Osteoporosis Pain Relief

Osteoporosis, which is a disease that affects the strength and density of the bones, is extremely common. It is estimated that more than three million Americans are newly diagnosed with this condition each year, resulting in more than 50 million annual cases of osteoporosis.

While anyone can develop osteoporosis, certain risk factors greatly increase your chances of developing brittle, weak bones:

  • Being Caucasian or Asian
  • Being female
  • Being over the age of 60
  • Low body weight
  • Low sex hormone levels
  • Menopause
  • Small body frame
  • Smoking

Although osteoporosis is most common in older individuals, bone mass gradually starts to decrease – sometimes by as much as one percent each year – as early as the age of 30. Taking preventive measures when young, such as exercising and getting sufficient calcium and vitamin D, is an essential part of life-long bone health.

Osteoporosis Diagnosis & Symptoms

Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they have osteoporosis until a bone fracture occurs. Considered a “silent” disease, osteoporosis can develop over the course of many years without producing any noticeable symptoms. Being vigilant about potential signs of bone loss is extremely important, as taking measures to fend off osteoporosis early can help prevent dangerous fractures down the line. Talk to your doctor about your risk for osteoporosis if you notice:

    • Bone pain or low back pain
    • Spinal curvature
    • Height loss

A diagnostic test called a bone mineral density scan, or DEXA scan, is an X-ray specifically geared toward detecting loss of bone density. Images of your bones are compared to healthy bone benchmarks for someone of your age, gender, and ethnicity. Your doctor may order a DEXA scan if you are at an increased risk for osteoporosis or exhibit any of the symptoms listed above.

Osteoporosis Treatment in Texas and Florida

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, treatments will likely include calcium, vitamin D, specialized osteoporosis medication, physical therapy, and strength training. Treatment may vary if you are experiencing osteoporosis pain due to a bone fracture. Back pain due to a fracture of one of the spinal vertebrae can be especially debilitating and may require surgery. At Physician Partners of America locations across Texas and Florida, we offer osteoporosis pain treatment and vertebral fracture treatments such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. These minimally invasive procedures can help heal a vertebral fracture caused by osteoporosis so that you can get back to living your life.

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The 4 Quadrants of Abdominal Pain

The abdomen is a very busy part of the body. Since there are a lot of organs in the abdomen, one of the first thing that a medical professional is likely to ask you if you’re having abdominal trouble is where the pain is located.

To better understand your abdominal pain, learning more about where your organs live can help clarify what may be causing your pain.

Here are the four quadrants of your abdomen and some of the parts in each of them:

Right Upper Quadrant

Here are some of the organs in the right upper quadrant of your body:

  • Gallbladder
  • Liver
  • Duodenum
  • Upper portion of your right kidney
  • Part of your colon
  • Part of your pancreas

Right Lower Quadrant

In the right lower quadrant of your body, you will find:

  • Appendix
  • Right ureter
  • Part of your colon
  • Lower portion of your right kidney
  • Right ovary (for females)
  • Right fallopian tube (for females)
  • Right spermatic cord (for males)

Left Upper Quadrant

These organs are found in the left upper quadrant of your body:

  • Stomach
  • Pancreas
  • Spleen
  • Part of your liver
  • Upper portion of your left kidney
  • Part of your colon

Left Lower Quadrant

The left lower quadrant of your body is home to organs like:

  • Left ureter
  • Part of your colon
  • Lower portion of your left kidney
  • Part of your colon
  • Left ovary (for females)
  • Left fallopian tube (for females)
  • Left spermatic cord (for males)

Things to Remember About the 4 Quadrants

Looking at the lists above, you may notice that some body parts are in more than one quadrant. The colon, for example, has portions across all four quadrants of your body.

This is why it is important for you to explain to your medical professional not just where your pain is located, but the nature of the pain and any other symptoms that you are experiencing.

Another thing to keep in mind is that sometimes your pain could come from an organ that is not typically located in that quadrant. For example, if your uterus becomes enlarged, it could potentially cause pain in your lower left or right quadrants.

Having an understanding of your body can help you stay informed, but when you need treatment for your abdominal pain, it is time to go to a medical professional.

