Category: Fibromyalgia Pain

A comprehensive look at Fibromyalgia pain, its symptoms, triggers, and effective strategies to manage and alleviate discomfort.

  • Do I Have Hip Tendonitis? Its causes and eight treatment approaches

    There are many causes and forms of hip pain. One hip pain cause is tendonitis (also spelled tendinitis). This refers to an inflammation of the tendons in your hips. Hip tendonitis can be debilitating, but there are plenty of ways to manage and treat it. In this article, we discuss what hip tendonitis is, what causes it, and how you can treat it.

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    What is hip tendonitis?

    Your tendons are like cords that connect your muscles to your bones. You have tendons all over your body, from your hands and feet to your legs and hips. When your tendons become inflamed or irritated, this is called tendonitis. Depending on the tendon that is causing the trouble, you may also see this condition referred to by other names. For example, other names for hip tendonitis include tendinopathy, iliacus tendonitis, and iliopsoas tendonitis.

    But what does hip tendonitis feel like? Your symptoms may include hip:

    You might notice that your pain gets worse when you perform certain activities. These symptoms don’t always stay in the hip either. Your hips are complicated joints that are crucial to the healthy function of your back and lower body. Because of this, any condition that affects your hips may also affect other body parts.

    If you are experiencing pain in your legs, glutes, or groin in addition to pain in your hips, all of your pain may be the result of the same condition—hip tendonitis.

    What causes hip tendonitis?

    Participating in certain sports or activities can increase your risk of developing hip tendonitis.

    For example, dedicated runners are more likely to develop hip pain, including hip tendonitis, due to the stress running places on their hips. Gymnasts, ballet dancers, and anyone else who moves their hips in repetitive, stressful ways is also at increased risk. This is especially true if you exercise improperly, e.g. You jump straight into the most intense part of the workout without properly warming up.

    However, you don’t necessarily have to be an athlete to develop hip tendonitis. If you have an unusual gait (e.g. If one of your legs is longer than the other), the additional strain your walking style puts on your hips could lead to tendonitis.

    Do I have hip tendonitis?

    How can you tell if your hip pain is caused by tendonitis as opposed to something else? It isn’t always easy.

    For example, hip osteoarthritis can cause symptoms very similar to those of hip tendonitis, including inflammation, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and pain that radiates out to other body parts. However, the causes of osteoarthritis are very different from the causes of tendonitis. They include age, obesity, and prior injury.

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    As if that wasn’t enough, hip tendonitis is frequently confused with hip bursitis. However, this condition affects the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bone against direct contact with other body parts, including the tendons) rather than the tendons. There are two main kinds of hip bursitis: trochanteric bursitis and iliopsoas bursitis. Each affects a different bursa and a different population. Bursitis and tendonitis are closely linked, though, so it may be difficult to figure out which one you’re suffering from.

    Hip tendonitis pain can also feel similar to hip flexor strain. This condition affects the hip and leg muscles. Try lifting your knee towards your chest. If your pain gets worse as you do this, then you might have hip flexor strain rather than tendonitis. Like hip tendonitis, hip flexor strain often afflicts athletes.

    Because hip tendonitis shares so many symptoms with other conditions, it’s especially important to see a doctor about your hip pain. Only a doctor can diagnose the exact cause of your pain so you can get the appropriate treatment.

    During your appointment, your doctor will examine you and go over your medical history. They may also use other diagnostic techniques, such as a CT or MRI scan, to confirm that tendonitis is the cause of your hip pain.

    Once you receive a formal diagnosis, you and your doctor can move on to discussing possible treatments.

    How do you treat hip tendonitis? 8 approaches

    If you’re suffering from hip tendonitis pain, there are multiple treatment options available to you. Some are relatively basic, while others require professional help and intervention.

    Try simple, noninvasive solutions first. If those are not effective or your pain is severe, work with your doctor to find other more appropriate options. Often, they’ll counsel you to combine noninvasive, complementary therapies with more invasive procedures for the best results.

    Rest

    The most important thing you can do to treat tendonitis is to rest. Because physical stress may cause or exacerbate hip tendonitis, maintaining your usual level of activity is not a good idea. Doing so is likely to lead to more pain and potentially permanent damage.

    If your hip pain makes it difficult for you to sleep at night, there are a number of solutions you can try to alleviate your nighttime hip pain. Experiment until you find the right method, or combination of methods, for you. Some solutions include sleeping with bolster pillows or in different sleeping positions to find relief.

    How long should you give your hips a break? That will depend on how severe your tendonitis is. Be sure to consult your physician, and above all, listen to your body. If a particular activity makes your hips hurt more, back off.

    Once you do start feeling better, you can gradually increase your daily activity until you reach your pre-tendonitis level. ‘Gradually’ is the operative word here; as we mentioned, accelerating your workout too quickly can make hip tendonitis worse.

    Heat and cold therapy

    The Cleveland Clinic recommends both heat and cold therapy for tendonitis, depending on what outcome you are seeking. Heat therapy—for example, using a heat pack or wrap—is better at relieving persistent, aching pain. Cold therapy—which can include anything from an ice pack to a bag of vegetables wrapped in a towel—will numb pain for short-term periods.

    Be careful when using heat or cold therapy so that you don’t accidentally worsen your pain. Placing the source of heat or cold directly against your skin, or leaving it in place for too long, can lead to burns. Generally, apply cold therapy for ten minutes at a time and heat therapy for twenty minutes at a time, unless a physician advises you otherwise.

    Stretches and exercises

    At first glance, it may seem strange to recommend exercise as a treatment for hip tendonitis. After all, in many cases, too much exercise is what causes tendonitis in the first place. But while some exercises, like gymnastics, can make hip pain worse, others can provide relief from tendonitis pain. This resource has recommendations for different exercises.

    Make sure you are performing all exercises properly. If your hips start to hurt or tire, stop and rest a while. And when you return to doing your preferred exercise, take sensible precautions. For example, if you are a runner, don’t accelerate too quickly, and don’t wear ill-fitting or uncomfortable running shoes.

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    Medication

    You can take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to help reduce pain. These are best to use for short, acute flare-ups of pain. Don’t rely exclusively on these medications to treat your pain. Instead, use them after undergoing physical therapy or exercise that works at treating the underlying cause of your pain.

    All medicines have their side effects, too, so be sure to read the labels carefully. Always consult your physician before starting any new medications. Topical treatments, such as pain-relieving creams, may also help.

    Physical therapy

    Many people turn to physical therapy with hip pain. A physical therapist combines multiple forms of treatment into one exercise and mobility plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.

    To start, your physical therapist will examine you and design a treatment plan just for you. This plan may include any number of treatments, from joint manipulation to special exercises to recommended lifestyle changes. You may have nightly stretching regimens along with strengthening exercises. The goal for these plans are to increase mobility and range of motion, while building up strength in the area.

    By adhering to the routine devised by your physical therapist, you can help ensure maximum recovery, including pain reduction and increased range of motion.

    Chiropractic

    Chiropractic primarily involves joint manipulation and adjustments. Look for a well-trained, licensed chiropractor to see if they can help with your hip pain.

    Ultrasound therapy

    This treatment involves applying heat to the affected area, but it goes far beyond regular heat therapy. A chiropractor or physical therapist will use ultrasound (sound waves) to penetrate deep into the tissues of your hip, heating your tendons.

    There has been a good deal of debate about whether or not ultrasound therapy works. If you use ultrasound therapy, go into it with reasonable expectations. Ultrasound does work in the sense that it will heat parts of your body that heat wraps and hot showers just can’t reach. But it won’t speed up the healing process, and any positive effects you feel may very well be the result of a placebo effect.

    That said, ultrasound therapy is not likely to do you any harm, even if it doesn’t do you any good. Just remember that ultrasound therapy is not a miracle cure. You shouldn’t rely on it as the sole, or even primary, method of treatment.

    Injections and surgery

    The majority of patients won’t need interventional procedures or surgeries to help with their hip pain. However, if you’re suffering from severe hip pain that hasn’t responded to other treatment approaches, these approaches might represent a treatment approach that could help. Consider them only if other treatments have failed to adequately relieve your hip pain, and in concert with other complementary techniques like physical therapy or exercise.

    Doctors often prescribe cortisone or corticosteroid injections in cases where pain is caused by inflammation, such as hip tendonitis. Joint injections can help relieve inflammation in the affected area, providing short or longer-term pain relief for patients.

    Corticosteroid injections, in particular, should be administered with caution. The longer you take them, and the higher the dose you are injected with, the more likely you may develop side effects. Work closely with your doctor to weigh the pros and cons of this treatment before deciding if steroid injections are worth the risks.

    By contrast, cortisone injections are generally safer than corticosteroids. But as with all treatments, they still require a discussion with your doctor.

    In extreme cases of hip tendonitis, your doctor may recommend tendon repair surgery. A surgeon will physically move the painful tendons into a less strenuous position, or remove anything (e.g. Bone spurs) that may be irritating your tendons. While drastic, this procedure can help some patients get their life back.

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  • How to relieve middle back pain while sleeping?middle back painHow to relieve middle back pain while sleeping?

    How to relieve middle back pain while sleeping?middle back painHow to relieve middle back pain while sleeping?

    Sleep is critical to your health and overall sense of wellbeing. But getting enough sleep may be easier said than done if you are experiencing nocturnal back pain. Chronic middle back pain while sleeping can disrupt your sleep enough to affect not just your nights, but yfour days as well. Keep reading for tips on how to manage or even eliminate middle back pain while sleeping.

    What causes middle back pain while sleeping?

    Your middle back is also referred to as the thoracic region. It roughly encompasses the area from the base of your neck to just below your ribcage, and includes the space between your shoulder blades.

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    Middle back pain at night is sometimes caused by something simple, such as bad posture or twisting too quickly. In these cases, the pain is usually temporary and you’ll find relief fairly easily with proper care and patience. In other cases, however, back pain has a more serious cause that will require professional intervention.

    Middle back pain while sleeping may not be as widely discussed as other kinds of nocturnal back pain, but it can be just as distressing and must be taken just as seriously. Here are the major causes of middle back pain while sleeping.

    Poor posture during the day

    Much has been made about the amount of time people spend sitting — whether in the car, at work, or in front of a screen — and the effects this can have on your health and lifespan. But it’s not just sitting itself that can impact your life; it’s also the way you sit.

