A recent study in the journal Surgical Neurology recommended that MRI’s be done while the patient is in the position that causes symptoms.  This is helpful advice.  MRI’s are usually done while the patient is lying down.  Lying down takes stress off the spine and changes the positions of spinal structures, sometime making things look normal […]

A reader, Heidi, recently asked about time management and pain.  I invited Jeisea of CRPS-RSD A Better Life to share her thoughts about this topic.

Getting the right balance between doing pain management therapy and family, work or social activities is almost like walking a tightrope for people with chronic pain.  One of the hardest things […]

Today’s our first Monday Chat!  The topic:
Your Biggest Challenge and How You Cope with It
 
Today from 12 noon - 1pm (Eastern US time), I’ll moderate these chats in real-time – comment, and get a comment back right away.  For the rest of the day today, I’ll check in to see your comments as often as […]

Welcome to April’s Pain-Blog Carnival…  the best posts of this month.  Bloggers were busy this month writing excellent posts.  Enjoy!

 Somebody Heal Me writes about being Weary of So Many Daily Medications.
Laurie at A Chronic Dose explores Summer Camp, Sick Style.  (Laurie’s new book is coming out soon!)
The Sassy Lime shares Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned From 3 […]

Our pain management series has concluded, and I’m interested in how you did!

Was it helpful?
Anything confusing?
Are you continuing to practice all the exercises?
Which ones work best for you?

Please join in, in the comments below.
Next Monday, we’ll be starting “Monday Chats.”  I’m envisioning these as conversations with you, as well as a forum for readers to […]

Today’s the deadline for your April Pain-Blog Carnival submission.
A reader, Lynn, writes “I would be interested in a feature related to multiple sclerosis and chronic pain.  Thank you for the empowerment and humanity your website provides – as always, knowledge is power.”
Knowledge can indeed be powerful to help people understand, manage and cope with their illnesses.  I’m […]

CRPS-RSD A Better Life recently posted a link to a discussion of mirror therapy by Dr. Eric Altschuler of UMDNJ.  I recently spoke with Dr. Altschuler, who is researching mirror therapy for pain disorders, including RSD, stroke rehabilitation, and other conditions.

As I’ve said before, I think these types of approaches are one of the most […]

Last week we looked at why people with pain disorders have trouble sleeping.  Today we’ll look at how you can improve your sleep.

9 ways to get better sleep
Next week will be the last post in this series.  We’ll have a discussion next Monday about how you did with this series.  Was it helpful?  Anything confusing?  Are you continuing […]

A recent study showed that mindfulness exercises can significantly help low back pain in older adults.
8 sessions of training in mindfulness, which is “awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally, to the unfolding of experience moment by moment,” were given to older adults with chronic low back pain.  […]

In our Monday Pain Management Classes, we’ve reviewed exercises such as meditation, breathing and relaxation.  Tranquility is Yours is a website I’ve recently come across that has these types of exercises, as well as videos of beautiful, natural places.  I especially liked their videos of the beach, waterfall, clouds, moon, and sunset.  Enjoy!

The deadline for […]