Make Pain a Thing of the Past – lower back pain – Physician Partners of America

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These 5 foods can be the source of your back pain

We’ve always heard “you are what you eat,” but did you know your pain level is related to what you eat? Studies show what you ingest can either help or hurt your pain. If you are already experiencing back pain, it is suggested that you stay away from certain foods.

Why is that? Some foods cause more inflammation than others, causing your already painful areas to flare up and become even more irritating. The good news is that not all foods are pro-inflammatory. Foods high in trans fats, saturated fats, sugars and white flour are examples of some that can trigger inflammation through a complex series of biochemical and hormonal processes. Below are some foods to stay away from while managing your back pain.

  1. Red meat: Red meat not only promotes inflammation through a substance called neu5gcor N-Glycolylneuraminic acid; it has also been linked to conditions such as heart disease, digestive issues and kidney problems.
  2. Processed foods: Because many of the ingredients found in processed foods are not natural, they can cause inflammation and irritation. Our bodies do not want to accept it into our systems. Some examples of processed foods are sodas, hot dogs, artificial sweeteners, some cheeses and frozen meals.
  3. Caffeine: Although there is no direct link between caffeine and back pain, it is a fact that caffeine increases the amount of stress hormones within the body, therefore causing inflammation. Don’t forget, caffeine is not just present in coffee; it is also in teas, cereals, some fruits and even some pain relievers.
  4. Enriched white flour: Commonly found in bread, pastries, crackers, and pasta, there is a good chance that foods featuring white flour is processed.
  5. Hydrogenated oils: Examples of where these dangerous oils can be found include margarine, vegetable shortening, and fried foods. Companies often use this ingredient to save money and increase shelf life.

Being more aware of what you are consuming can help reduce the pain you are experiencing. If your pain persists, please contact us to see a specialist.

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Your Sleeping Position Could be the Cause of your Back Pain

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

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

 

1. Sleep on your back in a reclined position

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

 

2. Sleep in the fetal position

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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Are Sacroiliac Joint Injections Right for You?

Sacroiliac joint injections are used to treat dysfunction of the sacroiliac, or SI, joint, located at the bottom of the spine, just above the tailbone. This joint has a large of responsibility. Not only does it absorb shock for the lower back, but it also connects the sacrum with the pelvis and helps to transmit movement to the pelvis and legs. Due to this constant stress, it is not uncommon for SI joint pain to develop as a result of osteoarthritis, overexertion, or long periods of immobility, as may occur if someone sits for long periods of time at a desk for work.

SI joint dysfunction symptoms can often mimic other symptoms that affect the lower back, such as sciatica or a herniated disc:

  • Dull or throbbing pain in the lower back
  • Radiating pain that moves down the buttocks and legs
  • Weakness in the lower back or legs

Before considering sacroiliac joint injections as a treatment option, it is extremely important for a doctor to accurately diagnosis the condition and make sure another degenerative spine condition or injury isn’t causing your back pain. An SI joint injection may initially be used for diagnostic purposes so that your doctor can pinpoint the source of your discomfort.

How Sacroiliac Joint Injections Work

A sacroiliac joint injection also called a sacroiliac joint block, involves a special type of X-ray called a fluoroscope to help the doctor guide the needle into the correct location in the joint. A numbing anesthetic such as lidocaine is usually injected into the joint. If this stops the pain, the doctor can confirm that the SI joint is the culprit. A steroid solution is also injected into the joint to reduce inflammation and pain.

The local anesthetic can help to relieve pain immediately but will wear off within a few hours. It is the slow-release steroid that can provide longer-lasting pain relief. The steroid begins to work within a few days of receiving the injections. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend sacroiliac joint injections every few months.

Sacroiliac Joint Injections in Florida and Texas

If you’re looking for pain relief specialists with extensive experience administering sacroiliac joint injections, turn to the experts at Physician Partners of America. Our pain clinics offer a compassionate, supportive environment where we will take the time to ask questions about your pain and learn what treatments you’ve already tried. Using this information, we can then formulate a targeted pain relief plan.

