Posts made in October 2018

Ways to Cope with Chronic Pain

woman with migraineMillions of Americans live with chronic pain, and while medical treatments exist, they don’t control all of the symptoms. Chronic pain can make your life feel unbearable. Here are some ways to cope:

Find the Right Treatments
Chronic pain is at its worst when it is poorly controlled. Work with your doctor for treatment plans that can include medications, as well as alternative therapies like massage, acupuncture, and even medical marijuana. There are many treatments chronic pain, so it’s important to find a treatment or combination of treatments that work for your specific pain.

Exercise

Exercise is necessary to maintain your mobility, and keeping your muscles active can actually help alleviate some of your pain symptoms. When it comes to your muscles, it’s either you use them or lose them. Weak muscles are much more vulnerable to pain. Talk to your doctor and create an exercise plan that works for you.

Relaxation

Muscle tension from stress increases the pain you feel. Practicing stress management techniques, such as meditation and yoga, can release your stress and help you to feel less pain. Learning breathing exercises that you can use while you are experiencing discomfort throughout your day can be extremely helpful in relieving painful muscle tension.

Find a Support Group

There are people out there who understand what you are going through – so don’t suffer alone! Find a support group in your local community or online where you can share your experiences with others. Your peers will have tips and tricks for dealing with pain, information on treatments they’ve tried, and be able to provide emotional support.

Seek chronic pain treatment in Jacksonville, FL, at Florida Coast Pain and Spine Center. Call our experienced physicians at 904-449-7246 or book your appointment online.

When to See a Doctor for Back Pain

lower back painBack pain is a very common experience, but everyone experiences it differently. There are a wide variety of issues that can cause back pain, like osteoarthritis, ruptured discs, sciatica, muscle strains, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, injuries, and many more. To get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment for your pain, you will need to see a doctor.

When to See a Doctor for Back Pain

Many times people experience episodes of back pain that only last a few days or weeks. However, if you are experiencing back pain for the first time, you should go to your doctor for an exam to make sure it is not serious. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you should get your back checked by a doctor at our spine center in Jacksonville, FL, as soon as possible:

  • Persistent back pain that lasts more than a few days
  • The pain wakes you up at night
  • You have incontinence issues (bladder or bowel control issues)
  • You have signs of infection like fever, chills, and sweats
  • Any unusual symptoms that accompany the pain

Back pain can be managed and even cured with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. When you are experiencing back pain, contact Florida Coast Pain and Spine Center at 904-449-7246 or book your appointment with our experienced pain physicians online.