    Spending prolonged periods of time leaning forward or hunching over can strain your back, leading to pain throughout your neck, shoulders, and back.

    Arthritis

    Arthritis is a very common cause of joint pain. Mostly affecting older individuals, it is characterized by:

    In addition to the pain and discomfort caused by the arthritis itself, arthritis can make you more susceptible to injury as well.

    Injury

    Back injuries run the gamut from minor to life-changing.

    In cases of minor injuries, such as those caused by improper lifting technique or turning the wrong way, your pain will likely go away by itself within days or weeks. But if the injury is serious enough, it can lead to long-term problems, including chronic pain.

    Herniated or bulging disc

    You have discs all along your spine in between each pair of vertebrae. Each disc is filled with a jelly-like substance that keeps your backbones from grinding against each other when you move.

    A herniated disc occurs when one of the discs breaks open. A bulging disc is a similar condition, but instead of breaking open, the disc slips out of place and the inner substance “bulges” outwards but doesn’t rupture. Both conditions may be asymptomatic, or they may cause symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness.

    Herniated and bulging discs affect both the surrounding vertebrae and, often, the nearby nerves. These injuries are most common in the lower back, but they can also occur in the middle and upper back and even in the neck.

    Vertebral compression fracture

    A vertebral compression fracture, when one of your vertebrae cracks or collapses, is usually the result of osteoporosis or a traumatic injury, like a fall or an accident.

    Vertebral compression fractures don’t always cause symptoms. When they do, the symptoms tend to vary widely, but there are some commonalities. These include pain and a permanent curve of the spine (kyphosis). The severity of symptoms will depend on the severity of the fracture and may worsen over time.

    Tumor

    In rare cases, a tumor may cause middle back pain by pressing against the body parts (e.g. The nerves) near the spine.

    Tumors can also trigger a vertebral compression fracture.

    When is middle back pain while sleeping serious?

    Most cases of middle back pain while sleeping are not serious. It is certainly disruptive, annoying, and even upsetting, but the underlying causes do not pose an immediate health risk. The symptoms can be safely treated with more conservative remedies.

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    However, as mentioned earlier, some middle back pain causes are more serious than others. If your middle back pain is accompanied by numbness and/or tingling, there may be underlying nerve damage. This can be caused by multiple conditions, some potentially dangerous, so it’s important to visit your doctor as soon as possible.

    Further, any middle back pain that occurs with loss of feeling in your limbs or loss of bowel control is an emergency condition. Contact your doctor immediately if this occurs.

    In addition, if you’ve tried some basic at-home remedies and your symptoms are still so severe that you can’t sleep well, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can. Without proper rest, your body and mind will quickly become exhausted. Any and all medical issues that prevent you from sleeping properly should be taken care of as quickly as possible.

    How to sleep with middle back pain: 5 tips

    Sleeping with middle back pain can be a challenge, but it isn’t impossible. Some remedies require making a purchase, while you can test out others tonight for no cost.

    Below are some tips on how to sleep with middle back pain.

    Rearrange your pillows

    Most people use pillows to provide support for their head and neck while they sleep. But you can also use pillows to support your back and minimize pain while sleeping.

    No matter which sleeping position you favor, there is a way to arrange your pillows to ease your middle back pain and get a better night’s rest. Try pillows between the knees if you’re a side sleeper or a small one under your knees if you sleep on your back. Try a different pillow to manage your neck pain if it’s leading to back issues.

    Not working? Talk to your doctor for suggestions that could work for you.

    Stretches

    Your nighttime routine can make a difference in how well you sleep at night.

    Try performing gentle stretches before going to bed. This can strengthen and stretch your back to relieve pain and discomfort.

    Change your sleeping position

    When it comes to managing back pain at night, not all sleeping positions are created equal. For example, sleeping on your stomach forces your neck to rest in unnatural positions, straining your back.

    The Cleveland Clinic offers this guide to evaluate your sleeping position(s) and to figure out whether it might be necessary for you to try some new ones. Our earlier post also discusses at length how certain sleeping positions can cause back pain and which ones may be better for you.

    Buy a new mattress

    Back pain can be exacerbated by an old, uncomfortable, or unsupportive mattress. One study suggests that medium-firm mattresses provide the best sleep quality. But don’t think of this as a hard and fast rule. You know your body better than anyone, and you are the only one who can choose the best mattress for you.

    While mattress shopping, there are several things you can do to make sure you pick the right one. Before making a purchase, do some research on which mattress brand, style, and firmness might work for you. Some of this work can be done online, but it’s also important to go to the store, ask questions of the sales rep, and test out the mattress you’re considering. A mattress is a big investment, so take your time and do your homework before making a final decision. See if you can find options with a good return policy or risk-free trial period.

    If a new mattress just isn’t in the budget at the moment, try a foam mattress topper. These are generally much cheaper than a full mattress, but they can still provide additional support if you need it.

    Change how you get out of bed

    Even after the night is over and you’re ready to start the day, you still have to get out of bed. As with choosing a sleeping position, there is a right way and a wrong way to do this.

    Verywell Health provides a step-by-step guide on how to get out of bed without hurting your back.

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    How to relieve middle back pain while sleeping

    If you’ve tried the tips above and still can’t sleep, then it’s time to move away from coping with middle back pain while sleeping and start actively treating it.

    Fortunately, there are a multitude of ways to treat back pain. However, not all of them may work for you, and some may even be harmful, depending on your back pain cause or underlying medical conditions. Because of this, it’s always important to consult with your doctor before beginning any new treatment regimens.

    Adjust your posture

    Because poor posture is such a common cause of back pain that no matter who you are, it’s probably a good idea to pay more attention to how you sit and stand throughout the day.

    Do you hunch your shoulders for hours as you work on the computer? Do you slouch when you walk? Get into the habit of assessing your posture regularly and adjusting it as necessary. Here’s some tips for improving your posture.

    Rest and exercise

    One of the simplest yet most useful ways to combat middle back pain is a combination of rest and gentle exercise.

    Using your back muscles on a regular basis keeps them strong and helps them recover more quickly. That said, don’t push yourself too hard. If you feel any pain or discomfort while exercising, stop, rest, and modify the exercise if you try it again.

    Heat/cold therapy

    Heat and/or cold therapy is a time-honored method of pain relief. While many stores and pharmacies carry products such as heating pads to provide this treatment, you don’t need to buy anything if you don’t want to. Ice wrapped in a towel or a hot shower can also work.

    These treatments are best done before or as you’re settling into bed. Do not use heat or cold therapy while sleeping.

    Medication

    Pain of all kinds is often treated with medication. Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are often enough to help you find relief for pain flare-ups.

    If your pain is severe, you may need to get a prescription for a stronger medication. Regardless of which kind of medicine you take, be sure to follow all instructions and to never take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor about any risks or side effects.

    Physical therapy

    A physical therapist can help you reduce your pain and increase your range of motion.

    When you go in for a visit, your physical therapist will examine you and determine what treatment or combination of treatments will help your back heal. You’ll work with them closely as they show you correct form for these exercises and lead you through exercise routines.

    Brace

    If you have suffered from an injury, you may need to wear a back brace for several weeks. This can help minimize pain and prevent re-injury. On the other hand, using a brace for a long time may weaken your back muscles.

    As with all treatments, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor before you try it.

    Surgery

    In some rare cases, more drastic solutions are needed to resolve middle back pain while sleeping. For chronic pain that doesn’t respond to more conservative treatments, you may need to consider surgical options with your doctor.

    The type of surgery you undergo will depend on your middle back pain cause. For example, herniated disc pain may be treated by removing part or all of the affected disc in a procedure called a discectomy. A vertebral compression fracture sometimes requires a vertebroplasty, during which bone cement is injected into the spine to strengthen the damaged vertebra.

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  • What Is Spondylolisthesis? Its causes and treatments

    Lower back pain can take a toll on your entire body. This particular health concern is reported among men and women equally, affecting about 80% of people at some point in their lives. While there are many factors that can lead to lower back pain, a condition called spondylolisthesis is one of the most common causes. This article will cover what you should know about the condition and how to find relief.

    What is spondylolisthesis?

    Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that can lead to pain and discomfort in the lower back. It occurs when one of the bones (vertebrae) in the spine moves out of place and onto the bone below it. If the bone slips too much, it can even press on surrounding nerves.

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    This can occur for many reasons. In children and young adults, it is usually due to a birth defect or periods of rapid growth, also known as growth spurts. It’s also more likely to occur in athletes who frequently overstretch the lower back. This may include gymnasts, football players, and weight lifters.

    Doctors believe there is also a genetic component to spondylolisthesis. Some people are born with thin vertebral bones that are more susceptible to fractures. These fractures can lead to the slippage associated with spondylolisthesis.

    Types of spondylolisthesis

    There are several different ways to classify spondylolisthesis. The following types are based on the initial cause of the condition.

    • Degenerative spondylolisthesis: This is the most common form of spondylolisthesis, which is simply due to aging. As the years go on, discs between your bones lose water and become less effective in cushioning each vertebral bone. This occurs from basic wear and tear on your body.
    • Congenital spondylolisthesis: By definition, congenital means “present at birth.” Abnormal bone formation can put a person at greater risk for developing this condition.
    • Isthmic spondylolisthesis: As we’ll discuss later in this article, spondylolisthesis can occur as a result of spondylolysis. This is when stress fractures weaken the bone, causing it to slip out of place.
    • Traumatic spondylolisthesis: This is when an injury leads to fractures and subsequent slipping. This may be the result of athletic activity or a fall.
    • Pathological spondylolisthesis: The spine can weaken from diseases like osteoporosis or even a temporary infection. Pathological spondylolisthesis takes place after this type of health event.
    • Postsurgical spondylolisthesis: Slippage that occurs or becomes worse after spinal surgery.

    Spondylolysis is also divided up into several different grades based on severity. This helps doctors determine the best course of treatment for a specific case. Slippage is graded on a scale of one to five.

    1. 25% or less of the vertebral body has slipped forward
    2. Between 26-50% of the vertebral body has slipped forward
    3. Between 51-75% of the vertebral body has slipped forward
    4. Up to 76-100% of the vertebral body has slipped forward
    5. The vertebral body has completely slipped off and looks detached

    Your doctor will determine the best type of treatment based on your personal situation. However, Grade 1 and grade 2 slips generally don’t require surgery. In many cases, these patients respond well to conservative and non-invasive methods of treatment.

