sleep.

When To See a Specialist

Most short-term aches resolve within a couple of weeks. Back pain in children and adolescents that lingers past that window, keeps coming back after rest, or starts limiting school, sports, or sleep is a signal to move past home care and get a pain-focused evaluation. The same goes for pain your child can’t tie to any injury, or pain a pediatrician has already looked at without finding a clear cause.

Why Is Chronic Pain Hard To Diagnose in Children?

Younger children especially may not have the words to describe where pain is coming from or how bad it is, and older kids will sometimes downplay pain out of fear or a desire to seem normal around friends. Providers can default to a growing-pains explanation for the same reason parents do: it’s the most common reason.

Back pain in children is a good example of how this plays out in practice. Imaging and standard tests don’t always show a clear cause, even when the pain is completely real, which means diagnosis depends on a careful history and consistent tracking over time rather than a single scan. Tools like the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, which pairs faces, numbers, and words so a child can point to what they’re feeling, help bridge that gap for patients who don’t yet have the vocabulary to describe pain in clinical terms.

What Does Treatment for Chronic Pain in Children Look Like?

There’s no single standard path for treating chronic pain in children. The right plan depends on the child’s age, the type of pain involved, and what’s realistic for a family managing school, schedules, and day-to-day life around it:

  • Pharmacological Treatment: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are usually the first line of treatment. For severe cases, stronger prescription medication may be prescribed with caution due to the potential for addiction and other side effects.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy aims at improving mobility and strength, which can subsequently alleviate pain. It’s particularly effective for musculoskeletal and post-injury pain.
  • Psychological Interventions: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in helping children manage the emotional aspects of pain. Mindfulness techniques and biofeedback are also gaining traction.
  • Interventional Pain Management: A medical specialty typically involving a pain management clinic that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain conditions using minimally invasive procedures and techniques like RFA, discography, and epidural injections. It aims to alleviate pain and improve a patient’s quality of life by targeting the source of pain and promoting functional recovery.
  • Multidisciplinary Programs: For conditions like AMPS, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach involving physical therapists, psychologists, and medical specialists is often the most effective treatment plan.

The Importance of Family Support

Treatment works better when the whole family is involved. Parents who validate a child’s pain, rather than questioning whether it’s real, tend to see better outcomes. Staying consistent with therapy, medication schedules, and follow-up appointments matters as much as the treatment plan itself.

 Schedule a Pediatric Pain Consultation

If your child or teen has been living with pain that doesn’t add up to a simple explanation, a pediatric pain consultation at Summit Spine & Joint Centers is the best next step. We’ll build an individual plan based on your child’s needs. Call (844) 972-7752 or request an appointment online to schedule a pediatric pain consultation. Serving patients at locations in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are signs my child's pain isn't normal growing pains?

Growing pains typically show up in the evening, affect both legs, and ease with gentle massage or by morning. Pain that’s one-sided, keeps a child from playing or attending school, wakes them at night, or comes with swelling, fever, or unexplained weight loss doesn’t fit that pattern and is worth a closer look.

Pediatric pain treatment starts with the least invasive options, including physical therapy, activity pacing, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Medication and interventional options are added only when needed, and every plan should come from a provider experienced in treating children rather than a scaled-down adult protocol.

If pain has lasted more than a few weeks, keeps returning after normal recovery time, or is starting to affect school, sleep, or activities your teen used to enjoy, it’s time to bring in a specialist rather than wait it out. A pediatric pain evaluation can also help when a primary care visit hasn’t turned up a clear explanation.

Pain Management Options for Seniors

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Chronic pain can afflict people of all ages, but disproportionately affects seniors and elderly individuals, often severely impacting their quality of life. While medications are commonly prescribed for pain relief, they often come with their own set of drawbacks such as side effects and potential interactions with other drugs. Another typical treatment, physical therapy, may not work for all conditions and can be especially challenging as we age. This article focuses on non-medicinal and non-surgical pain treatments for managing chronic conditions in the senior population.

A multi-modal and individualized approach is often the most effective way to manage chronic pain in elderly patients, and the involvement of the patient in deciding the treatment plan is crucial. Consulting with a pain center physician is the best way to access a wide array of treatments. The choice of treatment should be individualized, considering the type, location, and severity of pain, as well as the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and preferences. Regular consultations and follow-ups with a pain management physician are important to monitor progress and adjust treatments as needed.

Here are several treatment options that pain center physicians may offer apart from physical therapy:

Pain Management Options for Seniors

Interventional Procedures

  • Nerve Blocks: Injection of anesthetic directly to a nerve to block pain signals.
  • Epidural Steroid Injections: To reduce inflammation around the spinal nerves.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation: Uses radio waves to reduce nerve pain.
  • Joint Injections: For arthritis-related pain.

