Pain Control

Chronic pain is something we all experience at some point in our lives, and it can have a major impact on both physical and mental well-being. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the various types of chronic pain, as each type responds differently to a treatment. In this article, we will look into the different types of chronic pain and the ways they can be managed.

What are the Types of Chronic Pain?

1. Nociceptive Pain

Nociceptive pain is caused by direct stimulation of the nociceptor, which are specialized nerve fibers located throughout our bodies. This type of pain typically results from an injury or illness that affects our tissues directly. Examples include:

– Muscle aches and pains

– Bone fractures

– Joint conditions such as osteoarthritis

– Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis

– Cancer and other diseases that cause tissue damage

Nociceptive pain can be treated with medications such as over-the-counter pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and muscle relaxants. It can also be managed through physical therapy, heat/cold therapy, and lifestyle changes.

2. Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to or dysfunction of the peripheral or central nervous system. Common causes of neuropathy include diabetes, HIV/AIDS, stroke, nerve injury, and certain medications. Symptoms include burning, tingling, numbing, and shooting pain. It is typically treated with medications such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioid analgesics. Other treatment options include nerve block injections, acupuncture, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. In addition to this, understanding what pain management is and how pain management doctors can help you can be beneficial in treating chronic pain.

3. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain disorder that is believed to be caused by the malfunction of the nervous system. It is characterized by burning, throbbing, and stabbing pain in an area of the body, often accompanied by swelling and skin color or texture changes. CRPS is typically treated with medications such as opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and anticonvulsants. Physical therapy and lifestyle changes can also help to manage the symptoms of CRPS.

Conclusion

Chronic pain can have a major impact on our lives but understanding the different types of chronic pain and how they can be managed is key to managing the symptoms. You may even visit pain clinics in Indiana if you are experiencing any type of pain, as many treatment options can help you find relief. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle changes, chronic pain can be managed effectively.

What is AVN?

AVN, an acronym for Avascular Necrosis, is also widely referred to as Osteonecrosis. This is a particular condition where the stem and progenitor cells in the bone cease to function after the blood supply is obstructed causing the bone to die.

It typically originates as a terrible pain after which the bone inside the ball (Femur head)  and the hip joint is affected (Damage and degeneration) ranging from months to years and the ball and socket joint dies within a period ranging from months to years. It eventually causes the bone to collapse, which turns the square peg into a round hole. This condition can affect anyone, however, is most common in people of the age group 30 to 50.  On average, 20,000 people are affected with Avascular Necrosis every year.

Symptoms:

During the initial stages of Avascular necrosis, one may not be able to identify the symptoms. However, as the disease progresses there might be slight pain in the affected area of the joint. After the bone collapse, the joint and surrounding area will be prone to terrible pain leading to immobility of the joint. As the condition gradually worsens, the affected joints might hurt when pressure is applied(Standing, walking and stair climbing). Avascular Necrosis of the hip can cause pain in the groin, thigh or buttock. Apart from the hip, knee, shoulder, hand and foot can also be affected. Few patients might develop avascular necrosis on both the sides of the hips or knees.

The causes can vary in different patients which restricts the blood flow to the bone.

• Fatty Lipids: The deposits of fats(lipids) have the ability to block small blood vessels reducing the blood flow to bones.
• Joint or Bone Trauma: Injuries related to dislocated joints might damage the blood vessels in the affected area and can weaken the bones.
• Existing ailments: Patients with existing medical conditions like Gaucher’s disease and sickle cell anemia can also reduce the blood flow to the bone.

Use of Cortico-steroids or Chemotherapy – Add on medication used for other ailments causing AVN.

Treatment/Procedures:

The treatment most orthopedics recommend for Avascular necrosis treatment is usually a major surgery. Depending on the stage of AVN, they either perform core decompression, bone grafting, bone reshaping or a joint replacement.

• A section of the healthy bone is taken from another part of the body as a part of grafting. It helps strengthen the area of bone affected by AVN.
• In core decompression, a surgeon removes a part of the bones’ inner layer. The extra space inside the bone helps in growing healthy bone tissue and new blood vessels while reducing the pain.
• In the weight-bearing joint, a wedge of the bone is removed below or above the wedge of the bone, which shifts the weight of the damaged bone in the bone reshaping process. This process might help in postponing a joint replacement.
• Joint replacement is replacing the damaged parts of the affected joint with plastic or metal parts in case the bone has collapsed or if the other treatment options aren’t yielding better results.

AVN Treatment Without Surgery:

Medicine always evolves from less invasive procedures, for a fact that they produce fewer side effects and complications compared to surgery. The regenerative medicine publications can date back to the 1960’s. The practice of treating ligaments to treat ailments like lower back pain was prevalent in the ‘30s and ‘40s.