    Slips that are rated above grades 1 and 2 may require surgery if significant pain persists.

    Spondylolisthesis vs. Spondylolysis

    As previously mentioned, a condition called spondylolysis often leads to spondylolisthesis. It occurs when there is a fracture in the bone, but it hasn’t yet fallen onto a lower bone in your spine. In most cases, patients with spondylolysis will also have some degree of spondylolisthesis.

    The two conditions are so similar that they come with the same set of symptoms. For this reason, your doctor will need to conduct imaging tests, such as X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. This is the best way to look at what is happening in the spinal area and confirm a diagnosis.

    Do I have it? 4 common spondylolisthesis symptoms

    In some cases, patients with spondylolisthesis don’t have symptoms and aren’t aware of the condition. This is generally true for mild forms. On the other hand, those with severe cases may not be able to go about simple activities.

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    Here are four common spondylolisthesis symptoms.

    1. Lower back pain

    Persistent lower back pain is the most common symptom of this condition. It will feel much like a muscle strain that worsens with activity.

    This pain can also radiate down to the buttocks and back of the thighs.

    2. Stiffness

    Tenderness associated with spondylolisthesis can lead to stiffness in the lower back and legs.

    This usually makes it difficult for patients to walk or stand for long periods of time.

    3. Muscle spasms

    Spasms can lead to tight hamstrings (the muscles in the back of the thigh).

    As this type of pain progresses, tingling and numbness can travel all the way down to the feet. This is a result of pressure on the spinal nerve root as it exits the spinal canal near the fracture.

    4. Weakness

    Weakness in one or both legs can occur in many cases of spondylolisthesis.

    Like muscle spasms, this is due to pinching of the spinal nerve root and can lead to changes in posture and gait.

    How do you fix spondylolisthesis?

    If you believe you may be suffering from spondylolisthesis, it’s important to talk to your doctor. After a thorough review of your symptoms and medical history, various tests will help your doctor confirm a diagnosis.

    Luckily, there are a wide variety of spondylolisthesis treatment options. Your doctor will start with conservative methods of pain relief before suggesting more invasive procedures.

    These are some of the more common ways patients find relief from their pain and other symptoms.

    Spondylolisthesis exercises

    Lower back pain can make exercising feel impossible, but it’s one of the best ways to minimize spondylolisthesis symptoms. With a gentle routine, you can maintain a healthy weight and increase your flexibility.

    Some exercises focus on stretching and lengthening, while others are meant for strengthening the muscles of the spine and abdomen for better support. This is a prescription for both treatment and prevention of future lower back pain.

    Once your doctor clears you for exercise, try a few simple stretches each day. Concerned about whether you’re doing them correctly? Work with a physical therapist or qualified personal trainer. They can teach you how to perform each exercise in a way that will prevent further injury.

    Yoga for spondylolisthesis

    Yoga is a form of exercise that focuses specifically on stretching, lengthening, and strengthening. In fact, many of the best exercises for lower back pain are poses commonly found in yoga classes. Find a reputable studio that offers private lessons or classes that are designed to be gentle on those with injuries.

    Experts advise anyone with spondylolisthesis to approach poses slowly and gently. If you feel pain, stop immediately. Back bends and poses that require twisting and bending forward aren’t recommended. A professional yoga instructor or physical therapist can help you determine the best poses for your condition. Before trying a class, be sure to inform the instructor of your condition.

    Back brace for spondylolisthesis

    A back brace is an affordable and effective tool that can help you perform basic activities during a mild and short-term pain flare-up. They also limit your range of motion to promote healing and prevent further injury.

    Other benefits of back braces for lower back pain can include:

    Back braces work best in combination with other forms of treatment like physical therapy and medications. Talk to your doctor about whether this may be a promising form of treatment for your lower back pain, and take a look at our list of back braces.

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    Spondylolisthesis physical therapy

    Physical therapy is a great way to treat a range of lower back pain causes. Even better, most insurance companies cover this type of treatment.

    A professional physical therapist develops a routine to help you build up core muscles in the midsection of your body, including your back. You will also practice targeted stretching to improve your flexibility and relieve muscle pain. Physical therapy can strengthen the muscles that support your spine, helping you prevent further injury.

    You are usually assigned a number of exercises to perform each day on your own. This will help you maximize the benefits of your time in physical therapy.

    Chiropractic care for spondylolisthesis

    Chiropractic care is a form of complementary and alternative medicine. It continues to grow in popularity as a cost-effective and successful way of relieving lower back pain.

    A chiropractor will use various manipulation techniques to adjust and correct your alignment. They believe that a natural balance needs to be maintained in order for the body to function optimally. Targeted and controlled forces will be applied to specific joint areas that are limiting movement. Patients often report relief from muscle tightness and pain, as well as better range of motion.

    Spondylolisthesis medications

    A wide range of medications can be helpful in reducing the lower back pain associated with spondylolisthesis.

    Your doctor may first recommend nsaids because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Basic over-the-counter nsaids include drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. In general, these medications are best for short-term relief to avoid side effects of prolonged use.

    In severe cases of spondylolisthesis, your doctor may prescribe something stronger for pain management. However, prolonged use of pain medications is associated with a number of side effects and concerns in regarding misuse and addiction. Always talk with your healthcare team about your pain level and health concerns to determine the best medications for your specific case.

    Interventional injections

    If conservative treatment options aren’t giving you the pain relief you need, but you aren’t ready to consider surgery, your doctor may recommend injections. This is a minimally invasive procedure that can have significant benefits.

    Epidural steroid injections are the most common type of injection for lower back pain with spondylolisthesis. These injections involve a combination of a corticosteroid and numbing agent delivered into the epidural space of the spine. The drugs work to reduce inflammation and pain. This relief can last for weeks or years, depending on the case. Most patients can resume normal activities the following day.

    You can learn more about this procedure in the following video.

    Surgery

    Non-invasive treatment for mild cases of spondylolisthesis is successful in about 80% of cases. Unfortunately, if you are still experiencing pain that disrupts your everyday routine, your doctor may suggest surgery. In severe cases where the bones of your spine are pressing on your nerves, this may be the only way to fix the issue.

    A spinal fusion is one of the most common operations to help patients suffering from spondylolisthesis. In this surgery, bone grafts are placed between vertebrae to help them fuse together. Your doctor will also use screws and rods to hold the vertebrae together as they heal. It will typically take four to eight months for the bones to fully fuse together, but spinal fusion success rates are typically high.

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    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • 10 ways to better manage your fibro fog

    Fibromyalgia is a set of symptoms characterized by widespread pain, but the disorder brings with it a signature symptom known as fibro fog. Fibro fog affects cognitive function, leading to feelings of exhaustion and mental cloudiness, even after a full night’s sleep. Researchers still aren’t sure about the causes or biological underpinnings of fibromyalgia itself, let alone one of its symptoms, but fibro fog is nevertheless a very real problem experienced with the disease. Here’s what you should know, and how to manage this classic symptom of fibromyalgia.

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    What is fibro fog?

    Fibro fog gained its name from the general feeling of mental confusion or inability to focus it imposes on those experiencing it. Along with it may come immobilizing exhaustion. This isn’t the type of fatigue that’s alleviated by a nap or sound night’s sleep. To the contrary, people with fibro fog often feel this way despite a full night’s rest. You can’t sleep fibro fog off because it stems from workings deep inside the brain.

    Fibro fog makes it difficult to move through the day, concentrate on things that need to get done, or corral the energy necessary for work, school, or life tasks. It makes carrying on with normal life incredibly difficult. People who need sharp minds for their jobs may suddenly have trouble completing detailed assignments, according to the National Fibromyalgia Research Association (NFRA).

    Episodes of this fogginess feeling may come intermittently. It can last anywhere from several hours up to several weeks or possibly the entire duration of a fibromyalgia flare, NFRA says.

    What causes fibro fog?

    While researchers aren’t exactly sure what causes fibro fog, this is an area of hot research and scientists have several hypotheses. One theory is that fibro fog is caused by a mix of depression and sleep deprivation, but studies so far haven’t found that to be true, reports Arthritis Today.

    Another possible cause could be a lack of oxygen. Brain scans of those with fibromyalgia have revealed that some parts of patients’ brains receive insufficient amounts of the life-giving element. The same faulty nervous system firings that may play a role in causing fibromyalgia could also impact blood vessels in the brain, ultimately leading to fibro fog, according to Arthritis Today.

    Yet another theory centers on the idea that chronic pain itself damages the brain, which may lead to fibro fog. A type of brain scan has found chronic pain sufferers tend to display excess activity in a part of the brain linked to emotion. This region is essentially always on, wearing out associated neurons and causing unbalanced brain chemistry, according to Arthritis Today.

    What are the best ways to manage fibro fog?

    Living with fibro fog can be challenging, but not impossible. Finding a few key anchors and strategies can help you reduce your pain, increase your own abilities, and improve your overall quality of life. There are some specific ways to manage the fog. Try some of the recommendations below to find what works for you.

    1. Limit caffeine intake

    Some people may be tempted to chain drink coffee in an attempt to caffeinate their way through the day. Ultimately, this causes more harm than good. First, caffeine is a diuretic, which could lead to dehydration, especially when drank in large quantities.

    Second, you may have the misfortune of drinking too much coffee late in the day, making it difficult to sleep, exacerbating the seemingly endless mental fog you’re already in. Copious amounts of coffee could also lead to an energetic roller coaster marked by highs and lows throughout the day.

    Skip the coffee and drink water instead, which helps the body function at its maximum potential. Staying well-hydrated could also help you minimize fatigue.

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    2. Create lists and written reminders

    Navigating through life without mental clarity can be frustrating and confusing. Reduce the amount of information you must remember by writing everything down.

    Consider investing in a good planner complete with a calendar and plenty of space for writing lists of appointments, to-dos, and other things you must remember. If you’re technology-savvy, you may want to use the calendar application in your cell phone or an app like Remember the Milk. Phones also typically have functions that allow you to enter tasks and even set reminder alerts.

