Here’s how to describe your pain to your doctor

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Pain is the most common experience we face as humans, yet it’s the most difficult to describe. We all know what it feels like to be in pain. But, everyone’s pain tolerance, the language used to describe pain, and their reactions to it differ as much as our personalities. This makes chronic pain diagnosis difficult, especially if there are no definitive test results. 

If you are frustrated in depicting your pain to a doctor accurately or a loved one, you’re not alone. This is a common struggle with our patients, so we’ve created this guide to help you better describe your pain and have us understand precisely what you’re going through:

Frequency

Chronic pain is not the same as pain immediately after an injury. It is not always constant and often follows certain events or times of the day. This information can help your doctor tremendously in accurately diagnosing and treating your pain. Keep a pain journal with the following news to bring to your next appointment: 

  • The time of day
  • How often the pain occurs throughout the day
  • How long the pain lasts (is it constant or intermittent?)
  • If the pain lasts overnight and for how long

Triggers

Specific events can trigger chronic pain. Bending over, going outside in the cold, and disruptions in your sleep schedule can all worsen the pain. If you notice any specific triggers, let your doctor know. Some of the most common ones include: 

  • After a specific physical activity is performed
  • When outside temperatures drop
  • When certain foods are eaten
  • When stress levels are higher

Limitations

The pain itself isn’t the only important thing to communicate. How the pain changes or limits your life is essential for your doctor to understand, so they know the severity of the situation. Let your doctor know if you can’t perform simple activities or avoid specific problems due to pain. 

Sensations

The physical sensations experienced during a chronic pain episode can be difficult to describe. To the best of your ability, focus on the trends and use as many words as possible to communicate the type of pain. Some common descriptors  include: 

  • Burning
  • Aching
  • Sore
  • Cramping
  • Sharp
  • Stabbing
  • Tender
  • Throbbing
  • Pounding
  • Twinging
  • Tingling
  • Stiff
  • Dull

Failed Remedies

Tell your doctor every remedy you’ve tried, from medications to physical therapy to topical treatments and everything in between. They need to know what’s not working so they can find a cure that will. 

How To Use The Pain Scale

Like the language used to describe pain, the pain scale can seem very subjective. However, your doctor needs to know how intense the experience is for you so they can better understand your situation as a whole. When asked to rate your pain on a scale from 1-10, this is typically what we as physicians mean:

1 to 3: Mild pain that is noticeable and possibly distracting, but does not generally hinder everyday life 

4 to 6: Moderate pain that disrupts physical or mental activity and is distracting

7 to 10: Debilitating intense pain and preventing most or all types of regular activity.

These tools can help you better communicate with your physician so you can find a cure for your chronic pain. Don’t be afraid to talk about every symptom, as they can all be clues in helping us find a diagnosis and long-lasting cure. 

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How does meditation work for pain management?

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Chronic pain patients are often tired of hearing advice about managing their pain. Well-meaning friends and even some physicians may tell you things like yoga or a more positive attitude will make your physical pain go away. While the thoughts are hopeful, they often belittle the genuine pain that a chronic pain patient is in all the time. 

These platitudes often leave you feeling misunderstood, maybe even patronized. “How can they tell me to think more positively, as if that will suddenly make my pain go away?” 

In many cases, chronic pain is much more than psychological and needs actual medical intervention to be solved. However, there is something to the idea that you can control your pain with your thoughts or control how much that pain limits your life. 

The Science Behind Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness Meditation is gaining increasing attention in the American medical community, and there’s no surprise as to why. Though its effects have remained a mystery helped by Eastern alternative medicine for centuries, we are finally catching on to the actual medical benefits of mindfulness as a pain and stress management technique. 

A 2017 review of medical research on mindfulness meditation found that “Mindfulness meditation has a most prominent effect on psychological aspects on living with chronic pain, improving associated depression and quality of life.”

Similarly, a 2020 study of 28 chronic pain sufferers who took a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course found that “MBSR classes were found to benefit participants with chronic pain and depression in this setting, fostering significant improvement in participant perceptions of pain, mood, and functional capacity.”

While mindfulness will not make your pain go away, it can help you overcome its debilitating effect on your daily life.

An Easy Way To Start Meditating

Meditation doesn’t have to take up a significant portion of your day, and you don’t need any equipment to do it. If you’re starting, this is an excellent method for meditation that will quickly become a part of your routine if you stick to it. 

