How Imaging May Harm Those with Pain

Are imaging studies helpful for those who live with chronic pain? The short answer is yes… and no. Imaging techniques such as X-rays and MRIs are helpful diagnostic tools for physicians when ruling in or out many conditions. Bone fractures, tumors, and internal bleeding are clear as day in imaging reports. But how do we […]

The Truth About Opioids for Pain

[Scroll to the end of the article to learn about the statue of Spinario] Opioids are a problem and pain is extremely complex involving changes in both the brain and body. When treating someone with chronic pain, compassion and caring come first. However, it is important we stop the illusion that opioids are a cure […]

Changing How You Eat to Reduce Pain

Chronic pain is probably one of the most prevalent causes of visits to the doctor’s office. (1) Most often, chronic pain is accompanied by a long list of other annoying problems, including low mood, poor concentration, and irritability. Often there is difficulty with work or family life. The root cause of pain is often poor […]

Here’s How the Brain Creates Pain – And How to Stop It

There are natural solutions for pain that don’t involve prescription medication or invasive procedures. It turns out the brain and one’s perception and response to stress have a powerful effect on the intensity of the pain experience. It also contributes to recovery’s length and efficacy. [1, 3, 4, 6,] Your Brain’s Amazing Flexibility Neuroplasticity (brain […]

Chronic Pain [what went wrong]

An Overdose of Opioids The United States of America consumes 80% of the world’s supply of opioids and is in the midst of a chronic pain epidemic. Opioids may have a place for certain types of pain and can assist in the beginning phases of recovery. The model to follow regarding the prescribing of opioids should be “the […]

Can Mindfulness Heal Chronic Pain?

Does positive thinking really work for those in pain? Positive thinking and mindfulness or the opposite, pain catastrophizing, is rampant across the internet and self-help books. But you may not have heard about the ways healthcare providers are harnessing the mind-body connection to provide real results for real patients with chronic pain. Mind-body techniques are […]