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HOW CAN RADIOFREQUENCY NERVE ABLATION HELP WITH DAILY PAIN?

Text by Fred Wilkinson

Millions of Americans live with pain as part of their everyday lives.

In 2019, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report found that 20.4% of American adults had chronic pain, and 7.4% of adults had chronic pain they said frequently limited their lifestyle or work activities. CDC found chronic pain was highest among women and people aged 65 and older.

While the reality of millions of Americans living with pain hurts the conscience, it’s important to remember that there also are many more millions of concerned and caring family members of those living with pain who also are sharing in the challenges of alleviating their loved one’s pain while helping them to live full lives of activity and well-being.

 

SEEKING CARE TO RELIEVE PAIN

Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek out medical care.

In addition to the daily physical discomfort and mental stress people living with chronic pain must contend with, long-term sufferers of chronic pain are at heightened risk to develop further health complications and poor mental health.

 

PAIN REDUCTION WITH RADIOFREQUENCY NERVE ABLATION

Radiofrequency nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure. Also known as radiofrequency rhizotomy, radiofrequency nerve ablation can reduce or eliminate pain in damaged facet joints by disrupting medial branch nerves, which carry the pain signals.

Radiofrequency nerve ablation uses heat generated by radio waves to target specific nerves and temporarily turn off their ability to send pain signals.

Only local anesthetic is required when performing radiofrequency nerve ablation. Florida Spine & Pain Center specialists insert needles through the skin near the patient’s pain-afflicted area to deliver radio waves directly to the targeted nerves.

The procedure can be a solution for several types of chronic pain. Radiofrequency nerve ablation is most commonly an option for patients suffering from pain in the back, neck, and buttocks (sacroiliac joint) and may also help with long-term knee or hip joint pain.

 

REALIZE PAIN RELIEF

Florida Spine & Pain Center’s goal as a practice is to decrease pain and enhance physical performance without surgery, and patients can expect to be treated by Florida Spine & Pain Center’s team of experienced physicians and compassionate staff employing the latest technology to achieve favorable patient experiences and outcomes.

To learn if radiofrequency nerve ablation is the answer to alleviating your pain chronic, call Florida Spine & Pain Center’s office at (954) 447-5206 to schedule your appointment.

Thoracolumbar spine

THE PATH TO DIANOSIS: LOWER BACK PAIN

Understanding Range of Motion in the Lumbar Spine

The most-reported pains and strains are in the lower back region. Pain typically begins as dull and aching and progresses to significant over time.

Lower back pain can alter the very essence of how you usually function and should not be ignored.

Symptoms are broad but can include:

  • Pain with a twisting motion (grocery shopping, playing sports, etc.)
  • Pain that starts in your lower back and radiates to the lower extremities
  • Stiffness in the morning that lasts through the day
  • Sudden weakness in the lower spine

To understand more about your pain and determine the possible cause, we will perform an exam that will include a range of motion testing and imaging, such as an X-ray, CT, or MRI.

These are necessary in order to pinpoint the exact location of spinal pain.

RANGE OF MOTION TESTING

We test your range of motion to understand better where your pain starts and to what degree motion is affected.

We will look at the passive and active range of motion in the lumbar spine.

Passive movement is completed by a physician controlling the movement. Active movement is the patient completing the movement with guidance from the physician. We are looking for function and dysfunction in these movements.

The movements are measured in degrees and will include Forward Flexion—bending forward, and Extension—bending backward in the opposite direction.

We will also test your ability to turn to each side, referred to as lateral flexion and rotation.

Note the movements in the graphic below:

If there is stiffness or weakness that prevents full flexion, extension, or rotation, we can begin diagnostics and build a treatment plan designed for you.

LOSS OF MOTION AND TREATMENT

Loss of motion in the spine can occur for several reasons, including:

  • Weakened muscles support and assist the movement of the spine.
  • Degenerative changes
  • Injury caused by work, motor vehicle accident, falling, sports, etc.
  • Excess body weight
  • Poor posture
  • Congenital
  • Infections or tumors

The Florida Pain Center provides several treatment options for lower back pain, including conservative treatments and surgical management.

Conservative treatments include anti-inflammatory, physiotherapy, and a referral for physical therapy.

