Finding Relief: How Botox Can Help Manage Chronic Pain

Are you looking for a non-surgical solution to manage chronic pain? Look no further than Botox! This popular cosmetic treatment isn’t just for smoothing out wrinkles; it can also provide much-needed relief for those suffering from chronic pain conditions. In this article, we explore how Botox injections can effectively target and alleviate various sources of chronic pain, allowing individuals to regain control of their lives.

Botox, derived from the botulinum toxin, works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles in the treated area. This effect not only helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles but also interrupts pain signals that are transmitted through the nerves. From migraines to back pain and even conditions like fibromyalgia, Botox injections have shown promising results in relieving discomfort and improving the quality of life for many patients.

With its well-established safety profile and proven efficacy, Botox has become an increasingly popular option for managing chronic pain. If you’re tired of relying on medications or seeking invasive procedures, Botox may be the solution you’ve been searching for. Join us as we delve into the science behind this innovative treatment and hear firsthand accounts from patients who have found relief through Botox.

Understanding chronic pain and its impact

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Unlike acute pain, which is a temporary sensation caused by injury or illness, chronic pain persists for weeks, months, or even years. It can have a profound impact on an individual’s physical and mental well-being, leading to decreased mobility, sleep disturbances, and a reduced quality of life.

The causes of chronic pain are multifaceted and can vary from person to person. It can result from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, or even previous injuries. Traditional treatment options, such as pain medications and physical therapy, may provide temporary relief but often come with side effects or limited effectiveness.

What is Botox and how does it work?

Botox, short for botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Although it may sound intimidating, Botox has been used safely and effectively in medical and cosmetic applications for decades. When injected into specific muscles, Botox blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions.

The temporary paralysis of the targeted muscles helps smooth out wrinkles and fine lines on the skin’s surface. However, the benefits of Botox extend beyond its cosmetic uses. Research has shown that Botox can interrupt pain signals by blocking the release of certain neurotransmitters involved in pain transmission. This mechanism of action makes it an attractive option for managing chronic pain.

The connection between Botox and chronic pain management

The link between Botox and chronic pain management lies in its ability to target the source of the pain. By injecting Botox into specific muscles or areas affected by chronic pain, the neurotoxin can interrupt the pain signals being transmitted through the nerves. This disruption provides relief for individuals suffering from conditions like migraines, back pain, and even fibromyalgia.

One of the primary ways Botox helps manage chronic pain is by reducing muscle tension. Chronic pain often leads to muscle spasms or tightness, which can further exacerbate the discomfort. By relaxing the muscles through temporary paralysis, Botox helps alleviate tension and reduce pain levels. This effect can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions like tension headaches or myofascial pain syndrome.

Additionally, Botox injections have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a common factor in many chronic pain conditions, contributing to the ongoing pain and discomfort. Botox’s ability to reduce inflammation can provide significant relief and improve the overall quality of life for individuals struggling with chronic pain.

Conditions that can be treated with Botox for chronic pain

Botox injections have shown promising results in managing various chronic pain conditions. While their use is most commonly associated with cosmetic applications, the medical community has recognized their potential in pain management. Here are some of the conditions that can be effectively treated with Botox:

Benefits of using Botox for chronic pain management

Using Botox for chronic pain management offers several advantages over traditional treatment options. Here are some of the key benefits:

The process of receiving Botox injections for chronic pain

Receiving Botox injections for chronic pain follows a similar process to cosmetic Botox treatments. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Consultation: The first step is to consult with a qualified healthcare professional who specializes in Botox treatments for chronic pain. During this consultation, the healthcare professional will assess your condition, discuss your pain management goals, and determine if Botox is a suitable treatment option for you.
  2. Treatment Plan: If Botox is deemed appropriate, the healthcare professional will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan will outline the targeted areas for injection and the recommended dosage of Botox.
  3. Injection Procedure: On the day of the procedure, the healthcare professional will clean the treatment area and may apply a numbing cream to minimize any discomfort. Using a fine needle, they will inject the Botox into the targeted muscles or trigger points. The number of injections will vary depending on the specific condition being treated.
  4. Recovery and Follow-up: After the injections, you may experience some mild discomfort or swelling at the injection site. This is normal and should subside within a few days. You will typically be able to resume your regular activities immediately after the procedure. The healthcare professional will schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your progress and determine if any additional treatments are necessary.