    Even simple things can be made easier with technology. Put dinner in the oven for 30 minutes? Ask your phone to remind you to take it out. This way, you have a little helper and don’t need to rely so much on your foggy brain. You might also consider setting a monthly cell phone reminder to pay your bills, and pay them all at once or as they come in, whichever you find easier.

    3. Manage stress

    This is easier said than done, but stress may worsen fibro fog and pain. Practices like breathing deeply and visualizing peaceful images like the ocean or a forest can greatly help manage stress.

    Take a few minutes every day, or even several times a day, to lie down in a quiet place and regroup your thoughts. Focus on your breath and let all outside stimuli go. You may even consider creating a special corner or room in your house that’s relaxing for you with a comfortable chair or floor pillows and perhaps some flowers or other ornaments, but that’s generally free of clutter and conducive to relaxation. A Zen space.

    Living life through the lens of fibro fog can itself be stressful and make you feel like you’ve lost something valuable. It’s difficult, but try to take it all in stride, perhaps seeking help from a support group either in person or online.

    4. Adjust your expectations

    Although you probably wish you were functioning at 110%, the reality is that you’re not. Be kind to yourself and expect less. Simplify your life to conserve energy, prioritize so that you do the most important things and spend time with the most important people first.

    Also, consider this change in perspective: you’re always functioning at 100%. It’s just that some days 100% looks a little differently than others. Do the best you can today and let the rest go.

    5. Exercise, safely 

    Exercise is incredibly healthy, both for your body and mind. This one may be hard for you to fathom in a fatigued state, but exercise often helps people feel better. Start with low to moderate exercise when you move into a new program, and work extensively with your doctor to find an activity level that’s best for you.

    Start slowly and build up to more moderate levels of activity over time. Most importantly, understand your limitations each and every day. Once you find an exercise program that works for you, it can decrease anxiety and depression, improve circulation, and help you stay functional.

    Try a yoga class or bike ride. Perhaps do the elliptical at the gym or take a walk. Do something where you control the pace and amount of exertion, but getting the blood flowing will help you feel better and could alleviate the troublesome symptoms of fibro fog. Working out also helps to relieve stress.

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    6. Keep your brain in tip-top shape

    Changes in cognition can be scary, but fortunately there are some options for working those brain pathways and keeping your mind in good shape.

    Crossword puzzles and other games can challenge the brain and also help keep it in good shape. Engage with things and creative projects that excite you. During low pain days, you can try painting or coloring to give your brain a creative outlet.

    7. Take a proactive approach to your treatment 

    Get involved in your treatment plan by becoming a part of your healthcare team. Ask questions. Research different treatment options. Be willing to make decisions specific to your needs. This also may mean joining fibromyalgia support groups or organizations.

    Rather than becoming overwhelmed, getting involved will help you feel less like a patient and more like a person.

    8. Set goals 

    Decide what’s most important to you by setting specific goals for improvement and priorities to guide you when fibro fog flares up. Your pain and other symptoms may be different every day, so make sure to monitor your own abilities and make allowances for them on that day.

    By looking past the daily fibro fog and pain and to a larger goal, however, you can better cope with your daily symptoms. You may not be able to do everything that you did before. However, there are many low intensity activities and hobbies that can fulfill those same needs. These may include photography, dancing, gardening, or writing.

    9. Use self-care to reduce other symptoms

    Find time for self-care. This may mean using hot and cold therapy to help reduce pain. Try hot patches, freezer packs, heating creams, or cooling gels.

    Sleep aids, such as body pillows or electric blankets, can also help you maintain better quality of sleep. Beyond these, find tools that help you minimize pain around the home. This may include recliners, shoe sole inserts, braces, shower seats, or lumbar support pillows.

    10. Share your emotions and learn from others

    Getting support from family members and friends may simply mean finding the courage to ask for it. You have the right to ask for help, find alternative ways of doing things, and share your feelings with those close to you.

    Support groups can also provide another level of support and empathy from others with fibromyalgia. Lastly, look online for blogs and websites that talk about fibromyalgia. Websites with resources for pain management are available, but there are also personal blogs by others suffering from fibromyalgia, such as Felicia Fibro. Knowing that others struggle with fibro fog and other symptoms can help you feel less alone.

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    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • What you should know about depression and back pain?

    Chronic pain and mood disorders can often go hand-in-hand. In fact, as many as 50% of people with chronic pain also have depression. It seems that one particular pair of conditions – depression and back pain – may be particularly widespread. Considering how often chronic pain and mood disorders can co-occur, this isn’t very surprising. After all, back pain is one of the most commonly-reported pain conditions, and depression is one of the most common mood disorders.

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    How many people are affected by depression and back pain? 

    Both depression and back pain afflict a large number of people. Over 26 million people in the United States suffer from back pain, making it the leading cause of disability among people in the U.S. under the age of 45. People who have low back pain are commonly in poorer physical and mental health than people without low back pain.

    Around 20.9 million people in the United States suffer from some sort of mood disorder. Out of these people, a whopping 14.8 million have depression. Depression can (and often does) co-occur with other mood disorders, as well as with illnesses, pain, and medical conditions.

    Why do they occur together? 

    Back pain and depression often co-occur, largely because it’s possible for each condition to cause (or worsen) the other.

    Dealing with chronic back pain can cause a lot of stress. Back pain can even affect a person’s ability to work, interfere with relationships, and chip away at self-esteem. Sleep can be disrupted by back pain, and the ensuing fatigue can further decrease quality of life.

    Back pain can also make physical activity difficult or unappealing. Even if, in the long run, physical activity might help with back pain, it can initially be hard to get started or cause some aches and pains. Lessened physical fitness can further reduce self-esteem and interfere with relationships.

    Aside from the effects of back pain, the pain itself can increase the risk of depression. It’s easy to focus on pain, which can magnify its effects. The higher the perception of pain is, the more likely it is to cause depression. Once depression has set in, it can cause emotional interpretations of pain, which lead to increased perception of pain. In other words, pain worsens depression, and depression worsens pain, which further worsens pain. As is obvious, the cycle can go around and around, worsening steadily over time if there is no intervention.

    Just as back pain can lead to depression, depression can lead to back pain. Sleep disturbance, social withdrawal, difficulty at work, lowered self-esteem, and withdrawal from activities can all occur with depression. Additionally, many people experience physical symptoms, like pain, as a result of depression. Indeed, for some people, physical pain may be the primary symptom of their depression.

    Medication use

    Also, some overuse or abuse of some medications can lead to depression. Opioids, for instance, are a pain medication, but they carry a high risk of abuse, addiction, and depression. Unfortunately, when depression is causing or contributing to back pain, treating the back pain is unlikely to work unless paired with treatment for depression.

    This can lead to feelings of hopelessness about ineffective treatment, which can further exacerbate depression and the risk for overuse of pain medications.

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    Recent research 

    Recent research suggests there may be deeper reasons for the common co-occurrence of back pain and depression.

    A study carried out by researchers at UC Irvine and UCLA examined the brains of rodents with chronic pain. They found that chronic pain can cause brain inflammation. This pain-derived brain inflammation causes faster growth and activation of a type of immune cell, called microglia. Microglia cells trigger chemical signals that restrict dopamine release. Dopamine aids in controlling the reward and pleasure centers of the brain, but it’s also involved in pain responses. As noted on Scientific American’s blog, it’s also involved in depressive behavior:

    “[D]opamine could also be important in major depressive disorder. People with depression often exhibit reduced motivation, anhedonia (a decrease in pleasure from usually enjoyed things), sometimes motor decreases as well. All of these are linked with dopamine.”

    Opioid pain medications also work by triggering the release of dopamine. However, the pain-derived brain inflammation and its resultant increased microglia cells mean that opioids can fail to trigger a dopamine response. This explains why opioids are often ineffective in treating chronic pain. If further research can continue to explain the mechanisms behind the relationship between chronic pain and depression, a targeted, more effective therapy can be developed.

    Researchers are also considering the possibility of genetics playing a role. Data concerning over 2,000 twins was analyzed to look for genetic factors relating to both back pain and depression. Interestingly, the group with the strongest association between back pain and depression was the non-identical twin group. When identical pairs of twins were considered, the association disappeared.

    Treating depression and back pain

    Just as the development of back pain and depression can go hand-in-hand, treatment for these conditions can work together, too.

    Treating a person’s pain while ignoring his or her depression can prove ineffective, and treating his or her depression while ignoring his or her pain can be ineffective, too. However, just because treating one or the other may not solve both issues completely doesn’t mean it can’t help, as explained at Everyday Health:

    “What’s interesting about back pain and depression is that they seem to be so closely tied that getting depression relief may actually lead to back pain relief… On the flip side of the coin, getting back pain relief can also help the depression improve.”

    Therefore, treating one or the other is much better than treating neither.

    The best case scenario, though, is undergoing treatment for both back pain and depression. The first step in getting treatment is discussing all issues, physical, mental, and emotional, with a primary care physician. From there, the physician should be able to suggest specialists and coordinate treatment for both conditions.

    But, one of the first steps to treating it is actually knowing if you have depression to begin with. Here’s how to diagnose this condition.

    How to diagnose depression

    You find yourself snapping at your kids. Maybe your temper flares more often in traffic. You don’t seem to have as much patience as you normally do, or small things get under your skin more than they used to. On top of that, your back has started hurting right around your shoulders, so much so that it can be hard to fall asleep at night. The signs of depression don’t always show up on a billboard; you may be suffering from depression and not realize it. One in four people suffer from some form of mental illness in their lives, but we still have a hard time bringing this “hidden illness” into light. Here are a few ways to do that.

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    What to watch for 

    Depression can manifest itself in sometimes hidden ways. The most common signs of depression are:

    Some people may experience these common signs in uncommon ways, such as:

    Some of these may be triggered by traumatic events. Some may be as a result of treatment for another condition. Regardless, it is important to talk to your doctor if these symptoms persist. Consider this first meeting a fact-finding session more than a diagnosis, and go in with an open mind (and heart).

    Talk about it

    If you have suffered from periods of depression or anxiety, it can be helpful to others going through a similar experience to know they are not alone. Depression can be socially isolating. The depressed person often feels alone and may question if anyone cares about them. Remind them that they are loved, you get it, and you are here for them. Often a person suffering from depression is plagued with the idea that they are their illness.