External Stimulation Therapies

  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): For modulating pain perception.
  • Ultrasound Therapy: Can be used for pain and inflammation.

Neurostimulation

  • Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): Involves implanting a device to send electrical signals to the spinal cord to block pain signals.

Stem Cell & PRP Therapy

  • Stem cell therapy leverages this power by promoting tissue repair at sites affected by injury or disease, such as degenerative disc conditions or osteoarthritis.  
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use a patient’s own blood cells, which are reinjected to accelerate healing in a specific area.

Medication Management

  • Non-Opioid Analgesics: Such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs.
  • Opioid Analgesics: Prescribed cautiously due to the risk of dependence and side effects.
  • Antidepressants and Anticonvulsants: For neuropathic pain.
  • Topical Analgesics: Such as lidocaine or capsaicin creams.

Assistive Devices

  • Orthotic Devices: Such as braces or shoe inserts, to support and align limbs.
  • Mobility Aids: Like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to help in moving around.

Patient Education

  • Education on Pain Management: Knowledge about pain mechanisms and management strategies.
  • Self-Management Programs: Empowering patients with skills and strategies to manage their pain.

Physical Therapy

  • Individualized Physical Therapy: A personalized physical therapy program, designed by a qualified physical therapist, can target specific issues causing pain. 
  • Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy involves the use of water for pain relief and treatment. 
  • Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy focuses on helping seniors perform daily activities without aggravating their pain. 
  • Massage: Therapeutic massage focuses on manipulating soft tissue to improve circulation and relieve pain.

Nutritional and Dietary Approaches

A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can play a supportive role in managing joint pain. Foods such as berries, green leafy vegetables, and fatty fish rich in omega-3s can be beneficial. Hydration is also an important factor. Keeping the body adequately hydrated is essential for joint health. Water is crucial for nearly every bodily function, including the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints.

Lifestyle Changes

Some of the most effective ways to manage or avoid joint pain come with the way we live our lives every day. One important factor is weight management. Excess body weight can exacerbate joint pain, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce the stress on these joints, leading to less pain.

Stress and anxiety can also heighten the perception of pain. Techniques such as meditation and mindfulness can help individuals become aware of their bodies and potentially lower their experience of pain.

Seeking Medical Help for Pain

While pharmacological regimens remain a common route for treating chronic pain, their potential drawbacks make it important to explore alternative options.  Our experienced pain specialists can help a comprehensive, tailored plan to manage your specific condition. Through an integrated approach using innovative treatments including regenerative medicine, it is indeed possible to significantly mitigate pain and improve the quality of life.  Call Summit Spine & Joint Centers today at (844) 972-7752 to schedule your consultation with our pain management specialists. We now have 26 convenient locations available in Georgia including our featured new location for Pain Management in Newnan, GA.

September is Pain Awareness Month: The Need for Understanding Chronic Pain

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As physicians, we often meet people wearing brave faces, suppressing the anguish of their physical pain beneath the necessity of routine lives. The silent suffering doesn’t lessen the severity of their plight, rather it amplifies the need for intervention and understanding. September’s National Pain Awareness Month underscores the importance of recognizing pain, understanding its causes, and seeking out the right treatment.

Pain is something we have all experienced. We’ve all been hurt at some point in our lives, whether it’s a minor cut, a throbbing headache, or a lingering backache. While acute pain can be a warning signal of an immediate problem, chronic pain, persisting for weeks, months, or even longer, can dramatically affect a person’s quality of life. Despite its prevalence, pain often remains under-acknowledged, under-reported, and under-treated, causing unnecessary suffering.

Recognizing Pain

Pain is more than a sensory experience. It’s a multidimensional phenomenon comprising physical discomfort, emotional distress, and cognitive challenges. Moreover, pain is highly individualized, and the same source of pain can be experienced differently among different people. Recognizing pain, especially chronic pain, requires an understanding of these complexities. 

Pain may manifest not only as physical symptoms but also as changes in mood, behavior, and overall well-being. For instance, someone living with chronic pain might experience sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, decreased physical activity, or even symptoms of depression and anxiety. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward alleviating the sufferer’s distress and paving the way to recovery.

Understanding the Causes of Pain

Pain can arise from a variety of causes. It might result from an injury, an underlying disease such as arthritis or cancer, a surgical procedure, or it may have no identifiable cause. In some cases, pain continues even after the injury or disease causing it has healed. This type of pain, known as neuropathic pain, can result from damage to the body’s nervous system.

