Make Pain a Thing of the Past – Health and Wellness – Physician Partners of America

Your Sleeping Position Could be the Cause of your Back Pain

Did you know your sleeping position could have a negative effect on your lower back?

Stress or strain from bad posture, awkward sleeping positions, and other lifestyle habits are a couple of the leading factors of lower back pain. While there are sleeping positions that should be avoided, there are some sleeping positions that can help relieve tension within the lower back area.

 

1. Sleep on your back in a reclined position

This position is beneficial for your back because the reclining position creates a bend between your torso and legs, therefore, taking pressure off of your spine. A good way to set this up is either with an adjustable bed, or putting pillows in strategic places that feel good to you, such as under the back of your knees and your feet.

 

2. Sleep in the fetal position

Although you have to switch sides once in a while to prevent any imbalances, this position is great, especially for someone with a herniated disc.

Why specifically for people with herniated discs you might ask? Your spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. Your discs are jellylike substance which are in-between some of the vertebra which allows your spine to move around and bend.

If a disk between two vertebrae starts slipping out of place, it can irritate the surrounding nerves and cause the herniated disk.

 

3. Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees

Sleeping on your side will not relieve back pain. The pillow is what helps to align your hips, pelvis, and spine, therefore alleviating stress and pressure within your back.

Although these sleep positions might reduce lower back pain, if you are experiencing chronic pain, our doctors at Physician Partners of America are here to help. Please call us today to schedule a same-day appointment, so you do not have to be in pain any longer 888 616-5110.

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3 Foods to Help Relieve Joint Pain

Did you know there are foods you can eat to help relieve joint pain?

 

Joint pain can affect all parts of the body including the neck and back areas. Conditions such as spinal arthritis, facet joint disease, and joint inflammation all stem from the joints. While these conditions can be very painful, there are ways to maintain them, including eating specific foods. The following foods contribute to the maintenance of anti-inflammatory agents that are needed within your body to keep you healthy.

These are the best foods to help relieve your joint pain:

 

  1. The Mediterranean Diet-

This diet has been proven to provide various health benefits due to the high levels of vegetables, legumes, unsaturated fats including olive oil, and wild fish. It also includes a low level of dairy products and red meat. This diet is good for digestion and anti-inflammatory substances.

 

  1. Spices and Herbs-

Specific spices and herbs knows for their anti-inflammatory agents. These include turmeric and ginger. Turmeric and ginger are used in various ways such as in smoothies and sauces.

 

  1. Green Tea

It is no secret that green tea is a pleasurable drink that also provides many health benefits. Tea has been known to reduce inflammation. One of the compounds within green tea called EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) contains powerful medicinal properties that can treat various diseases.

 

While eating these foods can improve the maintenance of joint pain relief, these foods are not a cure. It is suggested that if you have chronic pain, you see a specialist about your condition. Here at Physician Partners of America, we have specialist that can help with your chronic joint pain. We offer same day appointments to get you back on your feet as soon as possible.

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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a nervous system malfunction and a chronic condition where a person feels pain in one or more of their limbs after an injury.

If you have recently had an injury and find that you are having pain in one or more of your limbs, there is a chance you are at risk for CRPS.

CRPS usually affects the arms or legs after injury or incident. These two specific extremities are the typical areas that CRPS could impact. It most often occurs after an injury or incident like stroke, heart attack or surgical procedure.

“They way that I explain this to my patients is that when you touch the stove, you get a little shock that goes from your finger to your brain that tells you to stop, your about to burn your finger,” says Dr. Rodolfo Gari, “with CRPS, instead of telling you to stop, the pain goes into a loop from your finger to your spinal cord and becomes constant.”

 

Treatment is Crucial

As time goes on untreated, you will be at an increased risk of not putting CRPS into remission. Receiving treatment as soon as possible will give you better chances of treatment. Pay attention to your symptoms and do not ignore the signs of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

 

Symptoms of CRPS

As soon as you recognize CRPS symptoms, seeking help right away is essential for treatment and recovery. A specialist can help you manage the symptoms, relieve the pain and keep the condition from getting worse.

