Different types of headaches and when to see your doctor

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Headaches are one of the most problematic pains we experience throughout life. They are often scary, difficult to describe, and can cause debilitating pain that no one else sees. When we experience an unusual headache that lasts longer than a few hours, we often become afraid it could be life-threatening. But is your headache severe enough for a doctor’s visit?

At PPOA, we want to help patients determine when a headache can get better with over-the-counter medication and some rest and what might indicate a life-threatening or chronic condition. Below are some of the different types of common headaches and how to determine when to see your doctor: 

Sinus headache

A “sinus” headache is not technically a diagnosis but a description of the type of headache during the common cold or an allergy flare-up. If you are experiencing a mild cold and have an accompanying headache, this headache can typically be remedied with an OTC pain reliever and rest. 

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are intense headaches that appear in clusters every few hours or every few days. You know you’re experiencing a cluster headache if you have the following symptoms: 

  • Intense pain typically focused around the eye 
  • Swollen, drooping eyelid and tears
  • Nasal congestion
  • It lasts 15 minutes to three hours

If you’re experiencing an excruciating headache like this, you should seek medical attention to rule out other causes. 

Seek immediate medical care if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms alongside your headache:

  • Stiff neck
  • Rash
  • Confusion or slurred speech
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Vision loss
  • Paralysis in any part of your body
  • Excruciating headache that comes on quickly
  • A headache that worsens, especially after a head injury

Thunderclap headaches

A thunderclap headache is a severe headache that seems to come out of nowhere, like a thunderclap. It typically peaks in intensity within 60 seconds and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, or cognitive problems. 

Seek medical attention if you experience one of these headaches to rule out severe life-threatening conditions.

Migraines

Migraines are intense, throbbing headaches that can cause nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. There is no definitive cause for migraines, but they can and should be treated to ensure they don’t inhibit your everyday life. 

If you experience migraines frequently, contact a PPOA physician today. We can help you manage your migraines and ensure they don’t return. 

Chronic headaches or migraine

Chronic headaches are characterized by headaches that occur more than 15 days per month. They can be caused by genetic conditions, age, weight, and lifestyle, but regardless of the cause, they can quickly become debilitating for the patient. 

If you have headaches more days than not during the month, contact your pain management physician to discuss treatment options. 

Headaches are never fun, but they can be mitigated with the help of a pain specialist. If you have headaches that are chronic or unexplained, contact your PPOA physician to talk about solutions. 

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What causes a pinched nerve?

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Are you worried about pain in your joints, spine, or another tender area of the body? You may have a pinched nerve. In this guide, we’ll help you determine whether or not your pain is a pinched nerve and when to seek a doctor for pain relief solutions. 

A pinched nerve is a compressed nerve in your spine or peripheral nervous system that causes pain, numbness, tingling, and other unusual sensations out of the blue. Experiencing a pinched nerve can be scary, as you never know if or when the pain will go away. At PPOA, we take these conditions seriously and want to help you find the right solutions for nerve pain. 

Pinched nerves are unfortunately widespread, with 85 in every 100,000 U.S. adults experiencing one in their lifetime. People 50 and older are more likely to experience them due to arthritis and degenerative bone diseases, but they can happen to anyone at any time. 

While most pinched nerves occur in the spine, they can originate in the joints or other areas of the body. So if you’re experiencing unusual pain or numbness in one of these areas, it could very well be a pinched nerve. 

What Causes A Pinched Nerve?

Herniated disks most commonly cause pinched nerves in the spine. When the disk between vertebrates slips, it can cause pain down the spine and into the legs. However, this is not the only cause of pinched nerves. They can occur due to: 

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sudden or repetitive injuries in the spine or joints (such as lifting heavy objects or repetitive wrist movement
  • Aging
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnancy (swelling and weight gain during pregnancy can put more pressure on the joints)

Do I Have A Pinched Nerve?

Frequently patients delay visiting a physician for their pinched nerve because they believe it isn’t bad enough to warrant a doctor’s visit. However, these symptoms can worsen over time, so if you experience any of them, you should seek help: 

  • Sharp or dull pain in the spine or joints
  • Muscle weakness
  • Tingling 
  • Numbness 
  • A frequent or unexplained “falling asleep” sensation

When To See A Doctor

If your nerve pain is mild, you may delay going to the doctor for three to four weeks. Rest and over-the-counter pain relief medication may help to allow the nerve to heal on its own. However, if the pain does not go away, you need to seek a doctor. This can turn into chronic pain or, worse, permanent nerve damage. 