Biological factors are not the sole contributors to pain. Psychological and social factors can profoundly influence a person’s perception of pain. Stress, anxiety, and depression can heighten the sense of pain, while social support, distraction, and positive emotional states can lessen it. It’s important to note that this doesn’t make the pain any less real. The interplay of physical, psychological, and social elements underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to pain management.

Seeking the Right Treatment

Effective treatment of pain hinges on a correct diagnosis. Given the multifaceted nature of pain, its management often requires a multimodal approach that includes pharmacological treatments, physical therapies, psychological interventions, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes, surgical procedures. 

Medications like analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opioids can provide temporary relief. But they may also come with side effects, especially when used for extended periods. Hence, it’s important to use these under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Non-pharmacological treatments like physiotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acupuncture, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques have shown effectiveness in managing chronic pain. Pain Management clinics can also offer many innovative, nonsurgical treatments that stimulate healing and repair damaged tissues like Epidural Steroid Injections, Radio Frequency Ablation  and Stellate Ganglion Block. These methods can be used in combination with medications to maximize pain relief.

Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, good sleep hygiene, and stress management, can play a pivotal role in managing pain as well. A holistic approach, which addresses the physical as well as psychological aspects of pain, can significantly improve the quality of life of individuals living with chronic pain.

The Way Forward

During National Pain Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to recognize the magnitude of the pain problem, not just in terms of its prevalence, but in terms of its impact on individuals and society. Let’s extend our empathy and understanding to those living with pain. Let’s acknowledge their struggle and reassure them that their pain is real, it matters, and that help is available.

The journey from pan to relief begins with awareness and understanding. If you or your loved ones are suffering from persistent pain, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Pain management has come a long way, and with the right treatment and support, pain does not have to be a life sentence. Pain is a silent cry for help, and it’s time we listened.

Are You Experiencing Pain? Contact Summit Spine & Joint Centers 

Our experienced pain specialists can help relieve your pain so you can enjoy your life again. Call Summit Spine & Joint Centers today at (844) 972-7752 to schedule your consultation with our pain management specialists. We have 25 convenient locations available in Georgia including our featured new location for Pain Management in Savannah, GA.

 

What Is Piriformis Syndrome and What Are the Best Treatments?

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Piriformis syndrome is a relatively uncommon condition that affects the piriformis muscle, which is located deep within the buttocks. This muscle plays an essential role in the movement of the hip joint. When the piriformis muscle becomes tight or irritated it can compress or irritate the sciatic nerve that runs beneath (and sometimes through) the muscle. This compression or irritation can lead to a set of symptoms collectively known as piriformis syndrome.

The symptoms of piriformis syndrome typically include pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body, traveling from the buttocks down the back of the leg. Patients often describe the pain as deep in the buttock or hip region. It may worsen with activities such as walking, sitting for long periods, or climbing stairs. Some individuals may also have difficulty standing for long periods because of the pain.

The exact cause of piriformis syndrome is not always clearcut. In some cases, the muscle may become tight due to repetitive activities or prolonged sitting. Muscle imbalances, such as weak gluteal muscles or tight hip flexors, can also contribute to the development of this condition. Additionally, certain anatomical variations or trauma (such as a fall or direct injury to the buttocks) may play a role.

During an examination we’ll ask about your symptoms, examine the affected area, and may even schedule an MRI or ultrasound. During the exam, we may conduct tests like the Freiberg test, Pace sign, and Beatty’s maneuver to determine the extent of the condition.

Fortunately, most of the piriformis syndrome cases we see can be managed effectively with non-surgical treatments. These treatments aim to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tightness, and improve overall function. Among the non-surgical treatment options we may recommend are:

  1. Rest and modification of activities: We ask patients suffering from piriformis syndrome to avoid activities that worsen the symptoms, to allow the muscle to heal. This may involve modifying your daily routine, such as taking breaks from prolonged sitting or avoiding movements that aggravate the pain. 
  2. Physical therapy: We can design a tailored exercise program to improve muscle flexibility, strengthen the surrounding muscles, and correct any underlying imbalances. Techniques like massage, stretching, and manual therapy can also help to alleviate muscle tension and reduce pain.
  3. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. However, it is important to consult with a physician before starting any medication.
  4. Heat and cold therapy:  Apply heat or cold packs to the affected area can help reduce pain and relax the muscles. Alternating between these two methods can help determine which provides the most relief. 
  5. Injections:  In some cases, we may recommend injections, such as corticosteroids, to help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. These injections are typically administered directly into the piriformis muscle under guided imaging. 
  6. Stretching and self-care: We can teach you specific stretching exercises to help improve flexibility and relieve muscle tension, along with self-care techniques like using foam rollers or massage tools. 