  • Choose a simple activity that lasts 10 minutes or less. Meditate while drinking your morning cup of coffee, while walking the dog, or make 10 minutes before bedtime to sit and relax with your thoughts. 
  • Choose a time and place. To make meditation an effective routine, try to do it simultaneously and at home every day. 
  • During your activity, focus on your physical sensations. What does it feel like to put the coffee cup to your lips? What does it taste like? How does it feel to breathe in and out? These physical sensations are often overlooked, but you gain new awareness of your body and mind by taking them in. 
  • Let your thoughts come and go. Many of us struggle to tune out our inner monologues, especially those filled with negative thoughts or feelings about pain. As you’re meditating, close your eyes and listen to these thoughts. Let them come and go, and think about them as separate from you. Just because you have an idea doesn’t mean you have to claim it or identify with it if the thought no longer suits you.
  • Take deep breaths. Breathing more profoundly not only improves your feelings physically but can help you focus on your body rather than your mind. This simple, soothing action will help you center yourself and control your mind. 

Meditation can help manage flare-ups, control your pain levels, and help you get through the day even when dealing with aches and soreness. However, meditation is often not enough to make chronic pain bearable long-term. If you are interested in comprehensive pain treatment, talk to your local PPOA clinic to schedule a consult. 

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How To Use Aromatherapy for Pain Management

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Aromatherapy is a popular method for relaxation and self-care. Diffusers, lotions, body sprays, and homemade salves are standard integrations of essential oils in daily life. However, few people utilize the full effects of these oils, especially when it comes to pain management. 

Essential oils can help relax the muscles and mind, which allow the body to rest and recover. While it may not be as immediately noticeable as a painkiller, research shows that aromatherapy can help manage pain when coupled with other treatments. 

The NIH published a 2016 analysis comprising 12 studies on the effectiveness of aromatherapy for pain management. The results were as follows: 

“There is a significant positive effect of aromatherapy (compared to placebo or treatments as usual controls) in reducing pain reported on a visual analog scale. Secondary analyses found that aromatherapy is more consistent for treating nociceptive and acute pain than inflammatory and chronic pain, respectively. 

Based on the available research, aromatherapy is most effective in treating postoperative pain and obstetrical and gynecological pain…. The findings of this study indicate that aromatherapy can successfully treat pain when combined with conventional treatments.”

The next time you see aromatherapy products in the store, you may want to think twice before brushing them off. Even the relaxation benefits of aromatherapy can help you recover after an injury or operation and care for your body more holistically. 

Tips To Use Aromatherapy for Pain Management

Essential oils can be applied as a topical treatment or diffused into the air. When used as a topical treatment, it is recommended to mix the essential oils into another oil, such as sweet almond oil, to create a more smooth and even application. When diluted with water, oils can also be used with a diffuser or in a spray bottle to provide similar effects. Common essential oils used for pain management include:

  • Lavender 
  • Peppermint 
  • Ginger 
  • Marjoram
  • Geranium
  • Clary Sage 
  • Black Pepper
  • Lemongrass 
  • Roman Chamomile 

Ask your local apothecary about different uses of essential oils, as well as your doctor, for safe topical application. 

While aromatherapy is not the most effective form of pain management for chronic pain, at PPOA, we like to explore all of our patient’s options. If you are interested in long-term treatment for a chronic pain condition, talk to our physicians today about medication-free possibilities and how to recover from injuries resulting in chronic pain. 

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How to Manage Chronic Pain Flare-ups

Flare-ups are one of the worst symptoms of chronic pain. It’s troubling enough to have to handle a constant ache in your bones or muscles, but to have that pain increase quickly and without warning is truly taxing on one’s mental fortitude. Flare-ups can drain you not only of your energy and pain tolerance but can make you believe that the struggle will never end. 

