The Effect of Altered Pain Perception in Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is considered to be a progressive disorder of articular cartilage within the knee joint, often related to age or activity. The symptomatic presentation of knee osteoarthritis varies considerably and often fails to correlate with the magnitude of joint dysfunction as observed in imaging studies. New evidence suggests that changes in pain processing within […]
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 […]
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 […]
Trauma and Adult Pain – What is the connection?
Do traumatic experiences influence our perception of pain? Is there a link between early life trauma and pain? Traumatic experiences, such as a car accident, surgery (yes, even elective surgery is traumatic), or physical assault, alter the ways our minds and bodies function at a fundamental level. Post-trauma, the body may be physically changed, but […]
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 […]
The Role of Central Sensitization in Chronic Back Pain
RLow back pain is one of the greatest contributors to disability worldwide. Additionally, the complete lack of any of classifiable pathoanatomical changes is the norm for up to 85% of chronic low back pain cases. Recent studies have investigated the potential relationship between central sensitization and chronic pain disorders, including chronic low back pain, revealing […]