About.com Chronic Pain

Cortisone Injections

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:44:49 +0000

Recently, one of my coworkers had a cortisone injection in her shoulder. She was having difficulty raising her arm over her head and suspected arthritis as the cause. When she returned to work, she was thrilled to discover that she could once again reach overhead without pain. And then, she said something that only a therapist would say:

"I know it's not a real fix, but it sure feels great right now!"

Often in cases of severe joint inflammation, a doctor will inject a steroid (often cortisone) into the joint and surrounding tissues. These types of steroids, called corticosteroids, can significantly reduce pain and increase range of motion in a very short amount of time. Sounds great, right? So why did my coworker say that it wasn't a "real fix?"

Often in cases of chronic pain, cortisone injections don't actually cure the problem: instead they simply mask the symptoms for a few months. It has been my experience that injections work well for acute pain cases, but must be combined with other treatments for chronic pain in order to be successful in the long run. This is not to say I don't think people should try cortisone injections. On the contrary, I think you should try anything you think will work. The fact is, for some people that are a cure. Others, however, may be disappointed in the results.

Have you ever had a cortisone injection, and if so, how did it work for you?

Cortisone Injections originally appeared on About.com Chronic Pain on Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 at 15:44:49.

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Seniors With Chronic Pain

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:23:31 +0000

Chronic pain in seniors can be a completely different ball game than chronic pain in younger adults. For one, it can be harder to diagnose and treat. For another, there can be more potential complications from typical pain medications. In fact, the risks of chronic pain in seniors are generally much higher than those of their younger counterparts.

A new study brings another risk to light: a greater risk of falls. Apparently, seniors with chronic joint pain or muscle aches, especially in the legs, are more prone to falling than seniors without chronic pain. They may be as much as 50 percent more likely to fall. This is a scary statistic, because falls in the senior population are bad news in general. Add an injury from a fall to a chronic pain condition, and you have a longer recovery and a return to a potentially lower quality of life.

My advice for seniors with chronic pain and their loved ones? Ask your doctor about seeing a physical therapist, or attending a falls prevention class. There, you can learn not only how to avoid potential falls, but also how to avoid greater injuries if you do fall. It can mean the difference between a strain and a broken bone.

Seniors With Chronic Pain originally appeared on About.com Chronic Pain on Friday, November 27th, 2009 at 18:23:31.

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Postoperative Pain

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:45:51 +0000

I just read an article on Newswise about a condition I have recently begun writing about here:� chronic postoperative pain. Chronic postoperative pain is the term for pain that persists long after the expected healing time from an operative procedure. These range from simple laparoscopies to major surgical procedures.

The article focuses on one of the major causes of chronic postoperative pain, which is pain following hernia repair. They discovered that some of the expected indicators of postoperative pain did not contribute as much as expected. These include age, pre-existing anxiety or depression, obesity and the presence of other pain syndromes (such as fibromyalgia). This is a little different than some of the research findings I discovered, so it will be interesting to see what future studies find.

Postoperative Pain originally appeared on About.com Chronic Pain on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 at 18:45:51.

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Higher Painkiller Prices?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:04:20 +0000

A recent article in the New York Times reports that many drug companies will be upping the prices of medications, due to health care reform. Drug companies are working to maintain profits, according to the article, and have increased their prices an average of 9 percent over the last year alone. The Times estimates this to cost the average household taking medications daily around $200 more per year.

We all know the economy hasn't been great lately. While things are starting to look up, many of us are still recovering from job losses and the housing market collapse. This will affect everyone, including those with health insurance.

This kind of story frustrates me, because it paints a picture of drug manufacturers as nothing more than money-making corporations, interested in profit margins. Me, on the other hand? I am interested in people being able to afford the medications that they need. It's hard enough as is. Now it looks like it will be even more of a challenge. I just don't think anyone should ever have to choose between basic necessities, such as food and shelter, and their prescription medications.

How does everyone else feel about this?

Higher Painkiller Prices? originally appeared on About.com Chronic Pain on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 13:04:20.

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Holiday Eating

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:56:20 +0000

The holidays are rapidly approaching, and you know what that means. Sweet potato pie, pumpkin bread, homemade cookies...not to mention that Thanksgiving feast next week!

Of course, the foods you eat don't necessarily determine how much pain you have. However, there are some foods that can help relieve some types of inflammatory pain. Now is a good time to plan ahead, and to decide what you will splurge on and what you will avoid.

Splurge-worthy foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and water. Fill up on these first, and then you won't be tempted to eat as much of the "other stuff" that is not so good for you. That includes food high in sodium, and other processed ingredients. Rather than cut out all of that delicious holiday food, just eat less.

For more on anti-inflammatory foods, check out this article by about.com's Guide to nutrition.

Holiday Eating originally appeared on About.com Chronic Pain on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 15:56:20.

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Borrowing Painkillers is Unsafe

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:22:58 +0000

Some recent research by the American Public Health Association discusses the adverse effects of borrowing prescription medications. I've always known this was an unsafe practice, as you never know how a medication will affect you until you take it. Unfortunately, I think in today's economy this practice is going to become more and more common. When you don't have health insurance, and when you can't afford a prescription, it seems only logical to just "borrow" from someone else. So exactly how unsafe is this?

