Stress can significantly amplify pain levels by affecting the way the nervous system processes and responds to discomfort. When the body is under stress, it releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that heighten sensitivity in the nerves and muscles. This can cause muscles to tense up, reducing blood flow and increasing stiffness, which in turnintensifies the perception of pain. Stress also disrupts natural pain control mechanisms, making even mild discomfort feel more severe. Beyond the physical impact, stress also influences how the brain interprets pain. High stress levels can increase anxiety, reduce sleep quality, and heighten emotional distress, all of which lower pain tolerance. Over time, this cycle creates a feedback loop where stress makes pain worse, and pain generates more stress, leading to chronic discomfort that is difficult to manage without addressing both the mind and the body.
Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a term used to describe ongoing or recurring pain in the back or legs after spinal surgery. While surgery is often intended to relieve pain caused by conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or instability, some patients continue to experience discomfort. This can happen for several reasons, including scar tissue formation, incomplete resolution of the original problem, or new issues that develop after the procedure. FBSS can affect a person’s daily life by limiting mobility, causing persistent nerve-related pain, and contributing to emotional stress or frustration. The condition highlights that spine surgery, while sometimes beneficial, does not guarantee pain relief. Because the causes can vary widely, FBSS often requires thorough evaluation to determine whether the pain is linked to structural changes, nerve irritation, or other contributing factors.
Sciatica is a condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. This nerve runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. When pressure is placed on it, individuals may feel sharp, burning, or shooting pain that follows the nerve’s pathway. Along with pain, symptoms can also include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot, depending on how the nerve is affected. These sensations often occur on one side of the body, though their intensity can range from mild discomfort to severe, disabling pain. The hallmark of sciatica is that it radiates beyond the back and into the leg, setting it apart from more localized back pain. Everyday movements like sitting, standing for long periods, or even coughing can sometimes worsen the discomfort. Sciatica itself is not a medical condition but rather a sign of an underlying issue, such as a herniated disc, spinal narrowing, or other factors that put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Understanding how this nerve functions and the role it plays in
To everyone living with chronic pain: We see you. We believe you. You are not alone Pain can be isolating, exhausting, and invisible to others — but your experience is real and valid. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or both, your strength in facing each day matters. This month is about raising awareness, but it’s also about:🌿 Giving yourself grace🗣️ Speaking your truth🤝 Connecting with others who understand💪 Remembering that your pain doesn’t define you Let this month be a reminder:You deserve care, support, and hope.
Pitcher’s elbow, also known as medial epicondyle apophysitis, is a common overuse injury that affects young athletes, especially those who play baseball or other throwing sports. It occurs when repetitive throwing motions place excessive stress on the growth plate located on the inner part of the elbow. This area is where tendons attach to the bone and is particularly vulnerable in children and adolescents whose bones are still developing. The repeated forceful motion of throwing can cause inflammation, microtrauma, or even small fractures in thisgrowth plate, leading to pain and decreased performance. Athletes with pitcher’s elbow often experience pain on the inside of the elbow, especially during or after throwing. There may also be swelling, stiffness, or a noticeable decrease in throwing speed or accuracy. In some cases, the pain may radiate down the forearm or worsen with gripping activities. The condition is commonly seen during periods of growth or when training intensity increases. Without proper attention, it can interfere with development and potentially cause long-term damage to the elbow’s structure and function.
Medial branch blocks and facet joint injections are both used to diagnose and treat back or neck pain originating from the facet joints, but they target different structures. A medial branch block involves injecting a small amount of anesthetic near the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints. These nerves carry pain signals from the joints to the brain. By numbing the medial branch nerves, doctors can determine whether the facet joints are the source of the pain—if the pain relief is significant, it suggests the facet joints are involved. Thisprocedure is primarily diagnostic, although temporary pain relief may also occur. In contrast, a facet joint injection involves injecting medication directly into the facet joint itself. This typically includes a mixture of a local anesthetic and a steroid to reduce inflammation within the joint. Facet injections are both diagnostic and therapeutic: they can help confirm the joint as the pain source while also providing longer-term pain relief byreducing inflammation. While both procedures are image-guided and minimally invasive, medial branch blocks are often the first step in evaluating pain prior to
Understanding the risks of long-term opioid use is essential for anyone managing chronic pain with these medications. While opioids can be effective for short-term pain relief, prolonged use carries significant risks that can affect both physical and mental health. One of the primary concerns is the development of tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the same pain relief, increasing the potential for dependency and overdose. Long-term use can also lead to changes in brain chemistry that affect mood, causing symptoms such as depression or anxiety, and may impair cognitive functions. In addition to dependence, long-term opioid use can cause a range of side effects, including constipation, hormonal imbalances, and weakened immune response. There is also the risk of opioid use disorder, a condition characterized by the inability to control or stop using opioids despite negative consequences. Understanding these risks helps individuals and healthcare providers make informed decisions about pain management, balancing the benefits of opioids with safer alternatives and monitoring strategies to minimize harm over time.
Shoulder pain can arise from a wide range of factors due to the shoulder’s complex anatomy and frequent use in everyday activities. The joint is made up of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that allow for a broad range of motion, making it one of the most flexible joints in the body. However, this mobility also makes it more vulnerable to issues such as overuse, strain, inflammation, or injury. Pain can develop gradually over time from repetitive movement or appear suddenly due to trauma. Even poor posture or sleeping positions can contribute to discomfort in the shoulder area. The sensation of shoulder pain can vary depending on its cause. It may feel sharp, dull, throbbing, or burning, and might be constant or only occur with certain movements. Some people notice difficulty lifting their arm, rotating it, or performing routine tasks like dressing or reaching overhead. In some cases, the pain may radiate into the upper arm or neck, and it might worsen during the night or after periods of inactivity. Swelling, stiffness, or a sensation of weakness may also accompany shoulder
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure or stretching of the ulnar nerve, which passes through a narrow passage called the cubital tunnel on the inside of the elbow. This nerve controls sensation in the ring and little fingers and helps power some of the muscles in the hand and forearm. The syndrome often develops when the elbow is bent for long periods or when there is repeated pressure on the area, such as leaning on the elbow or frequent flexion during certain activities. Because the ulnar nerve is relatively exposed at the elbow, it isvulnerable to compression or irritation. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, or a “falling asleep” sensation in the ring and little fingers, especially when the elbow is bent. As the condition progresses, it may lead to weakness in the hand, reduced grip strength, or even visible muscle wasting in severe cases. Symptoms often worsen at night or during activities that keep the elbow bent for a long time, such as talking on the phone or sleeping with the arms tucked in. Cubital tunnel syndrome can
In pain management, peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is recognized as a condition that can cause chronic discomfort and significantly affect a person’s mobility and quality of life. PVD results from reduced blood flow to the limbs, most often the legs, due to narrowed or blocked blood vessels. This lack of circulation can lead to symptoms such as cramping, burning, aching, or heaviness in the legs, particularly during walking or physical activity. These symptoms can become more persistent and painful over time, even occurring at rest in more advanced stages of the disease. Pain specialists often evaluate how PVD-related discomfort affects a person’s daily function and overall well-being. The condition can also contribute to secondary issues like poor wound healing, skin changes, or increased sensitivity in the affected limbs, which can intensify pain and complicate overall management. Understanding the underlying vascular cause of the pain helps guide decisions on how best to reduce suffering and improve physical activity and independence. Pain management providers work closely with other specialists to address both the physical and emotional impacts of chronic PVD pain.