PPOA offers comprehensive pain management treatments, including physical therapy, targeted medications, and surgical interventions to ensure your pain goes away for good. We want to help you lead a pain-free life without debilitating everyday pain killers, which is why our physicians go over a variety of options to comprise your treatment plan. To learn more about our options for nerve pain, contact your local PPOA office today. 

 

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Who hurts more? Men, women and pain…

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Pain is a highly individualized experience that affects everyone differently. However, one factor in your biology plays a significant role in the experience of pain – sex and gender. Many of us think we have it worse than the opposite sex, but is it true? In this article, we’ll explore the differences in how males and females experience pain and what you need to know when it comes to your pain conditions. 

Who Experiences More Chronic Pain?

Research shows that women, on average, experience chronic pain more frequently, more intensely, and for more extended periods than men. In addition, many chronic pain conditions – from fibromyalgia to rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, and IBS – are predominantly diagnosed in women. 

Studies also show that women are more likely to experience simultaneous diagnoses and experience pain more intensely during injuries or other single-event health crises. This affects women’s healthcare experience and can negatively affect mood and psychological health. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety, with chronic pain being one of the myriad reasons for this unfortunate statistic. 

Biology Plays a Part in Pain Response

The differences in pain levels between men and women aren’t merely psychological. The neural pathways that signal pain are structured differently in men and women, leading women to become more attuned to physical pain. Women also have more nerve fibers per square centimeter of skin, heightening sensory perception and greater pain sensitivity. 

Hormone differences also play a significant role in pain perception. Studies show that testosterone can aid in lessening the pain response, while estrogen generally heightens pain sensitivity. Coupled with the pain associated with the menstrual cycle, it is no wonder that women experience more pain throughout a lifetime and are more hyperfocused on pain when it occurs. 

Psychological Differences of Experiencing Pain

Heightened pain sensitivity plays an essential role in reporting chronic pain in men and women. Still, psychological and social factors may also indicate differences in how men and women experience pain. Women are thought to be more attuned to their bodies because, from a young age, they must be aware of their menstrual cycle. In addition, the added responsibility of pregnancy makes women more likely to notice changes in their bodies, including pain. 

Women also describe their pain in more emotional detail, indicating that women are impacted by pain from a social and psychological stance. According to an NIH study, Women used “more graphic language than men, and typically focused on the sensory aspects of their pain event. Men used fewer words, less descriptive language, and focused on events and emotions.”

Some believe the differences in chronic pain diagnosis stem from social differences, where men are conditioned to “act tough” and not show pain, while women are more likely to speak up. However, other reports indicate that women also feel pressured to ignore their chronic pain to be present for their families. They feel guilty for not juggling work responsibilities, child care, marriage, and caring for aging parents. 

What This Means For Both Men and Women

While men and women experience different pain levels, all of our patients must receive the care they need to treat chronic pain. We encourage male patients to speak up when they notice chronic pain because nobody should have to toughen up for it. And we want to help our female patients regain their lives and make their pain more manageable.

If you or a loved one is experiencing chronic pain, visit one of our pain management clinics to learn about your options. 

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Sci-Fi Surgeries: Lasers and Robotics

It may sound like the stuff of science fiction, but surgeries involving robotics and lasers are routine at Physician Partners of America. Our surgeons use cutting-edge tools to perform complex and precise procedures, allowing them to help patients by mitigating chronic pain, explicitly targeting tumors, and inserting neuromodulation devices, among other interventions. In addition, the minimally invasive nature of these procedures reduces the risk of complications and shortens recovery times for patients.

Many of these high-tech techniques use interventional radiology (IR), a method whereby surgery is guided by live medical imaging including x-ray fluoroscopy and MRI. Surgeons can, for example, treat cancer by delivering tumor-fighting medication directly to the source of the illness through pinhole-sized incisions,  targeting trouble spots without compromising other essential functions. In addition, surgeries performed using IR have significant advantages. In contrast, conventional surgery requires the doctor to reference still images taken before the procedure. With IR, the surgeon can “see” into the patient in real-time, eliminating ambiguity and surprises.

Laser spine surgery, a specialty of PPOA, is just as precise at treating spinal conditions, including degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. Through incisions smaller than an inch, surgeons use lasers to treat a variety of painful conditions. For stenosis, lasers relieve pressure on the spinal column from bony growths or deformation of the vertebrae by removing excess bone. To address osteoarthritis, facet thermal ablation deadens painful nerves without compromising feeling or movement.