Next Steps to Treat Abdominal Pain

Even though it is smart to understand the four quadrants of your abdomen, do not take it upon yourself to make a diagnosis. It may be tempting to do some research and figure out the source of the pain yourself, but it rarely helps bring anything but confusion.

When you have abdominal pain, go to a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment options. Use your knowledge of the four quadrants to describe the location and nature of your pain, then let your doctor figure out what it is and how to help.

Make sure to follow the instructions of your medical professional and you’ll be on the path to recovery.

 

Abdominal Pain “Quick Answers”

Q: What are some symptoms of abdominal pain in adults?

A: Abdominal pain its self is a symptom. Other symptoms along with the abdominal pain may include

  • Nausea,
  • Diarrhea
  • Severe pain after eating

Q: What are some of the causes of abdominal pain in adults?

A: Some diseases that can be a cause of your abdominal pain include:

  • Gastritis,
  • Appendicitis
  • Kidney stones
  • Gallbladder Pain disease
  • Duodenal and gastric ulcers
  • Infections
  • Pregnancy-associated problems
  • Ruptured blood vessels
  • Heart attacks
  • Liver and pancreas inflammation
  • Kidney stones
  • Problems with the blood circulation to the intestine
  • Diverticulitis
  • Cancers

 

Some sensations of abdominal pain might not be caused from the abdomen its self:

  • Some heart attacks and pneumonia can cause abdominal pain and even nausea.
  • Diseases of the pelvis or groin can also cause abdominal pain in adults.
  • Testicular problems often can cause lower abdominal pain.
  • Certain skin rashes, such as shingles, can feel like abdominal pain, even though the person has nothing wrong inside their body.
  • Even some poisonings and bites, such as a black widow spider bite, can cause severe abdominal pain.

Q: When should an adult seek medical care for abdominal pain?

A: Medical attention should be given when (but not limited to):

  • Abdominal pain that lasts more than six hours or continues to worsen
  • Pain accompanied by vomiting more than three or four times
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Pain that stops a person from eating
  • Abdominal pain during pregnancy
  • Abdominal pain after eating
  • Pain along with an inability to urinate, move the bowels, or pass gas
  • Pain accompanied by a fever over 101 F (38.3 C)
  • Any other pain that feels different from a simple stomach ache
  • Pain so bad the affected person passes out or almost passes out
  • Pain so bad the affected person cannot move

Q: How will a doctor diagnose me?

A: Most doctors determine the cause of abdominal pain by relying on:

  • Characteristics of the pain
  • Physical examination
  • Exams and tests
  • Surgery and endoscopy

Q: Can abdominal pain in adults be prevented?

A: If the cause of the pain is known, a person should follow the instructions specific for the diagnosis.

For Example:

  • For an ulcer, the person must avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.
  • For a gallbladder disease, the person should avoid greasy, fatty, and fried foods.

While it is important to pay attention to changes in your health, it is not safe to self-diagnose when pain is severe or chronic.

Q: What organs are in each of the 4 quadrants?

Right Upper Quadrant:

  • Liver
  • Galbladder
  • Duodenum
  • Head of Pancreas
  • Right Adrenal Gland
  • Upper Lobe of Kidney
  • Hepatic Flexure of Colon
  • Section of Ascending Colon
  • Section of Transverse Colon

Right Lower Quadrant

  • Lower Lobe of Right Kidney
  • Section of Ascending COlon
  • Right Fallopian Tube (female)
  • Right Ovary (female)
  • Par of Uterus (if enlarged)
  • Right Spermatic Cord (male)
  • Cecum
  • Appendix
  • Right Ureter

Left Upper Quadrant

  • Left Lower Part of Liver
  • Upper Lobe of Left Kidney
  • Splenic Flexure of Colon
  • Section fo Transverse Colon
  • Section of Descending COlon
  • Stomach
  • Spleen
  • Pancreas
  • Left Adrenal Gland

Left Lower Quandrant

  • Lower Lobe of Left Kidney
  • Secion of Descending Colon
  • Left Spermatic Cord (male)
  • Part of Uterus (if enlarged)
  • Sigmoid Colon
  • Left Ureter
  • Left Ovary (female)
  • Left Fallopian Tube (female)

Q: What quadrant is the appendix in?