Potential side effects and risks of Botox for chronic pain

While Botox injections for chronic pain management are generally safe, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects and risks. These can include:

– Temporary muscle weakness or soreness at the injection site

– Headache

– Flu-like symptoms

– Allergic reactions (rare)

It’s crucial to discuss any potential risks or concerns with your healthcare professional before proceeding with Botox injections. They will be able to provide you with comprehensive information and address any questions you may have.

Finding a qualified healthcare professional for Botox treatments

When considering Botox injections for chronic pain, it’s essential to seek treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Here are some tips for finding a reputable provider:

  1. Credentials: Ensure that the healthcare professional administering the Botox injections is licensed and experienced in performing these procedures. They should have a background in pain management or a related field.
  2. Reputation: Research the provider’s reputation by reading patient reviews and testimonials. Look for positive feedback regarding their expertise, professionalism, and successful pain management outcomes.
  3. Referrals: Ask your primary care physician or trusted healthcare professionals for recommendations. They can provide insights and refer you to reputable providers in your area.
  4. Consultation: Schedule a consultation with the healthcare professional to discuss your chronic pain condition and treatment options. Use this opportunity to assess their knowledge, expertise, and communication style.

Remember, your safety and well-being should always be the top priority when seeking any medical treatment, including Botox injections.

Other treatment options for chronic pain

While Botox injections can be an effective option for managing chronic pain, it’s important to consider other treatment options as well. Every individual’s pain management needs are unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Here are some alternative or complementary treatments that can be explored:

– Physical therapy: Targeted exercises, stretching, and manual therapy techniques can help improve mobility, strength, and reduce pain.

– Medications: Depending on the specific condition, your healthcare professional may prescribe medications to manage chronic pain. These may include over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or prescription medications.

– Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with chronic pain. It can help individuals develop coping strategies and improve their overall well-being.

– Alternative therapies: Techniques such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and mindfulness meditation have shown promise in managing chronic pain for some individuals. These approaches can be used in conjunction with other treatments to enhance pain relief.

It’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop a comprehensive pain management plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.

Conclusion: Empowering individuals with chronic pain

Chronic pain can be a challenging and overwhelming condition to live with, but there is hope. Botox injections offer a non-surgical, targeted approach to managing chronic pain, providing relief for individuals who have exhausted other treatment options. By interrupting pain signals and reducing muscle tension, Botox can significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from conditions such as migraines, back pain, and fibromyalgia.

If you’re considering Botox for chronic pain management, it’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional who specializes in these treatments. They can assess your condition, discuss the potential benefits, and address any concerns or questions you may have. Remember, you don’t have to navigate chronic pain alone – there are effective options available to PPOA pain management specialist will help you regain control and find relief. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.

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What Is Interventional Pain Management?

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Chronic pain is one of the most common complaints of patients in the U.S., with approximately 50 million Americans (over 20% of the population) experiencing some type of pain regularly. Causes range from work-related injuries to repetitive stress, but these patients share one thing in common: they want relief, and in many cases, interventional pain management is able to provide it. Long-term pain has significant economic, social, and emotional impacts on individuals, and deserves to be treated with the utmost concern.

Not all chronic pain sufferers seek out treatment, and those that do often do not experience the results they hoped for. If traditional therapies are not working to reduce your everyday pain, you may want to talk to your doctor about interventional pain management.

What is Interventional Pain Management, and how is it different from traditional treatments?

Interventional pain management is a type of pain management plan that uses pain-blocking procedures and medicines to stop the pain patients regularly experience. These therapies “intervene” with the nerve signals, rather than trying to treat the source of the pain. These techniques are used for patients who have not responded to less invasive options such as prescriptions or physical therapy, and for conditions where a root cause cannot be found.

Interventional pain management is particularly helpful with chronic pain conditions, where the source of the pain can be unclear, or in cases where the injury has healed but the pain remains. Interventional therapies do not have to be “invasive” but are considered any type of treatment that targets the nerves causing pain.