It is essential to remember that every person’s condition is unique and treatment plans may vary. Which is why it is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to receive a proper diagnosis and develop an individualized treatment approach tailored to your specific needs.

Contact Summit Spine and Joint Centers for Piriformis Syndrome Treatment

If you feel you are suffering from piriformis syndrome, please feel free to call us at (844) 972-7752 to schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and determine the best course of action going forward. Your health and well-being of the utmost importance to us. We treat all chronic pain conditions including neuropathic pain treatment, back pain, neck pain 

Arthritis vs. Bursitis

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Arthritis and bursitis are similar chronic pain conditions, in that they both cause painful inflammation that originates from a joint, such as hip or shoulder. The key difference involves the specific structure within the body that is inflamed.

Another major difference is that arthritis is a chronic condition that damages bone, joints and cartilage irreparably, and bursitis is a temporary condition involving the painful swelling of bursae for a shorter period of time.

There are many pain management treatments available that can alleviate the pain and inflammation caused by both conditions. The one you get will depend on the type of arthritis and bursitis you have, with the goal being to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Common Symptoms…Different Root Causes

Arthritis and bursitis manifest themselves in similar symptoms, but the root causes of each are quite different. With arthritis, the problem lies with the joints or one particular joint. While there are about 100 types of arthritis, the most common are:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA): Known as a “wear-and-tear” disorder, OA is a result of the cartilage that cushions joints wearing down over time.
  • Inflammatory arthritis (IA): This type of arthritis includes rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and happens when your immune system attacks the joints.

The word arthritis means joint inflammation; the word bursitis means inflammation of the bursa. These are tiny sacs found throughout the body, usually around tendons or joints, and their purpose is to lubricate joints while reducing friction as a result of movement. 

The sacs are typically empty, but can become filled with fluid when inflamed or irritated, resulting in bursitis.

Because arthritis and bursitis cause similar symptoms, it can be tough to determine which one you have without the assistance of a doctor. The following symptoms can be associated with either arthritis or bursitis:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Warmth
  • Redness

You may be able to determine which condition you have by the area of your body that is in pain. While bursitis may occur anywhere there is bursa, usually larger joints with more range of motion, such as the shoulder and hip, are common areas of flare-ups.

Rheumatoid arthritis can also show up in these areas, but you will likely feel pain in both hips, or one hip and a knee, for instance. Also, with RA, you can experience non-joint symptoms, such as extreme fatigue or unexplained fevers. 

The length of time you’re in pain will differ between the two as well. While bursitis can come on suddenly like an injury and last for many days or weeks, osteoarthritis will pop up slowly and stay forever.

Treatment for Arthritis

Here’s a look at the many medications and lifestyle strategies you can use to treat arthritis:

  • PT or OT
  • Medication
  • Non-pharmacological therapies
  • Weight loss
  • Splints/joint assistive aids
  • Patient education and support
  • Joint replacement

Treatment for Bursitis

Bursitis will usually get better on its own through rest, ice and pain relievers. If these don’t work, you may need:

  • Medication such as antibiotics.
  • Physical therapy or exercises to strengthen the muscles in the affected area, for easing pain and preventing recurrence.
  • Corticosteroid injections to relieve pain and inflammation in the shoulder or hip.
  • Assistive devices such as canes to relieve pressure on the area.
  • Surgery, in the case of inflamed bursa that has to be drained.

Both conditions can be alleviated with non-invasive, non-surgical treatments to relieve pain with little to no recovery time.

Contact Summit Spine and Joint Centers for Arthritis or Bursitis Treatment

Get in touch with Summit Spine & Joint Centers today at (844) 972-7752 to schedule your consultation at one our 24 pain centers including our featured June location for Pain Management in Canton, GA. 

 

National Correct Your Posture Month: 5 Tips For Better Posture

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May is National Correct Your Posture Month, so we thought we would take the opportunity to explore some tips on achieving better posture. After all, correct posture is vital to your overall health and results in many benefits such as increased energy, reduced back and neck pain, and greater confidence. It can also prevent muscle tension, pain, and fatigue.

The risks only worsen as we age. An extremely hunched posture, also known as hyperkyphosis, affects about two-thirds of senior women and half of senior men, says NIH News in Health. This poor posture is associated with back pain, weakness, and even trouble breathing, all of which can limit everyday activities, such as brushing your hair and getting dressed. 

Fortunately, there are many minimally invasive pain management techniques and treatments available to help you address the discomfort caused by poor posture. 

Check out these five tips for better posture. 