A. The appendix is located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen (right iliac region). This are is approximately 100mm (4 inches) long and about the diameter of a dime.

Q: What quandrant is the uterus in?

A: The uterus is located in both parts of the lower right and lower left quadrant of the female human anatomy.

About Physician Partners of America

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., Physician Partners of America (PPOA) is a fast-growing national healthcare company committed to combatting the opioid crisis through interventional pain management. Founded in 2013 with three employees, it has rapidly grown to more than 500, and manages a wide range of medical practices.

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Can Employers Legally Test for Prescription Drugs?

Finding a job nowadays can be such pain in the neck. But it is something that is necessary in order to survive. Half of the world’s population push through each day, soldiering on through routine tasks and daily struggles just to make it to their jobs. However, half of the world do not even have one. There are numerous reasons why a person cannot find a job. Some of these reasons are; meager job opportunities in third-world countries because of economic factors, personal credentials are deemed not suitable for the company’s standards, or these job applicants have a history of health-related issues. These are just a few reasons. The list goes on.

In the age of technology nowadays, companies have become more cautious in who they hire. Some companies have become more intrusive, asking for personal details and history including social media accounts and posts. Some applicants in recent years lose certain job opportunities on grounds of distasteful comments and posts. Some are not hired because of physical and mental discrimination. And some people are not hired because of their health history, specifically if they have had some history with substance abuse and rehabilitation. It is a painful truth that is happening currently.

Another sad truth is that in some states and countries, this is legal. To be fair, employers are just being good businessmen and is looking out for the welfare of the company. If a company refuse to hire someone with a substance abuse history, it is their right to do so. However, they also have the prerogative to request for drug testing. This depends on the laws or statutes of the state though. For an example, Florida drug testing and Texas drug testing laws might vary but they have a lot more in common than they have differences. These laws include employment specifications and so forth. Companies have to abide by these laws or else they will suffer the consequences.

For example, a specific case of a drug test request. There are a few reasons why companies ask applicants or employees for drug testing. One valid reason is if there is a history of abuse. Another one is if a person currently employed by the company shows weird behavior that may be associated with the intake of illegal substances. In general, drugs refer to alcohol, amphetamines, cannabinoids, prescription drugs, designer drugs, among others. These drugs are commonly abused by millions of people worldwide. Some of these drugs are distributed illegally all over the world. Prescription drugs are a bit different. They are easily accessible as long as it is prescribed by a licensed physician.

So, can employees legally test for prescription drugs? Technically, yes. But there are several factors to be considered which make it a little bit more complicated than the normal drug testing process. Most states allow employers or companies to demand or request drug testing from their employees or future applicants. One of these states is Texas, U.S.A. Most companies nowadays are not taking any chances; especially because there have been occurrences that prescription drugs can be abused and even taken in the workplace. In fact, details show that there has been a considerable increase in the number of employees that has been reliant on prescription drugs. According to Quest Diagnostics, the number jumped almost 40 percent from 2005 to 2009. Those who become addicted risk losing their jobs because of causing trouble in the company. Troubles such as low productivity level, possible accidents while on the job, and might possibly cause theft in the workplace. Being addicted to these prescription drugs makes everything quite complicated; not only in the workplace but also in personal spaces and relationships. Possession and usage of illegal drugs is a criminal liability. Unlike illegal drugs, addiction to prescription drugs does not necessarily entail criminal repercussions. It is a layered process involving the cooperation of physicians and a thorough review of the health history of the subject.

Moreover, a law known as Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA provides protection to those who are using these drugs. Basically, an organization or company is limited or in some cases, restricted to question an employee’s use of a prescription drug. This presents a problem to the employer especially if said employee displays unreasonable behavior that may be because of substance abuse.  Additionally, workers are entitled to keep the details of their health information private.

There are a few exceptions though. It includes jobs that are dangerous and requires certain strengths. Also, employees who are undergoing post-recovery after an accident are supposed to tell this to their company physician. Some companies require full disclosure on their employees’ prescription drug medication.

