News on Pain Management in Orange Park, FL

Contact us with any questions you have about current or past blog posts from our pain management clinic in North Florida, Orange Park, and St. Augustine, FL. We want to keep our patients better informed about treatments available to them.

Connection Between Depression & Chronic Pain

Chronic pain and depression can end up going hand-in-hand together, but why are these two things so interwoven with each other? The answer is stress.

When you are in pain, the areas of your brain that respond to stress fire up. This puts your body into a fight-or-flight mode by flooding your system with adrenaline. Typically, those stress signals turn off once the pain goes away and your body returns to a relaxed state.

With chronic pain, however, those fight-or-flight signals never turn off. That means your nervous system remains in a constant state of high alert. This never-ending amount of stress eventually begins to wear the body down, which leaves you more vulnerable to the physical realities that cause clinical depression, such as your body not being about to produce enough neurotransmitters or stress hormones.

As your chronic pain develops into depression, it can end up increasing your pain. This increase in pain can then deepen your depression, creating a downward spiral. That is why it is essential to find helpful pain management in St. Augustine, FL.

A pain management doctor or other professional is able to help you find healthy ways to deal with your chronic pain and the stress it causes so you can begin to battle against your depression. Advancements in medical technology have led to many different treatment options that can truly make a difference in your life.

How a Sympathetic Blockade Treatment Helps Your Sciatica

Sciatica is a collection of painful and disruptive symptoms that up to 40% of Americans deal with daily. From shooting pains and numbness to muscle weakness in the legs and lower back, this common condition is one that is often misunderstood, which prevents patients from getting the treatment they need to live a pain-free life.

Thankfully, advancements in medical technology have allowed doctors to create new treatment programs that can address the root cause of the sciatica as well as the pain associated with it. One of these new methods is a sympathetic blockade treatment in Orange Park, FL.

A sympathetic nerve block is a type of spine injection that can provide lasting relief to different types of neuropathic pain—including sciatica. Your spine consists of multiple ganglions—or bundles of nerves—that branch out into your body. By injecting medication into the affected ganglion, your doctor is able to reduce nerve pain signals. This, in turn, reduces the amount of pain and discomfort you have to live with due to your sciatica.

If you are living with pain associated with sciatica, it is a good idea to reach out to your local pain management clinic to discuss available treatment options. There are solutions out there that can help you live a healthier, happier life.

Chronic Migraines and Common Issues

Anyone who has ever experienced a migraine knows just how painful it can be. From nausea and vomiting to an extreme sensitivity to sounds, smells, and light, the effects of a migraine can leave you unable to do much else but try to keep them under control.

Unlike sporadic migraines—which may last a day or two—chronic migraines can end up causing you to deal with these symptoms for more than 15 days each month. This can leave chronic suffers searching for migraine treatment in Jacksonville, FL.

The key to treating migraines is first to try to understand what causes them. While there isn’t a definitive explanation as to what causes them, potential theories include:

  • Underlying Central Nervous Disorder
  • Irregularities with the Brain’s Blood Vessel System
  • Genetic Predisposition
  • Abnormalities of Brain Chemicals & Nerve Pathways

While these might be the underlying causes, they usually require a trigger before a migraine appears. One of the best ways to avoid migraines is to figure out what is triggering them in you and then avoiding these triggers. Some of the most common migraine triggers include:

  • Salty Food
  • Skipping Meals
  • Alcoholic or Caffeinated Beverages
  • Preservatives & Sweeteners
  • Sensory Stimulation
  • Hormonal Changes
  • Hormone Medications
  • Other Medications
  • Mental Stress
  • Physical Stress
  • Sleep Cycle Changes
  • Weather Changes

With the help of a doctor, you might find it easier to figure out what is triggering your migraines and how to best approach treating them so that you do not have to live in constant fear of pain and discomfort.

Understanding Stem Cell Therapy for Joint Pain

Stem cell therapy in Jacksonville, FL, isn’t new. This procedure has been used for years to help regrow healthy tissue for burn victims, treat certain cancers, and even restore the immune systems of countless chemotherapy patients. Every day, clinics across the globe are trying new ways to use stem cells to help people suffering from illness or pain.

Because stem cells have the unique ability to transform into whatever type of healthy cells a person might need, you might be wondering if they can be used to help ease joint pain. The kind of stem cells necessary to heal your joints come from adult bone marrow or fat.

Once harvested, these stem cells are injected into the affected joint and begin to heal the injury. In the case of something like osteoarthritis, the stem cells develop into essential cartilage cells that reduce pain and slow degeneration.

With stem cells rebuilding the structural cells in your tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and even bone, you will find that you are able to take on the world with less pain. That is why more and more doctors are turning to stem cells when it comes to treating joint pain.

young woman supporting elderly woman

Recognizing Signs of Chronic Pain in Dementia Patients

When it comes to the correlation between pain and dementia, some studies show a link between the two. That’s why you can count on experts like the Florida Pain Physicians who can help you get the best pain management in Orange Park, FL. They will listen to all your symptoms and work diligently to find the best solution for you. Studies have made the correlation a little clearer in terms of learning more about the connection between pain and dementia.

Experts estimated that many people with dementia experience pain regularly and that the pain increases as their dementia progresses. Although dementia isn’t the root cause of their physical pain, there are often other conditions in these patients that can be causing issues; most patients with dementia are older adults with a high risk of osteoarthritis, urinary tract infections falls, and pressure sores. That’s why getting the right pain management can help these patients focus on healing with their dementia a lot more easily by minimizing the other pain they feel.