While surgical option varies from non-invasive to stabilization and stimulation treatments, which are considered very advanced treatments reserved for patients who have failed all conservative treatment options available.

DAILY FUNCTION

If you’ve noticed a change in everyday activities due to pain, the Florida Pain Center has several treatment options available.

These changes can include difficulty rising from a seated position, walking, complete everyday functions you usually would, such as cleaning, caring for hygiene, driving, and shopping in stores.

Lower back pain is treatable and does not need to be a part of your everyday life. Together, we can work towards finding the perfect treatment plan for your spinal pain. Our spinal specialists are focused on addressing low back pain without the need for surgery.

To discover your unique solutions for relief from low back pain, call our office at (954) 447-5206 to schedule your appointment.

TEXT BY M. HIATT

Spine Pain Specialist in Miramar, FL

In Need of Spinal Pain Relief in Miramar?

 When should your see a spinal pain specialist? 

Spinal pain is becoming increasingly common for us today what with our jobs that require sitting for long periods of time, playing competitive sports, skiing, horseback accidents, etc. There is no time to waste. When you’re experiencing excruciating spinal pain, you need to call on a professional pain specialist. Aches that are severe can stop you from living your best life. And, it may be a challenge just to perform even the simplest of tasks. At the Florida Pain Center, we can offer you a more natural approach. While prescription medications and surgery might alleviate the pain for a time, they rarely offer a permanent solution. At Florida Pain Center, our goal is to help you stay completely pain free with one of our natural, low-risk treatments. 

What are the Benefits of Choosing the Florida Pain Center for Spinal Pain in Miramar?

There are many advantages to choosing our double- board certified medical specialists to treat your spinal pain at the Florida Pain Center. We have locations throughout South Florida in Hollywood, Miramar and Lauderdale Lakes. Our dedicated team has years of experience to help you get back the life you deserve with our natural, noninvasive approaches.  Our specialists will identify the source of your pain and work to create a personalized treatment plan just for you.  

What Spinal Treatments Are Available to Me?

The Florida Pain Center offers professional spinal adjustments that can make a word of difference in easing your pain. However, there are some other options you can choose such as:  

  • Genova Comprehensive Nutritional Testing 
  • Dekompressor Discectomy 
  • Facet Joint Injection 
  • Lumbar Sympathetic Block 
  • Medical Branch Block 
  • Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections 
  • Spectracell Nutritional Testing 
  • Celiac Plexus Block and more 

Why not try something that allows your body to heal more naturally? At Florida Pain Center, we’re here to treat you and help with your pain. But it’s up to you.  Don’t wait for your spinal pain to worsen. We are here to tell you that pain doesn’t have to be an everyday part of your life. In fact, it shouldn’t be! Pain is a way of telling your body that something needs attention. Together, we can work towards finding the perfect treatment plan for your spinal pain. Call us today at (954)447-5206 for a free consultation. We will have you back to gardening, jogging, playing tennis or swimming or whatever you used to enjoy before pain took over your life. We’ll help you to become pain-free in no time. 

neck pain miramar

Tips from a Pain Management Doctor in Miramar

What can I do about daily pain? 

Has daily pain been a constant source of aggravation for you? Has the pain stopped you from doing what you love? Do you find yourself worrying way too much about how to cure your aches and pains? If so, there are a few things that you can do now to help relieve some of your discomfort. At Florida Pain Center, our pain management doctors in Miramar work to alleviate patients’ suffering every day. While medicines like Ibuprofen are used to reduce your pain and inflammation, studies show us how the body has properties that make it a natural healer. However, there are some things you can initiate right now to help make the body’s natural repair process a little easier: 

Valuable tips from a pain management doctor in Miramar:  

  • Posture 

The first thing you can do to minimize pain, primarily in the neck and back areas, is to improve your posture. Most individuals work at office jobs or work in technology, which means sitting in front of a computer and typing for hours. This can easily stress your muscles and weaken your back support. By sitting up straight, you’re not only engaging your core, but you’re also keeping your spine from curving. 

  • Exercise 

The second thing you can do to minimize pain is to exercise on a daily basis. Exercise increases the blood flow to your body and works your muscles which allows them to gain greater elasticity and move easier. Therefore, they can start to repair themselves more easily. 

