You may be a candidate for a nerve block if you have persistent pain that has not improved enough with conservative treatment, especially when the pain can be traced to a specific nerve or region of the body. Nerve blocks may be used for several reasons. In some cases, they provide temporary pain relief to […]
You may be a candidate for a spinal cord stimulator if you have persistent nerve-related pain that has not improved enough with treatments such as physical therapy, medication, injections, or previous surgery. There is no single qualification that applies to every patient. Spinal cord stimulation is generally considered after more conservative options have been tried […]
Rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to nerve pain when inflammation, swollen tissue, joint damage, or changes in joint alignment place pressure on nearby nerves. Arthritis pain and nerve pain are not the same, but they can occur together. Rheumatoid arthritis often causes aching, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness. Nerve pain is more likely to feel burning, tingling, […]
Surgery is not always the first option for treating chronic pain. Many people benefit from pain management before deciding whether an operation is necessary. Pain management may reduce symptoms, improve daily function, and provide a clearer understanding of what is causing the pain. In some cases, this may delay or even eliminate the need for […]
Chronic pain recovery is shaped by more than appointments, medications, and procedures. What you do between visits can also affect how you feel, how well you move, and how your body responds to treatment. Daily habits can support progress or make symptoms harder to manage. Sleep, activity, posture, stress, nutrition, and treatment consistency all play […]
Finding the nerve responsible for pain is not always as simple as pointing to where it hurts. Several nerves can produce similar symptoms, and pain may travel into a different part of the body from where the problem actually begins. Doctors usually combine your symptoms, physical examination, imaging, and diagnostic testing before recommending injections, nerve […]
Many people with chronic pain notice that their symptoms change from one day to the next. One day may feel manageable, while the next day feels much harder for no obvious reason. That can be frustrating, but changing pain levels are common. Pain that fluctuates does not always mean your condition is getting worse or […]
Neck pain and headaches often show up together. Sometimes the headache feels like it starts at the base of the skull. Other times, neck stiffness builds first, then pain spreads into the head. This can happen because the neck contains muscles, joints, discs, and nerves that all work closely together. When those structures become irritated, […]
Inflammation is a normal part of the body’s healing process. When you get injured, sick, or irritated tissue needs repair, your immune system sends cells and chemicals to protect the area and start healing. In the short term, inflammation can be helpful. It can help fight infection, repair damaged tissue, and protect the body from […]
Not always. You do not automatically need an MRI before seeing a pain management specialist. Many people assume they need imaging before they can schedule an appointment, but that is not always the case. Pain management doctors often evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and physical exam first. From there, they can decide whether an MRI […]