    National Institue of Mental Health director Thomas Insel believes we should discuss mental illness in the same way we discuss things like cardiovascular disease, noting:

    “We need to talk about mental disorders the way we talk about other medical disorders. We generally don’t let having a medical illness define a person’s identity, yet we are very cautious about revealing mental illness because it will somehow define a person’s competence or even suggest dangerousness.”

    Don’t ignore it

    Ninety percent of people who commit suicide suffer from mental illness, often undiagnosed. If you or someone you love is showing signs of depression that are persistent and lasting longer than two months, it is important to not ignore it.

    There are ways to ease into conversations about sadness and depression, but sometimes we feel awkward and uneasy, especially when the depression may be related to grief or a traumatic event. When someone has died, we may hesitate to bring up that person for fear of “triggering” depression, but chances are good that talking about it may be just the thing that encourages someone to seek help.

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    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • What are the major causes of hip and leg pain?

    Hip and leg pain is a broad category of conditions that can range from acute soreness due to a minor injury to long-term chronic pain that can be the result of a disease or disorder. Because of the varying causes of hip and leg pain, there are a number of possible treatments as well, all dependent on the cause and severity of the condition.

    How many people suffer from hip and leg pain?

    It is estimated that nearly two million people in the United States seek emergency room treatments for sports injuries each year. Sports injuries are most often associated to injuries to the legs.

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    Basketball injuries top the list, with over 90% of individuals seeking treatment after an injury in this sport being men. Bicycling, football, and baseball were the next three most common sports causing injuries on the list. Children between the ages of six and 19 made up 20% of all sports injury related emergency room visits.

    However, not all sports injuries are treatable by emergency room visits and some more minor injuries can be treated with rest and at-home care. There are also other conditions that can lead to hip and leg pain. Many of these are related to the hip itself.

    How does the hip work?

    The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, where the femur connects to the pelvis. The top of the femur is a round ball, which fits into the socket (acetabulum) formed by the pelvic bone.

    The ball is allowed to glide and rotate within the acetabulum because a group of ligaments and muscles support the joint and inhibit over extension or malrotation from occurring. Also, within the joint is a synovial lining, which provides lubricating fluid to decrease friction, produced when the joint is in motion.

    Any condition that irritates or inflames this joint, like arthritis, can also lead to pain.

    What are the major causes of hip and leg pain?

    The hip joint is a large weight-bearing joint attaching the leg bone to the pelvis. It allows the body to walk, run, and sit. The most common causes of pain in the hip and leg include:

    • Sports-related injuries
    • Motor vehicle accidents (MVA)
    • Falls in the elderly
    • Arthritis

    Leg pain from sports injuries

    The most common hip and leg pain issues are caused by minor sports injuries for most of the population. This can lead to:

    Each of these conditions can be treated at home with rest and a few simple at-home remedies.

    What are muscle cramps?

    Muscle cramps are a common condition that can be persistent and painful. They are often referred to as a “Charley Horse” when felt in the calf muscles. Caused by an involuntary contraction of the muscle, the sensation of a muscle cramp is a muscle that will not relax. You may even feel spasms in the affected area. Muscle cramps can occur after a sports injury and they are often related to nutrition and hydration.

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    When exercising, running, or playing sports, it is important to stretch the muscles properly before beginning and stay hydrated throughout the activity. To relieve a muscle cramp as it is happening, you may want to stretch the muscle, apply heat, drink more water, or take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

    Typically a muscle cramp will go away on its own, but if the pain persists, there may be some concern about nerve damage or another malfunction that is causing the muscle cramps. If the cramps reoccur frequently, you should talk with a doctor about them.

    What are sprains and strains?

    The diagnoses of sprains and strains are among the most common sports injuries, but what do these terms really mean?

    A sprain is the stretching or tearing of the ligaments that connect our bones. It is generally caused by some trauma, directly or indirectly, that stretches or ruptures these ligaments. This can be the result of a fall, a blow to the body from another player, or overstretching the leg during the game. Sprains will usually heal with rest and self-care. This may include compression, ice, and elevation as well as the use of over-the-counter pain medications. If an injury is more severe, surgical correction may be necessary.

    A strain is an injury of the muscle or the tendons that connect the muscles to bones. Strains are more commonly caused by a repetitive motion or overuse of the muscles in the leg. To prevent a strain, athletes and individuals exercising are advised to take the proper breaks. Strains can also be caused by falls and contact with other players. Strains are treated similarly to sprains with compression, ice, and elevation.

    What are shin splints?

    The primary sign of a shin splint is an aching or throbbing in the shin, the front area of the lower leg just above your foot. They can be caused by swollen and irritated muscles, a stress fracture, or flat feet. They are most common for runners or dancers.

    In general, shin splints will heal on their own. You can treat them at home with:

    • Rest
    • Ice
    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (nsaids)
    • Compression
    • Arch supports for your shoes

    If the pain persists, you may want to talk to a doctor and have them do a complete physical examination of the area to determine if there any additional underlying problems. They may also recommend physical therapy.

    What about more serious injuries, like fractures? 

    A leg breaks when a force great enough to break the bone is applied to the limb. It is a common sports injury, but can also occur due to a car accident or a fall. The treatment for a broken leg will depend entirely on the severity of the break.

    A leg fracture can occur in the femur, located in the thigh, or the tibia and fibula which are the two bones that make up your leg from the knee to the foot.

    There are several categories of fractures, including:

    Stress and hairline fractures will generally heal on their own without the use of a cast. For more severe breaks, medical intervention is required to set the bone and allow it to heal properly. Some broken legs will require surgery if the break is extreme.

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    How will my hip and leg pain be diagnosed?

    Diagnosing patients with hip and leg pain is never straight forward and is often difficult, as many of the symptoms are similar to other conditions. The first step is taking a comprehensive history and physical exam.

    Several aspects will be covered in the history and some of the most common questions your doctor will ask you are:

    • Where is the pain located?
    • How long has the pain been there?
    • What were you doing when you first noticed the pain?
    • Is there anything you can do that alleviates the pain?
    • Are you currently taking any medications for the pain? Do they work?
    • Is there any family history of arthritis or other autoimmune diseases?

    After conducting a full history and physical exam your doctor may want additional studies, including radiological films and blood work. Imaging techniques are useful because your doctor is often able to see pathology inside the affected joint.

    Diagnostic tools

    Common imaging techniques to evaluate hip and leg pain include:

    • X-rays: A diagnostic test using an electromagnetic energy ray to produce images of internal tissues.
    • CT scans: A diagnostic test that combines X-rays with computer technology to produce cross sectional views of the body. This is helpful because it helps to visualize detailed images of the body, including the bones, muscles, and organs.
    • MRI scans: A diagnostic image that uses large magnets and a computer to produce detailed images of the structures within the body. This is even more detailed than the CT scan or an X-ray.

    Your physician may also request a blood test, and may need to evaluate the consistency of the fluid accumulation in the joint.

    Treatments for hip and leg pain

    Most of these leg injuries fall under the category of acute pain. These conditions will heal on their own without lingering, long-term effects. Acute pain can be treated at home, as discussed previously, or with medical intervention.

    Once the injury heals, you can normally resume full activity. However, if any pain from an injury continues for longer than three months it has crossed classification from acute to chronic pain. Patients dealing with chronic leg pain after an injury may need to seek more advanced treatment to stop or alleviate the pain long-term.

    If you have experienced a sports-related injury, such as a muscle strain or a shin splint, talk with your doctor about the best care for your situation. If home care and rest doesn’t improve the condition, discuss more advanced treatment plans.

    Physical therapy 

    The most common and recommended methods for treating arthritis are conservative alternative therapy provided by a pain specialist. Staying active and physical therapy have also proven to be beneficial.

    Physical therapy has been noted to significantly improve postural stability in patients suffering from hip osteoarthritis.

    Hip and leg injections

    Intra-articular joint injections are also rapidly gaining popularity and use in the treatment for arthritis because of their success, minimally invasive nature, and long-acting effects.

    Speak with your pain physician today to determine the best way to improve your hip and leg pain. After conducting a full history and physical exam your physician may want additional studies, including radiological films and blood work.

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    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • How to avoid common sleep deprivation effects with chronic pain?

    How to avoid common sleep deprivation effects with chronic pain?

    How many times have you rolled around in bed wondering why you are still awake? It is never fun to go through the next day exhausted, but that could be the least of your problems—your body can suffer in many different ways from sleep deprivation effects. This is doubly true if you also suffer from chronic pain, with 65% of patients reporting sleep issues.

    What are common sleep deprivation effects? 

    We spend one-third of our life sleeping. It’s essential for a sharp mind and a healthy body. This is doubly true for those who suffer from chronic pain conditions as adequate rest can have a huge impact on pain levels.

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    How much sleep should you get? According to the CDC, the average adult should get seven to nine hours of sleep a night and children should get ten to 11 hours. These are usually broken into 90-minute cycles, and the quality of sleep is also very important. If you are not entering REM sleep, you aren’t getting the true benefits of sleep, so you have to be mindful of your sleeping patterns. It is estimated that 50 – 70 million adults in the U.S. have sleep difficulties.

    This number is even higher in those patients who are afflicted with chronic pain as 65% report having a sleeping disorder, such as non-restorative or disruptive sleep. A major issue with sleep deprivation is that it can increase a person’s sensitivity to pain, among other things, which perpetuates a vicious cycle of sleepless nights and worsening pain. Managing your pain and your sleeping habits can greatly affect your overall mental and physical health.

    Once you understand the full sleep deprivation effects, we bet you’ll be motivated to try and change your sleeping habits for good!

    1. Minor sleep loss can be just like drinking alcohol

    Not getting enough sleep can have some big effects on your brain and every other organ in your body. According to Jeffrey P. Barasch, M.D., Medical Director of The Valley Hospital Center for Sleep Medicine, a two hours loss of sleep can have effects similar to alcohol intoxication.

    Sleep deprivation leads to a reduction in judgement, response speed, motor skills, and accuracy, some of which are even greater than alcohol consumption. Some tests showed response speeds were 50% worse than drinking, so think twice about getting behind the wheel next time you have a sleepless night.

