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Blog Archive

Lance Cassell, MD Sep 27th, 2023

 Pain MedicineGroup Is Proud to Welcome Lance Cassell, MD

What Are My Options If I Have Degenerative Disc Disease? Jul 10th, 2023

Getting older carries some serious side effects. A lifetime of movement takes its toll on joints throughout your body, and this wear-and-tear can cause medical conditions like osteoarthritis, causing joint discomfort, pain, and deterioration.  In your spine, intervertebral discs can start to dry out, becoming thinner and more fragile. Called...

6 Ways to Relieve Bursitis Symptoms Jul 10th, 2023

Dealing with bursitis can be a painful and frustrating experience. This condition occurs when the fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which act as cushions between your bones, tendons, and muscles, become inflamed. Bursitis commonly affects the shoulder, hip, and elbow, but can also occur in other areas of your body, such...

What To Do If You Have Sciatica May 15th, 2023

What To Do If You Have Sciatica   Sciatica is a common condition that affects many people. It is characterized by a sharp and shooting pain in the lower back legs, and buttocks. This pain is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve...

Myths and Misconceptions about Low Back Pain - Part 3 Apr 18th, 2023

Myths and Misconceptions about Low Back Pain - Part 3   I’m this 3 part series of blog posts, we will uncover 3 common misconceptions about low back pain and how to treat it. Let’s get into part 3!   Myth #3 “Physical therapy will make my pain worse.”  ...

Myths and Misconceptions about Low Back Pain - Part 2 Apr 4th, 2023

Myth #2 “Ice is better than heat for low back pain.” When it comes to managing low back pain, using ice or heat can be helpful in relieving discomfort. But how do you know which one to use? Certainly people have their opinions about the topic and here will try...

Myths and Misconceptions about Low Back Pain Mar 23rd, 2023

Myths and Misconceptions about Low Back Pain   In this 3 part series of blog posts, we will uncover 3 common misconceptions about low back pain and how to treat it. Let’s get into it!   Myth #1 “Sleeping on a firm  surface is good for low back pain”   If...

Headaches Mar 2nd, 2023

Headaches are a common and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. They can range from mild to severe and can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, and underlying medical conditions. One of the most common types of headaches is a...

“Pain management near me” Feb 13th, 2023

“Pain management near me” It’s a common search term and readily available on Google, but how do you know if you’ve found the right pain management doctor for you? When looking for a pain management doctor, it is important to consider several factors to ensure that you receive the best...

HIP PAIN Feb 6th, 2023

Hip Pain   Hip pain is a common complaint among adults, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, arthritis, and degenerative conditions. In order to effectively manage hip pain, it's important to understand its causes and symptoms, as well as the different treatment options available....

Most Common Causes of Neck Pain Jan 25th, 2023

Most Common Causes of Neck Pain Neck pain is a common complaint but what causes it? The causes of neck pain can be varied and may include poor posture, injury, or underlying medical conditions. One of the most common causes of neck pain is poor posture. Sitting for long periods...

The Link between Obesity and Low Back Pain Dec 19th, 2022

The Link between Obesity and Low Back Pain   We know that obesity can cause a variety of problems. Besides heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, it can also be a major contributing factor to low back pain. And did you know that it can also cause hip and knee pain...

Common Causes of Low Back Pain Aug 29th, 2022

Degenerative Discs. A lot of the time we take "wear and tear" for granted. As we age, so does our spine, as well as the disks, bones, and muscles attached to it. Degenerative disc disease and joint degeneration are commonly seen in an aging spine and can frequently be the...

What is sciatica? Jul 27th, 2022

What is sciatica? Sciatic is a term that is loosely used to mean low back pain which radiates to the legs, but what is the exact definition of sciatica? What causes sciatica? And how is sciatica treated? Here will try to answer some of these basic questions and shed some...

Leg Pain – Common Causes of Leg Pain Jun 23rd, 2022

Trauma and injury One of the most common causes of leg injury is trauma but this doesn't have to be a one- time traumatic event. Injury from trauma can also be due to overuse injuries which commonly happen when people adhere too strictly to a strenuous exercise regimen. Be sure...

What To Do Immediately After A “Pulled Muscle” May 16th, 2022

What To Do Immediately After A “Pulled Muscle” You pulled a muscle in your low back. You felt that familiar, sharp, shooting pain in the low back. More often than not, this can be an acute muscle strain or a "pulled muscle." What should you do? There is a variety...

Fibromyalgia 103 Apr 19th, 2022

Fibromyalgia 103 Part 3 of the Fibromyalgia Blog Series (see parts one and two) In the previous two parts of the fibromyalgia blog series, we have talked about what fibromyalgia is, it's symptoms, and how it is diagnosed.  Today we will discuss the possible causes of fibromyalgia.  Although the exact causes...