“With some patients,” says Dr. Gari, “even breathing or a slight touch to the skin can be so painful.”

The symptoms may include:

  • Constant feeling of burning or throbbing in the affected limb, typically your leg, arm, foot or hand
  • Swelling in the affected limb
  • Your limb may change temperature from hot to cold and back
  • The limb may be sensitive to old temperatures or being touched
  • Your joints may swell or feel stiff
  • Difficulty moving the affected limb
  • Your skin tone may change, turning mottled or shades of red or blue
  • Your skin may also have texture changes, becoming thinner, more tender or shiny
  • The affected limb may have changes in nail and hair growth
  • You may experience muscle spasms or atrophy

Keep in mind, symptoms can vary depending on the affected person, but the sensitivity and pain may occur first. The important thing is to seek help from a doctor as soon as possible.

 

Why Fast Treatment is Critical

If treatment is not given within a certain amount of time after the injury, changes in skin color may occur at a point when your condition has become irreversible.

There is a possibility of CRPS going away on its own if the pain and symptoms are not too severe and do not worsen. However, CRPS could possibly spread from the affected limb to another part of your body, such as another limb.

CRPS pain could worsen with signs of stress, so even if the condition has you feeling stressed, try to stay calm and simply get the help you need.

The medical team at Physician Partners of America can help you find the right treatment plan, and get your CRPS symptoms under control before they get worse.

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What is the Best Office Chair for Back Pain?

Traits of office chairs that reduce pain in the back and neck –

Does your back and neck hurt while you are at work or sitting for long periods of time? You might be sitting in the wrong chair. The best office chair for back pain is based on preference and varies from person to person, however, there are features you should consider when looking for some pain relief at work.

Lumbar support office chairs

We all know the position you get into when you sit for too long and your back begins to round. Because your lumbar spine (lower back) curves inward, if lower back support is not given, your lumbar spine can become strained. A good chair should offer lumbar support, if you want even more structure, adjustable lumber support is a way to personalize your chair and get your positioning exactly how you want it.

Adjustable armrests

Armrests are very underrated but offer neck and shoulder strain reduction. Your elbows should rest lightly on the armrests and bend at about a 90-degree angle when using a keyboard and mouse. With adjustable armrests, you can ensure they are at the correct height for you and not adding more strain.

Deep seat

This feature is probably the most overlooked one when purchasing a new office chair for back pain. With a deep seat, you should be able to sit with your back against the backrest while leaving 2 to 4 inches between the back of the knees and the seat of the chair. This will help with posture and relieving strain off the back and neck.

Adjustable height office chairs

We are all different heights. Because of this, no one chair fits all. The best office chair for back pain will give you the support needed. It should allow you to scoot all the way to the back of the seat with your feet flat on the floor, thighs horizontal and arms even with the height of the desk. The average height of the chair for most people ranges from 16 to 21 inches off the ground.

While all of these are very important to remember when buying a new office chair, remember it will not cure your pain. If you are already having chronic neck or back pain and are seeking relief, contact Physician Partners of America to schedule a consultation and let us help you.

 

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4 Tips for Healthy Holiday Meals

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Healthy holiday meals start with planning and smart choices –

Getting ready for the holidays but dread blowing your diet? Whether you want to keep your weight down or avoid aggravating inflammation, here’s good news: you certainly can enjoy the bounty of the season in a healthy way. Here are four tips for striking the right balance.

1. Limit portions

First of all, good nutrition is always about two things: what we eat and how much.  Let’s start with Thanksgiving.  There’s overwhelming evidence that a Mediterranean-style diet is the healthiest, which means eating mostly vegetables and fruits and whole grains; but there’s nothing wrong with eating some turkey, or mashed potatoes, or even pecan pie.