    2. Lack of sleep can lead to emotional vulnerability and negative thinking

    Various sleep studies have shown that not getting enough rest can wreak havoc on your mental state. It can impair thinking and emotional regulation in the brain. Specifically, it changes your mindset to one that is more vulnerable to further degradation. It can include symptoms such as:

    • Irritability
    • Hallucinations
    • Impaired decision-making abilities
    • Mood swings

    Sleep problems can also have long-term effects on the mind. It can:

    • Impair creative thinking
    • Reduce focus
    • Lower work or school productivity
    • Greatly increase your chances of developing depression and anxiety

    It is believed that patients with untreated insomnia are between two and ten times more likely to have or develop major depression episodes. It can also exacerbate preexisting conditions such as bipolar disorder and ADHD.

    3. Increased risk of serious cardiovascular health problems

    Sleep is critical to the body’s repair and recovery process. People who routinely do not get enough sleep are at a much higher risk for developing numerous other diseases as the body does not have time to effectively carry out this procedure. These diseases include:

    In a Harvard Medical School study, it was found that people with hypertension, who did not get adequate sleep, will have elevated blood pressure all throughout the following day. Another study found that those with insomnia had a 45% increase of developing or dying from a cardiovascular disease.

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    4. Risk of increased weight gain

    New research by the University of Chicago Medical Center shows that a decrease in sleep leads to more cravings of higher fat snacks. This sleep deprivation effects study showed that when offered food, sleep deprived participants reported higher scores for hunger and desire to eat and ate twice as much fat than when they had eight hours of sleep.

    The reason this leads to weight gain is that the additional hours awake do not expend the extra calories that are consumed. In the study, the average person burned an additional 70 calories from losing four hours of sleep, but binged an additional 300 calories. Erin Hanlon, phd, a research associate in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at the University of Chicago stated that:

    “If you’re sleep deprived, your hedonic drive for certain foods gets stronger, and your ability to resist them may be impaired. So you are more likely to eat it. Do that again and again, and you pack on the pounds.”

    5. Insomnia can lead to more sleepless nights and chronic pain

    A major issue with insomnia and pain is that you can be caught in a destructive loop. Chronic pain conditions can harm a quality sleep cycle and poor sleep can lower a patient’s pain threshold and pain tolerance, which makes existing pain feel even more severe.

    While sleeping pills are an option to get more sleep, they can interact poorly with other medications. Furthermore, a study showed that lack of sleep can also counteract the effectiveness of medication for many conditions.

    6. Reduces the effectiveness of your immune system

    The effects of sleep deprivation can really do a number on your immune system. The Mayo Clinic states that lack of quality sleep can raise the risk of infection as well as increase the recovery time from being ill.

    The reason for this is that certain proteins (cytokines) are released when the body is fighting infections and inflammation and their production is decreased when you are low on sleep.

    How to get better sleep for pain management

    We have all had nights where we toss and turn without getting any sleep. There are a lot of things that can interfere with a person’s sleep cycle, from stress at work to family responsibilities to chronic pain. With all the stress of our daily lives, it’s a true challenge to figure out how to get better sleep.

    Sleep can be a wonderful relief to a long day regardless if it was filled with work or play, but only if it is quality sleep. Here are a handful of tricks and tips that will show you how to get better sleep, so you can fill your night with the sleeps you need and avoid these sleep deprivation effects.

    1. Stick to a sleep schedule

    Getting your body in the habit of going to sleep and waking up the same time each day will improve the quality of your sleep quite a bit.

    A consistent sleep schedule allows you to match up with your body’s natural sleep cycle (AKA circadian rhythm) and will leave you more refreshed and energized than sticking to an erratic sleeping pattern.

    2. Get comfortable and control your sleeping environment

    Creating a nighttime ritual to wind down before bed will also improve sleep quality. This can include breathing and visualization techniques to calm the mind. You can also try reading a book, listening to music, or taking a relaxing bath or shower.

    Make sure your bedroom is cool, quiet, and relaxing for you. It is also smart to make sure your bed and pillows adequately meet your needs as they can greatly influence your sleep quality.

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    3. Avoid sleeping in or long naps

    Trying to figure out how to get better sleep, but your weekends and weekdays are completely different? It is easy to sleep in after a busy week or a long night out, but even a change of an hour in your natural sleep schedule can cause sleep problems.

    Your best bet to more quality sleep is to avoid sleeping in on weekends and instead take short naps in the early afternoon to avoid throwing off your internal clock. Otherwise, this extra sleep could mess up your sleep schedule for days! Also important to note, if you are fighting bouts of insomnia at night, consider eliminating napping or heavily limiting it to 15 minutes.

    4. Be mindful of light exposure

    Sunlight plays a large role in how our bodies regulate a variety of functions, but most certainly our sleep patterns. Try to get as much light (preferably natural) as you can in the mornings and afternoons.

    When night rolls around, avoid heavy light (i.e. Tvs, computers, etc.) At least an hour before you go to bed as overexposure reduces melatonin production, the hormone that signals the brain that it is time for sleep. It is also a good idea to make sure that you are sleeping in a dark room and away from technology like blinking cell phones or bright digital clocks.

    5. Look at your eating habits and diet 

    The food you eat during the day can definitely affect how you sleep. This is doubly true for food and beverages ingested a few hours before bed. Heavy meals can be tough on the stomach and, while alcohol can relax the body, it also has disruptive effects on your sleep cycle.

    Instead, try to keep late night snacks to something healthy like granola or a banana. It is also best to cut out nicotine and caffeine after lunchtime as these substances can take up to ten hours to wear off and can be a main culprit of poor quality sleep.

    6. Try cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 

    New research out of the University of Warwick shows that CBT has moderate to strong effectiveness at reducing insomnia, specifically for patients with chronic pain conditions. This is particularly important as long-term pharmaceutical options for insomnia are not viable and can interact poorly with pain management medications.

    According to Dr Nicole Tang, from the University’s Department of Psychology:

    “This study is particularly important because the use of drugs to treat insomnia is not recommended over a long period of time therefore the condition needs to be addressed using a non-pharmacological treatment. We believe that our results will be of particular interest to primary care physicians and allied health professionals who are taking up an increasingly important role in preventing and managing long-term conditions.”

    7. Eliminate the clutter in your bedroom

    Today, many bedrooms are multifunctional rather than just being somewhere we sleep. More and more people use their bedroom as an office or entertainment room, which can affect your sleep patterns.

    Try to simplify the room by removing these distractions and it might just help you relax when you lay down for bed.

    8. Get moving and exercise!

    Exercise in the mornings or afternoons can be quite energizing. It is also vital to keeping the body’s natural rhythm on check while promoting healthy sleep. Various studies have shown that moderate aerobic exercise can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and increase the length of sleep of those who suffer from sleeping disorders.

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  • How can active release technique manage pain?

    A powerful hands-on therapy known as Active Release Techniques (ART) works deep within the body to reduce pain resulting from injury or overuse. Here’s how active release technique works, how it helps, and what you can expect during a session.

    What is active release technique therapy?

    Healthy movement of the body relies on the free-flow and correct alignment of muscles, tendons, bones, and other tissues. But through life—whether a sedentary or active one—our bodies may become misaligned and experience an increased risk for injury or pain. Other times, acute injuries result in scar tissue and subsequent pain.

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    Active release techniques are a type of therapeutic massage that uses hands-on therapy to lengthen muscles and release these adhesions and scar tissue, which develop when tissues contract in response to injury or inflammation. Adhesions can:

    • Develop in tissues and nerves
    • Interfere with proper movement
    • Cause pain
    • Create the conditions for injuries to develop

    During treatment, a skilled practitioner will apply precisely directed tension while the patient performs specific movements intended to shorten and lengthen muscles at the right time. You will work with a practitioner who applies directed tension to the areas that need it the most. They will also direct you to perform specific motions to help with muscular shortening and lengthening.

    Active release technique benefits

    Active release technique therapy is a safe method for correcting soft tissue injuries and other muscle related problems. It can be used for a variety of pain conditions including:

    Active release techniques can help you relieve pain from these conditions quickly and even permanently.

    History of ART

    A doctor named Michael Leahy created this system of treatments after noticing that he could feel changes in his patients’ soft tissue that seemed to correlate to their symptoms of pain. He carefully observed how different parts of the body responded to the techniques he used, from the muscles and fascia to tendons and ligaments, and says the protocols helped more than 90% of his patients.

    Leahy systematized ART and now he trains health care practitioners worldwide how to treat others with the technique.

    How is active release techniques different than other therapies?

    On the surface, active release techniques may seem similar to other hands-on techniques, such as trigger point release. However, ART is unique in that it’s highly specialized, requiring a great deal of training to learn all 500-plus specific protocols. This ensures the complete dedication of the practitioner.

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    ART also emphasizes developing the ability to feel, through the skin, nerves, and tissues and cultivating a sense of how those parts respond to the different techniques. This is an essential component of active release techniques because the practitioner must be able to select the most beneficial protocol for the patient out of the vast number of options.

    While training in active release techniques, practitioners learn how to find tissues under the skin by touch and make that all-important selection of which technique to use.

    When should I try ART? 

    Muscles generally sustain damage in a few ways, according to ART’s official website. Acute conditions include pulls or tears that develop after blunt trauma. Sometimes multiple small tears accumulate, in a condition known as micro-trauma. The third way damage results from overuse is through hypoxia, when muscles don’t receive enough oxygen.

    These conditions have a common result, which is the body’s production of dense, tough scar tissue that ensnares surrounding tissues, restricting their movement. The scar tissue continues to build, and the muscles eventually grow shorter and weaken. Tendons trying to work despite the restrictions may develop tendinitis, and nerves sometimes become trapped.

    This chain of reaction leads to:

    How does active release technique work?

    As muscles in the body become overused, the related tissues can become adhered to other tissues and nerves. In order to increase range of motion and relieve pain they need to be restored to their intended state. These adhesions cause muscles to become shorter and weaker and can lead to tendinitis or painful trapped nerves. The adhesions can be caused by improper posture, incorrect use of muscles, sprains, or strains.

    Active release techniques are a physical therapy option that helps to lengthen the muscles and separate adhesions to restore better motion.

    Active release techniques practitioners use more than 500 specific treatment protocols, selecting those that best fit the patient’s needs. Multiple treatments are often needed, but it’s common for patients to see significant results after just a few treatment sessions.

    There are many similarities between active release techniques and chiropractic care and, in fact, the two are often performed in conjunction.