Fibromyalgia 102 Apr 5th, 2022

Fibromyalgia 102 Part 2 of the Fibromyalgia Blog Series (see parts one and three) According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia is a condition which affects 2- 4% of people, making it a fairly common condition. Have you ever wondered if you have fibromyalgia? Keep reading to find out...

Fibromyalgia 101 Mar 14th, 2022

Fibromyalgia 101 Do you have fibromyalgia? What exactly is fibromyalgia? How can I tell if I have fibromyalgia? Is there a test for fibromyalgia? What causes fibromyalgia? What is the treatment for fibromyalgia? Welcome to fibromyalgia 101! In this series of blog entries, we will discuss all things fibromyalgia –...

What to expect after an epidural steroid injection for back pain - FAQs Mar 1st, 2022

What to expect after an epidural steroid injection for back pain - FAQs   An epidural steroid injection in the low back is a spinal injection to target certain types of low back pain. If your physician has recommended an epidural steroid injection for your low back pain, you may...

The Connection Between Posture and Pain Feb 10th, 2022

The Connection Between Posture and Pain How does posture affect low back and neck pain?  Let's take a minute to assess your posture right now and see if it could be contributing to your chronic low back and neck pain... Are your neck and shoulders tense? Take a deep breath...

Shoulder Pain... Jan 11th, 2022

Shoulder pain has a lifetime prevalence of up to 70%, making it one of the most common pain complaints that people experience over a lifetime.    What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?   Arthritis  Rotator Cuff Injury Overuse Injury Bursitis Frozen Shoulder Bone spurs   What is...

Sciatica Pain Dec 9th, 2021

      What is Sciatica? Low back pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve and typically runs down the leg is commonly called sciatica. What people don't realize is that sciatic pain is actually a form of nerve pain. What causes sciatica? What causes the leg pain?   The...

3 Sneaky Causes of Knee Pain Aug 2nd, 2021

Stop living with knee pain!   Call our Orlando area or Sarasota offices to schedule an appointment today    #1  -  Improper Shoes    You can’t exercise because your knees hurt but your knees hurt so you need to exercise: it’s a vicious cycle.  So what do most people do? Rest. Limit physical activity...

Knee pain. What's the deal?!? Mar 21st, 2021

Knee pain. What's the deal?!?   Why do you have knee pain? The most common causes of knee pain: overuse, lack of use, arthritis, prolonged positioning, aging, the list goes on...   What have you tried? When it comes to knee pain, you've tried everything- elevating the leg, ice, heat,...

ACT THERAPY Mar 8th, 2021

Chronic pain can be a debilitating diagnosis. Patients with chronic pain often find themselves trapped in a cycle of anxiety and fear. You want to work out but you know that it will cause you to have pain afterwards so you avoid working out which in the long run makes...

Gratitude and Pain Mar 1st, 2021

Gratitude when you’re in chronic pain? It might seem hard to imagine, unrealistic, or even plain ridiculous – to find reasons to be thankful when you are in pain, especially when pain is a huge part of your life. However, strangely enough, studies have shown that the active practice of...

Sneaky every day causes of back pain you never knew about!  Nov 21st, 2019

  Back pain - it’s painful, it’s irritating, and invades every portion of your life, from work to family life. And you’re not alone. Back pain is one of the most common complaints patient have. So why is this so prevalent? Besides the more obvious reasons, for example people who...

Fibromyalgia Quiz Feb 21st, 2019

Fibromyalgia is a fairly common condition, affecting about 8% of the United States population. There is a hereditary component to the disease and it can run in families. Very little is known about fibromyalgia other than it is a chronic, centralized pain sensitivity, which can result in diffused joint and...

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION PROCEDURE Aug 16th, 2018

Radio frequency ablation is a highly successful treatment for spinal nerve pain. A pain management specialist or neurosurgeon will use a thin needle to apply heat around the nerve causing pain, which will help to prevent the transmission of pain signals from that particular nerve. This is done by inserting the...

IS YOUR PHONE A PAIN IN THE NECK? Aug 2nd, 2018

Whether you’re making calls all day or scrolling through social media while standing in line at the grocery store, your phone usage could be contributing to your chronic neck pain. Poor phone usage can put a great deal of strain on your neck, whether you’re cradling the phone against your shoulder...

HOW YOUR OFFICE CAN CAUSE YOU PAIN Jul 25th, 2018

If you spend most of your day working on a computer or seated at a desk, you’re probably familiar with the aches and pains that never quite go away. Sitting for long periods of time has been shown over and over to have a negative impact on our health—it can...

