Exposing the Connection Between Chronic Pain and Insomnia

There is an intrinsic and deeply rooted connection between chronic pain and sleep. The latest health surveys estimate that around 20 percent of Americans suffer from chronic pain while 36 percent have had acute pain within the week. Combined, the figures comprise more than half of the adult population of America. Of this percentage, almost all of the participants reported having sleep disturbances or varying degrees of insomnia.

Image Source: webmd.com

This is worrisome for many health professionals. Pain management reposes on the management of stress and poor health conditions. Lack of sleep – or the absence of restful sleep – is linked to an increase in stress and poor health. Those who cannot sleep typically have weaker immune systems, making pain treatment more difficult. Another medical study suggests that, on average, patients with chronic pain have a 42-minute sleep debt and acute pain sufferers have a 14-minute sleep debt.

Lack of sleep has a domino effect on the pain cycle. Patients afflicted with acute or chronic pain are likely to have sleep problem, which would affect their daily functioning. The resulting debilitation further increases stress and risk of engaging in risky behaviors such as drinking or smoking. The effects of these behaviors further hinder treatment until pain becomes unmanageable.

Specialists recommend patients to immediately consult them during the early stages of pain and sleep disturbance. This makes treatment easier, with chances of recovery increasing over the short term.

 Image Source: usatoday.com

Have a happy and productive pain-free life with the assistance of Dr. Melanie Novak, a leading pain management specialist. To learn more about pain management findings, like this Facebook page.

Migraine-inducing ingredients to watch out for

Most people experience migraines from time to time without knowing the cause. For some, the food that they enjoy consuming could also be their migraine triggers. Here are some of the ingredients that could be causing the headache:

                                                Image source: Parade.com

Caffeine: But first, coffee. Those who are not used to drinking coffee on an empty stomach first thing in the morning may find themselves with a migraine afterwards. The sudden energy boost from caffeine may be too much for others.  

Monosodium glutamate (MSG): This is a food additive usually used in restaurant food and instant meals. Those who experience migraines after devouring a steaming bowl of instant ramen might have the MSG from the flavoring packet to blame. To avoid this, don’t put the entire flavoring into the mix.  

Couramin: The couramin from the yeast used for baked goods such as bread, pastries, and pretzels can serve as migraine triggers in some people. As an alternative, migraine sufferers can instead eat whole-grain bread and pastries. 

                                             Image source: Kingofwallpapers.com

Migraine triggers may differ per person. However, the key to enjoying food without the headaches is by being watchful of the ingredients. Eat moderately.  

Using a multidisciplinary approach in treating all types of chronic pain, Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D., provides her patients with the necessary medical procedure to address their pain needs and be informed with proper recovery discipline. She performs procedures such as selective nerve root injections, sympathetic nerve blocks, and radiofrequency nerve ablation. Visit this LinkedIn page to know more about Dr. Novak’s practice.

More Than Just Pain: Seeking Medical Attention For Back Discomfort

Image source: medscape.com

For the most part, backaches are more bark than bite, being indicative of minor conditions not requiring drastic treatments. The major causes of chronic back pain necessitate nothing more than minimally invasive and noninvasive treatments. However, although such instances are infrequent, truly serious cases of back pain do exist.

Ironically, the gravity of back pain itself often has little to do with its actual severity; some very minor backaches can prove to be symptomatic of other, more serious diseases while very intense pains may often merit no more than adequate rest and exercise. Hence it is important to pay close attention to symptoms accompanying the pain.

Given the ambiguous and often painful nature of backaches, it is difficult to tell whether a back pain should be an emergency room affair. A few key details alongside the back pain could be causes for concern and should receive the immediate attention of a medical professional.

Some combinations of symptoms could require immediate examination. For instance, sudden weight loss alongside back pain could be indicative of a tumor whereas acute back pain followed by abdominal pain could be the first signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Other causes for concern include back pain that intensifies with sleep and a sudden weakness in the lower body, sometimes accompanied by weakened bladder control.

Image source: hxbenefit.com

Even in the absence of any serious symptoms, people with chronic back pain should seek the advice of a physician to make the appropriate diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment.

Dr. Melanie Novak and the Pain Care Center specialize in the comprehensive and multidisciplinary management of all kinds of chronic pain. Visit this website for more on Dr. Novak and her practice.

The Truth About Painkiller Addiction

A lot of people worry that taking painkillers can lead to addiction. If doctors prescribe the medication following a certain schedule, it should not be a problem. But if the patient takes it even without feeling physical pain, it might be a red flag.

 Image source: jujuaroma.com

There are those who do get addicted to their medication in order to function well. Here are signs that tell that someone might be at risk of painkiller addiction.

They constantly think about their medication.

The first sign of addiction is when the person is preoccupied with thoughts of when the next dose will happen, and whether the supply is enough for days or weeks to come.