PPOA fights chronic pain burnout as much as we fight the illnesses themselves. That is why we take a close look at flare-ups and why they happen, to ensure our patients experience them less frequently and manage them when they do. If you are experiencing a chronic pain flare-up, these five practices can help you manage the symptoms: 

Distraction techniques

Distractions are one of the most common tools to help manage flare-ups at home. While it may seem counterintuitive to engage in something active when your pain worsens, it can lessen the intensity solely by putting your energy in a different direction. When our minds are engaged, our pain subsides so that we can concentrate. Some standard distraction techniques include: 

  • Engaging in a fun hobby or activity such as fishing, painting, or dancing to your favorite music
  • Stimulating activities such as going on a date with a partner or having lunch with a friend (this can be done at home if the pain is too intense).
  • Practical activities such as grocery shopping or tidying the house 
  • Daydreaming and fantasy creatures to take your mind off the pain (watching TV and movies can also be beneficial if you engage strongly with the narrative)

Monitor your health

Did you notice any changes in your routine right before the flare-up started? Maybe you were feeling fatigued, or your eating patterns changed recently. Often lifestyle changes can cause explosions or make them worse s be sure to manage your eating, sleeping, stress, and exercise to give your body all the strength it needs to fight chronic pain. 

Mindfulness meditation

Meditation for pain relief is becoming increasingly common for chronic pain patients. This practice helps you focus your thoughts and control your reactions to pain. When trying to get through a necessary activity such as going to the doctor or taking care of the kids, mindfulness techniques can help you manage your flare-up no matter the situation.  

Use heat

Heat is a great way to relax muscles and manage the pain of arthritis and other joint conditions. A hot bath, shower, or heat compress can relieve pain quickly and last for several hours. While this s not a permanent solution, it can reduce inflammation and help you recover after a long day. 

Plan your days

Flare-ups can zap your energy and make it very difficult to get through your daily routine without extreme fatigue. Therefore, it’s essential to manage your day properly, so you don’t overexert yourself or crash in the middle of something important. Some of the ways you can plan your day around flare-up management include: 

  • Limit physical activity that is not on your terms (such as working, playing with the kids, or going out to visit friends). While physical activities such as walking and swimming can be beneficial, you need to stop whenever your body tells you to. 
  • If your flare-ups result from cold weather, plan errand and social outings to days where temperatures are warmer. 
  • Plan several hours throughout the day for rest. Start your day late and head home early, so you have plenty of time for a hot bath and a mindfulness meditation when you get home. 

PPOA works with patients to manage flare-ups and prevent them entirely with comprehensive pain treatment. If you are tired of the constant threat of an explosion, contact your local PPOA office today to schedule a visit with our doctors. 

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Do I need surgery for my chronic pain?

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For most people, surgery is the last step they want to take to treat joint or nerve pain. You’re worried about recovery time, expense, effectiveness after surgery, and the often intimidating process of going under. All of these concerns are valid, so we usually avoid surgery to save our patients time and emotional stress. 

However, there are times when surgery is not only the best care option but the best choice for you financially. While surgeries can be expensive, years of chronic pain care adds up quickly and is often not as effective as a single procedure to cure your condition. 

When Surgery Is The Best Option

Surgical interventions are your best option when your nerve or joint pain is severe, and other treatments are not working long-term. Conditions such as carpal tunnel and spinal stenosis can be tricky to treat with injections and steroids, often leading to medication dependence. 

At PPOA, we never want our patients to rely on a pill to treat pain. Medications are used for short-term pain or to help patients get through other treatments, but chronic use of pain killers can cause just as many problems as the joint pain itself. If other treatments aren’t working, we try to avoid regular painkillers by planning surgeries that eliminate long-term pain and get you back to your everyday lifestyle. 

Ways PPOA Treats Pain Without Surgery

If surgery gives you second thoughts, PPOA offers a variety of methods to treat chronic pain. We often try these methods first if we believe the pain can be remedied without a procedure:

  • Physical Therapy – Physical therapy can help those recovering from injuries and chronic pain due to lifestyle issues such as poor posture or work-related repetitive injuries. Coupled with at-home adjustments, physical therapy can offer long-lasting relief that is easy to manage.
  • Medications and Injections – Medication and injections into the joints can help heal injuries or relieve chronic pain until a long-term solution is reached. Depending on the severity of the pain, medications can work as a long-term, non-addictive treatment that helps relieve pain as needed without interfering with your life. 
  • Regenerative Medicine – Regenerative medicine uses your stem cells to help heal joints and nerves without further invasive procedures. This novel technique helps rebuild the damaged areas of the body and speed up the healing process, thus eliminating pain. While this is not an option for every chronic pain issue, it has done wonders for many patients and is an ideal alternative to surgery when applicable. 