Another major factor is that those who suffer from dementia experience pain differently than those whose cognition is intact. In some cases, it could feel like there is a reduced capability to express pain, and therefore it can go undertreated. To learn more, contact the Florida Pain Physicians and make an appointment.

coffee

Is Your Caffeine Habit Triggering Your Migraines?

Although most people enjoy having a daily mug or two of coffee, it’s still a mystery whether our cup of Joe impacts those of us that have migraines. Caffeine is still considered quite the elusive culprit for migraine prevention. Some people choose to avoid it altogether, while others aren’t quite ready to get rid of it. That’s why, when you need some expert advice for migraine treatment in Jacksonville, FL, then the Florida Pain Physicians can help!

While experts are still researching to figure out the link between caffeine and migraines, the answer is still unclear. Instead, emerging research suggests that caffeine is not a migraine trigger if consumed in moderation. On the flip side, excess caffeine consumption may trigger a migraine attack. But what does this mean for your migraine treatment? It depends entirely on your case, and getting an expert opinion will undoubtedly help you figure out whether your coffee is triggering your migraines.

You can rely on the Florida Pain Physicians to steer you in the right direction, which is why you should contact them if you have any questions. They have clinics in Orange Park and St. Augustine, FL, so you have the option to choose which clinic is closest to you.

 

perfume

The Link Between Smell Sensitivity and Migraines

The mystery behind migraines is an ongoing puzzle, with many physicians learning more and more about their triggers. Each person may have similar symptoms, but my work for one person might not always work for another. Among these several points is the possibility of there being a connection between scents and migraines. In order to know for sure, visit your closest Florida Pain Physicians clinic to learn more about which migraine treatment in Jacksonville, FL, works best for you.

Common Odor Triggers

Odors play a role in triggering migraines, and in most cases, patients experience osmophobia (increased sensitivity to and intolerance to smells) during an episode. Generally, chemical fumes such as cleaners and gasoline are the most common scents to induce a migraine attack. Other odor triggers include:

  • Pesticides
  • Perfume
  • Nail Polish
  • Cigarette Smoke
  • Cleaning Products
  • Asphalt
  • Carpeting
  • Paint or Paint Thinners
  • Detergents
  • Leather

Avoidance and awareness are vital in preventing these triggers as much as possible, but getting the proper migraine treatment will help you better manage a migraine episode. With the help of a physician, you’ll set up a plan to help you find the best solution that works for you.  Contact the Florida Pain Physicians to schedule an appointment.

arthritis in a hand

Know the Signs of Reactive Arthritis

Most of us reach an age where our joints begin to cause us pain, and when this happens, it’s a telltale sign of arthritis potentially developing. One of the more uncommon arthritis afflictions is Reactive Arthritis, which generally targets the leg and foot joints. This can be caused by an infection in other body parts such as your intestines, genitals, or urinary tract. When this pain starts to hinder your everyday life and routine, it’s time to get it checked by a professional. That’s why you can rely on the Florida Pain Physicians pain clinic in Orange Park, FL.

Due to the pain coming and going in and eventually leaving in about 12 months, it might be tempting to put off a visit to a pain clinic. If you’re not sure whether you’re experiencing reactive arthritis, consider the following symptoms:

  • Pain and Stiffness
  • Eye Inflammation
  • Urinary Problems
  • Inflammation of Soft Tissue
  • Swollen Toes or Fingers
  • Skin Problems
  • Low Back Pain

It’s crucial to get checked, especially if you start experiencing inflammation that affects your eyes, skin, and urethra. Visiting a pain clinic is a worthwhile trip to get the help you need so that you can regain control of your life once again. Contact the Florida Pain Physicians for more information. You can also find their clinics in Jacksonville, and St. Augustine, FL.

facial pain

When to See a Doctor for Chronic Facial Pain

Pain anywhere in your body is usually symptomatic of a problem, including pain in your face. The issue could be minor or major, but you should see a doctor to determine what they think. While your doctor may be able to diagnose the source of the pain during your visit, they may order diagnostic tests for added assurance. Many doctors use the diagnostic approach to offer patients with effective pain management in Orange Park, FL.

Irritated nerves cause facial pain, so physicians sometimes send patients to have X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to identify problem areas. Additionally, the results of a nerve conduction test can offer your doctor a clear idea about your facial nerves’ functionality.

Pain Relief at Home

You may be able to handle pain management at your home if it is not severe. Depending on the pain’s location, an ice pack may reduce it, and you can also take consumer painkillers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Some people get facial pain relief by elevating their heads, which relieves pressure on associated nerves.

If self-help and complementary therapies do not work, rely on Florida Pain Physicians’ team for help. Our staff serves patients at locations throughout Northeast Florida. We will work to find your facial pain’s cause and customize treatment to alleviate it.

dna

Are You Genetically Predisposed to Migraines?

Migraine sufferers will tell you that a headache is not always a simple headache. The neurological condition is often debilitating because of the pain and other symptoms patients experience. Unlike typical headaches caused by stress, hunger, or other factors, genetics may play a part in migraines. Even so, you can get relief with the right migraine treatment in Jacksonville, FL.

If you have migraines, your doctor may have already told you that they sometimes run in families. If one of your parents has migraines, you have at least a 50-percent chance of also developing them. The percentage goes up if both mom and dad are migraine sufferers. However, the information available suggests that you may not have migraines if your twin or other sibling has them. Unfortunately, people that appear to inherit the genetic tendencies for migraines experience more severe symptoms than other patients.

Researchers have so far connected genes that cause migraines to blood vessel function, brain neurotransmitters, hormones, and more. Although the research suggests a connection between lineage and migraines, the studies are inconclusive and continue. The doctors and staff at Florida Pain Physicians can customize care and migraine treatment according to your needs.