There is a confusion between addiction and dependency. Patients can be physically dependent on a certain drug, but it does not always follow that they are addicted to it. When people are physically dependent on medication, the body has built up a high tolerance to it, and will need a higher dosage to get the desired effect. When people are addicted to it, they keep using the drug even without the need for it.

 Image source: nationalpainreport.com

They take varying amounts than the dosage prescribed.

People who are addicted to medication take more than what is prescribed. There are instances when the medication is “stretched out” to last longer. If the patient is having problems controlling the intake of painkillers, it can be a problem.

They get painkillers from different sources

They stock up painkillers to help ease the pain they feel. They order drugs from other sources like online stores and black markets. Some even steal from others or hurt themselves so they can go to a hospital to get a prescription.

Painkiller addiction is a concern that needs to be addressed. Learn more about it by subscribing to this Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D., blog.

Study: Morphine May Increase Pain Severity

Morphine is one of the go-to medicines of people experiencing severe or chronic pain. The opioid painkiller has long been the gold standard treatment for acute pain, but this might change from now on as a new study suggests an unfortunate irony: instead of providing pain relief, the medication could make chronic pain worse and slow down the recovery in some cases.

 Image source: everydayhealth.com

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, offers a glimpse into the possible long-term consequences of opiates like morphine and oxycodone. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder used genetic and pharmacological interventions, including the novel Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) to demonstrate how a course of morphine after nerve injury doubles the duration of neuropathic pain in mouse models. They've found out that morphine activates spinal immune cells, amplifying pain rather than dulling it, even after the painkilling treatment has been stopped.

 Image source: publichealthwatch.wordpress.com

Rat models show that "the pain is effectively transitioned to a chronic state, making the pain itself both more severe and longer lasting.” The opioid activates inflammasome, a specific group of signaling proteins in microglia that sends pain signals up to the brain. Previous studies have shown that opioid painkillers make microglia, the immune cells of the brain, more sensitive to activation that is likely a factor that could explain opioid-induced hyperalgesia.

While the results show fundamental clinical implications for pain, researchers stress that they shouldn't be used as the basis for not giving opioids to people in pain. An awareness of the side effects of pain medications coupled with a deeper understanding of pain and the many non-drug alternatives available for pain management promotes a holistic approach to chronic pain. Stress management, diet, and exercise, and gentle manual medicine could go a long way in conquering pain and maintaining an active life without medications.

Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D., uses a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of pain. Her practice focuses on providing individualized treatment plans that help patients stay on top of their pain best and enjoy life. Read more about pain management here.

Shingles: Causes, Symptoms, And Possible Treatments

Herpes zoster, also known as zosters or shingles, is a disease that affects the face or torso area. People who experience the condition have blistering skin rashes. It is commonly linked to having a weakened immune system and is often seen in older individuals. Some have it once, but others experience numerous episodes of it.

Image source: webmd.com

People who have shingles experience tickling, burning, pain, or numbness in a particular area a few days before the rashes appear. They also show flu-like symptoms such as diarrhea, chills, and stomachache, but usually without the fever. The painful rashes appear after these symptoms, and can last for up to two to four weeks.

 Image source: alpha.nhs.uk

The cause of shingles is the reactivation of the VZV or varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. People who have had booster shots for chickenpox can develop shingles at a later time.

Shingles can be diagnosed by medical professionals based on the appearance of the rash. Doctors aim to treat shingles by diminishing the effects of the varicella zoster virus, as well as pain relief and management. Doctors often prescribe antiviral medications within 72 hours after the rashes have appeared. Pain relievers are also prescribed to help ease the discomfort caused by the rashes. Although shingles are common, it is best to take good care of the loved one experiencing the condition, especially if they are seniors.

Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D., specializes in pain management. Learn more about her practice by visiting this website.

Cooking healthy: Reduce pain and swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis

Food may not be the only cause of inflammation and other body pains, but cutting down on some ingredients will ease the discomfort caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Here are some healthy ingredients to consider:

 

Image source: goredforwomen.org

 Skip the fat and choose olive oil. People with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid eating fried foods. Stay away from food rich in saturated and trans fat, and settle with a healthy, sautéed meal with olive oil. 

Inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can increase a person’s risk of heart disease, and choosing for a healthier kind of oil is good for the joints and heart. 

Choose green, leafy vegetables. Leafy greens are powerful antioxidants, which reduce joint damage and pain caused by inflammation. Kale and broccoli, when taken in moderation, can aid swelling and joint pain. Vegetables are low in calories, so they also aid weight loss and ease stress on the joints. 

Image source: science-all.com

Sip on some tea during the day. Green tea is a great brew that aids digestion. It also reduces pain caused by inflammation because of antioxidants. 

Go whole grain. Choose whole grain when picking rice, bread, and oats. Whole grains are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins that will benefit those with arthritis.

Dr. Melanie Novak is a pain management physician who has served patients who experience chronic pain problems. Follow this Twitter account to know more about pain management and other similar topics.