PPOA works with all types of pain treatments to ensure you can g back to leading an active lifestyle pain-free. To learn more about your options for pain relief with and without surgery, contact us today.

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What are the Five most Common Types of Pain?

Physical pain is the number one symptom physicians try to fight when dealing with chronic disease and injury. Other symptoms are often tolerated, but the pain brings our patients in and keeps them searching for solutions no matter how long they go untreated. We face a sad reality as pain specialists and something we actively fight every day to save our patients from. 

Chronic pain is one of the most severe conditions a person can face throughout life. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed because patients don’t believe they can receive or need treatment. However, PPOA gives these patients hope by providing new and effective treatments for all types of pain. If you’re struggling to enjoy the life you once led before chronic pain, give us a call to discuss your options. 

Below are the five most common types of chronic pain we treat regularly: 

Back Pain

Studies estimate that 80% of American adults experience back pain at some point in their life. Whether due to poor posture, injury, or work-related stress, back pain can cause chronic pain and mobility issues, especially as you age. Other genetic conditions such as scoliosis or aging conditions can also cause back pain that is difficult to treat. Luckily, PPOA offers a variety of advanced techniques to treat back pain, ranging from medication for short-term injury to surgical intervention and regenerative medicine for long-term issues. 

Neck Pain

Neck pain is often caused by injury or posture issues and has been steadily increasing with the increased use of mobile devices (also known as “tech neck”). The way you hold your neck at work or while on your phone can cause strain on the muscles, leading to bulging disks in the cervical spine. Neck injuries such as whiplash or genetic conditions can also lead to chronic neck pain. 

Nerve Pain

Nerve pain due to injury and genetic conditions can become debilitating quickly, especially if not treated. Nerve pain often happens in the extremities but can spread across the body when caused by other health issues such as diabetes. Nerve pain is one of the most common causes of a trip t the doctor because it is not easily remedied by at-home treatments like stretching and topical creams. Luckily, the physicians at PPOA specialize in nerve pain and can treat it with injections, surgery, and more. 

Arthritis 

Arthritis is joint among older adults but can occur prematurely due to repetitive stress or injuries such as a muscle sprain or tear. Arthritis can affect your ability to move joints, enjoy daily activities, and live pain-free. Arthritis is commonly treated with injections or topical treatments, but physical therapy and surgical intervention are sometimes used for more severe cases. 

Headaches

Chronic headaches such as migraines are debilitating, while sudden and severe headaches are incredibly scary while they’re happening. A mix of medications and treatment for underlying conditions can help reduce the likelihood of migraines and headaches and help you lead a healthier, happier life pain-free. 

PPOA treats all five of these chronic conditions and many others not listed. We strive to help patients live pain-free because we understand how difficult it is to enjoy life while focused on pain. If you’re interested in discussing treatment options or finding a diagnosis for your specific condition, give us a call today.

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What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? 

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Carpal tunnel is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in the U.S. Caused by inflammation and pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, it can cause pain and numbness which can be debilitating in the hand. With so few treatments available, many patients believe that they must have surgery to relieve the pain. However, PPOA can often help patients find relief through other treatments before surgery becomes the only option. 

What is carpal tunnel syndrome? 

Carpal tunnel is caused when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in your wrist, is compressed due to inflammation or pressure. Most often this causes pain, numbness, tingling, and limiting of movement in the hand and wrist. For some, the symptoms are minor can be dealt with using a wrist brace or OTC pain medications on certain days. But for others, the pain is constant and limits motor function permanently. 

Who is at risk for carpal tunnel?

Carpal tunnel is unfortunately very common and can be caused by a variety of factors. You may be more at risk if: 

  • You’ve experienced trauma to the hand or wrist such as a sprain or fracture
  • You have pituitary or thyroid gland issues
  • You’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. 
  • You use vibrating hand tools or do repetitive hand motions at work
  • You experienced fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause
  • You develop a cyst or tumor in the wrist or hand
  • You’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or another metabolic disorder

When is surgery the best option?

Most physicians use surgery as a last resort if other treatment options fail and the pain returns or worsens over time. Common treatments include splints, corticosteroid injections, and other pain medications to help reduce swelling and pain in the area. Surgery involves cutting the flexor retinaculum in the wrist to reduce pressure, which can relieve the pain but will permanently alter the wrist’s function.

What other options are there for treatment?

