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 […]

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 month, the DEA approved a change for prescribing what are called “schedule-II” medications.  These are “controlled substances,” which include narcotics as well as stimulants for ADD.  They’re labeled “controlled,” as they have the potential for addiction.
In the past, patients needed to go monthly to their doctor’s office for an appointment for these medications to be […]

Where can you get great products to help with pain?  The Chronic Pain Store is a website which recently asked if I’d try several of their products.  What a find!
The Chronic Pain Store offers many great products, with the advantage of all being at 1 website.  I tried:

Thermoskin Arthritic Gloves:  These create gentle pressure and warmth, […]

This video presents one of the best upcoming pain treatments I know of ….  using f-MRI, which is “functional MRI,” a type of MRI brain scan.  Researchers use f-MRI data from the areas of our brain which are active when we experience pain.  The most exciting way to use this so far - though still only in research protocols […]

Watch for the Habit-Change Contest on Monday! 
In my previous post, I highlighted what contributes to a good collaborative relationship between a patient and doctor.  Today I’ll expand on what doctors want from patients.
(But first, 2 precautions, so this article isn’t taken the wrong way…
1.  Don’t worry about needing to be a “perfect” patient.
2.  These suggestions aren’t so your doctor’s life is better, but so you can […]

Watch for the Habit-Change Contest on Monday! 
Wanted:  Good Pain Doctor

Caring and attentive

Gives helpful suggestions, and has many other ideas when 1 treatment doesn’t work too well

Balances listening and asking helpful questions

Doesn’t interrupt too much

Believes my reports of pain

Wanted:  Good Patient

Could the Wii make chronic pain a better-understood problem?  Will there soon be Wii-certified therapists?  Will parents now hear begging like this, “Hey Mom, I think I have chronic pain.  I need a Wii to get better!”
If you haven’t heard about the Wii, it’s the newest fad.  Created by Nintendo, it’s an interactive game that uses […]

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This article is one in a series on Medications for Pain…  What are your choices?  How do various medications work?  What are the pros and cons?  How about side effects?  (Discuss these ideas with your doctor.  Don’t make any changes […]