CHRONIC PAIN? HERE'S HOW A PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST CAN HELP Jul 11th, 2018

When you suffer from chronic pain, it can affect every aspect of your life. It can be frustrating when the pain seems to spread, taking over your whole body and leaving you feeling helpless to fix it. If you’ve lived with chronic pain for any length of time, you know how...

HOW IS FACET JOINT PAIN TREATED? Jun 15th, 2018

Facet joint pain is often underdiagnosed, since it can be unpredictable and difficult to screen for. This pain isn’t uncommon in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions of the spine. Recurrent episodes aren’t uncommon, but it can be a challenge to know what causes a pain flare-up or...

STEM CELL THERAPY FOR PAIN Jun 1st, 2018

Stem cell therapy is an innovative field of medicine that is considered highly promising to change the way we treat many common illnesses and injuries. While still being thoroughly researched, doctors and scientists are looking at stem cell therapy as a treatment for chronic pain and arthritis. Stem cells have an...

TECHNIQUES TO EASE NECK PAIN AT HOME May 15th, 2018

Neck pain can vary from merely annoying to severe, and it can be caused by many causes, including injury, strain, and sleeping poorly. A stiff or sore neck can be frustrating, especially when it interferes with your ability to function in your day-to-day life. If you’re looking for some at-home relief,...

PREVENTING NECK PAIN AT WORK May 1st, 2018

Many Americans head to the office every day, where they plan to spend the next eight or so hours sitting at their desk, staring at a computer monitor. If you spend most of your day staring at a screen—or two or three—you may find your neck aching after a short...

TIPS TO AVOID FIBROMYALGIA PAIN & FATIGUE Apr 26th, 2018

Fibromyalgia can be a painful condition, and it can be especially frustrating to manage flare-ups. When you have bad days, it can be especially tiring to carry out your daily tasks, but we know how important it is to manage your symptoms so you can live your life. Our pain management...

8 FIBROMYALGIA SYMPTOMS YOU SHOULD KNOW Apr 12th, 2018

Fibromyalgia, commonly referred to as “fibro,” is a painful condition that increases the body’s sensitivity to sensation, causing pain. Because this condition cannot be diagnosed by traditional tests, it can sometimes be difficult for patients to receive a definitive diagnosis. Doctors rely on the presence of symptoms to determine if...

HOW DOES ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION WORK? Mar 15th, 2018

Electrical nerve stimulation uses a low-level electrical signal to stimulate nerves and block pain signals from reaching the brain. These therapies can bring relief to pain sufferers, and can often be used at home.What Is TENS?Commonly called Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), this therapy sends small electrical signals through the skin...

KNEE PAIN DO'S AND DON'TS: LIVING WITH KNEE PAIN Mar 1st, 2018

As we age, wear and tear on our joints occurs. Whether it’s just damage due to time or you were injured, knee pain has a way of slowing you down. Living with knee pain can be frustrating, but there are things you can do to help manage your pain on a daily...

HOW IS ARTHRITIS TREATED? Feb 21st, 2018

There are a variety of treatment options available to arthritis sufferers, but it can be overwhelming to find just the right treatment for your unique needs. Our pain management doctors are highly experienced in helping our patients develop a personalized strategy for their pain. Arthritis treatment focus on relieving your symptoms and...

WHAT CAUSES ARTHRITIS? Feb 7th, 2018

Arthritis is the term for inflammation of one or more joints, which often causes stiffness and joint pain. Many people develop arthritis as they age, which can make it painful to remain active and can grow worse with age. There are many forms of arthritis, but the most common forms are...

THE BENEFITS OF STRETCHING TO RELIEVE LOWER BACK PAIN Jan 17th, 2018

For those who suffer from lower back pain, it may feel like you’d do anything to find relief. Whether your pain was caused by an injury, overworking your spine, or from long hours in a chair, there are some things you can do to help relieve back pain. Stretching a few...

HOW TRIGGER POINT INJECTIONS CAN TREAT CHRONIC PAIN Jan 3rd, 2018

Trigger points are hard nodules of muscle that are in a constant state of tension, which can lead to painful pressure points. These tense muscles can cause pain throughout the body, and they even may manifest as a significantly different issue by affecting surrounding nerves, which can make treatment difficult....

HOW CAN OCCIPITAL NERVE BLOCKS PROVIDE HEADACHE RELIEF? Dec 27th, 2017

Chronic headaches plague up to 5% of the global population and can cause a number of symptoms. For those who suffer from severe headaches, they may lose the ability to function, which can leave them struggling to keep up with work, school, and other activities. An occipital nerve block is...