PPOA works with patients individually to find treatment options that work for them. We combine physical therapy; medications and injections; medical devices and splints, and surgical options to find the best course of action depending on the patient’s pain level and motor function. 

 

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Tech Neck: How To Prevent and Treat Neck Pain

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Neck pain is a very common cause of chronic pain in the U.S. With so many of us working desk jobs and texting at all hours of the day, poor posture and heavy loads on our backs and necks can quickly turn from a slight sore to a debilitating condition. Neck pain often worsens as we get older, and can quickly accelerate if not treated right away. 

Prevent “Tech Neck” At Work and At Home

The rapid rate of technology growth experienced in the 21st century is affecting more than our lifestyles and modes of communication. While technology has broadly advanced our ability to connect online, it is also making permanent changes to the way our brains and bodies work. One of the most prominent issues that clinicians see is “tech neck” or muscle issues created from the constant gaze down into the phone or computer screen. 

Even Pre COVID-19 shutdowns and the work-from-home phenomenon, Americans average 3 or more hours of mobile phone use per day. This doesn’t account for laptop use either, which means that the amount of time the average desk job worker spends looking down at a screen is likely much more. While many folks try to combat the poor posture that this work style can cause, tech neck is invasive in our free time as we browse social media and the internet on our phones. 

If you are experiencing neck or shoulder strain and can’t find a cause, tech neck might be the culprit. Below are some symptoms to look out for, and ways you can prevent permanent damage from tech neck. 

What Is “Tech Neck?”

Tech neck is the strain of your neck muscles from looking down for extended periods of time. This type of pain did not become common outside the workplace truly until the advent of the smartphone, as most people look down to browse. The longer people spend on their devices, the more likely they are to cause undue stress on their necks and develop recurring issues. 

Complications of Tech Neck

If three or four hours of browsing can cause chronic stiffness, those who spend at day at computers without proper desk posture can develop serious chronic pain issues due to tech neck. Muscles can weaken and tear, and when coupled with incorrect sleeping posture, you can permanently damage your neck, leading to chronic pain. This can radiate down the shoulders and spine, causing discomfort for you at all times of the day. 

Tech neck can also put strain on the discs in the cervical spine, causing them to bulge or rupture. This will lead to severe pain that can require surgery to remedy. While rare, these injuries due occur solely due to posture and can develop over time if not prevented properly. 

How To Prevent Tech Neck

Here are several ways you can prevent tech neck at home and work with simple adjustments to your space and lifestyle: 

  • Sit upright with correct posture, and invest in a work chair that offers lumbar support and comfort when sitting back. 
  • Exercise regularly to ensure your muscles receive proper stretching and strengthening. Neck stretches can help alleviate stiffness and pain. 
  • Take breaks from desk work to move, and limit screen time when off work to ensure you’re not developing a chronic problem. 
  • Be mindful of your position throughout the day to ensure you’re not slouching or looking down for long periods of time.
  • Invest in a comfortable pillow to prove your neck with greater support at night. 

If your neck pain is chronic and/or severe, you may have spinal issues that need to be addressed with a doctor. To learn more about your options for neck pain, contact your local PPOA group today!

 

 

 

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Arthritis: Types, Sign and Symptoms, Treatments

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Arthritis is an often debilitating condition that affects people’s ability to work, engage in daily activities, and generally enjoy life pain-free. It affects nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. and typically worsens as we get older. While arthritis is widespread, it does not have to limit your life. With the help of a physician, you can find lasting pain relief and enjoy your life again without aches, pains, and tenderness in your joints. 

Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is characterized by pain and swelling in the joints caused by degradation over time. This can happen due to genetic conditions, natural wear and tear in the joints, or injuries. The two most common types of arthritis in America include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the lining of the joints. Not only does this cause pain in the joint, but it can also put those with rheumatoid arthritis at greater risk for immune deficiency-related health problems. 

Osteoarthritis is the type of arthritis most common in people and those who have suffered from joint injuries. Cartilage begins to break down, making the joints weaker, and therefore experience pain and stiffness. 

Other types of arthritis include:

  • Gout
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
  • Septic arthritis
  • Reactive arthritis
  • Thumb arthritis

You may be at greater risk of developing arthritis due to aging, genetic conditions, previous injuries, or certain health conditions like obesity. For example, women have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, while conditions like gout are more common in men. While some lifestyle changes and immediate care after injury may prevent arthritis, some types of arthritis can only be treated after it develops.  