Neuromodulation involves placing a small device near the spinal cord to electrically or pharmaceutically stabilize the nervous system like a pacemaker stabilizes heart rhythms. The procedure is minimally invasive and can treat ailments from chronic pain and incontinence to Parkinson’s Disease and ischemic disorders. Neuromodulation can even treat deafness via cochlear implants, which, instead of regulating existing nerve activity, actually create a response where none had existed.

PPOA is always mindful of the addictive potential of potent opioids and strives to give its patients a wide range of options to treat chronic pain. Thankfully, in 2021 technology has advanced enough that lasers and independent robotic implants are part of that range! To learn more about our modern technology and techniques, please contact your local PPOA clinic.

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Resolving to Fight Pain

Almost three-quarters of Americans will make New Year’s resolutions for the burgeoning year 2022. These resolutions run the gamut of activity from money to love to careers, but the most prevalent area to which Americans direct their aspirations is health. While many health-related resolutions pertain to diet and exercise, Physician Partners of America suggests making tiny everyday lifestyle changes to dramatically decrease your vulnerability to chronic pain.

Unlike other resolutions, preventing chronic pain can involve changing your environment instead of your behavior. For the majority of American workers who work in offices, this starts with arranging your desk and seat to put minimal stress on your body. Even though sitting and typing is a low-effort activity, a poor workplace setup can damage your neck, wrists, shoulders, elbows, and knees over time.

Resolve to follow these three tips to avoid chronic pain:

  • Computer monitors should be placed with their top edge at eye level, allowing you to maintain a natural head angle that avoids unnecessarily stressing your neck. Keyboards should allow your arms to fall naturally with your forearms at right angles to the upper arms.
  • Office chairs should allow you to rest your feet flat on the floor while providing the necessary back to support good posture. Armrests should likewise be positioned to facilitate good typing practice.
  • Even the best setup can be detrimental to your health if you remain sedentary, however. Be sure to get up and walk around every half hour or so; this will improve your circulation and keep joints loose.

Chronic pain is frequently the result of years of small misalignments, so using these tips can save you serious pain. Don’t be like the half of Americans who don’t keep their resolutions; learn more about avoiding chronic pain in 2022 and beyond at our website https://www.physicianpartnersofamerica.com/.

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Support Your Knees So They Support You

The knee is the body’s most commonly injured joint, and it’s easy to see why. From high-intensity sports to a simple slip and fall, a knee injury can arise from a variety of situations, causing pain along with an inconvenient lack of mobility as the injury heals. For those whose work involves physical labor, however, a knee injury can be more than inconvenient. For many in professions ranging from product fulfillment to retail, loss of knee function can mean loss of earnings.

Thankfully, there are simple ways to strengthen your knees and reduce the likelihood of injury.

Here are five methods to build knee resilience:

1. Maintain a healthy weight.

The heavier you are, the greater the strain on your joints. When your body’s joints are carrying more than they were designed to, the stress fatigues them and makes them more susceptible to injury, chronic pain, and even conditions like arthritis. To avoid that stress, make sure your diet and activity level are keeping you at a healthy BMI.

2. Exercise – the right way.

Regular lower body exercise strengthens your entire cohort of leg muscles, which stabilize the knee joint. The stronger your soft tissues are, the more resilient your knees will be in the face of anything from sudden stresses to repetitive use. Exercise also helps keep you at a healthy weight. Keep in mind, however, that how you exercise is crucial to maintaining healthy joints. Make sure you stretch before and after exercise to keep muscles loose, and alternate high-impact activity like running with lower-impact activity like swimming to avoid overstressing the joint.

3. Wear the right shoes.

The shoes you wear to run or work out will wear out faster than your other shoes. Make sure to replace them regularly, as wear will stop them from supporting your joints fully. When shoes wear out, they can actually increase stress on your joints as the cushion decreases and the sole becomes flatter. In addition, make sure your shoes fit correctly. Ill-fitting shoes force your legs to compensate, and the knees bear the brunt of that burden.

4. Wear knee guards.

They may be unstylish, but they’re worth it. If you’re playing a sport or performing another activity that carries a risk of falling or twisting, invest in a pair of good fitting knee guards. They might not prevent every injury, but they will certainly lessen the severity of the damage should you fall.

5. Mind your posture.

It may seem like your posture is all above the waist, but how you sit and stand affects your entire body. Excessive slouching or bending stresses your knee joints as you force them to take on extra work. To avoid day-to-day joint stress, make sure your head stays above your shoulders, which should be above your core.

By following these tips, you should reduce your risk of knee pain and injury. For more information on how to protect your joints and stave off chronic pain, please contact us on social media or at your nearest PPOA location.

