Post-mastectomy pain is a form of chronic pain associated with post-surgery breast cancer operations, including mastectomies, lumpectomies, and axillary lymph node dissections. Pain in this arena has been described as burning, shooting, and stabbing sensations, as well as aching, throbbing, or oppressive pain. This condition can start several months post-surgery and has been known to… Continue reading
Pain relief injections are a common, outpatient option for many people who suffer from daily occurrences of pain. These injections are considered safe and effective, partially due to the technology used—fluoroscopy. This x-ray imaging allows the doctor to use contrast dye to guide the injection to a precise spot. These injections work by blocking pain… Continue reading
If you have osteoarthritis, you know that the pain from the condition is almost unbearable. The weight-bearing joints are especially affected by arthritis, leading to degradation of the cartilage that cushions the ends of the leg bones. When the cartilage is damaged severely, the bones will rub against each other, making it impossible to walk.… Continue reading
A common cause of low back pain, degenerative disc disease (DDD) is the term used to describe a set of symptoms related to wear and tear affecting the spongy discs supporting the spine. Surgery is rarely an option unless nerve compression has resulted in serious complications. Many patients respond well to a combination of pain… Continue reading
Failed back surgery is a term used to describe a situation where a patient’s surgery for back pain doesn’t resolve the original problem. In some cases, patients may experience worsening pain or discomfort in another area of the back if spinal instability increased after surgery. A pain management specialist can offer a fresh perspective and… Continue reading
For many of the million or so patients newly diagnosed with cancer each year, persistent pain is one of the more noticeable signs of the disease at some point. Frequently occurring during advanced stages of cancer, chronic pain may be the result of nerve damage from chemotherapy or radiation treatments, the presence of a tumor,… Continue reading
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an uncommon form of chronic pain that typically affects a single limb. CRPS is often associated with a traumatic injury, stroke, heart attack, or previous surgery that was meant to correct another condition. The pain associated with CRPS is unique because it is out of proportion, which can make… Continue reading
A car accident can happen so quickly that you don’t even see the other car coming. Though some injuries are easily recognized on the spot like a broken bone or a strained back, the symptoms of other injuries may not occur for several hours. For example, it can take up to a full day for… Continue reading
Some back injuries are likely to require nothing more than a heating pad, some over-the-counter pain medication, and a little rest. Other injuries to your spine and supporting joints and muscles will likely require a thorough exam and diagnostic tests. Having a better understanding of when it’s time to see your doctor can prevent some… Continue reading
In most cases, pain is the body’s way of warning you that something is wrong or that the body is under threat of an injury. Pain can be classified in a number of different ways. For example, it can be mild or severe, constant or intermittent, or acute or chronic. The following takes a closer… Continue reading