  • Get more sleep 

While there is always a debate about which sleeping positions are best for you. Sleeping on your back is usually considered the best position, while sleeping on your stomach is not recommended because it can also block your air flow. If you sleep on your side, our pain management doctors recommend that you place a pillow between your legs to take the pressure off of your spine. 

 If you’re experiencing severe pain on a daily basis, these tips may not be enough to help alleviate it. Instead, reach out to our experienced, double board-certified pain management doctors in Miramar. We offer affordable treatment plans that can make all the difference. Our goal is to get you living your life again, enjoying everyday pain free! Stop enduring that pain because you think there is no other way. Call us at (954) 447-5206 and let us help you work towards a plan to help you feel better right away.  

Radio frequency nerve ablation

Struggling with Back Pain in Miramar?

Where can I find relief for Back Pain Miramar? 

Did you ever notice how people today are constantly moving–looking at their phones and multi-tasking? Of course, you did, because you’re probably nodding your head as you are reading this post. All of this constant eye and muscle activity is causing people in record numbers to be experiencing a host of neck, shoulder and back pain that is a result of our non-stop stressful lifestyles. However, there are effective solutions available to you. At Florida Pain Center in Miramar, our wonderful staff can help you get to the root of your back pain without having to resort to invasive surgical procedures, which are not always guaranteed to work. 

What are some of the treatments for back pain? 

Many people dealing with back pain spend a great deal of money on pills and creams that don’t actually rid you of the problem, they only serve to mask it temporarily and sometimes even makes it worse. At Florida Pain Center in Miramar, we specialize in back pain, but with a different approach. We have effective treatments that are perfect for back pain. We’ve managed to reduce and eventually eliminate back pain in most of our patients. Whether your pain is caused by a herniated disc, a muscle strain, or a compression issue, our licensed spinal specialists can treat your back pain without invasive surgery. Some of the treatments we offer include: Spinal Cord Stimulation; Discography; Medial Branch Block; Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation; Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy; IDET; Trigger Point Injections; Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection and much more. 

Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest medical equipment and resources, and our licensed and double board-certified medical team all possess the knowledge and the experience necessary to treat your back pain at our pain management facility in Miramar. All in all, at the Florida Pain Center in Miramar, you can trust that we mean what we say. By the end of your procedure you will gradually see results and won’t have to struggle with back pain any longer. Think about how it will feel to enjoy your life once again without sacrificing the activities you loved like jogging, going to exercise class, playing tennis or just being able to keep up with your kids for an extended period of time. Some of our patients say we are a lifesaver. You will be able to finally live your life as it was meant to be lived. If you or a loved one are struggling with back pain in Miramar or anywhere in South Florida, don’t hesitate to contact the specialists at the Florida Pain Center today at (954) 447-5206. 

Neck Pain Relief, Miramar, FL

Discover an Outstanding Miramar Pain Center

At the Miramar Pain Center, our primary goal is to determine what’s causing your aches and pains. Is it work-related stress? Perhaps your diet? Is it your chair at work? Exercise routine or lack of? There are numerous sources to consider, and at the Miramar Pain Center, we want to get to the bottom of what’s causing you pain. Once our specialist determines the source, we can plan a course of treatment to help alleviate it forever. At the Miramar Pain Center, we offer many outpatient treatment options for all kinds of pain, whether it be neck, back, shoulders, spine, leg—the list goes on. Our board-certified doctors specialize in non-surgical techniques and you might even feel the difference the very next day. You may be under a lot of stress and are experiencing some tightness in your shoulders. Those knots are also called trigger points. The Miramar Pain Center offers something called “trigger point injections,” which is a proven, effective way to release the pent-up tension in your muscle tissue. 

Another one of our popular procedures to help alleviate pain is called “Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy.” Did you know that your platelet-rich blood acts as a natural healer? To begin the treatment, your caring medical professional will draw your blood and run it through a machine that extracts the platelet-rich blood. They will then inject it into your injury to stimulate your body’s ability to start to heal itself. What’s more, the procedure takes just one hour! At the Miramar Pain Center, we strive to find the best non-surgical solutions for you that are affordable and that can help you get back to living the life you deserve. 