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Don’t Let the Holidays Hurt

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The winter holidays should be a source of joy, not pain, yet they are too frequently a source of injury. The added activity associated with the holidays can result in slips, falls, strains, and other unpleasant memories – certainly not the reason for the season.

Let’s examine the risks associated with a common holiday activity: putting up decorations. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are about 200 decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season, with about half of the incidents involving falls. During the 2018 holiday season alone, about 17,500 people were treated in emergency rooms for holiday decorating-related injuries. In 2019, six people died from those injuries.

Improper ladder use is frequently to blame. Remember to read and follow all safety labels – don’t stand on the top step of a ladder, or the stabilizing platform if there is one. Make sure the ladder is near enough to where you’re hanging the lights or decorations that you don’t have to stretch to reach, which could cause the ladder to become unbalanced and you to become seriously injured.

If you’re hanging lights, don’t use them if you see frayed wires or broken bulbs. In addition, use extension cords wisely. Too often they can turn into dangerous tripping hazards, so make sure they’re clearly visible and taped down. 2,000 people end up with lacerations and sprains every winter from tripping over extension cords – don’t be one of them!

If you observe Christmas and erect a tree, do it safely. Trees can be heavy – not to mention the boxes of ornaments – so remember to practice safe lifting. Use your legs, not your back, to lift heavy loads, and ask for help if you have to strain to carry something. A pulled back muscle is not just painful; it may well prevent you from doing any more decorating!

Finally, if you live in an area that experiences ice, take the proper precautions. Wear stable shoes, don’t carry too much when walking over potentially icy terrain, and simply watch where you’re going. During the holidays it’s easy to become distracted by scenery, obligations, and crowds, but all of those can make it easier for you to slip, fall, and end up with a painful and debilitating injury.

Strains and sprains are the second most common type of holiday injury. Inconvenient and painful, they’re the opposite of what you want during the season of good cheer. Following the above tips will help keep you and your family safe, but should you find yourself in need of treatment please connect with PPOA via social media or your local clinic.

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Save your shoulders with these five easy tips…

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You use your shoulders for almost every movement, whether you realize it or not. From hitting a fastball to drinking your morning coffee, your shoulders are involved constantly. Because their normal function is so ubiquitous, it can be easy to forget how important having healthy shoulders is. But just ask anyone who’s suffered a shoulder injury – that ubiquity is a double-edged sword. As easy as healthy shoulders are to forget, injured shoulders are impossible to ignore. In addition, once you hurt a shoulder once, it becomes more likely you’ll reinjure it in the future.

Thankfully, you don’t have to stay idle to keep your shoulders healthy. Here are five easy things you can do to make sure you maintain full range of pain-free motion:

1. Use good posture.

Your mother was right! Bad posture is a very common source of chronic pain. Habitual slouching and hunching puts unnatural stress on your shoulder joints, fatiguing them and making them more susceptible to injury and pain. When you type, make sure your hands rest naturally on the keyboard so your shoulders can relax in a neutral position.

2. Stretch.

Whether for exercise or just daily flexibility, regular stretching will keep your shoulders loose and healthy. When muscles are in one position for too long, they stiffen, exposing you to injury if you have to make a sudden or unorthodox movement. A good place to start is practicing chest-opening exercises that stretch the pectoral muscles and pull the shoulder blades together. For those who go to the gym, make sure you’re stretching both before and after exertion.

3. Strengthen.

The stronger your muscles are, the more resilient your joints are. Muscles like your rotator cuff and lats provide support and control for your shoulders, so strengthening them will make it harder for the joint to become stressed or dislocated. Consider exercises like rowing or seated pulldowns to build strength.

4. Listen to your shoulders.

If you develop soreness, don’t ignore it. Resting the joints and icing them will reduce the kind of stress and inflammation that makes for annoying, long-lasting pain. If pain persists, see a doctor.

5. Sleep comfortably.

Side sleepers can be especially vulnerable to shoulder pain if their mattress, pillows, or particular sleeping position are putting undue stress on the joint. If you’re waking up stiff, evaluate your sleeping arrangement. Consider alternating sides, changing your pillow shape or firmness, or stretching before bed – sleep should help heal your joints, not damage them.

Following these tips will help keep your shoulders healthy and functional so you can go about your daily activities pain-free. For more information on keeping healthy joints, as well as treating joint pain, please connect with us on social media or at your local PPOA location.

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Five Ways to Address Bladder Incontinence

Bladder or urinary incontinence is an embarrassing and inconvenient problem that affects millions of Americans, especially the elderly. Up to 17% of women and up to 11% of men will experience moderate to severe incontinence, with rates rising sharply after age 70, especially in women. 

