Articles

Back Pain with Radiating Pain

Back pain can manifest itself in many different ways. As the leading cause of disability worldwide, back pain ranges from a mild muscle ache to shooting, burning or stabbing pain. Most back pain can be treated without surgery, but in severe cases surgery may be required.

The expression of back pain determines the method of treatment. A common cause of back pain is muscle or ligament strain induced by a sudden movement or repeated heavy lifting. In most cases, pain is resolved with rest and mild pain medication. Arthritis is another common cause of back pain that can present itself with the wear and tear of aging. If pain persists over a period of several weeks and does not get better with rest, it may be time to see a doctor.

When back pain worsens to the point that pain radiates down your legs, this may be a sign of a spine condition. Sciatica is a common spine condition that sends pain or numbness down the side of the leg, typically concentrated to one side of the body. The pain is most often caused by a herniated disc in the spine that compresses a nerve. Mild cases of sciatica typically go away with time and rest, but more serious cases with pain lasting longer than a week may require more aggressive forms of treatment.

Disc herniations and radiculopathy (pinched nerve) are additional causes of back pain with radiating pain. Herniated discs are discs in the spine that “spill out” of their lining causing pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. The compressed nerves cause numbness, tingling, or even sharp pain to shoot down the lower back and legs. Radiculopathy is caused by irritation to a nerve root exiting the spine. Nerves are responsible for pain and sensation and when they are damaged or compressed, pain or numbness occurs.

The lower back is a common spot for pain due to the stress and impact it takes from everyday movements. The lower back is where the spine and pelvis connect, bearing the majority of weight from the upper body. This area also contains fewer vertebrae than the neck and mid-back, making it a more susceptible to pain. To prevent back pain, here are some practical steps to take:

  1. Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise.
  2. Strengthen the muscles in the lower back.
  3. Maintain a healthy weight.
  4. Quit smoking.
  5. Rest from strenuous activities if they cause discomfort or pain.

Avoid motions that are painful or cause stress to the lower back. This coupled with a healthy diet and exercise will help to prevent back. If you have questions about your back pain, visit https://floridapaincenter.com/.

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PATIENTS’ LOVED ONES AT RISK FOR COMPASSION FATIGUE

TEXT BY FRED WILKINSON

Caring for a loved one living with chronic pain takes a toll on the people closest (and most important) to the pain sufferer.

Family members, friends — and even acquaintances and colleagues – who have a supportive commitment and connection to a chronic pain sufferer can experience prolonged exposure to the person living with pain’s trauma. This can make them vulnerable to compassion fatigue, which can manifest itself in acute symptoms that can put their physical and mental health at risk.

It can make a pain sufferer’s support network wary of giving and caring just when they need their emotional and spiritual support the most. 

 

WHEN CARING TAKES ITS TOLL

According to the American Institute of Stress, compassion fatigue can take its toll on those caring for a pain sufferer in numerous ways:

  • Emotional exhaustion
  • Reduced sense of personal accomplishment or meaning in work
  • Mental exhaustion
  • Decreased interactions with others (isolation)
  • Depersonalization (symptoms disconnected from real causes)

Patient caregivers suffering from compassion fatigue also may experience physical as well as mental symptoms. Compassion fatigue can make itself known through a host of bodily symptoms, including:

  • Physical exhaustion
  • Bodily fatigue
  • Changes in appetite
  • Digestive issues
  • Headaches.

OPTIONS TO RELIEVE PAIN AND STRESS

Research looking at the impact of social support’s role in the context of health and wellness suggests patients who are part of a social network have a decreased risk of mortality in comparison to those who have a low quantity or quality of social relationships.

The link between patients’ emotional and mental status and positive treatment outcomes necessarily involves the patient, their family and loved ones, and the health care provider.

The path patients must walk on their healing journey is not tread by the patient alone. 

Patients have personal and professional resources that they can turn to for emotional, spiritual, and medical options for healing and recovery. 

COMPASSIONATE STAFF, REAL PAIN RELIEF

Florida Spine & Pain Center employs a team of experienced physicians, and this team of healers is bolstered by their compassionate supporting staff to offer patient-centric options for addressing their pain and making daily life free from physical pain and mental stress without surgery. 