The APHA provided some startling statistics:

25 percent of people who borrow meds experience side effects
Between 38 and 54 percent of people who borrow do not receive verbal or written instructions about the medication
77 percent borrowed medications instead of going to see a doctor
Of those who borrowed meds, up to one third had to see a doctor anyway, delaying their care

Sadly, this phenomenon could be even worse. I wonder what the statistics are on people who experience severe or potentially dangerous side effects from borrowed medications,�such as�adverse drug interactions or even a drug overdose. It's dangerous, and pretty scary when you think about it. While prescription medications are expensive, to me it isn't worth risking your health (or your life) over.

Have you ever borrowed medications from a friend or family member? If so, did you regret it?

Borrowing Painkillers is Unsafe originally appeared on About.com Chronic Pain on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 at 11:22:58.

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Flexible Spending Accounts Cover Painkillers

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:38:38 +0000

A reminder came out in the Boston Globe yesterday: flexible spending accounts need to be used by the end of the year. I wonder how many of us actually have a flexible spending account (FSA) to cover doctor visits and painkillers? In case you do not know what an FSA is, here is a brief description.

An FSA is an account that you can funnel pre-tax money into. You can usually contribute to them through your employer. They are designed to cover medical expenses that come out of your pocket every year. The advantage of using an FSA is that the money you would be spending anyway on medical expenses is taken out of your paycheck before it is taxed. Using an FSA is a great way to save money if you have a chronic pain condition. The only downside is, if you don't use it, you lose it. Before you sign up for an FSA, it's a good idea to track your typical monthly spending on health care costs.

Is time on your FSA running out? Drugstore.com has a list of covered items in their FSA store, including painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin. Might be a good time to stock up!

If you don't have an FSA and would like to learn more, check out this overview of FSA's by about.com's Guide to financial planning.

Flexible Spending Accounts Cover Painkillers originally appeared on About.com Chronic Pain on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 10:38:38.

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Different Pain Treatments

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:15:13 +0000

Painkillers may be the mainstay of chronic pain treatment, but there are often other approaches to managing painful conditions as well. These may be used in addition to, or in lieu of, traditional painkillers.

According to the National Pain Foundation, as many as 40 percent of Americans are now turning to�methods other than traditional painkillers to manage their�chronic pain conditions. That being said,�America is still behind the rest of the world, in which as many as two thirds of the populations prefer complimentary or alternative approaches to pain treatment.�These approaches include dietary changes, massage and acupuncture, herbal remedies, magnet therapy and relaxation, among others.

Should you turn to alternative medicine?�It depends. First, you should never change your treatment approach without first talking to your doctor. Some alternative medicines may pose a risk to your health, as can suddenly stopping your traditional painkillers. Next, you need to examine the approach you are considering. Does it have to replace your painkillers, or could it be used as a supplement for pain control? Finally, what evidence is there that an alternative treatment will work? Is the approach well-researched or are the results based on heresay?

In the past 19 years, Americans have spent approximately $27 billion on alternative treatments for chronic pain. Clearly, using other approaches to pain management has appeal.

Different Pain Treatments originally appeared on About.com Chronic Pain on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 13:15:13.

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Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:42:15 +0000

Prostatitis is a fairly common form of chronic pelvic pain in men. Prostatitis is caused by inflammation of the prostate gland, and causes symptoms such as pelvic pain or discomfort and�urinary problems. It is often difficult to diagnose due to its vague symtoms.

Prostate cancer symptoms are equally vague, and often do not become noticable until prostate cancer has advanced past the initial stages. Prostate cancer symptoms can mimic those of prostatitis, and can cause both urinary problems as well as pain and discomfort during urination. Because prostate cancer symptoms are just as vague as prostatitis symptoms, prostate cancer is often difficult to diagnose in its early stages.

So where does this leave men with chronic pelvic pain? Well, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends regular screenings for men, especially those over 40, for early symptoms of prostate cancer. Catching prostate cancer symptoms early increases the chance of effective treatment. If you have pelvic pain or urinary symptoms, it is a good idea to have another exam just to be safe.

More from About.com's prostate cancer Guide:

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate Cancer Statistics

Prostate Cancer Myths

Prostate Cancer Symptoms originally appeared on About.com Chronic Pain on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 11:42:15.

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Tai Chi for Seniors With Chronic Pain

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:35:12 +0000

A recent article in the LA Times reported that Tai Chi may not only relieve arthritis pain in seniors, but may also lead to better mobility. Tai Chi has been known to have many health benefits for a long time, such as lowering blood pressure and increasing flexibility. This new finding, however, is specific to seniors with chronic pain.

Tai Chi is thought to ease the pains of arthritis by increasing balance, leg strength and flexibility. In addition, it is thought to decrease depression, which is common for people who have chronic pain. Tai Chi offers a safe, low-impact form of exercise. Don't think you have to be a senior to notice the health benefits: if this study says anything to me, it's that Tai Chi can help anyone who has chronic pain.

More information on Tai Chi:

History and Style Guide of Tai Chi

Tai Chi�as Moving Meditation

Tai Chi for Arthritis

Tai Chi for Seniors With Chronic Pain originally appeared on About.com Chronic Pain on Saturday, October 31st, 2009 at 16:35:12.

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