Sleep is a key contributor to chronic pain. Impaired sleep worsens pain, which in turn prevents patients from getting restful sleep. When pursuing treatment for chronic pain, it is important to not overlook simple, non-drug strategies that can markedly improve sleep. During the day Develop a regular energizing morning routine. Start the day with 3 minutes…
Pain around the vagina, penis, anus, & buttock are often experienced by patients but seldom reported. Patients should know that this is a common problem that can often respond to comprehensive pain treatments by pelvic pain specialists. Pelvic pain Pelvic pain is experienced around the vagina, penis, scrotum, anus, & buttock. It can be worsened…
A chronic neck pain & headache following rear-ending car accidents, whiplash is often due to widespread minor injuries to neck muscles & nerves. While each injury is negligible in isolation, the pain is severe and persistent because muscle, joint, and nerve pain reinforce each other. Whiplash requires comprehensive treatment with targeted interventions. Whiplash injury The…
While spinal nerve impingement can cause shooting arm or leg pain, many patients have instead pain from nerve entrapments. Common entrapments include Alcock canal, carpal & tarsal tunnels, meralgia paresthetica, and more than 50 others. Treatment starts with accurate diagnosis by specialist physicians familiar with the complex nerve anatomy and ultrasound visualization of the nerves.…
Several pain medications require the liver enzyme CYP2D6 to become active. But some herbal supplements & medications can interfere with this enzyme. Patients on these medications should consult with a doctor before starting herbal supplements. Drugs activated by CYP2D6 Hydrocodone Oxycodone Codeine Tramadol Drugs deactivated by CYP2D6 Amitriptyline Nortriptyline Desipramine Duloxetine Venlafaxine CYP2D6 inhibitors Drugs: Bupropion Cimetidine…
The medical specialty of Pain treats chronic pain using interventions & interdisciplinary care.