 

Take the first step toward a new life for you and your loved ones and learn more about Florida Spine & Pain Center’s range of treatment solutions by calling out to our office at (954) 447-5206 to schedule your consultation.

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.

Lower and Upper Back Pain Miramar Fl

Living with Less Pain from a Spine Specialist in Miramar

Nearly everyone suffers from some back pain at some point. Some people hurt because of sports and other fitness activities. For others, being sedentary and not moving a lot is the source of pain. Whatever the cause, many people seek help from a spine specialist in Miramar. The good news is, a few small lifestyle changes may make a big difference when it comes to reducing discomfort.

Healthy Living Tips from a Spine Specialist in Miramar

According to the British Chiropractic Association, 32 percent of people spend ten hours a day sitting. Being sedentary can also lead to weight gain, which causes back pain symptoms. In contrast, working out can help develop the muscle tone needed to support your back and minimize pain. It is best to do strength and cardiovascular exercises at least three times a week.

Poor posture can also lead to back pain. Slumping over a desk or computer can contribute to muscle spasms and put pressure on your nerves. Proper posture means your ears should be over your shoulders, your shoulders over your hips, and your hips over your ankles. It’s important to make a conscious effort to maintain good posture during the day.

Other helpful tips to reduce or avoid back pain include carrying backpacks with two straps and holding phones at eye level. Many people feel that back pain is normal. However, it is not. Pain is a sensor from the body saying that something is wrong. If you experience regular pain, see a spine specialist in Miramar. Florida Pain Center specializes in individuals who are in need of relief. While these are helpful and healthy tips, there may be situations that are past the point of a simple stretch and posture check. The experts at Florida Pain Center will help you feel better. Call 954-447-5602 today.

Neck Pain Miramar

Solutions for Tech-Neck Pain in Miramar

We live in a highly-connected world where we a closely tied to our phones and other gadgets. Frequent use takes a toll on our time and our bodies. Most people these days spend an average of two to four hours a day reading and texting on their smartphones—usually in a neck-bent position. That’s what causes a condition known as tech-neck. What are the causes of neck pain in Miramar, and what can people do to avoid it?

Easy Steps to Lessen the Effects Tech-Neck Pain in Miramar

One of the most recommended solutions is to stop holding cell phones at waist level. The strain it causes pulls the neck forward, elongating the muscles in less than natural ways. Headaches, migraines, and sore shoulders all stem from the simple act of looking down far too often.

Fortunately, there are ways to combat staring at phones and computer screens for several hours a day. Exercise is crucial to minimize pain, as well as to strengthen key muscles in tender areas. Children, on average, spend three to five hours per day looking down. Now, more than ever, medical professionals are starting to see an increase in young people with significant spinal and neck damage. Increasing awareness among young people may prove to be beneficial for their many years to come.

Many people with neck pain apply ice for about 20 minutes to reduce the discomfort. The ice is an anti-inflammatory, softening the inflamed muscles. The medical experts at Florida Pain Center offer noninvasive procedures such as Trigger Point injections, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, Steroid injections, and more.

The Florida Pain Center opened their doors as a response to the millions of Americans who experience severe pain every day. Thankfully, patients can leave their building feeling pain-free. These procedures mix well with exercise and healthy posture habits. If you’re experiencing the aches of tech-neck pain in Miramar, call the experts at Florida Pain Center today at 954-447-5602. Life’s too short to be uncomfortable!

Back pain treatment, Miramar, FL

Ways to Get Rid of Neck Pain in Miramar

If you feel exhausted at the end of each day, you are not alone. If your neck constantly hurts and you have frequent headaches, your posture could be to blame. The way you position your head may be the cause of your neck pain in Miramar.

Let Florida Pain Center Help with Your Neck Pain in Miramar

When you head is properly positioned, the opening to your ear is centered above your shoulder. If you lean down to look at your phone, a computer monitor, or something else, chances are your posture is out of line. For every inch that your head is tilted off center, extra unnecessary weight is exerted on the muscles in your neck and upper back, making them work harder just to keep your head up!