1.  Sit Correctly at Your Desk

You may feel like it’s more comfortable to slouch when at your desk, leaning back and swiveling around. Instead, try to sit as far back as you can in your chair. Place a lumbar cushion or small, rolled-up towel behind the middle of your back, which protects your spine’s natural curve. Keep your knees bent at a right angle, at the same height, or slightly higher, than your hips. Keep your feet flat on the floor

2.  Avoid “Text Neck” 

With so many of us scrolling, calling, researching and texting on our smartphones all day long, it’s important to be mindful of what this is doing to our posture. Every so often, take some time to stretch your neck. Do some neck rolls one way and then the other. Tilting your head down to respond to messages and check Facebook posts takes a toll on your spine even though you may not realize it. Try to lift the phone up to your eyes rather than moving your head. 

3.  Sit Upright in the Car

It may seem more comfortable to recline in your seat during a long drive, but it’s murder on your posture. Sit more upright whether you’re a driver or passenger. Don’t lock your legs, but rather, bend your knees slightly so they are at hip level or slightly above. Add a small pillow or rolled-up towel behind your back for extra support. 

4.  Wear Heels Sparingly

While fine for an occasional night out, high heels, pumps and stilettos should be left in the closet as far as your posture is concerned. That’s because they thrust the base of your spine forward, resulting in an over-arched back, altering how your backbone lines up and adds pressure on your nerves. This, in turn, causes back pain. Those high heels are also putting more weight on your knees. Stick with a lower heel or flats for daily wear.

5.  Sleep Comfortably 

Get rid of the soft, saggy mattress and instead choose a firmer one that is better at holding your spine’s natural shape. If you are a side sleeper, keep your knees slightly bent but avoid hugging them at your chest. Put a pillow under your head, ensuring it remains level with your spine. If you are a back sleeper, don’t use a thick pillow; a small one under your neck should do.

By heeding the above tips, you can be on your way to feeling more physically fit with greater confidence to face each day.

Contact Summit Spine & Joint Centers to Address Pain Caused by Poor Posture

Got back or neck pain due to poor posture? We have non-invasive treatments that can relieve your chronic pain. Just call Summit Spine and Joint Centers today at (844) 972-7752 to schedule your consultation with one of our pain management specialists.

 

Low-Impact Exercise Options for Chronic Pain Sufferers

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From stretching and walking to swimming and yoga, there are many low-impact ways to exercise and get relief from chronic pain. Not only does regular exercise keep your muscles strong, those strong muscles can then serve to support your entire body. This is especially important for those with pain associated with arthritis or back pain, as strong muscles support joints and boost movement. 

Check out these top low-impact exercises you can try if you suffer from chronic pain:

Walking

It may seem quite simple, but walking is really the best exercise for your health and for pain reduction. For those with joint pain, it’s better than running, which puts a lot of stress and strain on your knees and other joints. With walking, you can choose your pace based on your mood or preferences – slow and at a leisurely pace or brisk for added cardiovascular benefits.

Swimming or Water Aerobics

Water is a great environment in which to engage with low-impact cardio exercise due to the minimal impact on your joints. For some, swimming laps is a great workout, while for others it’s too strenuous. In that case, water aerobics would be a nice alternative to become accustomed to the water and eventually doing laps. Plus, you can use floating equipment for natural, gentle resistance. 

Yoga

Yoga combines core strengthening and meditation exercises that can bring a whole host of health benefits. Performed in a relaxed and calm setting, yoga offers plenty of poses and stretching exercises at a variety of difficulty levels to accommodate all participants. Use yoga to stay in shape and boost your emotional health without aggravating your chronic pain or pre-existing injuries. The meditative act of participating in yoga can reduce stress and provide whole-body relaxation.

Elliptical Machine

Designed to mimic running motions without the stress on joints, using an elliptical machine boosts your cardiovascular health without worsening your chronic joint pain. 

Recumbent Exercise Bikes

Designed with more comfortable positioning than a traditional bike, a recumbent bike encourages a reclined posture that reduces stress on the neck and lower back.

Benefits of Regular Low-Impact Exercise

Physical activity brings many physical health benefits. It can help you manage weight, reduce risk of disease, boost your heart health, and strengthen muscles and bones. But exercise boosts brain health too. According to the CDC, physical activity helps you learn, think, and problem-solve, improves memory, reduces anxiety or depression, and reduces your risk of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s and dementia.

This is good news for those living with chronic pain, as this group is more at risk of mental health challenges. Staying physically active with low-impact exercises can release endorphins — natural chemicals your body releases to fight off pain and increase happiness and comfort. Staying active can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, vital for those with chronic pain. That’s because excess weight results in increased stress on the back and other joints, particularly the ankles and knees, which in turns exacerbates pain. 