If you are fed up with always being in pain and ready to try a more natural approach, we here to give you the relief you deserve now. Our boardcertified doctors are waiting to treat you. Isn’t it time to call the Miramar Pain Center today at (954) 447-5206? 

Facet Joint Injections Miramar

Searching for a Non-Invasive Pain Center?

Why Choose a Non-Invasive Pain Center? 

When back pain is an everyday source of strife for you it can leave you feeling frustrated and hopeless without anywhere to turn for help. If you’re sitting at the computer too long or standing for long periods of time at work, your back pain may only be getting worse. If you find that your pain is lasting three months or longer, it may be time to seek help. Dealing with back pain can also be especially frustrating when you don’t know the cause. While there are chemicals, serums, surgical procedures, and more, there are a few more natural ways to treat back pain. This may include physical therapy such as aerobic exercise, stretching exercises and core strengthening techniques, dietary changes or acupuncture and massage. But when the pain is more severe, it’s time to reach out to The Florida Pain Center. 

Drug-Free Alternatives with No Downtime 

At the Florida Pain Center, we offer non-invasive options to get to the root of your pain. Sure, you can choose another method such as medication or surgery, (which may not fix your problem altogether), the natural approach is usually better. What’s more, your time is important to us and most of our treatments are outpatient based. We know everyone has busy lives and we don’t want you to wait days or weeks to feel better. You can still take care of your family and have a full-time career while living a pain-free lifestyle! 

Some of Our Non-Invasive Treatments Include: 

  • IDET therapy – A new minimally invasive treatment for spinal disc-related chronic low back pain. Outpatient and local anesthesia based so you are aware of everything going on. 
  • Trigger Point Injections – This popular outpatient procedure is designed to reduce or relieve the pain of trigger points and takes only minutes to administer. 
  • Discography – Discography is a procedure that is used to explore where your pain is coming from. It helps your specialist gain knowledge to plan a course of treatment. 

If you’re experiencing chronic back pain, don’t you owe it to yourself to call the specialists at the Florida Pain Center today? Start experiencing life the way it was meant to be. Call (954) 447-5206 today for a free consultation. 

A Spine Specialist in Miramar, FL

Visit a Spine Specialist in Miramar and Improve Your Health

Tips for Sleeping Better from a Spine Specialist in Miramar 

Sleep is a basic human need, and its importance stretches far beyond mammals or human beings. Rest is essential for all walks of life, and without restful nights, the body can suffer. Many individuals have experienced the feeling of a restless night first hand. You wake up in the morning, only to feel as though you’ve not slept at all. This causes strain on your body, mind, attitude, and overall sense of health. Here are a few tips from a spine specialist in Miramar on how to sleep better, and maybe even live longer.  

Tip 1: See a Spine Specialist in Miramar 

The first tip is to see a spine specialist if you’re having troubles. They’ll be able to rule out other possibilities such as disc fractures or back injuries. From there, they’ll help you identify the cause of your pain. Then, they can make some recommendations such as the following.  

Tip 2: Avoid Sleeping on the Stomach 

It’s crucial for humans to avoid sleeping on their stomachs. It’s a lot of pressure to put on such a sensitive area, and it’s also quite a lot of pressure on the spine. Laying on your back is the best option, and laying on your side is second best.  

Tip 3: Add a Pillow Between the Legs for Side Sleeping 

If you’re a side sleeper, then you’ll want to add a pillow between your legs. Some people prefer full body pillows, while others prefer an accent pillow. Either way, the pillows help to keep the spine straightened, and the body level. It stops you from twisting your back in unnatural positions.  

Tip 4: Stay Away from Electronics an Hour Before Bed 

It’s been told hundreds of times before, but staying away from electronics before bed can help you sleep significantly better. Not only will you be able to avoid sleepless tossing and turning, but you’ll also be able to quiet down your senses, before powering them off.

Overall, better sleep results in better health. The more time and attention people give to bettering their sleep patterns, the happier they’ll be! If you’re having troubles sleeping because of pain somewhere in your body, stop taking medications and start seeing the experts at The Florida Pain Center. A spine specialist from Miramar can help you find minimally invasive alternatives or even natural approaches to healing. Call us today at  (954) 447-5206. Your time for a pain-free life is now!