The condition can take several forms, but most often appears as stress incontinence, urge incontinence, or a combination of the two (mixed incontinence). Stress incontinence is triggered by exertion such as exercise, laughter, or sneezing, while urge incontinence involves a sudden onset of the need to urinate coupled with an inability to control one’s bladder. Research has shown that although stress and mixed incontinence are most common, urge incontinence is more likely to require treatment. 

If your incontinence is materially affecting your daily life, it’s time to seek help. Talk about the problem with your doctor, who may perform tests including a physical exam, bladder ultrasound, and urine sample. Once a diagnosis has been made, they may prescribe you medication to alleviate the problem, which is usually quite effective. Depending on the source of your issue, the medication may relax or stabilize pelvic muscles, or even provide a boost of needed hormones. 

Aside from pharmaceutical intervention, however, there are several things you can do to prevent and/or alleviate bladder incontinence.

Here are five ways to address the condition: 

  1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight increases pressure on your bladder and its surrounding muscles, making it harder to control especially in times of increased stress. Your doctor may recommend a regimen of exercise and diet change if you are obese or overweight. 

  1. Schedule Trips to the Bathroom

Consider practicing ‘voiding’ or scheduled trips to the bathroom regardless of your need. This will keep the bladder empty and decrease the likelihood of having to go urgently. If you know you will not be near a bathroom for an extended period of time, like a sporting event or hike, void beforehand to give yourself maximum leeway. 

  1. Strengthen your Pelvic Floor

Your pelvic floor muscles surround the bladder and lower abdomen. They weaken as you age, which can cause incontinence. Doing Kegels or similar exercises will keep those muscles strong, giving you greater control over your urination. 

  1. Avoid Triggering Substances

If you are having problems with frequent or uncontrolled urination, avoid beverages that increase your need to go. Caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks are all diuretics that increase urine volume and stimulate your bladder. Avoid them especially before bed. 

  1. Wear Protection

While you try different methods to address the condition, consider using pads or liners. These discreet products catch any excess urine, staving off embarrassing and inconvenient situations. 

 If your incontinence is caused by a neurological condition, PPOA’s neuromodulation devices may be able to help. To learn more, call your local office or connect with us on social media. 

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Five Easy Tips for Safer Sitting

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According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average American worker spends more than three hours of the workday sitting. Specific jobs, including accountancy and auditing, involve sitting for more than 90% of the workday. Yet even those who sit the most can be unaware of the risks of unsafe sitting.

Unhealthy sitting can cause conditions including back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle weakness. Over time, it can damage spinal disks, cause varicose veins, and reduce circulation. As desk jobs have increased, so have injuries and ailments stemming from improper sitting.

The good news is that by making simple changes in your sitting practices, you can alleviate those symptoms. Here are five ways to practice safe sitting:

1. Check Your Angles

For the sake of your neck and eyes, position the top of your monitor level with your eye line. This simple adjustment will position your head naturally and avoid putting undue stress on the neck. Likewise, the height of your keyboard should allow your arms to fall naturally, with forearms parallel to the floor. The more comfortable your arms, the less strain you put on the muscles as you type, but it’s not just about comfort; repetitive stress can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

2. Pick the Right Chair

Your chair should adjust to you, not you to your chair. Adjusting a chair’s height, tilt, and armrests is key to maintaining a comfortable and safe position. Also, make sure the chair provides enough lower back support, allowing you to sit up without tensing your back, and that it’s just high enough so your feet can rest flat on the floor.

3. Look Around

Whether a screen or a book, staring at something close to your face for extended periods will tire your eyes. To avoid eye strain, consider practicing the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Your eyes are controlled by muscles, which can stiffen just like any other body part.

4. Stand Up

Part of the danger of sitting cannot be mitigated by posture or equipment. Being sedentary lowers your heart rate and can hamper the free circulation of blood. While well-adjusted chairs can help promote circulation, the only real antidote is getting up and walking around periodically – ideally every 30 minutes. Poor circulation can cause varicose veins and muscle fatigue, which is why many with desk jobs go home tired despite not having exerted themselves at work.

 5. Listen to Your Body

If you’re experiencing aching joints, tired eyes, and fatigue, pay attention. The workplace shouldn’t be a source of injury, so don’t let it be one. Adjust your environment to get more comfortable, and you’ll be happier and healthier.

For more information on avoiding chronic pain, connect with us on social media or call your local PPOA clinic.

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