Unfortunately, this is common with many of today’s habits and hobbies. Professionals slumped over their computers all day, cradling the phone between their ear and shoulder, children playing video games and watching television, and driving in the car for long periods of time can all cause forward head posture. Without treatment, this condition can cause disc compression and poor health.

Try the following to reduce neck pain:

  • Get up and stretch every hour if you sit at a desk during the day
  • Limit the amount of time watching television or playing video games
  • Sit up straight with your head in an upright position

If you’re concerned about your posture and you, have back or neck pain in Miramar, contact the spine specialists at Florida Pain Center. We understand the importance of seeking noninvasive spine procedures before other options. Our professionals will help reduce or eliminate your pain, using the latest technology to achieve the best possible outcome for each patient. Call us at (954) 447-5206 to schedule an appointment today for non-invasive treatment.

Lower and Upper Back Pain Miramar Fl

How to Heal Severe Back Pain in Miramar

Back pain can be moderate to chronic, but it can stop us from living our best lives. Thankfully, there are relieving options available that are both non-invasive and easy to recover from. At Florida Pain Center, we understand how frustrating it can be to be plagued with severe back pain in Miramar, which is why we offer advanced medical options for those looking for fast and efficient solutions.

Four Non-Invasive Procedures For Back Pain In Miramar

IDET
Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) is a relatively new treatment that can help treat spinal disc pain in the lower back. Disc fractures, disc diseases, and disc herniation are all causes of severe back pain. This is an outpatient procedure and usually takes up to about an hour.

Radio-Frequency Nerve Ablation
Damaged facet joints are also a typical cause of back pain. This procedure is performed with local anesthesia and helps to block medical branch nerves from sending pain signals out. This then helps disrupt the flow of excruciating pain, giving a bit of relief.

Nucleoplasty
This procedure includes the use of a small needle and radio frequencies to reduce the pain of herniated discs. This procedure is also outpatient based and uses local anesthesia.

Lumbar Sympathetic Block
This steroid base is injected into the spine and can help relieve inflammation and swelling of the lower back.

What Makes Florida Pain Center Equipped To Handle My Back Pain In Miramar?

Florida Pain Center offers over a decade of experience. For more than 15 years, our double board certified and fellowship trained spine specialists are available to assist the South Florida community with their excruciating back pain. Many individuals turn to harmful pharmaceuticals and invasive surgeries, which can cause more health issues down the road. As an alternative, the advanced medical professionals at Florida Pain Center offer other options. If you’ve been searching for a cure for your back pain in Miramar, consider making an appointment today! You don’t have to suffer through life with such discomfort. Instead, reach out to our team of experts today and see how we can facilitate a pain-free and joyous life.

Radio frequency nerve ablation

Using PRP In Miramar to Heal Back Pain

Many famous athletes including Rafael Nadal, Tiger Woods, Alex Rodriguez and several others have used platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to heal and regenerate damaged tissue. PRP has gone mainstream because it accelerates the healing process. PRP in Miramar is gaining in popularity.

How Does PRP In Miramar Work?

A small amount of blood is drawn from a patient for PRP therapy. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge and spun until it separates into its component parts. Doctors then remove the platelets and inject them back into the patient at the point of injury, peppering the surrounding area with injections for maximum efficacy. The growth factors in platelets speed the healing process. PRP takes about an hour and is done in one of our convenient locations.

At Florida Pain Center, we strive to give our clients options that avoid surgical and medicinal avenues. Certified in pain management and Anesthesiology, we’re one of Florida’s top choices for healing naturally.

Why Choose PRP In Miramar?

Surgery has a number of potential risks and side effects. At Florida Pain Center, we offer a solution that helps the body to heal naturally, giving our patients the chance to get back on their feet as soon as possible, without the side effects of a surgical procedure. Each patient is different, which means that it may take one injection, or it may take multiple doses. Regardless, the recovery phase is far less dramatic, and the effectiveness is unparalleled.

Why Should I Choose Florida Pain Center For My PRP In Miramar?

At Florida Pain Center, we have more than fifteen years of experience. We’re a team of double board certified and fellowship trained spine specialists. With such expertise, we’re one of South Florida’s most trusted pain healing centers. If you or your loved one is suffering from the effects of severe back or neck pain, PRP in Miramar may be the best option for you. Call Florida Pain Center today, and we can find an option that heals your pain the right way.