We know that SI joint pain can affect everything you do. You may feel like this chronic discomfort has put your life on hold. At Physician Partners of America, our goal is to become your partner for long-term pain management and healing. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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3 Risk Factors for Sciatica

Are You At Risk for Sciatica?

A factory worker has to lift heavy boxes all day and toss them in a truck. The sheer amount of pressure applied to their spine with each lift and toss is potentially dangerous.

An elderly man who doesn’t like getting assistance who wants to continue doing things on his own. The natural wear-and-tear on his spine over the many years makes his back incapable of handling what would otherwise be routine movements and physical activities like sweeping the porch or sliding an end table over.

An overweight woman who has been battling obesity for years and can’t seem to manage it. The sheer amount of excess weight bearing down on her spine at every movement will eventually cause spinal disorders.

What do these people have in common? They are each at risk for sciatica due to increased risk of a pinched sciatic nerve in their spine due to a herniated disc. Occupation, age and obesity are three major risk factors for sciatica. While one cannot easily change their job or weight, extra care must be taken when doing strenuous activities to avoid injury. When it comes to age, at some point the body simply can’t do what it once did and this is why medical assistance is available.

Sciatica Pain Relief in Tampa

Sciatica is often lumped together with lower back pain, which in some instances it can be, but this disorder also speaks to pain in your hips, buttocks and legs. The pain is often only felt on one side of the body or the other, and it can be either be mild or extremely painful.

Our pain management doctors offer sciatica relief in Tampa. Please contact Florida Pain Relief Group if you feel you are suffering from lower back, hip, buttock or leg pain and can identify with any of the three risk factors listed above. Pain relief can begin immediately.

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3 Ways to Avoid Back Pain

Avoid Back Pain With These 3 Tips

Millions upon millions of people will experience some type of back pain in their lives. We use our spines much more often than we think, so years of overuse will take its toll.

Most people probably won’t have serious complications, but the pain will be enough to slow them down and ruin a few days. Others may develop chronic pain which is something that can last for weeks, months or even years.

While non-injury spinal problems such as age-related disorders, infection, and complications from an existing disease aren’t easily prevented, there are still ways to avoid back injuries by following a few simple, quick-and-easy tips.

3 Quick Tips to Avoid Back Pain

  1. Lift with your knees. Lift with your knees, not your back! You’ve heard this before, but it bears repeating. Using your knees to help carry the weight of a heavy object instead of your back is the proper way to lift something. If you use your lower back to lift, the muscles and ligaments can be strained, and your spine can suffer stress which can lead to complications like herniated discs.
  2. Exercise. Routinely exercising and stretching keeps your muscles and ligaments strong and loose. If your back is tight, it can’t perform properly and your movements will be stiff and limited. You don’t have to be a gym rat, but working out a few times a week will make a huge difference in what your body is able to handle, reducing the risk of injury.
  3. Take your vitamins. No, your mom wasn’t just trying to push vitamins on you as a kid for no reason. Lack of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K2, magnesium, and potassium can lead to weakened bones, causing them to be brittle and porous, putting them at risk for fracture or breaking. Additionally, vitamins and proper nutrition can help counterbalance the effects of age-related bone and joint deterioration.

Your Tampa Pain Doctors

The tips above are very easy to follow and will certainly help you avoid back injuries if you stick to them. However, if you’ve already suffered a back injury or you’re in pain now, contact Tampa pain specialists at Florida Pain Relief Group. We specialize in pain relief.

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Causes and Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

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Lower Back Pain Relief : Millions of people suffer from lower back pain. In fact, according to the American Chiropractic Association, it is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is the second leading cause of missed work. Pain the lower back, or lumbar spine, can take a variety of forms. Acute, or short-term pain, may arise due to a ligament sprain, muscle strain, or overexertion. This type of back pain will usually subside after a few days or weeks with treatments like rest, stretching, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication.

