Author: privium-admin

Degeneration of the spine and its structures occurs with normal aging. When the spinal disc ages or degenerates, it doesn’t functional role as part of the spine unit is not as efficient and effective as it used to be. This can lead to symptoms of neck or back pain with or without associated radiation into the extremities. Symptoms can be treated with non-surgically with medication, therapy, and epidural steroid injections to name a few. In some cases, surgery may be an option.

The coccyx is the true tailbone, at the very bottom portion of the spine. Persistent tailbone pain is known as coccydynia. Pain can be worsened by sitting or putting pressure on bottom of the spine. Symptoms can be treated with non-surgically with supportive care, medication, therapy, ganglion impar block, to name a few.

Chronic pain describes pain that lasts more than three to six months or pain beyond the point of tissue healing. Chronic pain can be a lifelong struggle for many. There are some identifiable causes like normal aging/degeneration, joint pain or spine related pain. Others like fibromyalgia are not well understood. Treatment works best if the source is identified, inclusive of but not limited to medication, therapy, psychological counseling, biofeedback, supportive care, and injections. In some cases, surgery may be an option.

Pain in the upper or lower extremities that may or may not develop after an injury. The exact cause of complex regional pain syndrome isn’t well understood but may involve abnormal inflammation or nerve dysfunction. Complex regional pain is characterized by pain that is greater than would be expected from the injury that causes it. Treatments include but are not limited to medications, heat or cold therapy, physical therapy, biofeedback, sympathetic blocks, and spinal cord stimulation.

A type of headache that can vary in intensity. It can be associated with nausea and sensitivity to light as well as sound. Some times migraines are preceded by warning symptoms, known as an “aura”. Some triggers include certain foods or drinks, stress, exercise, and hormonal changes. It is important to rule out other causes of headaches.

Pressure on sensitive points in the muscle results in pain. Myofascial pain syndrome can occur after repeated injury or overuse of muscles. Sometimes it manifests a tender muscle knot and pain can be persistent. Treatments include therapy, medication, trigger point injections, relaxation techniques.

Nerve damage, usually in the hands and feet with symptoms of weakness, numbness, and pain. Peripheral neuropathy can occur from disease such as diabetes mellitus. Can also result from injuries, toxins, and or infections. It is important to seek out the underlying cause of the neuropathy. Treatment is inclusive of medications, supportive care and treating the underlying condition.

The piriformis muscle is located in the buttock region on each side. The sciatic nerve is in close proximity to the muscle. Piriformis syndrome is causes by irritation of the muscle which in turn leads to buttock pain. If the close by sciatic nerve is irritated as well, symptoms can include tingling, numbness sensations in the affected lower extremity in the distribution of the sciatic nerve. Symptoms can be treated with non-surgically with supportive care, medication, therapy, piriformis injection, and botulinum toxin to name a few.

The carpal tunnel located in the wrist. It is a structure that contains the median nerve and tendons that are associated with the tendons of the fingers and hand. When the carpal tunnel is too small or if there is inflammation of the structures, the median nerve becomes compressed which results in symptoms of numbness, tingling in the wrist, palm, and first 3 ½ digits. Symptoms are usually worse during the night or the morning. If severe weakness of the hand can occur as well as atrophy of musculature that the median nerve feeds. Nonsurgical treatments include but not limited to bracing/splinting, rest, ice, medication, and injections. Severe cases may require surgical carpal tunnel release.

Inflammation in the bursal sac. A bursa is a thin sac around a joints that serves as a shock absorber between bone and surrounding soft tissue. The bursal sac is made up of a membrane that contains fluid. Trauma, friction, repetitive use can result in swelling that is localized, tenderness, pain in the affected area. Examples are bursas in the hip, knee, shoulder, or elbow areas. Can be treated with supportive care, rest, ice, medications, and injections just to name a few.