During the Avascular necrosis treatment without surgery, bone marrow aspirate concentrate from the patient’s own bone marrow is used to heal the dead bone. This non-surgical, minimal invasive  procedure requires the extract from the bone marrow and BMAC(bone marrow aspirate concentrate) to be injected to the right spot of the injured area, skipping the surgery.

Avascular necrosis treatment without surgery can comprise platelet rich plasma injections, Bone Marrow Aspirate concentrate injections, lubrication joint injections, ultrasound guided musculoskeletal injections, orthobiologics, prolotherapy and physical therapy.

With regenerative medicine procedures, patients can be treated for osteoarthritis, joint injuries, back pain and most common sports injuries. During the years of research, interventional orthobiologics have yielded great results and have proved far more beneficial than surgeries. The main focus of Avascular necrosis treatment without surgery is preventing re-injury and having a shorter recovery period with improved flexibility and decreased pain levels.

PRP therapy is a cutting-edge treatment for athletes that have been proven to be effective. PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a concentration of platelets and growth factors that can promote healing. This therapy can be used to treat injuries, such as tendonitis and muscle strains. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of PRP therapy for athletes.

1. PRP Therapy Can Speed Up the Healing Process

One of the main benefits of PRP therapy is that it can help speed up the healing process. This is because the concentration of growth factors in PRP can promote tissue regeneration. This means that injuries can heal faster and with less scarring. You may even consult with your doctor for PRP therapy in Chicago to help you with your injury. The doctor will also help you with the entire process of the therapy.

2. PRP Therapy is Non-Invasive

Another benefit of PRP therapy is that it is non-invasive. This means that there is no surgery or needles involved. The only thing that is required is a simple blood draw. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which concentrates the platelets and growth factors. The concentrated blood is then injected into the injured area. It helps to promote healing and can also help to reduce inflammation.

3. PRP Therapy Can Help with a Wide Range of Ailments

PRP therapy can be used to treat a variety of injuries. This includes tendonitis, muscle strains, and ligament sprains. PRP can also be used to treat chronic pain. This is because the growth factors in PRP can help to regenerate tissue and reduce inflammation. Thus, PRP therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that has many benefits for athletes. Along with this, it will also help you to know if platelet-rich plasma therapy is covered by most insurance policies so that you can rest assured about the therapy.

4. PRP Therapy is a Safe and Effective Treatment

PRP therapy is a treatment that is both safe and effective. This is because the concentration of growth factors is similar to that found in the body. It means that there is little risk of side effects. In addition, PRP therapy has been shown to be effective in clinical trials. It further indicates that it is a treatment that can help to improve the quality of your life.

To Conclude

There you have the top three benefits of PRP therapy for athletes. To learn more about this therapy and how PRP treatment can help you, contact a health provider today. So, don’t wait any longer and get started on the road to recovery today!

If you work on a computer all day, you know the importance of taking breaks to move your body. But what about your wrists and hands? They often get stiff and sore from being in the same position for too long. In this article, we will discuss some important stretches that can help relieve tension and pain in your wrists and hands.

1. Wrist Extension

To do this stretch, extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing down. Use your other hand to gently bend your wrist back until you feel a stretch in the muscles on the top of your forearm. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat on the other side. This stretch is great for relieving tension in the muscles that run along the top of your forearm. It also helps to stretch out the tendons in your wrist.

If you continue to feel discomfort in your wrists or hands, it is important to consult a doctor who is a hand specialist in Omaha, NE. They will be able to assess the cause of your pain and provide you with specific treatments to help relieve your symptoms.

2. Finger Stretch

This stretch is simple but effective. Extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing up. Use your other hand to gently pull back each finger, holding for a count of five. You should feel a gentle stretch in your fingers and palm. Repeat this stretch two to three times with each hand.

Finger stretches are important because they help to keep your hands and fingers limber. It can prevent pain and stiffness in the joints, as well as cramping and numbness. Additionally, finger stretches can improve blood circulation in the hands and wrists.

3. Wrist Circles

Wrist circles are a great way to loosen up your wrists and hands after sitting in the same position for too long. To do this stretch, simply hold your arm out in front of you with your palm facing down. Make small circles with your wrist, going both clockwise and counterclockwise. Do this for 30 seconds to one minute. You should feel a mild stretch in your wrists and hands.

Wrist circles are a great way to improve blood circulation in the hands and wrists. They can also assist with joint stiffness and pain. Wrist circles may also aid in preventing cramps and numbness in the fingers.

To Conclude

By following these simple stretches, you can help to relieve tension and pain in your wrists and hands. You may even consult a doctor for pain management in Omaha, NE, to help alleviate wrist and hand pain as well as other body pains.