Types of Interventional Pain Management

Interventional pain management consists of all types of therapies used to block pain sensations, ranging from nerve-blocking implants to infusions and other drug therapy. Below are some of the most common types of interventional pain procedures your doctor may use to treat you:

  • Nerve blocks: As the name suggests, nerve blockers simply block the pain receptors in the nerves to inhibit the sensation of pain in a particular area of the body. Nerve-blocking treatments range from minimally invasive procedures that last for a few hours, to permanent and semi-permanent surgical implants.
  • Infusions: Infusions are a type of drug therapy that infuses pain medications directly into the body. Most are delivered through catheters or an epidural and are typically used for long-term pain relief.
  • Injections: Similar to infusions, injections target pain at the source by delivering steroids and numbing drugs to the area affected by pain. These can be used for short- or long-term pain relief and can target joints, muscles, or other areas of pain.
  • Radiofrequency ablation: Radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves to target areas of the back and neck affected by nerve damage. The radio waves create heat which in turn reduces pain and is particularly effective to treat arthritis.

Surgeries are also sometimes used to treat or block nerve pain, but only if the damage is severe and does not respond to traditional methods. These interventions, along with other less invasive options such as physical therapy, can be used in tandem to create long-lasting relief for patients.

At PPOA, we work with patients to create long-lasting solutions to pain that help them get their lives back. We manage short- and long-term treatment plans and ensure that patients are informed of all of their options before making a decision. If you are interested in solutions for your chronic pain, talk to a PPOA specialist today.

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What Is Pain Management?

Chronic pain is unfortunately one of the most common causes of doctor’s visits in America. All over the country, people are searching for answers to their back, joint, muscle, and all-over body pain with very few answers from their general practitioner. However, the answers they are searching for can be found, with the help of a pain management specialist.

Pain management is the field of medicine that focuses specifically on pain – chronic pain, acute pain, and pain caused by other conditions such as cancer. A pain management center can give you a more tailored approach to your treatment than a primary care doctor can, with the help of a variety of specialties working together.

What is a Pain Management Specialist?

A pain management specialist is a physician that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pain. While a variety of specialists fit within the pain management category – such as surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists, and even psychiatrists – many of them work together to create comprehensive approaches to pain that can work in the short- and long-term.

Pain management specialists can help identify the underlying causes of your pain, whether it’s repetitive stress or a previous injury, and will tailor a pain management plan to suit your needs.

They will create a step-by-step plan, beginning with the least invasive options, and work through potential solutions until you find what’s right for you. Some of the common methods used by pain management specialists include acupuncture, physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, at-home remedies, and interventional medicine.

Chronic vs. acute pain management

Pain management specialists treat both acute and chronic pain, but the treatment plans are very different. Acute pain is a type of pain that is caused by a specific injury or ailment and typically goes away after that injury is healed. Most people who experience acute pain come in because they know something else is wrong, and the treatment of the injury itself typically resolves the other symptoms. While it may take up to six months for acute pain to go away completely, it will be treated by treating the underlying issue, and with supplementary methods until the body is fully healed.

Chronic pain, on the other hand, is considered a condition all its own. Chronic pain can start from an underlying injury, but if it does not go away as the injury heals, it means that something else is wrong with the body that needs to be addressed. Chronic pain can be caused by repetitive stress, injuries that did not heal properly, or abnormalities in the nerves that cause secondary issues.

Chronic pain is more difficult to treat and therefore requires a multi-disciplinary approach to achieve long-lasting results. Chronic pain is also frustrating to the patient, as it can impact mobility and lifestyle for months or even years if left untreated. Many chronic pain patients seek both medical help and mental health support, as chronic pain is a common cause of depression and anxiety as it limits a person’s ability to enjoy a normal life.

What treatment options are available to me?

When you visit a chronic pain specialist for the first time, you will likely sit down for a consultation to go over your medical history and previous diagnoses. If you don’t have a diagnosis for your pain, this will be the first step followed by a long-term pain management plan. Depending on the type and severity of your pain, your physician may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

  • Over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers
  • Physical therapy
  • Medical and surgical interventions
  • Meditation and mindfulness practices
  • Heat therapy
  • Exercise and lifestyle changes
  • Mental health treatment to assist with psychological symptoms of chronic pain

PPOA works with our patients one-on-one to ensure they get the long-lasting relief needed to get their lives back. If you have been experiencing pain with little to no relief, contact our local offices today to find a pain management specialist who can help you thrive.

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What is Causalgia?

Are you suffering from long-lasting, intense pain after a nerve injury? If so, you’ve likely been through the wringer when trying to find pain solutions that work. Many nerve injuries, and the chronic pain that often comes with them, go undiagnosed and thus untreated for many years. If you’re struggling to find solutions, you may be suffering from a rare but treatable condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II (CRPS II), or causalgia.