    What can I expect during a session?

    Before receiving active release technique therapy, patients will undergo a physical examination to identify the exact muscles, ligaments, and nerves that are implicated in causing pain.

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    During a session, the problem areas are identified and the proper technique is determined. The therapist will direct the patient to perform specific movements to shorten and lengthen these muscles, tendons, and ligaments while they make contact with the affected area with their hands to apply pressure and help the adhesions break up. It will also release the nerves from entrapment. Patients can direct their level of comfort and if the treatment becomes too painful, it can stop. Significant results are typically felt within just the first few treatments.

    Although this deep, powerful work may cause some pain, it’s only done to the patient’s tolerance. It’s all natural and highly effective, making it a wonderful choice for those patients whose pain conditions warrant the treatment.

    Are there active release techniques risks? 

    It is critical that active release techniques are only used on muscles that have been overused or have sustained a use-related injury such as a sprain. It should never be used to treat traumatic injuries or an area that is experiencing active inflammation.

    Do not do treatments every day but keep it to every other day or less depending on the severity of your pain. Otherwise, there are few adverse side effects with this form of treatment and it is considered generally safe.

    How to find an active release technique provider

    Active release techniques are part of a specialization where physical therapists or chiropractors are trained in the specific practice. Since there are active release technique certifications, look for someone who is knowledgeable about the ART process and trained professionally. ART’s official website offers a directory of qualified providers.

    Talk to your doctor or chiropractor for a referral and always let them know about any alternative treatments and techniques you’re considering before making a decision.

    Because active release techniques do carry some risks if performed incorrectly or with the wrong kind of injury, it is imperative that you fully understand how the process works and have a comfort level with your practitioner.

    Are there at-home active release technique therapies I can do?

    Because this technique is based entirely on soft tissue and muscle movement it can be done at home without a trained practitioner as long as it is performed safely and with a few modifications.

    If your muscles are suffering from fatigue rather than soft tissue injury this may be a great way to remain limber and keep pain at bay. Always be sure to use proper stretching techniques. Don’t overdo it or you could exacerbate the injury.

    At-home exercises for sore muscles include:

    • Shoulders: Extend your arm in front of your body. Use your other hand to press the muscles between your neck and shoulder. Move your free hand to your lower back. Tilt your head away from the hand pressing on the muscles. Straighten your head and extend your arm. Continue as you move the pressure along the area between your shoulder and neck to release tension all across the muscle.
    • Achilles tendon: Sit down extending one leg in front of you with the toes pointed. Bend the other leg at the knee and grasp it with your fingers on your mid-calf and thumb on your shin. Press and pull up slightly with your hand as you flex your toes.
    • Hamstrings: Lie down on your back with both of your legs bent at the knee. Grasp one leg at the hamstring with both hands and raise your foot toward the ceiling and hold for a few seconds. Repeat across the hamstring and on your opposite leg.
    • Calf: Sit down with one leg bent like you did for the Achilles tendon. Grasp your calf with fingers on the lower area and straighten your leg. Flex your toes. Continue to the middle and top of your calf muscle.

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  • What is plantar fasciitis? Symptoms, prevention, and treatment

    Plantar fasciitis affects one in ten adults in their lifetime. The plantar fascia is a thick tissue that connects the ball of the foot to the heel and also supports the arch of the foot. When this muscle becomes strained or compressed, severe pain can result and become chronic. Heels can actually develop new bone and create painful heel spurs—bony projections that cause intense pain. This chronic pain condition can impact life every day, and if left untreated can become severe and require surgery.

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    Major plantar fasciitis symptoms are:

    • Stiffness or soreness in the whole foot, especially in the morning
    • Swelling and redness
    • Pain in the heel and the arch
    • Flat feet or high arches
    • Burning or tenderness in the soles of the feet
    • Difficulty going up or down stairs

    Left untreated, the heels can develop painful bony spurs, a growth of bone in the heel that presses painfully into the soles.

    What are major plantar fasciitis causes?

    Plantar fasciitis is caused mainly by one or more of the following:

    • Poorly fitting or unsupportive footwear
    • Excessive exercise on hard surfaces
    • Improper or non-existent warm-up
    • Not enough rest of the feet

    The leading cause of plantar fasciitis is stress or strain on the plantar fascia that causes tiny tears in the ligament. These tears cause inflammation and pain, which makes walking or other activities difficult, especially in the morning. Not warming up or using proper conditioning techniques are other causes of plantar fasciitis, as is starting a new physical activity after long periods of rest or inactivity. These activities may cause microscopic tears that are only found once a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is made.

    People with very flat feet or very high arches are prone to plantar fasciitis due to the shortening or lengthening of the tissue and the strain that causes.

    For athletes, training repetitively on hard surfaces with improper footwear can cause plantar fasciitis. A rapid increase in the intensity of a workout, or the length of a workout can also trigger painful symptoms.  Some patients report that symptoms worsen over time, but others say that their symptoms occurred suddenly.

    Who is at risk?

    Men between the ages of 40 and 70 are most likely to experience the pain of plantar fasciitis, but people of all ages can develop this condition. Some behaviors can increase the risk. A genetic history or family record of plantar fasciitis is a primary risk, as is simply getting older.

    Although everyone who walks on the planet is capable of developing plantar fasciitis, there are a few specific risk factors that can increase your chances of developing it.

    1. Obesity

    Increased weight means increased daily pressure on the feet. This additional daily strain can cause all kinds of problem in the lower extremities, including swelling and pain in the feet.

    2. Genetics

    Those with first-degree relatives (parents or siblings) who develop plantar fasciitis are more likely to develop the condition themselves.

    3. Metabolic issues

    A person with liver disease, diabetes, or thyroid issues may have issues with their circulatory systems that put them at risk for plantar fasciitis. These metabolic conditions may result in not enough blood and oxygen to the feet, which can cause pain in the plantar fascia.

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    4. Lifestyle

    Smokers and those who have a history of overuse of alcohol may be more at risk for developing plantar fasciitis. This may be closely linked to inactivity, and obesity may be a contributing factor as well.

    5. Age and gender

    Getting older is a primary risk factor for plantar fasciitis. Men between 40 and 70 years of age are the demographic most likely to be diagnosed with this condition.

    Many of these risk factors deal with metabolic issues and may be related to the circulation of blood in the feet. There are some physicians who believe that this condition is a result of high acidity in the body, and they point to the variety of those affected as proof. Patients with plantar fasciitis can be marathon runners or couch potatoes. They can be in good health otherwise or be obese with an unhealthy diet. There are multiple risk factors that have not been explored deeply at this point, but there are also a variety of treatment options.

    How is this condition diagnosed?

    Physicians diagnose plantar fasciitis with a combination of patient interviews and examination. Doctors will especially focus on onset and any activities that may have caused the pain.

    If bone spurs are suspected, doctors may order X-rays to confirm that diagnosis.

    How to prevent plantar fasciitis

    Prevention is key for this condition. Patient education can help with this. Some of the best ways to prevent this condition include:

    • Finding proper footwear
    • Utilizing orthotics when needed
    • Properly warming up

    To prevent plantar fasciitis, a warm-up is essential. Beyond shoes, many athletes ignore their feet when they begin to workout. Here are a few stretches that can be done to get the blood flowing in the feet before beginning.

    • With feet bare, grasp toes with one hand and the heel with the other. Bend the toes back with one hand as the other hand pulls the heel back. Hold for 30 seconds.
    • Still with bare feet, start in a squat with your toes spread wide. Lean forward slowly and bring your knees to the ground so that your toes are still flexed underneath you. Sit back on your heels as far as you can. This is a very intense stretch, so go slowly and back off if it becomes painful. Hold for at least one minute.
    • Place hands on a wall, shoulder height. Step the left foot straight back so there is about two or three feet between your left toe and right heel. Move your hips forward, keeping your left heel down, until you feel a stretch in the calf. Don’t bounce, just hold for 30 seconds. Release, and do the same with the right foot.

    You can also use a tennis ball to massage the arch of your foot. Add pressure as you can, but go slowly. This should relieve pressure and feel good. You can roll the tennis ball all over the foot, putting weight onto it to increase the depth of massage. If you need a deeper massage, switch to a harder ball with less “give.”

    How do you treat plantar fasciitis?

    The initial treatment options are easy to comply with and generally non-invasive. A period of rest and icing to the affected area can help with pain and inflammation, as can over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids). If the plantar fasciitis is due to injury or repetitive motion, then rest is essential, with as little strain put on the foot as possible.

    Depending on the extent of your pain, you may also need to try some other treatment options. These are discussed below.

    Orthotics

    For severe cases, doctors may recommend a boot or other immobilizing support, but in milder cases, shoes with orthotic insoles or firm arch support will be adequate.

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    Traditional physical therapy

    Patients will be instructed on specific stretches and movements to loosen and condition the plantar fascia. Plantar stretches may include placing the foot on the opposite knee while seated and flexing the feet strongly while pulling back on the toes.

    High-load strength training

    While working the plantar fascia like a muscle may seem odd, new research has found that doing so can actually improve recovery times. A recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that plantar fascia has a job that is similar to the Achilles tendon in both load bearing and function. Researchers studied the effect of this specific tendon in a randomized group of 48 patients with plantar fasciitis. They wanted to see if high-load strength training, typically utilized to develop muscles and stretch tendons in the lower leg, would offer superior results to traditional plantar stretches.

    One study group completed plantar stretches ten times for ten seconds, three times per day, and the other group completed unilateral heel raises using a towel under the toes. Study participants stood on a raised platform and placed their toes on a rolled-up towel. Patients took three seconds to raise up on tiptoe, paused for two seconds, then took three seconds to slowly lower down. Patients performed the activity with one foot at a time, starting with three sets of 12 repetitions. They gradually added weight by filling a backpack with books. The repetitions were decreased but the number of sets was increased as weight was added to the backpack.

    The result? The high-load strength-training group achieved short-term pain relief more quickly than the group that completed traditional plantar fasciitis stretches. While both groups had similar levels of pain at the six and 12-month mark, the pain-relieving effects of high-load strength training were immediate.

    Interventional radiology

    Research presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s Annual Scientific Meeting has indicated that ultrasound imaging and targeted ultrasonic energy is an effective way to not only break up and remove tissue damaged by plantar fasciitis but to also allow healthy tissue to regenerate in its place. One hundred patients treated with this therapy starting in 2013 have reported positive, long-lasting relief.