Early Signs and Symptoms

Arthritis progresses over time, starting with a slight pain or stiffness in the mornings to a debilitating condition that can affect your quality of life. Below are the four most common signs of arthritis that should cue to you visit a doctor; 

  • Joint pain – Pain after an injury is normal, but if you have recurring or daily pain in a joint, it may be a sign of an underlying condition.
  • Swelling – Your joints may feel inflamed or visibly swell with no provocation.
  • Stiffness – You may feel as if your joints are sore without using them or as though they’re slower than usual.
  • Difficulty moving a joint – If you have difficulty fully flexing a joint or moving it without pain, this is a clear sign of arthritis.

When To See a Doctor

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, for more than a month after an injury or spontaneously, talk to a doctor right away. The sooner you diagnose the issue, the more your doctor can do to prevent the progression of arthritis or another joint pain condition. 

PPOA offers comprehensive joint pain solutions for all types of arthritis and related conditions. If you have questions or are looking for long-lasting relief, give us a call to learn about your options.

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The Five Different Kinds of Nerve Pain And How To Treat Them

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Nerve pain, or neuropathy, is a debilitating condition that can wreak havoc on your daily life. Whether caused by an underlying disease or previous injury, pain without reason can wear down someone’s physical and mental wellbeing. After a few months of chronic nerve pain, even the most resilient patients can become depressed and anxious. Treating nerve pain should be the first priority for these patients, so they can go back to enjoying life free of constant pain. 

Symptoms and Causes of Neuropathy

Nerve pain is often caused by an underlying medical condition. Diabetes is the most common, but it can also be caused by HIV, cancer, shingles, or degenerative bone diseases. Nerve pain is also a common symptom of spinal and skeletal injuries that put pressure on the nerves. Symptoms can range from mild pain and tingling at the damaged site to debilitating daily pain. Some of the common sensations include: 

  • Burning or tingling sensations
  • Pinpricks at the tips of fingers and toes
  • Sudden shocks throughout the body
  • Aching pain

Patients with nerve pain also suffer from varying side effects including higher rates of sleep problems, anxiety, and depression. The constant pain can limit mobility and daily activity, leaving sufferers limited in their lives until the pain is treated. 

The Five Types of Neuropathy

  • Peripheral neuropathy – This is the most common type of nerve pain, and includes damage to any nerve in the extremities. Pain and tingling are felt in the fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms, and legs, which can lead to mobility and dexterity issues.
  • Proximal neuropathy – Proximal neuropathy is another common type of neuropathy, defined by nerve damage in the thighs, glutes, and hips. Proximal neuropathy typically begins in one side of the body but can spread to both if left untreated. 
  • Autonomic neuropathy – This type of nerve pain involves the involuntary nerves connected to musculature and organs such as the heart, sweat glands, bowels, bladder, and sex organs. Like the other types of neuropathy, it can be caused by an underlying condition or can be a side effect of certain medications. 
  • Cranial neuropathy – Cranial neuropathy involves damage to the nerves connected to the brainstem. This results in conditions such as Bell’s palsy; microvascular cranial nerve palsy; third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsy; and multiple cranial neuropathies. 
  • Focal Neuropathy – Focal neuropathy is the damage of a single nerve, often found in the extremities but possible throughout the body. Though this type of neuropathy is not as widespread, it can be just as debilitating as other types of neuropathy. 

How To Treat Neuropathy

No matter what type of neuropathy you experience, seeking treatment is the right first step toward a better quality of life. No one should have to live in constant pain, and with the help of a pain specialist, you can regain your life, mobility, and happiness through a variety of pain management options. 

For medical conditions such as diabetes and cancer, treating the underlying condition can help eliminate or reduce the pain. People experiencing nerve pain due to alcohol addiction may also find relief through rehabilitative programs and detox. However, sometimes treating the disease or condition is not enough. Treatments including medications, physical therapy, and surgical intervention in the case of orthopedic injury may help alleviate neuropathy symptoms and help you get your life back on track. 

Talk to your local PPOA clinic to find treatment options and procedures that can help with your specific diagnosis. We believe that everyone can live a pain-free and medication-free life, and provide a variety of long-term treatment options that will get you back on your feet in no time. 

Schedule an appointment with your local PPOA physician today to learn more.

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