CRPS II is a neurological disorder that causes intense pain radiating from the extremities. Typically caused by a trauma or injury to the peripheral nerves, this type of pain is rare and can be difficult to diagnose. However, with the help of a pain specialist, you may be able to find long-lasting solutions to reduce or even eliminate your pain.

What is Causalgia?

Causalgia, or CRPS II, is a very rare chronic pain condition, affecting less than one in 100,000 Americans on average. This condition occurs when one of the peripheral nerves (nerves in your arms, legs, and other extremities) is injured in a fracture, sprain, surgical procedure, or other trauma. This condition is unfortunately common in elective foot and ankle surgeries, affecting approximately 1.8 percent of post-surgical patients. Other causes of CRPS II include:

  • Burn incidents and other soft-tissue trauma
  • Crushing injuries and fractures
  • Injuries to the brachial plexus
  • Amputation

It is not fully known why some patients develop CRPS II after injuries and others do not. It is believed that some patients may have abnormalities in the structure and lining of their nerves, or that some patients experience more inflammation in the nerves, which in turn causes hypersensitivity to the pain.

Symptoms of CRPS II

CRPS II has similar symptoms regardless of whether it occurs in the arms, legs, neck, or other extremities. Most patients report one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Burning or aching in a particular muscle or joint in the body
  • “Pins and needles” feeling in the affected area
  • Pain lasting longer than six months that seems disproportionate to the injury the patient experienced
  • Hypersensitivity to touch surrounding the injury
  • Swelling or stiffness in one or more areas of the body
  • Changes in skin color or temperature in the affected area

Unfortunately, because these symptoms seem disproportionate to the original injury, CRPS II patients are often not heard by their doctors and peers, as it is assumed they simply have a low pain tolerance. But this is not true, and those experiencing intense pain after an injury should seek help for their chronic pain to ensure it gets treated promptly.

How CRPS II is Diagnosed and Treated

Most CRPS II patients are diagnosed through patient history, a physical examination, and a series of tests including MRIs and X-ray scans to understand the point of origin of the pain. Physical examinations may be difficult to perform due to the level of pain experienced by the patient. However, the physician must first eliminate more common causes of pain such as fibromyalgia to effectively treat CRPS II.

Treatment for CRPS II is multi-faceted and will include a variety of methods tailored to your needs and pain experience. Common treatments for CRPS II include:

  • OTC and prescription pain medications
  • Traditional physical therapy
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a type of physical therapy that sends electrical impulses through the body to block pain signals.
  • Heat therapy

PPOA offers a variety of approaches to treating CRPS II, ranging from at-home remedies to interventional therapy that can create lasting pain relief. If you are interested in consulting with a pain specialist about your CRPS II or chronic pain after an injury, contact us today.

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Phantom Pain Causes and Symptoms

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Phantom limb pain is one of the most frustrating post-operation symptoms for amputation patients. Not only is the symptom challenging to diagnose, but it can feel alienating to experience pain in a part of the body that is no longer there. The pain can also remind the traumatic event, which burdens the patient even on good days. 

Phantom limb pain was once thought to be a purely psychological phenomenon, but research has shown that the pain receptors hosted within the spinal cord can cause real sensations even if the limb is no longer there. Understanding the causes of phantom limb pain makes it easier for us to treat and for you to recover from. 

What’s causing my phantom pain?

Modern scientific understanding of phantom pain paints it as much more than a psychological issue. After losing a limb, the brain and spinal cord must rewire the deeply embedded neurological connections between the body and mind. When the brain loses input from one of those connections, it may respond by sending a signal that something is wrong, and that signal is most often pain. 

Other types of phantom limbs can occur. For example, you may feel the limb is still there because the brain is trying to compensate for the lack of real neurological input. Or your brain rewires connections to other parts of the body. For example, when you scrape your knee, you may feel pain in a missing leg or phantom pain of a missing hand in the nose or cheek. 

Some factors that can increase the likelihood of phantom limb pain include: 

  • Scar tissue at the surgical site
  • Damaged nerve endings
  • Pain experienced before the amputation
  • Residual limb pain

Can my phantom pain be treated? 