    Rahul Razdan, M.D., one of the study’s researchers and an interventional radiologist at Advanced Medical Imaging in Lincoln, Nebraska, noted that this is the first treatment option that goes beyond short-term solutions:

    “While standard treatments, such as pain medication and physical therapy, can offer some relief, there have been no permanent answers. It is important for patients suffering from chronic plantar fasciitis to know that they have treatment options. We have patients who are in so much pain they can’t even play with their kids or take their dog for a walk. This ultrasonic treatment can give patients their lives back and let them enjoy their lives.”

    Interventional treatments

    For inflammation that persists, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids for short periods of time. If pain persists, and a cast or a boot does not help with the pain and inflammation, then doctors may prescribe steroid injections. For the most severe cases that are not responding to treatments, doctors may try plantar fascia release where they cut into the connective tissue to ease the tension and stress that is causing the pain.

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  • What undiagnosed pain patients can do to find answers?

    If you’re still traveling from doctor to doctor, hoping for a diagnosis, take heart: you’re not alone. Unfortunately, too many undiagnosed pain patients go years without figuring out what’s causing their condition or symptoms. If you’re one of these patients, there are things you can do to improve your chances.

    Why are there so many undiagnosed pain patients? 

    Consider the story of one 50-year-old Oregon woman who landed in the hospital 60 times over the course of 15 years because of her mysterious symptoms that included stomach pain, dizziness, and nausea. All those hospital visits, rounds of testing, and a never-ending parade of doctors, and still no diagnosis, reports Everyday Health.

    While chronic pain is considered a disorder in itself, it’s also an umbrella term for the numerous conditions associated with it. Back pain, leg pain, pain from cancer or diabetes, fibromyalgia—each of these conditions are worlds within themselves, with different causes and responses to treatments.

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    Even if someone receives a diagnosis, sometimes that’s the starting point and not the end. Think of the wide world of often-painful autoimmune disorders, which are typically difficult to diagnose and highly individualized. One patient might find a special type of diet works wonders while another may need specialized treatments like acupuncture.

    Even conditions that sound specific, like irritable bowel syndrome, can be catch-all disorders. IBS is characterized by digestive troubles, but patients often develop these troubles for various reasons, necessitating different treatments. Dr. David Clarke, author of the book They Can’t Find Anything Wrong! Tells Everyday Health:

    “It is enormously frustrating for a patient with real pain not to know the cause, and they may even question their own sanity.”

    Should I visit a pain doctor or family doctor?

    For many people with chronic pain, the family doctor is the first stop on the journey to find answers. About 63% of people with ongoing pain have visited their family doctor at some point for answers, according to the American Academy of Pain Medicine.

    And while 45% of chronic pain patients have visited some type of specialist, only 15% have sought the advice of a pain doctor.

    Family doctors frequently prescribe medication, whether over-the-counter or prescription. This approach may work for those with mild or moderate pain that you can’t manage on your own, according to webmd. However, pain medication doesn’t always work and even if it does, it’s only a bandage. Medication doesn’t fix any underlying issues that may be causing the pain.

    People with moderate to severe pain that is constant should consider visiting either a pain specialist or doctor specializing in the area of the body causing pain, such as a chiropractor for back pain. Pain doctors have the expertise to dive deeper into the underlying causes, and even begin to ferret out some of the lesser-known causes of chronic pain that are often invisible and difficult to detect.

    For instance, lifestyle factors such as stress, weight, and physical activity can dramatically influence your experience of pain. The relentless suffering experienced by the Oregon woman from earlier in this article turned out to be caused by stress, says Clarke. He adds:

    “In some patients, stress is responsible for 100% of the pain. In others, it is only a minor contributing factor.”

    After Clarke worked with the Oregon woman, he soon learned the pain resulted from stress she felt from interacting with her emotionally abusive mother. Once the patient discussed the stress and figured out the dramatic impact it had upon her health, the symptoms stopped, Clarke said.

    What you can do to get diagnosed

    Unexpressed emotions and related stress are to blame for some cases of un-diagnosable chronic pain. Other times, the pain is from a very physical cause that just needs the right type of testing.

    Public relations specialist Alyssa B. Suffered from extreme neck pain that wouldn’t relent, no matter how many painkillers her doctors gave her, reports Everyday Health. Finally, after insisting to her doctors, she received an MRI and discovered four herniated discs. Doctors recommended surgery. Alyssa has opted to forgo that option for now and do the best she can with medication and physical therapy.

    Alyssa’s story underscores the importance of finding the right doctor, being your own advocate, and not stopping until you find the answers you seek. The journey of all undiagnosed pain patients are different, but there are a few things you can do to increase the likelihood of finding answers.

    1. Visit a pain specialist

    Family doctors are excellent at what they do, but pain specialists offer a wealth of knowledge outside the scope of family medicine, Everyday Health says. Many family doctors receive only a few hours of education in pain, while pain specialists focus on the topic in school and in practice.

    Experienced pain doctors have years of patient case studies to draw information from, increasing the likelihood that you’ll finally find the answers you’re looking for.

    2. Keep a pain journal

    A pain journal could be a critical resource in helping you and your medical team understand the condition you’re facing and identify the most helpful treatment options.

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    Track when you feel pain along with your daily stress levels, exercise activities, and food intake. Over time, you’ll be able to analyze this information and potentially identify pain triggers. Maybe you realize that the pain is stress-related after all. Or perhaps you see that a certain food sets it off.

    With this information, you’ll develop the ability to tailor your lifestyle to reduce triggers and feel less pain.

    3. Participate in your treatment

    Studies show that patients who actively participate in feeling better, whether that’s by exercising or researching potential new treatments, have better health outcomes. The web offers an infinite source of information and also the ability to connect with others who, like you, may be having trouble finding a diagnosis or effective treatment.

    Multiple applications for your cell phone also help with everything from developing mindfulness—which is beneficial for reducing pain regardless of source—to helping you sleep better.

    In the search for answers, you’ll also need to be your own advocate. Demand advanced testing like an MRI if you feel you need one. Switch doctors if you feel yours doesn’t listen or have the time to fully investigate your health condition.

    Become the boss of your health, patiently and persistently searching for answers, or at the very least, solutions. Because even if you aren’t able to fully understand your condition, you can still find ways to manage the pain it causes.

    4. Become an informed patient online

    This tip is among the most important. The amount of health information available to patients has never been greater, thanks to the Internet. Demand is equally high; one in 20 Google searches seeks health information, according to Google. Everyone from independent doctors’ offices to huge medical systems is making authoritative information readily available. That said, the Internet is still the Internet, and not all information is credible. Knowing the difference can help you avoid sites that make unsubstantiated claims.

    Learning how to sort through online information is important for optimal health. Patients without high health literacy generally experience worse outcomes than more informed patients, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    Here are a few ways you can become a more empowered patient.

    Look for new partnerships that improve online health content for patients

    At the other end are search engines like Google. These filter through the glut of information posted online to rate its usefulness, which includes measures like credibility. Google uses those usefulness ratings to order search engine results.

    Now, these two sides are coming together to help a patient get better information. Mayo Clinic recently announced a partnership with Google that has already changed how web viewers see health information online.

    When a patient searches for a medical condition in Google, a knowledge box appears on the right side of the screen. Mayo doctors are working with Google to review the information and ensure accuracy.

    Searching for “low back pain,” for example, yields a box with an overview of the condition, prevalence rates to let patients know if it’s common or not, symptoms, and possible treatments. Mayo medical editor Dr. Phillip Hagen says:

    “I certainly am sensitive to the need for accurate information, so if you take a site like Google, which is a first stop for a lot of people, I’d love it if they can get good, reliable information when they start.”

    Credibility is key

    Anyone with access to a computer can post information online, making it important for a patient to assess the credibility of information they’re reading.

    One easy way to assess authoritativeness is to check out the URL of the website. Sites ending in .gov are great because that information is coming straight from a government agency, and is probably backed by the best experts around. If you’re accessing non-government based websites, make sure that they clearly link their information back to an authoritative source like a government site.

    Extensions related to schools, such as .edu, are also generally good. However, be careful because sometimes students will write papers on topics that are posted on a school’s website, leaving the URL sounding official even though the information is not from a doctor or other health care professional.

    Avoid this by looking at the URL a little more closely. Information published by individuals will often have a tilde (~) in it. These pages are generally less authoritative than content posted on a clearly branded university page. Also, some schools are not as credible as others, so try to stick to well-known institutions like Harvard or New York University.

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    Also take care when looking at non-profit sites with urls ending in .org. Anybody can purchase a .org URL, so that alone does not mean the site is credible. Try to find well-known organizations with boards consisting of doctors. Sometimes smaller groups aren’t as credible or have ulterior motives that aren’t immediately apparent.

    And if the information is coming from a person or business, make sure the person has appropriate degrees, like a medical degree or, for example, a registered dietician credential for information related to food.

    Find simple information—it exists!

    When searching for the latest information about whatever ails you, it’s easy to get sucked into the world of medical jargon. This somehow makes everything sound really scary and complicated.

    And while some medical issues truly are complicated, they can always be distilled into easy-to-understand terms. Increasing numbers of health websites are taking it upon themselves to simplify health information for that very reason.

    The effort is an important one. A study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health found that most Australians don’t find the information they need because the existing content is too complex.

    Even on the simplest issues, like obesity, researchers found that 17 sites formally discussing the condition were difficult to understand. Difficult information makes ideas not only harder to comprehend. It also increases the likelihood that a patient will misinterpret key information, leading to health choices that aren’t in their best interest.

    Researchers urged medical health websites to focus on simplicity to continue empowering patients in making good health choices. Mayo’s recently announced partnership with Google is a huge step in that direction.

    The bottom line is, if you feel confused or overwhelmed, seek out another source of information. Plenty exists, so find the source that speaks to you.

    Look for dates

    New medical studies come out every day, and new information sometimes proves old information wrong or incomplete. Check for dates to make sure the information is as accurate as possible.

    Ways to verify the date include looking at the bottom of the article or webpage. Many credible, online resources will post a “last updated” date at the bottom of their post or list a copyright date in the footer bar of the webpage.

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    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store