In hindsight, it can also benefit the employees. Some people may not even recognize that they are already having an addiction to prescription drugs. In a sense, this could be a way to help employees find the road to recovery.

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Nerve Pain Relief

Nerve Pain Relief to Support a Healthier, More Active Lifestyle

Upcoming summer activities, such as hiking and biking, can play a great role in nerve damage, and unfortunately treating nerve pain can be difficult. Unlike other chronic pain procedures, treatment for nerve damage has to be targeted and localized, combating the pain right at the nerve itself.

The knee specialists and pain management physicians of Physician Partners of America offer a range of alternative pain management treatments designed to target nerve pain right at the source. This allows us to switch off the pain transmission without damaging any of the surrounding tissue!

Treatment Options for Nerve Pain

Radio Frequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment, providing fast and long-lasting relief for nerve damage pain. Nerves are stimulated by electrodes, allowing the doctor to identify exactly where the pain is originating. After applying a local anesthetic, a hollow needle is inserted into the affected area. An electrode is threaded through the needle, and a specialized machine creates a small electric current that reacts with the nerve to switch off pain transmission.

Celiac Plexus Block

A celiac plexus block procedure is designed to combat nerve pain in the abdominal and lower back region. This procedure works by blocking the celiac plexus bundle, a cluster of nerves located in the abdomen, from sending pain signals to the spinal cord. A local anesthetic and steroid medication are injected into the celiac plexus bundle, relaxing tensed muscles and blocking pain transmission. While there may be some pain at the injection site, patients can expect a speedy recovery and long-lasting relief.

Stellate Ganglion Block

The stellate ganglion nerves run from the neck to the mid-shoulder, and a small amount of damage from tennis, rock climbing, or another outdoor activity can cause chronic neck and shoulder pain. Stellate ganglion block involves the injection of anesthetics directly into the stellate ganglion, numbing and relaxing the surrounding tissue and reducing or stopping pain transmission from the nerve cluster to the spinal cord. A harmless dye is typically injected along with the anesthetics to ensure that the nerves have been completely treated.

As you can see, though it can be a challenge to relieve nerve pain, there is a range of treatment options available. Schedule your appointment today to discuss the most appropriate treatment method for your chronic pain and be on your way to a healthy, happy, and pain-free lifestyle!

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Concussions and Headaches

A headache following concussion will usually clear within a few minutes to days following trauma.

Longer lasting headaches are known as post-traumatic headache. (PTHA) There is a wide variety of symptoms and frequency of headache.

The most difficult presentation is the individual who develops chronic headaches following mild injury. It is important to obtain an accurate history of the patient as well as examination and imaging if appropriate.

Obtaining an accurate history from the headache patient can be challenging. Did the patient have any headaches prior to injury? What additional symptoms do they have-nausea, vomiting, blurring or loss of vision, light, smell or sound sensitivity? Problems with memory? Changes in behavior observed by close friends or family? Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or dizziness?

Clinical features may range from mild aching over entire head or unilateral (one side) headache, frequency and severity . Often the pain of headaches and the inability to function cause anxiety, depression, and libido impairment.

Changes in mental function may be seen with difficulty in concentration, decreased work efficiency, difficulty maintaining attention and memory loss. Burst of anger or bouts of crying may also be seen.

Treatment of post traumatic headache as well as other symptoms is usually symptomatic. There is no medication that will alter the disturbances that may have occurred in the brain. “Wait and watch” is a frequent term used by clinicians and may be frustrating to the patient, especially the young previously healthy individual.

Appropriate diagnosis is essential. What might the extent of the traumatic brain injury (TBI) be? Are there other injuries which may be effecting the patient’s pain such as jaw or neck injury?

PTHA (post traumatic headache)-major types

  • Tension headaches
  • Cervical/cervicogenic headaches
  • Musculoskeletal headaches
  • Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunction

Treatment:

  • Physical Therapy
  • Medications
  • Stress Management
  • SPG Blocks
  • Occipital Nerve Blocks
  • Botox

NCAA Guidelines for return to play after concussion:

  • Light aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, or stationary bike. If asymptomatic then;
  • Mode, duration and intensity-dependent exercise based upon sport. If asymptomatic then;
  • Sport specific activity with no head impact. If asymptomatic then;
  • Non-contact sport drills and resumption of progressive resistance training. If asymptomatic then;
  • Full contact practice. If asymptomatic then;
  • Return to play. Medical clearance determined by treating provider or athletic trainer in consultation with team provider

If at any time the athlete becomes symptomatic, return to previous level of activity. Final determination ultimately resides with the team provider.