2. Choose wisely

The key is to not make traditional holiday foods the base of the eating pyramid.  In other words, the majority of your food choices and calories should come from green salads and low-fat vegetable dishes, with small servings of meat, refined carbohydrates, and sweet desserts. Think of meats and starches as the side dishes or garnish to a plant-based meal.

3. Make smart substitutions

If you’re hosting dinner, get creative without sacrificing traditional favorites. It’s easy to switch out whole-grain breads for the white dinner rolls, healthy vegetable dishes instead of the high fat, creamy bean casseroles, and make a healthy sweet potato casserole instead of the heavily sugared, high-calorie version. Do a search for some healthier versions of your family’s favorites; they’re easy to find.

4. Get some exercise

Almost as traditional as turkey and pumpkin pie is fighting for couch space after dinner. It’s a myth that turkey makes you sleepy. While the meat is rich in the sleep-inducing amino acid tryptophan, research shows it’s the combination of carbs, overeating and alcohol that makes us feel tired. Instead, gather the family and take a walk after the meal.

Food will always be the centerpiece of the winter holidays, but it only takes a few changes to start a new tradition and create healthy holiday meals that are just as memorable and satisfying.

Ronald Stern, M.D., is an interventional pain management specialist at Physician Partners of America’s Melbourne, Florida. location. He is also the author of fact-based health and wellness books, including his most recent, Meals, Movement and Meditation: Using Science, Not Myth, for Healthfulness. It’s available on Amazon. 

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PPOA Offering Patient Shuttle Service

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Did you know Physician Partners of America offers complimentary transportation to and from procedures at our clinics? Our roomy, comfortable Ford Transit vans can take patients to their appointment and back home again in West Central Florida and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

“We recognize that not everyone has family or friends available to take them to their appointments, and we firmly believe lack of transportation should never keep people from getting the care they need,” said Tracie Lawson, Physician Partners of America president and COO. “The patient courtesy shuttle program is part of our commitment to providing convenient, compassionate care to all our patients.”

Patients undergoing minimally invasive procedures are given priority for use of the shuttles, however, PPOA is also making them available on a reservation basis for patients getting MRIs, and for appointments at our pain management clinics in many of our markets. The service will be expanded in the coming months.

Patients can request a courtesy shuttle ride when making their appointment.

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Relieving work pain

Get relief from pain at work today

Tampa pain relief center specialist Dr. Rodolfo Gari recently appeared on WFLA’s show “DayTime”.

During his appearance he spoke about the kinds of chronic pain that can occur during work at the office or your place of work.

Dr. Gari calls pain the body’s “warning signal” that something more serious may be happening. At our three Tampa pain clinics in West Tampa, North Tampa and Carrollwood, our pain specialists can accurately diagnose and treat your chronic pain.

Watch the video here:

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Treating CRPS in Tampa

Get relief from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Tampa

The pain that is associated with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS, can be debilitating and have a significant impact on an individuals quality of life.

Throughout her career, Tampa pain specialist Dr. Carissa Stone has treated patients whose pain levels were preventing them from being able to live their lives to the fullest.

But what causes CRPS?

“CRPS develops for unknown reasons and is a syndrome of findings with no other explainable cause,” said Dr. Stone.

Symptoms of CRPS can include temperature changes to a limb, pain when touching skin, pain or weakness in extremities with no motor damage,  and color changes to extremities with no vascular problems

“Usually doctors rule most other conditions out first because there used to be no treatment for CRPS,” Dr. Stone said.

CRPS is more common in women and the incidence of CRPS highest in women between the ages of 60-70, but all age groups can get it and there is no specific known cause at this time.

There are various options available for treating CRPS at our Tampa pain relief centers.

“Treatment options include the use of topical creams; neuropathic medications; sympathetic blocks and bier block injections; aggressive physical therapy to avoid disuse atrophy; desensitization treatment; and ketamine infusion therapy, Dr. Stone said.

In addition to these treatment options, Dr. Stone is also on the cutting edge of treatment options. She is currently involved in a new study into the effectiveness of the use if Intravenous Neridronic Acid for treating CRPS.

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