Phantom limb pain can and should be treated by all patients who experience it. While there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for phantom pain, you should talk to your pain specialist about a variety of options: 

  • Medications – Pain medications and antidepressants can sometimes alleviate phantom limb pain, especially if it is related to pain before the amputation or pain in a residual limb. However, these do not work for all patients and should be discussed extensively with your doctor before use. 
  • Acupuncture – Acupuncture is viewed as an unorthodox treat for some but is recommended by the National Institutes of Health for several types of chronic pain. 
  • Mirror box and virtual reality – Mirror boxes help patients visualize the limb that was amputated, which can sometimes alleviate phantom pain. For example, your physical therapist may have you move the intact limb and visualize a limb that doesn’t hurt. Virtual reality programs are also being developed to help patients do similar therapies at home or in the office. 

PPOA offers a variety of options for patients to help them treat phantom limb pain. If you’d like to learn more or schedule a consultation, contact your local office today!

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The Difference Between Pain Management and Pain Medicine

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Pain brings people to the doctor more often than any other symptom. People will suffer in silence for fear of what they may discover from a physician, but pain is something we cannot ignore. If you are experiencing intense or chronic pain, you are likely worried about the diagnosis. You may also be concerned about the treatments your doctor recommends and if they will work to alleviate your pain. 

At PPOA, we see many patients who have been upset by constant trips to other specialists with no end or cure. They deal with pain day in and day out and are typically only given medications to ease it. Unfortunately, while drugs may work temporarily, they come with many other side effects that can impact your quality of life and ability to function normally. 

A more holistic approach may be suitable if you’re looking for an alternative to pain medicine for chronic or acute pain. 

Traditional Pain Medicine vs. Holistic Pain Management

Most doctors treat pain with medications because it is the most straightforward treatment and is typically immediately effective. They prescribe an opioid or over-the-counter painkiller, and the patient is satisfied with immediate and total relief. However, this form of treatment doesn’t make the source of the pain go away. Instead, the symptom is simply masked while the underlying condition continues to get worse. 

Natural pain medicines like medical marijuana or cold and heat therapies don’t provide lasting relief. They may temporarily relieve pain but don’t help the body become stronger and healthier. That is why we limit the use of pain medicine as a transitional treatment until a more permanent solution can be found. 

PPOA takes a more holistic approach to pain management by implementing various techniques and treatments to attack pain at its source. We help your body heal by using injections, physical therapy, and medical treatments such as surgery. This treatment method may seem more invasive, but the results are sustainable and can eliminate the reliance on pain medicine from your life. 

Is Holistic Pain Management Right for All Patients?

We don’t want to paint painkillers as a lousy treatment for pain because physicians and patients often use them wisely. Medication can help you weather the storm and suffer less while your body is healing for minor injuries, surgical recovery, and other acute primary treatment. However, if the root cause of the pain is not being addressed, medications are not a long-lasting solution. 

Pain medicine that isn’t over-the-counter can also be problematic for those recovering from drug or alcohol addictions. Many patients in recovery will avoid them voluntarily, even if their physician recommends them. However, drugs should never be withheld for these reasons, as stronger pain medications can make a recovery from major injuries or surgeries much easier and more successful for the patient. 

Pain management is a personal journey that each patient must take with their physician, and we believe using all available options is best. While medications may work for you in the short term, you can and should explore other options to give yourself the best chance of recovery. 

The End Goal of Holistic Pain Management

Unlike medications to treat pain, pain management practices aim to cure rather than mask it. If you are interested in a holistic, long-term approach to pain care, contact your local PPOA clinic today to learn about your options. 

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The Benefits of Doing Physical Therapy for Pain

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At PPOA, we believe that well-rounded care is the best strategy for chronic pain treatment and prevention. A personalized medical plan combining medical interventions, therapies, and medications when needed helps our patients recover faster and get back to enjoying a complete lifestyle, free of pain. However, many of our patients don’t understand just how vital this holistic style of treatment is for their recovery. 

Many of our patients come to us expecting surgical and medication options for pain. Instead, we often recommend physical therapy as the first line of defense against chronic pain. It can empower you to ease your pain through various exercises and routines that give you mobility back. 

Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often used to restore mobility and function to a part of the body that has undergone severe trauma. For example, if the nerves in your legs are damaged after a car accident, physical therapy can help you relearn to walk and run. In addition, it can help amputees, those with damaged joints, and those who are stiff and unsteady due to chronic pain conditions. 

