Understanding Myofascial Pain Syndrome

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Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain disorder that affects the body’s musculoskeletal system, particularly the fascia, or the connective tissue that covers a single muscle or a muscle group. In MPS, the muscle areas affected, also called trigger points, causes pressure and pain on that site. However, it is also common for seemingly unrelated parts of the body to experience discomfort, also called referred pain.

MPS is different from muscle tension in that it persists for a long period, and can even worsen when left untreated.

The primary cause of MPS is the tightness of muscle fibers brought about by injuries to the muscle or excessive strain on the muscle or muscle group, ligament, or tendon. Even repetitive motions and lack of activity can cause the condition.

Other factors that contribute to the occurrence of MPS are stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. The theory as to why this is so is that those who go through these states are more likely to repeatedly – and inadvertently – clench their muscles.

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There are various ways to treat MPS, including oral medication, physical or massage therapy, the “stretch and spray” technique (where the trigger point is applied with coolant and then slowly stretched), trigger point injections, or a combination of these treatments.

Interventional pain physician Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D., uses a multidisciplinary approach of care when treating her patients who are suffering from back pain, neck pain, pelvic pain, myofascial pain, and other conditions. Click here for more articles about pain management or relief.

Common video game-related health problems and how to avoid them

A lot of people in the modern world sit in front of a PC or console and play computer games for hours on end. This has led to many health problems that can become dangerous if not addressed quickly. 

One of the most common ones is carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when a person has aggravated the major nerve that passes over the carpal bones in my wrist. Most pain management doctors will tell you that it really isn’t a syndrome unless it recurs, but it will lead to your hand being put in a cast and immobilized for a few weeks. 

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Eye strain is another and is a side effect of staring at the monitor screen for many hours in a typical gaming day. Most people that play computer games might need to have specially made glasses, as it’s no secret that continuous eye strain will lead to poor eyesight by the time one reaches his or her middle age.

Other common issues that come with gaming are back pain due to bad posture, as well as the occasional pulled muscle. It’s crucial then that gamers understand the need for the gaming area to be ergonomically designed: with a well-placed desk, a good gaming chair with a backrest, and a monitor that is at eye-level and not positioned too close to the gamer’s eyes. 

Doing basic stretches is an important habit for gamers; they must take regular breaks to stretch their hands and backs. Cock-up splints, which wraps your thumb to for minimal movements, might be recommended by a physical therapist to best relieve stress on one’s Carpal tunnel. 

Finally, physical therapy might be the best way to go if the pain becomes intolerable. Get an ultrasound, electrostimulation, and other alternative methods prescribed by your pain management doctor. 

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Pain management physicianDr. Melanie Novak, M.D., specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of various types of pain, including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), sciatica, joint discomfort, and bursitis, among others. For more on her work and interests, drop by this website.

How cognitive behavioral therapy helps ease pain

Many Americans struggle with body aches and discomfort on a daily basis, where pain asserts itself while one lies in bed or performs normal activities. In the ongoing pursuit of relief, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) emerges as a promising pain management method. 

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Psychiatrist Aaron Beck pioneered one form of talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, in the 1960s. It helps patients identify and develop abilities to change their negative thoughts and behaviors.  

The assumption is that individuals, not external events and factors, create their experiences and pain. Changing these negative thoughts and actions is believed to transform pain awareness and, in turn, lead to better coping skills amid experiencing the same level of pain. 

How can CBT help relieve pain? First, it changes one’s perception of pain, changing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors relating to it and putting the experience in a better context. It can also alter the brain’s physical responses, reducing the effects of pain-induced stress on pain-control chemicals such as norepinephrine and serotonin. 

Often a combination of psychotherapy and behavioral training, CBT is also typically used together with other pain management techniques. These include medication, weight loss, physical therapy, massage, and surgery in extreme cases. 

If one is eyeing CBT for pain relief or management, it is important to discuss the strategy with their doctor, who may recommend a chronic pain specialist. Most sessions are made up of 45-minute to two-hour weekly sessions, done in groups or with individuals. This increasingly popular method, too, is usually covered by health insurance. 

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Pain management expert Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D. , uses a multidisciplinary approach in treating chronic pain, combining injection treatments, medications, and physical and behavior therapy. Visit this page for similar reads.

Repetitive strain injury: What are the warning signs?

Repetitive strain injury is commonly felt in the forearms and elbows, wrists and hands, and in the neck and shoulders. This condition, unfortunately, is usually overlooked especially if the pain subsides in a few days. However, the condition can be debilitating without the right treatment. Here are some of the signs that a person might be experiencing repetitive strain injury (RSI): 

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1. Numbness, throbbing, or intense pain in the upper limbs 

2. Weakness or stiffness in the aforementioned areas 

3. Lack of control in holding objects 

4. Inability to do simple tasks such as typing, texting, lifting bags, or chopping vegetables 

5. Cramps in the upper extremities 

Many people become aware of the symptoms when they do a specific task. When there's pain associated with day-to-day tasks like typing or playing an instrument, this could possibly be a case of RSI. 