Spine Pain Specialist in Miramar, FL

Treat Your Pain with the Help of a Professional Spine Specialist

Tips on Navigating an Office Job with a Spine Specialist 

Do you work at a desk all year round? Do you find yourself sitting more often than not? Are you afraid that your back pain and neck pain are getting out of control? If so, then it’s probably time to see a spine specialist. Studies show that a sedentary nature is not fitting for a human. The natural character of the human species is to be moving, lifting, and consistently staying on the go. That’s why the human body rebels in pain when it’s not getting the appropriate movement and exercise it deserves. At the Florida Pain Center, a large portion of our clients is either from injuries or from office jobs. The reality is that you can’t quit your job, especially if you don’t want to. However, there are a few things that you can do to keep your back secure, and your pain to a minimum. 

1. Find Time to Stretch, Move, and Groove 

Whether it’s working out, stretching, or dancing your way through your career, some form of movement needs to be a part of your daily routine. Sitting for hours on end can cause a lot of pressure on your joints, and sitting also reduces blood flow to the body. To get the heart pumping, blood flowing, and your body in a happier place, set aside a few minutes every hour, or a few hours every day to let your body move. Think of your human vessel like that of dogs. If you let them outside, they want to run all over! While your mind may tell you that running seems like a lot, your body’s pain is telling you differently.  

2. Posture 

 Crossing your legs, while it may be comfortable, can actually un-align your spine, and cause severe damage to its overall stability. Crossing your legs while sitting also reduces blood flow to the lower extremities. Another common mistake that people make is sitting too far forward in their chairs. To avoid spine strain, sit to the back of the chair, and plant your feet firmly and parallel on the floor. If your office offers standing desks, take them up on it! Standing desks are excellent solutions, and they can even help you burn calories! 

3. Position the Monitor 

The average human skull weighs about 14 pounds. That’s a lot of weight to have pulling forward on your neck muscles and upper back muscles. You can ask for a monitor stand to bring your computer more parallel to your eyes, which will help you to keep your spine and neck straight. Other examples include looking down at your phone. To avoid bending forward too much, either spend less time on your device or start holding it higher. 

At the Florida Pain Center, we see office jobs take their toles on their employees. Not only is it an unnatural setting for the average human, but it also takes a lot of discipline to remember to stay safe. If these tips are coming to you too late, you may already be experiencing severe pain in your neck and back. At the Florida Pain Center, a spine specialist can help you find a treatment plan that will bring back some peace. Some of our most popular procedures, including trigger point injections, IDET, and PRP, are only an hour long, and minimally invasive. Call the Florida Pain Center today at (954) 447-5206.  

Neck Pain Relief, Miramar, FL

A Better and Healthier Life with Stem Cells in Miramar

How Stem Cells in Miramar Can Help Heal the Body Naturally 

Stem cells in Miramar and beyond have been a consistent conversation for a few years now. After delicate research, experts found that stem cells may be the answer to healing the body naturally or even dismissing the need for surgery. While such advancements are perhaps another few years away, healing the body with stem cells is in full effect. Medical facilities from across the globe are incorporating the practice into their routines, and it’s easy to see why they’ve been quite the success.

Stem Cells in Miramar are Minimally Invasive 

One of the most spectacular findings is that stem cell procedures are relatively minimally invasive. The treatment starts by pulling a bone marrow from the hip. Think of when you’ve ever had a cut or a minor injury. The wounded area doesn’t stay fractured forever. In fact, within hours, the paper cut on your finger is healed! The same idea applies to the actions of stem cells. They unite together to target a damaged area. From there, they begin the healing process. With stem cell procedures, the bone marrow is extracted and placed in the area causing the most pain. The stem cells work to rebuild whatever has been fractured, torn, or hurt in any way.   

The procedure can be done within an hour, and the recovery time is minimal. At the Florida Pain Center, our double-board certified medical professionals have many years of experience. Their practice gives them the gift of healing, but now they’re able to heal more naturally than ever before. You don’t have to go through a painful surgery, nor do you have to take harmful pharmaceuticals. Instead, you can visit the Florida Pain Center to see how your condition can be best treated. If stem cells in Miramar are for you, the professionals will be there to assist! If they’re not, the experts will form an adequate plan of action that will leave you pain-free, and happier than ever! Call the Florida Pain Center today at 954-447-5206. 

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