Some of the most common uses and benefits of physical therapy include: 

  • Alleviating chronic or acute pain 
  • Maintaining mobility and lifestyle as you age
  • Faster recovery from injuries
  • Improves sports performance, especially after an injury
  • Restoring range of motion in joints
  • Improving strength in joints

Examples of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, your therapist may implement a variety of exercises, stretches, and practices to give you the best relief from your pain possible, including:

Low-impact exercise. Suppose you are working on improving mobility or general fitness after an injury. In that case, low-impact activities such as walking at a fast pace or swimming can help your body move and improve without the risk of further injury.  

Muscle-strengthening exercises. Physical therapists use machines and resistance exercises to help patients build strength in weakened or atrophied muscles. Your movements will be modified to ensure you don’t re-injure yourself but will be challenging enough for you to see results within just a few sessions. 

Pain relief exercises. More targeted pain relief exercises and stretches are used for aching joints and muscles. If you overuse specific muscles or joints such as the knees, back, or wrist, these exercises can help you find relief at the end of the day. 

Massage. Massage is used to relax the muscles and work on areas of acute pain. While these massages may feel tense at first, you’ll begin to feel your muscles relax and unwind after a few sessions. 

TENS and ultrasound. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a physical therapy tool used to relax and relieve muscle pain by sending electrical vibrations through the affected area. Ultrasound machines are used similarly and can provide relief in very few sessions. 

Will It Hurt?

Physical therapy is made to relieve pain, not cause it. While strength and mobility training exercises can be challenging, you should never be n pain during them. Expect a little sore after your sessions, like after a workout, but nothing more. 

PPOA encourages those suffering from chronic pain to look into physical therapy options at their local PPOA clinic. We offer various treatment options to help you feel better and regain control of your life. 

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Five Long-Term Effects of Chronic Pain

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Pain is a tool your body uses to protect itself. For example, when you touch something hot or step on something sharp, you need to know immediately that your body is in danger to avoid the threat. The pain response helps you understand what’s going on with your body, internally and externally, and is necessary for survival.

But, your body is not meant to hold on to pain for long periods. Chronic pain, which lasts three months or longer, puts too much physical and mental strain on the body, leading to other health problems that are difficult to course-correct. 

If you are living with chronic pain and notice other symptoms interrupting your lifestyle, it may be time to talk to a doctor. They can help you treat not only your chronic pain but the other medical conditions associated with chronic pain that can take over your life. 

Changes in the brain

Your brain is not meant to handle pain all day. When it does, it takes away the processing power from other brain areas to compensate and can change the structure of grey matter. Studies show that chronic pain patients can lose up to 11% of grey matter (areas of the brain that control learning, attention, memory processing, and motor control) as opposed to those without chronic pain. The more prolonged chronic pain persists, the more grey matter is altered.  This is why chronic pain patients have memory loss, attention, problem-solving, and motor control issues, even in areas unaffected by the pain. 

Mood changes and disorders

It comes as no surprise that being in constant pain can cause changes in your mood and overall quality of life. However, these mood changes can lead to long-term mental issues such as depression and anxiety if not treated. Depression is more than just the blues – it can cause you to lose motivation, stop socializing due to fear avoidance of your pain, and can cause you to lose hope that your pain will ever get better. Many chronic pain patients also develop anxiety surrounding pain triggers and the thought of pain worsening over time. However, we urge patients to remember that “chronic” does not mean permanent – with treatment comes hope for a pain-free future. 

Changes in one’s physical pain response

When the body is exposed to pain, you may think it will eventually become used to it. However, chronic pain can cause your receptors to become more sensitive and produce pain entirely separate from its initial medical cause. Patients may experience discomfort when touching, showering, or resting, which is often the case for fibromyalgia. 

Sleep disorders

If you’ve ever had a bad stomach ache or been extremely sore after excess physical activity, you know how difficult it can be to sleep while in pain. Insomnia is one of the most common complications of chronic pain, with over 50% of patients experiencing it at some point. In addition, insomnia causes other problems such as fatigue, mood disorders, and trouble with concentration and memory and can exacerbate the pain that’s already driving the sleep disturbance. 

Hormonal changes and interference with sexual function

Chronic pain causes a lot of stress in the lives of sufferers, which often contributes to hormonal changes. Imbalances of cortisol, adrenalin, serotonin, and testosterone can all occur due to t chronic pain and have detrimental effects on your life. 

A rise in cortisol and adrenaline is typical in chronic pain patients due to the high levels of stress their bodies are under. These hormones signal the body to go alert, which means your heart rate and blood pressure can go up. They also signal to the body to preserve physical and mental resources, which can lead to weight gain, problems with attention and learning, and a lowered immune system. 

