Pain

Ask the Experts: Choosing a Mattress; Pseudogot; Levothyroxine Schedule

Sep 24, 2018 · UHN Staff · Pain

Q: In a recent issue, you mentioned that a new mattress can help ease back pain. Do you have any tips on the best type of mattress? A: A medium-firm mattress suits most people, since it provides support while also allowing some “give” for pressure points like your shoulders and … Read More

Stretch Away That Pain in the Neck

Sep 24, 2018 · Dawn Bialy · Pain

Neck pain is a common complaint among older adults. It often is related to underlying arthritis, or osteoporosis, which can result in vertebral fractures that cause chronic pain. It also may occur due to strain or spasm of the neck muscles. These muscles are on constant duty supporting the head. … Read More

An Unexpected Alternative for Pain Relief

Sep 24, 2018 · Carrie Adkins-Ali · Pain

Starting in the late 1990s, opioid painkillers became a mainstay in health care. These drugs effectively treated pain, and the pharmaceutical companies that developed them assured doctors that they were safe to prescribe to patients. Patients trusted their physicians and, while many completed their course of treatment with no complications, … Read More

Exercise Guide

Sep 10, 2018 · Leonaura Rhodes, MD · Pain

9. You Can Manage Your Back Pain

Sep 10, 2018 · Leonaura Rhodes, MD · Pain

While reading this report, you’ve undoubtedly realized how complicated low back pain can be. You’ve learned about back pain in general, spinal anatomy, risk factors, and common instigators of lower back pain. We discussed treatments you can seek at the doctor’s office as well as lifestyle changes and everyday things … Read More

8. Surgery Is for a Minority

Sep 10, 2018 · Leonaura Rhodes, MD · Pain

Only a small minority of people who battle low back pain will need surgery. Back pain surgery is either done in an emergency or electively (by choice). In this chapter, we’ll consider what goes into the decision to choose elective surgery as well as the situations that create the need … Read More

7. What Can I Do at Home to Manage Back Pain?

Sep 10, 2018 · Leonaura Rhodes, MD · Pain

The easy answer to the question posed in this chapter’s title is: Stay active. Slow and steady wins the race, and the same is true in dealing with low back pain. Take it one step at a time whether you’re eager to get back to the gym or just trying … Read More

6. Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain

Sep 10, 2018 · Leonaura Rhodes, MD · Pain

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 90 percent of people with low back pain will recover within a month even without any treatment. Thus, acute and subacute pain is best managed conservatively. The latest guidelines by the American College of Physicians (Annals of Internal Medicine, April 2017) strongly … Read More

5. Diagnosing Low Back Pain in the Doctor’s Office

Sep 10, 2018 · Leonaura Rhodes, MD · Pain

Medical History In assessing your low back pain, your physician will first take a detailed medical history of your back pain. A proper history is crucial to medical care since it directs the physical examination, assessment, and treatment. Oftentimes, your physician will gather hints of your diagnosis based on your … Read More

4. Rare Back Emergencies

Sep 10, 2018 · Leonaura Rhodes, MD · Pain

Back pain is never pleasant, and tends to hang around longer than we would like. However, because mild to moderate low back pain tends to have a benign source, your best bet is usually to wait it out for a week or so. With consistent activity modification and conservative management, … Read More