Lower and Upper Back Pain Miramar Fl

Can a Spine Specialist in Miramar Ease My Pain?

Spinal injuries can be debilitating. Having a spinal injury can impact small daily activities, and in many ways, make life grind to a halt. Having back pain can affect your ability to work, get a good night’s sleep and has likely led you to look for relief in many different ways. If you need a spine specialist in Miramar, we can help.

How Can a Spine Specialist in Miramar Help Me?

At Florida Pain Center, we understand how severe the excruciating back, neck and spinal pain can be, which is why we have dedicated our lives to providing many solutions that work effortlessly, quickly, and efficiently. There are many treatment options available to relieve back pain. Most effective methods do not require an operation. Many of our patients find relief from their neck, spinal and back pain with conservative therapies and never have to consider back surgery.Whether you’ve been injured in an accident, playing sports or from a desk job that’s causing your body pain, we have answers for you. Here are some of the non-invasive procedures that can help with healing:

  • Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
  • Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
  • Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection
  • Radio-Frequency Nerve Ablation
  • Trigger Point Injections
  • Caudal Steroid Injection
  • Lumbar Sympathetic Block
  • Intradiscal electrothermic therapy (IDET)
  • Nucleoplasty
  • Medical Branch Block
  • Celiac Plexius Block
  • Spinal Chord Stimulation
  • And Much More

What Makes Florida Pain Center One of the Best Spine Specialists in Miramar?

The medical team at Florida Pain Center have extensive expertise and specialized equipment necessary to successfully perform minimally invasive and non-surgical spinal treatments. Our main goal is to relieve your back pain without surgery. If you have constant or severe, back, spinal or neck pain, make an appointment with one of the best spine specialists in Miramar. Please call our team today to see how we can return to you to a pain free life.

Low Back Pain Miramar FL

How to Achieve Back Pain Relief in Miramar

Back pain can leave us completely incapable of movement, let alone our simple day-to-day activities. This can be frustrating, especially for those of us who want to be on the move more often. Contrary to popular belief, back pain relief is a lot closer and less complicated than one may think. Due to technological and medical advances in the past few years, surgery is not the only available treatment option. At Florida Pain Center, we offer non-invasive and non-surgical procedures that offer little, to no downtime, getting you back on your feet, pain free, as soon as possible.

There are multiple options for back pain relief at the Florida Pain Center

IDET
Also known as Intradiscal Electrothermic Therapy. As a new and non-invasive treatment option, this is for those who suffer from disc-related lower back pain. Outpatient.

TRIGGER POINT INJECTIONS
This is an extremely short treatment for those who are simply looking to alleviate painful trigger points, such as knots. Outpatient.

RADIO-FREQUENCY NERVE ABLATION
Also a very minimal procedure, this helps disrupt pain signals to the brain. This is done by interfering with the media branch nerves.

NUCLEOPLASTY
Using radiofrequency technology, this is for those who are suffering from severe pain due to a disc issue. Outpatient.

SPINAL CHORD SIMULATION
This particular treatment uses electro-impulses to interrupt pain signals. Generally, this is a great treatment option for those who have been unable to find a successful fix. This helps relieve the pain.

DEKOMPRESSOR DISCECTOMY
This minimally invasive option is also an outpatient option, which uses a probe and needle to help with disc related aches and pains.

LUMBAR EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION
Essentially, this procedure is a simply steroid injection into lower back pain areas. This helps lower inflammation, which then relieves pain.

At Florida Pain Center, we know how painful back pain can be. It almost always keeps us from living our lives to the fullest, as we are constantly worrying about whether or not we will make it through our day’s list. Luckily, there are options, and our professionals with over fifteen years of experience are here to help. With a plethora of reasons behind the causes of back pain, our specialists will help you decide what treatment options will be the most effective. We may also run a few diagnostic procedures, simply to see where the trouble areas are. If you’re suffering and need back pain relief in Miramar, Florida Pain Center has the answers. Call us today to set up a consultation to see how we’ve helped the residents of South Florida heal their chronic aches.