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Sciatica Symptoms and Treatment

If you’ve ever heard someone complain of low back pain, sciatica may have been the culprit. Sciatica is a term used to describe a group of symptoms that can develop in the lower back when an injury or degenerative condition is placing pressure on the sciatic nerve. Some of the most common conditions that can lead to sciatica include:

  • Bulging disc
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Herniated disc
  • Spinal arthritis
  • Spondylolisthesis

Because these conditions can affect the anatomical components of the spine, including its vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and ligaments, it’s no surprise that changes in the spine’s structure or stability can have an effect on the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots and cause sciatica pain.

Sciatica Symptoms

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It begins in the lower part of the spinal cord (the lumbar spine) and extends all the way down the back of the thigh. Just above the back of the knee, the sciatic nerve divides into nerve branches to deliver sensation to the calf and foot.

Compression on the roots of this nerve can lead to a variety of painful symptoms that span the length of the lower body:

  • A warm or electric sensation affecting the lower extremities
  • Numbness or loss of feeling in the thigh, lower leg, or foot
  • Shooting pain that begins in the lower back and radiates down through the buttocks, leg, and calf

Sciatica can affect both sides of the body, but it is far more common for it to only affect one side. This occurs because of the anatomical issue in the spine, such as a herniated disc, generally only affects the nerve roots on one side of the spinal column. Sciatica pain can make sitting or standing for long periods of time excruciating, though most people find that slow walking or lying down helps to alleviate symptoms.

Does Sciatica Always Require Surgery?

Pain relief for sciatica can take a variety of forms. While surgery for sciatica is available, trying all nonsurgical treatments prior to considering surgery is recommended. Sciatica therapy is aimed at managing symptoms and helping to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica treatments can include physical therapy, gentle stretching, low-impact exercise, steroids and anti-inflammatory medication. If these sciatic therapies are ineffective, more targeted back pain treatments may be necessary:

Sciatica Pain Treatment in Texas and Florida

At Physician Partners of America, we know that sciatica pain can affect every aspect of your life. Chronic low back pain can make it difficult to do your job, exercise, and socialize with others. Our experienced team of back pain doctors and sciatica specialists is committed to helping you regain your life and keep pain at bay. We offer sciatica treatment at clinics throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area so finding effective, customized care has never been more convenient. Make today the day you start taking your life back from back pain by scheduling an appointment with the physicians of Physician Partners of America.

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Is Fibromyalgia Causing your Inability to Sleep?

Is muscle pain, weakness, or stiffness keeping you tossing and turning each night? If you struggle to find a reason behind this frustration, here’s a possibility that you may not have considered—fibromyalgia. This disorder not only affects memory, concentration, and energy levels, but its associated chronic pain can leave you unable to achieve a restful night of sleep.

The Relationship of Fibromyalgia and Sleep Problems

Fibromyalgia and sleep disturbances go hand in hand: the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia can make it difficult – if not impossible – to achieve the deep and restful sleep that you need to lead a healthy life. Unfortunately, many other common symptoms of fibromyalgia are heightened by a lack of sleep. For a fibromyalgia sufferer, this lack of sleep becomes both a symptom and a trigger, making the management of fibromyalgia sleep problems crucial.

Trigger Point Injections for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief

While there is no one fibromyalgia treatment that works for everyone, the pain management physicians at Physician Partners of America have found that many patients respond well to trigger point injections. In fibromyalgia sufferers, trigger points are areas of acute musculoskeletal pain and spasm; pain often begins in these areas as a result of tension in the muscles and radiates outwards, contributing to the full-body chronic pain that is common to fibromyalgia. Though some trigger points arise as a result of physical trauma, such as bruising or hairline fractures, they can also occur spontaneously when a muscle spasms. These trigger points are a major cause of having difficulty sleeping—not only are they painful on their own, but pressure from the trigger point can cause pain to radiate outwards to the rest of the body.