You can work with a physical therapist or experienced pain management physicians at a pain wellness center to ensure you can safely and comfortably start a low-impact exercise routine.

Do You Suffer From Chronic Pain? Contact Summit Spine & Joint Centers Today!

A pain-free life is within reach when you partner with the pain management specialists at Summit Spine and Joint Centers. We can help create an exercise program to benefit your overall health and reduce your pain. We pride ourselves on our experience and expertise in Interventional Pain Management. Book your consultation today at (844) 972-7752.

What Is the Most Effective Pain Relief Treatment for Sciatica?

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Sciatica pain is caused by pinching, inflammation, irritation or compression of a nerve in the lower back. The most common cause? A herniated or slipped disk that puts pressure on the nerve root. Most people will get better over time with simple self-care, but sometimes further treatment is required.

Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that arises from an injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve, the longest and thickest nerve in the body. When this nerve is pinched or damaged in some way, it can be very painful to sit, stand or do much of anything else. It’s a fairly common condition, affecting an estimated 40% of people in the U.S.

Let’s explore the most effective pain relief for sciatica.

Pain Relief Measures

You can try a few home remedies to alleviate pain first, such as low back conditioning and stretching exercises. You can also alternate between ice packs and heat pads to ease the pain so you can function better. Movement is the best way to alleviate sciatic pain, from gentle exercises to massage. You can also take OTC pain medications to relieve swelling and pain.

If that does not work, there are other treatments you can try under the direction of a doctor or back pain specialist.

  • Cortisone medications, given orally or by local injection (epidural injection).
  • Prescription medications, including pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants (which can help reduce pain perception in the brain).
  • Physical therapy, including stretching exercise to improve muscle flexibility as well as aerobic exercises (walking, swimming, water aerobics).
  • Alternative therapies including spine manipulation by a licensed chiropractor, as well as yoga or acupuncture.
  • Non-surgical procedures relying on state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques to improve quality of life and restore function.
  • Surgery to relieve nerve compression at the lower spine. This is a last resort when all of the above have not proven effective.

 

Prevention

While many sources of sciatica are not preventable, you can take some steps to protect your back while reducing your risk:

  • Be mindful of maintaining good posture while sitting, standing, lifting objects and sleeping. Good posture relieves pressure on your lower back, and if you’re not properly aligned, pain is often the first warning sign.
  • Don’t smoke, as nicotine restricts blood supply to bones, weakening the spine and the vertebral disks.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight and having a poor diet are linked to inflammation and pain.
  • Exercise regularly to keep your joints flexible and to strengthen your core, which in turn helps support your spine. It’s best to stick with low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, yoga or tai chi.
  • Remove trip hazards: Wear supportive footwear, keep walkways free of obstacles, keep rooms well-lit, and install grab bars in bathrooms and rails on stairways.

Contact Summit Spine & Joint Centers for Sciatica Relief

If you need more effective pain relief from sciatica, we have focused treatments that can help you. Here at Summit Spine & Joint Centers, we pride ourselves on our experience, expertise, bedside manner and expertise in Interventional Pain Management. Book your consultation today at (844) 972-7752.

 

 

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Carpal tunnel syndrome arises when there is repeated pressure on your median nerve. The carpal tunnel is actually a narrow passage-way that is surrounded by ligaments and bones on your palm. When the median nerve gets compressed, you can experience numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand and arm.

Unfortunately, carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive condition that will worsen over time without proper care. It affects between one and five percent of the adult population, according to Medline Plus.

Symptoms include:

  • Weakness when you grip objects with one or both hands
  • A feeling of “pins and needles” in your fingers
  • Pain or numbness in one or both hands
  • Swollen feeling in your fingers
  • Burning or tingling in your fingers, particularly the thumb, and index and middle fingers
  • Pain or numbness that worsens at night, interrupting your sleep patterns

Top Causes

Now that you know the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, let’s take a look at the top causes of this condition that affects women 3x more often than men.

  • Small, frequent, repetitive movements with the hands (i.e., using a keyboard)
  • Frequent, repetitive, grasping motions with the hands (sports and certain physical activities)
  • Joint or bone disease (i.e., arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis)
  • Hormonal or metabolic changes (i.e., menopause, thyroid imbalance, pregnancy)
  • Changes in blood sugar levels (i.e., Type 2 diabetes)
  • Other injuries or conditions of the wrist (i.e., strain, sprain, break, dislocation, swelling, inflammation)
  • Family history

In addition to the above causes, there are certain factors that can increase your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Those factors include:

  • Anatomy: Some people just have naturally narrower carpal tunnels, making it easier for the median nerve to get pinched.
  • Gender: Women are more likely than men to get carpal tunnel syndrome, probably due to their smaller carpal tunnels
  • Nerve-damaging conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Obesity
  • Changes in bodily fluid levels: Fluid retention increases pressure inside the carpal tunnel, which in turn puts pressure on the median nerve.