Low serotonin levels cause various brain issues, but the most noticeable are changes in mood. Lower serotonin levels can make it difficult to concentrate, contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression, and make daily functioning more complicated than those without chronic pain. 

Testosterone, found in both men and women, can also come out of balance in our bodies when experiencing chronic pain. This contributes to symptoms such as hot flashes, lower muscle mass, and lower sex drive. Coupled with fear-avoidance of movement, mood disorders, and social withdrawal, lower sex drive and trouble with emotional intimacy are very common in chronic pain patients.

What You Can Do

These long-term effects of chronic pain can be detrimental to your physical and mental well-being, but they are not permanent. Chronic pain does not mean lifelong pain; at PPOA, we strive to provide long-lasting relief to those in pain. 

To learn more about your treatment options for chronic pain and its other symptoms, contact your local PPOA clinic today.

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What Is Tech Neck?

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The rapid rate of technology growth experienced in the 21st century affects 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 clinicians see is “tech neck” or muscle issues created from the constant gaze down into the phone or computer screen. 

Even before COVID-19 shutdowns and the work-from-home phenomenon, Americans average three or more hours of daily mobile phone use. This doesn’t account for laptop use either, which means that the average desk job worker’s amount of time 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 to 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. This type of pain did not become common outside the workplace until the advent of the smartphone, as most people look down to browse. The longer people spend on their devices, the more likely they will 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 a day at computers without proper desk posture can develop chronic severe 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 strain 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 occur solely due to posture and can develop over time if not appropriately prevented. 

How To Prevent Tech Neck

There 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 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.
  • Invest in a comfortable pillow to provide your neck with more significant support at night. 

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

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Best Treatment Options for Joint Pain

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Arthritis and joint pain are the most common conditions we treat at PPOA. This condition is prevalent in about 30% of U.S. adults aged 45 to 64 and climbs to close to 50% for those 65 and older. However, we believe that many more people experience arthritis in their life and simply don’t report it to their physician because they believe nothing can be done. 

Chronic pain is not normal, and it does not have to affect your life negatively forever. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms in your joints, there is likely a treatment available for you with PPOA: 

  • Constant joint pain or stiffness
  • Joint pain that worsens due to weather, time of day, or during simple activities that should not cause pain
  • Stiffness, tingling, or numbness in the joints or extremities
  • Swelling in the joints
  • Joint pain from an injury that lasts beyond average recovery time
  • Symmetrical joint pain

These are all common signs of arthritis and other joint conditions that may develop into chronic pain. If these symptoms persist after an injury or cannot easily be explained, you may be developing arthritis. PPOA is here to help you remedy your joint pain so you can go back to living an active lifestyle pain-free. Below are just a few of the options we provide: 

Physical Therapy and At-Home Practices

Typically, our first step is the least invasive options – physical therapy and lifestyle changes. If your joint pain is caused by poor posture, work-related stress, obesity, or poor healing of an old injury, we guide you through exercises and alterations that can heal joint pain. Even if these remedies are not our only step, they are typically included in the treatment plan to help you relieve pain and prevent worsening of the condition. 

Medications and Injections

For joint pain due to injury or another temporary condition, we often prescribe topical treatments, medications, or injections to reduce pain and swelling and expedite the healing process. While we try to avoid these as long-term solutions to prevent dependency on medication, we believe that all solutions should be utilized to ensure immediate and quick relief of your symptoms. 

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine is a novel treatment that uses your stem cells to help repair damaged joints. This long-term solution allows the body to improve naturally without extended medication use or invasive procedures. It can help treat and prevent the progression of arthritis and is a favorite among patients because of its incredible results. 

Surgical Intervention

In cases of severe arthritis or joint pain due to injury, surgery may be your best option for long-term relief. Conditions like carpal tunnel and other injury-related chronic conditions may require these sorts of interventions due to the severity of the injury and difficulty repairing it. While surgery may seem like an undesirable option, the experience at PPOA is unlike other hospitals. We provide one-on-one care and ensure your stay is as quick and comfortable as possible. Surgery can be scary, but at PPOA, you are in excellent hands. 

PPOA helps patients across the U.S. find lasting relief for joint pain. If you are experiencing daily pain or joint discomfort that gets in the way of work and play, give your local clinic a call to learn what options are suitable for you.

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