However, chronic low back pain can persist for weeks, months, or years. This type of long-term pain is usually due to some type of degenerative condition such as degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, herniated disc, ankylosing spondylitis, bone spurs, or chronic pain syndromes. Inflammation or degeneration of the spine can exert pressure on nerve roots in the spinal canal and cause the following symptoms:

  • Radiating pain that begins in the lower back and travels down through the hips, buttocks, and legs
  • Muscle weakness or spasms in the lower extremities
  • Tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation in the lower back, legs, and feet

Anatomical problems such as bone spurs, herniated discs, and inflamed vertebral joints will usually press on the spinal nerve root on one side of the spine, which means that symptoms are usually unilateral (only affecting one side).

Getting a Lower Back Pain Diagnosis

Several different types of lower back conditions can give rise to similar symptoms, though each disorder should be treated differently. It is extremely important to get a diagnosis for your lower back pain from a medical professional. A doctor will likely perform a thorough physical exam, ask you about your symptoms, and review your medical history. Imaging exams such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan may also be necessary to pinpoint the exact cause of your lower back pain. While some spine conditions respond to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, low-impact exercise, and chiropractic work, severe lower back pain may require more targeted pain management techniques.

Lower Back Pain Relief in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area

Some people think that chronic lower back pain is a fact of life. However, when lumbar spine discomfort affects your quality of living, it’s time to seek treatment. At Texas Pain Relief Group, we offer a variety of nonsurgical pain management therapies for the lower back:

  • Facet joint injections
  • Lumbar epidural steroid injections
  • Lumbar sympathetic nerve blocks
  • Spinal cord stimulation
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

If you’re ready to take the first step toward lasting pain relief, contact Texas Pain Relief Group to find out what lower back treatments may be right for you.

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4 Causes of Low Back Pain

Are you suffering with low back pain?

The back is the workhorse of the human body. The muscles and spine in the back are forced to twist and turn, bend and stretch all sorts of angles throughout the day. Depending on your job, your back may be pulling double-duty at times if constantly lifting heavy objects is involved. Add to this that most people don’t properly lift heavy items correctly, and there’s a recipe for potential future low back pain.

So what is low back pain?

Low back pain is muscle tension and/or stiffness in the area below the costal margin and above the inferior gluteal folds. Put plainly, it is pain experienced anywhere below the ribs and above the legs. One form of low back pain you may be familiar with is sciatica, but this condition can extend further down your leg.

4 Common Causes of Low Back Pain

Pain in the lower back area can be associated with issues of the lumbar spine, vertebral discs, spinal ligaments, or the spinal cord itself. But, it doesn’t stop there. The muscles and nerves of the lower back, as well as the organs located wherein, can also be a contributor, if not the source, of pain.

Considering the several moving parts of the back, there are numerous reasons you could be experiencing low back pain from a sports injury, car accident, fall or an existing medical condition that puts you at further risk of additional disorders.

Four common causes of low back pain are:

  1. Overuse. As the workhorse, the back is constantly put at potential risk for pain with constant, repetitive twisting of the spine and surrounding muscles. It only takes one wrong move to bend or twist too far, or lift a heavy object improperly, for an injury to occur.
  2. Aging. This one is universal. Everyone gets older and their body ages along with them. Through constant overuse as previously mentioned, coupled with the fact that wear-and-tear over the years, cartilage loss, and flexibility loss – to name a few – can severely limit what the body can do. Age takes it’s toll and the back may not be as forgiving as it once was.
  3. Herniated disc. A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery discs between the vertebrae that stack up to make your spine. It is often called a “slipped disc.”
  4. Arthritis. If you’re suffering with painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints, this condition can spread into your lower back and cause problems there as well.

Lower Back Pain Relief at Texas Pain Relief Group

If you’re experiencing lower back pain, our advanced pain management treatments can help. Contact us now or schedule an appointment to see our pain specialists at Texas Pain Relief Group today!

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