If the condition has been triggered by tasks at work, employees should look into the office setup. The heights of the seats, tables, and computers could be one of the reasons for the strain. Cold temperatures that add tension to the muscles can also contribute to the pain. While in treatment, it is best to minimize the use of the injured part of the body. In most cases, taking painkillers, using splint, and undergoing hot and cold therapy are some of the simple methods that can alleviate the symptoms. But for those with complicated cases, taking a leave from work or school is recommended to allow the muscles to heal fully. 

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Pain management specialist Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D. performs procedures such as selective nerve root injections, sympathetic nerve blocks, and radiofrequency nerve ablation. Visit this blog for related articles.

Relieve Hip Bursitis With These Simple Exercises

Hip pain can be hard to manage especially for people with active lifestyle. Experiencing unnecessary discomfort in this area can prevent a person from executing normal movements. One of the common causes of hip pain is bursitis, which is due to joints that have fluid-filled sacs between tendon and bone. One of the manifestations of this condition includes tenderness in the tendons and swelling. Aside from medication and other pain management methods, exercises can also help alleviate the discomfort in this area.

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Here are some physical activities that will relieve and prevent hip bursitis:

Swimming and water aerobics

Doing physical activities in water prevents further strain on the muscles. It also allows a wide range of motion that will promote regular movement. Those who are experiencing hip bursitis can try working out and doing stretches in a pool to also release stress.

Stretching and strengthening exercises

Runners and other endurance athletes are usually the ones prone to hip bursitis. They must strengthen their lower body with specific exercises to prevent the strain the constant movement can cause. Hamstring, hip, flexor, and glute stretches will develop the body’s strength as the muscles recuperate.

Walking

Going back immediately to strenuous activities like lifting weights and running can cause more pain. Once the discomfort lessens, those who suffer from hip bursitis can exercise by engaging in low-impact activities like walking. Such activity can restore a person’s normal movement while gently stretching the muscles.

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The level of pain caused by hip bursitis can vary. Before engaging in any exercise, it is always best for individuals to always consult their doctor to ensure their safety.

Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D., is a pain management specialist that performs procedures such as selective nerve root injections, sympathetic nerve blocks, and radiofrequency nerve ablation. Visit this blog to know more about Dr. Novak’s practice.

A Tip Sheet For Exercising When Suffering From Chronic Pain

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Patients who suffer from chronic pain are still told to engage in physical activity. Exercise is a major part of overall wellness and health. That said, the thought of movement can be scary for people are constantly in pain. It is a fact that too much of the wrong activity can make the pain worse. This is why pain management specialists have come up with helpful tips for exercising when one has chronic pain.

Start small and build gradually: The first major step is to make the decision. This may sound obvious, but an essential part of any exercise program is the will and desire to move. People can often become trapped in their belief that any movement will trigger an attack. Patients can slowly build their confidence by starting small. The World Health Organization recommends brisk walking for 30 minutes a day to maintain overall health. Those who have chronic pain can begin with just 10 minutes of moderate walking. Even these tiny steps are enough to ensure improved health.

Move at a good pace: Patients with chronic pain should always remember to listen to their bodies. No amount of media should influence one’s decision to exercise -- especially with how fast or how slow one should move. There is, however, a thin but distinct line between listening to one’s body and being stubborn with movement. It is, therefore, best to ask a close friend or family member to monitor one’s behavior and act as a support system.

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Strive for balance: As much as possible, it is best for patients to follow an exercise routine that has elements of cardiovascular, strengthening, and stretching. This will, hopefully, help relieve some pain as muscles become stronger.

Most importantly, patients should remember to be patient with themselves. With the proper therapy, exercise will soon be easier to do.

Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D., specializes in pain management. For more information on managing chronic pain, like this Facebook page.

Simple Exercises To Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CPS) is a condition of stiffness, aching, and burning sensations particularly in the hands and wrist. The pain can also occur randomly, even reaching the arm. Contrary to popular belief that CPS can be acquired through manual office work, there are actually different ways, such as hereditary and pre-existing medical conditions, the condition can be acquired. The good news is, CPS can be prevented. Here are some simple exercises that can help:

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Shake the hands.

Shake the hands as if drying them after a wash. Do this for a minute or two to prevent the tension from settling in the hands and the fingers. However, don’t be too harsh when doing this exercise. Be gentle to the hands and make sure that the tension is released before going back to work.

”Spider” pushups.

Start by putting the hands together as if in prayer. Then, spread fingers far apart but keep the palms together. This stretch prevents the median nerve from being irritated. One can do this exercise multiple times a day to ensure that the muscles and the nerves are being cared for.

Fix posture.

This may sound simple but these activities are crucial to ensure that the wrists and the hands get a break. Having the wrong posture can put unnecessary weight in the hands, wrists, and arms, making them prone to CPS. Aligning the back and the spine can also relieve the stress that settled in the arms up to the fingers.

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To prevent this painful condition, a person has to be proactive in keeping the joints, bones, and muscles free from stress. At first this may seem to be a great effort but once these simple activities become a habit, the body will be stronger and healthier for it.

A pain management specialist, Dr. Melanie Novak uses a multidisciplinary approach to treating acute pain using injection treatments, medications, physical therapy, and behavior therapy. Visit this blog for more information on her practice.