Trigger point injections, or TPIs, combat the painful effects of trigger points by injecting a small amount of anesthetic, corticosteroid, or muscle relaxant directly into the trigger point itself. This extremely localized treatment provides near-instant relief for trigger point pain and can help fibromyalgia sufferers avoid dependence on painkillers. Even better, our pain relief physicians have found that once treated, individual trigger points rarely reoccur, making TPIs among the longest-lasting relief for fibromyalgia sufferers!

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The Dangers of Pain Patches and Cure-All Treatments

Tampa pain specialist Dr. Rodolfo Gari of Physician Partners of America recently appeared on the NBC program DayTime to talk about the benefits and draw-backs of over-the-counter pain relievers.

There are many companies who claim to have created a patch or pill that will significantly ease or completely eliminate chronic pain. In many cases these results are inflated or completely untrue.

While every patient’s chronic pain is different, it’s vital that any chronic pain relief regiment is decided on in conjunction with a medical professional. Chronic pain is a serious medical condition and requires a medical professional to appropriately treat and diagnose.

Watch the video here:

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Joint Pain Treatment in Florida

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Joint Pain Treatment in Florida

Experiencing pain from bending or moving is something that many people accept as an inevitable result of getting older, or something to be expected as a result of injury.

But joint pain is not something that you have to live with forever.

In a recent appearance on DayTime, Florida pain specialist Dr. Rodolfo Gari of Florida Pain Relief Group discussed the treatment options available for patients who experience joint pain regularly at Florida pain relief center locations in Boynton Beach, Rockledge, New Port Richey,   Tampa (Habana), Tampa ( Fletcher), Tampa (Westchase), Melbourne, Winter Haven and Orlando.

Watch the clip here:

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Dr. Mauricio Orbegozo Joins Florida Pain Relief Group

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Florida Pain Relief Group is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Mauricio Orbegozo to our growing practice.

Dr. Orbegozo has more than 20 years of experience as an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist. He joins Florida Pain Relief Group from private practice in the greater Chicago area.

“I like the approach of pain management because it allows me to treat the pain suffering patient in all stages of the process and their condition,” Dr. Orbegozo said. “As a surgeon I was only going to be involved in surgery. As I was finishing my residency in anesthesia I was given the privilege and opportunity to go to one if the best training programs available. I have since been practicing pain management and interventional therapies for pain. During my career I have had the privilege of treating patients with all conditions in pain management.”

Following medical school, Dr. Orbegozo pursued a residency program in general surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in Ohio; a residency program in anesthsiology at Loyola University Medical Center in Illinois; and a fellowship in pain management at Texas Tech University Medical Center in Texas.

“My approach to patient care is that of maximizing all therapies we have available for the patient in order to provide the best result,” Dr. Orbegozo said. “I believe the pain management specialist is the gatekeeper for patients in the sense that if they need referrals to other specialties, we can send the patient to the most appropriate physician to complement the care that we as pain Physicians have given. I believe in complete health as far as mental and physical health.”

Dr. Orbegozo prides himself on being able to connect on a personal level with each of his patients.

“I have always been proud of the fact that if a patient’s name comes up in a question I am able to recall who that patient is, the therapy the patient is undergoing and also who they are personally,” he said. “I believe that to treat pain you have to know as much of the patient as possible not only physically but mentally, socially and their life and family support they have around them.”

Joining Florida Pain Relief Group presented Dr. Orbegozo with the opportunity to relocate to be closer to family and to join a rapidly growing pain practice.

“I have decided to join Florida Pain Relief Group because ever since I met Dr Gari, saw his approach to pain management and saw his achievements in creating a model of pain management that has proven to be successful for a very long time,” Dr. Orbegozo said. “I knew this was the type of practice I wanted to join. We have family and friend ties to Florida and this was always in our plans as an area to continue our family life.”

Dr. Orbegozo will be seeing new patients starting May 16th at our Tampa pain relief center locations in East Tampa and Carrollwood.

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