Preventive Measures

There are ways you can slow the onset and reduce the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome. You can:

  • Maintain a relaxed grip
  • Take frequent breaks from prolonged hand and finger use
  • Avoid overextending your wrist
  • Use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse
  • Keep your hands warm
  • Try stretching and strengthening exercises, either on your own or with a physical or occupational therapist
  • Splint your hand to keep your wrist from moving.

If none of these work, medication management and corticosteroid injections, as well as non-surgical and surgical treatments may be pursued to provide relief of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Contact Summit Spine and Joint Centers for Carpal Tunnel Treatment

Let us provide non-surgical relief for your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. We would be happy to sit down and discuss our non-invasive pain treatments that can help you finally find relief. Call us for a free consultation today at (844) 972-7752 and make an appointment to visit one our 24 pain centers including our featured new location for Pain Management in Lithia Springs, GA.

 

 

 

 

 

Most Stressful Life Events

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From the death of a child to divorce to personal injury, there are many top stressful life events that can affect both your mental and physical health.

The correlation between stressful life events and physical health has been studied extensively over the years. In fact, the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale is used by physicians and scientists to determine if the most stressful life events can predict future illness. It’s actually a list of 43 stressful life events that have been found to contribute to illness.

This scale is helpful in knowing whether a person is at risk for getting an illness in the future, or even if they can take advantage of stress reduction interventions.

A Look at the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale

Back in 1967, researchers Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe found that a strong correlation between health and stress did indeed exist. This prompted them to rank stressful situations on a scale from most to least stressful, indicating which life stressors place individuals at a higher risk for becoming ill.

Each stressful event was assigned a “Life Change Unit” score. Over the course of a year, those scores are added together to calculate your risk of illness. The top 10 most stressful life events for adults are:

  1. Death of a spouse or child
  2. Divorce
  3. Marital separation
  4. Imprisonment
  5. Death of a close family member
  6. Personal injury or illness
  7. Marriage
  8. Dismissal from work
  9. Marital reconciliation
  10. Retirement

For children and teens, the most stressful events include:

  1. Death of a parent
  2. Unplanned pregnancy/abortion
  3. Getting married
  4. Divorce of parents
  5. Acquiring a visible deformity
  6. Fathering a child
  7. Jail sentence of a parent for over one year
  8. Marital separation of parents
  9. Death of a sibling
  10. Change in acceptance by peers

Types of Illness

Of course, there are other stressful life events for both children and adults than those listed above, from buying a new home to being the victim of a crime. The point is, stressful life events can cause a variety of illnesses for anyone of any age.

Stress not only affects our physical health, it also affects our minds and our behaviors. It’s important to be able to recognize and manage common stress symptoms. Ignoring those symptoms can contribute to a variety of health problems, such as obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Your body will tell you that stress is taking a toll, manifesting itself in chronic pain, fatigue, muscle tension, sleep problems, stomach upset and irritable bowel syndrome. In fact, stress is one of the most common triggers of flare ups of fibromyalgia, a long-term condition causing pain, tenderness and extreme sensitivity to touch.

Some of the types of illnesses that can develop as a result of stress include:

  • Chronic pain (lower back and neck pain)
  • Obesity: This is a root cause of many other serious conditions. When stress becomes chronic, excessive levels of cortisol (stress hormone) develop fatty deposits around the midsection.
  • Diabetes: Stress increases the glucose levels of those with Type 2 diabetes.
  • Depression and anxiety: Stress increases the chances of developing these conditions by 80 percent.
  • Gastrointestinal disorders: Stress can worsen gastrointestinal issues, as well as contribute to chronic heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Premature aging: Studies show that chronic stress accelerates the pace of aging.
  • Alzheimer’s disease: Stress may accelerate the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, as it can cause the brain to form lesions more rapidly.

Contact Summit Spine & Joint Centers for Pain Relief

If stress has been manifesting itself in chronic pain or worsening your fibromyalgia and other conditions, call us for a free, no-obligation consultation today at (844) 972-7752. We can help relieve your pain and restore your life with many state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques including treatment options for nerve pain.

 

 

Signs Your Back Pain Could be a More Serious Problem

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Everyone gets the occasional tweaked back or dull lower back pain. But if you’re experiencing more frequent and more painful back issues as time goes on, this could signal a more serious problem. 

From a sudden spike in discomfort, numbness or weakness, to loss of bladder function and high fever, here are some signs that your back pain needs immediate attention. 

Acute Pain vs. Chronic Pain

First off, let’s discuss the differences between the two types of back pain. Acute pain is basically a short-term pain that usually has an identifiable source, such as strenuous exercise or an awkward movement. It usually heals within a few weeks without treatment and you can get back to your normal routine. 

Chronic pain is a long-term pain. It too can be triggered by an injury, but usually an underlying condition is the root cause. Chronic pain is serious in that symptoms are typically strong enough to affect your overall health, quality of life and mobility for extended periods of time. Chronic pain can come on suddenly, to be sure, but usually it will build gradually and last more than a couple of months.

Adding to the complexity is the fact that chronic back pain may be recurrent, which means it can go away and then come back – over and over again. Overall, chronic back pain is serious and should be evaluated by a doctor. The cause could be a degenerative or slipped disc from an accident, or it could be attributable to a condition such as spinal stenosis.

But there are other times when back pain is an emergency that can’t wait for a doctor’s appointment.

When Back Pain Becomes an Emergency

When back pain is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to be seen right away. Here are some of the symptoms to be on the lookout for:

  • Sudden spike in discomfort, pain, weakness or numbness
  • High fever
  • Loss of bladder or bowel function
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Pain resulting from a fall or blow to the back
  • Unexplainable weight loss
  • Pain that spreads down one or both legs, especially below the knee 
  • Severe pain that does not improve with rest

Once you receive emergency care for the situation at hand, it’s important to make an appointment with a back specialist who can discuss causes, treatments and options for managing the pain going forward.

Contact Summit Spine and Joint Centers for Back Pain Treatment

Whether the cause of your serious back pain is a result of a muscle strain or a bulging disc, contact the back specialists at Summit Spine and Joint Centers right away.  Call us at (844) 972-7752 and make an appointment to visit one our 23 pain centers including our featured new location for Pain Management in Athens, GA.  We utilize state-of-the-art techniques to restore function and improve your overall quality of life.

 

Stress Fractures in Young Athletes

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Stress fractures affect many people of all ages, but they are particularly prevalent in young athletes who are not fully grown and lack the proper training to participate in a competitive sport. Even professional athletes get stress fractures, though, so no one is immune to these painful occurrences.

Stress fractures are basically small cracks in a bone. They’re caused by repetitive force, usually from overuse due to repeatedly jumping up and down or running over long distances. They occur most often in the weight-bearing bones of the lower foot and leg. Young athletes who engage in high-impact sports such as track and field, tennis, basketball, and gymnastics are at the highest risk.

Why do so many young athletes develop stress fractures?

Training too hard without proper conditioning will boost an athlete’s risk of getting a stress fracture. That’s because when the athlete’s muscles become too tired and can’t readily absorb the impact of competition and training, that stress gets transferred to the bones.

Athletes who have flat feet are more prone to such fractures, as are those who:

  • Run on hard surfaces
  • Run with improper footwear
  • Suffer from eating disorders
  • Suffer from low bone mineral density or osteoporosis

The PARS Stress Fracture

Also known as spondylolysis, the PARS stress fracture usually occurs in the lower back, resulting from repetitive hyperextension and rotation activities, says American Bone Health. Young athletes who participate in sports involving twisting movements and backwards bending are at a higher risk of a PARS stress fracture, which affects 30 percent of young athletes. Sports where hyperextension of the back are routine occurrences include gymnastics, diving, wrestling, football, pole vaulting, weight lifting, dancing, volleyball, and high jumping.

Treatment

Young athletes with stress fractures may have to wear a walking boot or brace, or use crutches until the bone heals. This will help reduce the bone’s weight-bearing load. Surgery is an option for extreme cases, but there are many non-surgical treatment options that may be a better fit for a young person.

In most cases, lifestyle changes can go a long way toward alleviating the pain of stress fractures.

  • Get plenty of rest. Do not use the affected limb until your doctor clears you.
  • Ice the area. Apply ice packs to the injury for 15 minutes every few hours. This will reduce swelling and relieve pain.
  • Resume activity slowly. Don’t jump back into sports; instead slowly start off with non-weight-bearing activities, such as swimming, before progressing to your usual activities.

Contact Summit Spine and Joint Centers

To learn how our pain management clinic can help relieve a stress fracture or any other acute or chronic pain, call us today at (844) 972-7752 and make an appointment to visit one our 22 pain centers including our featured location in August for Pain Management in Gainesville, GA.  We utilize state-of-the-art, minimally-invasive techniques to restore function and improve your overall quality of life.

 

 


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