TRIGGER POINTS & CHRONIC PAIN Dec 13th, 2017

Chronic muscle pain can cause significant difficulty in your day-to-day life. Certain motions can become painful, and you may struggle to stand, sit, or bend over due to the pain. Massage and stretching may bring brief relief, but the pain soon returns. Here’s what you should know about trigger points...

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM ARTHRITIS Nov 21st, 2017

Arthritis is a painful condition that affects thousands of Americans. Treatment for your arthritis can seem confusing and unfamiliar. Depending on the type of arthritis you’ve been diagnosed with, your treatment may vary from other arthritis sufferers that you know. Here’s some important information to know if you’ve been diagnosed with...

USING RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION TO TREAT CHRONIC PAIN Nov 7th, 2017

Ablation is a method of treatment for chronic pain, which involves destroying individual nerves that are causing pain. By inducing a small lesion on the problem nerves, doctors can inhibit the ability of the pain-causing nerves to send pain signals. Ablation can be performed in a number of ways, such...

CAN FOOD IMPACT MY BACK PAIN? Oct 24th, 2017

For those who experience chronic back pain, you might want to consider looking at your diet to see how much it can affect you. Nutrition is an incredibly important part of tackling back pain. Studies have connected diet and back pain as it applies to all levels of discomfort, concluding...

WHO PARTICIPATED IN PAIN AWARENESS MONTH? Oct 10th, 2017

In 2011, groups and organizations banded together to establish September as the month to nationally recognize the chronic pain community. September became Pain Awareness Month (PAM). Their goal was to increase awareness of how pain affects individuals, families, communities, and the nation while also educating caregivers and healthcare professionals about...

ENHANCE YOUR AT-HOME BACK MASSAGE Sep 25th, 2017

For people who experience chronic back pain, they may be reliant on at-home massage techniques from their significant others, family members, or themselves. They may even hire a masseuse to come relieve some of the pain through at-home massages. There are a few ways to make your massage experience even more...

WHAT CAUSES TAILBONE PAIN? Sep 12th, 2017

The coccyx, also known as the tailbone, is the bony structure at the bottom of the spine. It can be particularly easy to injure if you experience trauma to the spine during a fall, sit too long on a hard or narrow surface, give birth vaginally, or experience degenerative joint...

WHAT IS HIGH-FREQUENCY SPINAL CORD STIMULATION? Aug 29th, 2017

One new study has shown that high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may be just on the horizon to treat chronic back pain. This treatment involves implanting electrodes near the spine, which deliver mild electrical impulses generated by a pacemaker-like device embedded just under the skin. The stimulation can mask pain...

SOCIETAL DIFFERENCES IN CHRONIC PAIN Aug 9th, 2017

A study completed by University at Buffalo medical sociologist Hanna Grol-Prokopczyk followed participants over the course of 12 years to measure long-term chronic pain in the United States. The study focused on the socioeconomic groups currently experiencing the most severe pain and the overall state of pain in the United...

DR. MICHAEL WOROBEL JOINS PAIN MEDICINE GROUP Jul 3rd, 2017

Pain Medicine Group is happy to welcome Dr. Michael Worobel to our team at our Fort Myers location in Florida. With his variety of medical training and specialized focus on work with the spine, as well as pain management and rehabilitation, we are sure Dr. Worobel will be a tremendous asset...

DOES VAPING LEAD TO NECK PAIN? Jun 23rd, 2017

Vaping is one of the latest trends in tobacco use. It involves inhaling vapor from devices known as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The technology is so new scientists still haven’t done enough studies regarding the health effects of long-term vaping. They could be marginally safer than tobacco, or they could be...

HOW EFFECTIVE IS STEM CELL THERAPY FOR LOWER BACK PAIN? Jun 6th, 2017

Stem cell therapy includes the use of stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition. Stem cells are a type of undifferentiated biological cell that can be used to differentiate into specialized cells and can divide to produce more stem cells. These cells are typically used to regenerate and...

HOW TO NATURALLY FIGHT FIBROMYALGIA May 26th, 2017

Anyone suffering from Fibromyalgia understands the awful symptoms of this chronic inflammatory disorder can be incapacitating. Unbearable muscle and joint pain, fatigue, depression, and gastrointestinal problems are just a few unpleasant symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Because this disorder has no known causes and no known cure, oftentimes many medical professional suggest taking multiple...

UNDERSTANDING MALE OSTEOPOROSIS May 19th, 2017

Osteoperosis is a condition that causes the breakdown of the bone structure. It is an age-related disease, but it is often associated with women rather than men. Typically, osteoporosis affects women more than men because men have greater bone mass and engage in more strenuous activities to maintain their bone...

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN STRESS AND PAIN May 8th, 2017

Chronic pain is a complex condition. Research over the past quarter of a century has shown pain is influenced by a variety of factors, including emotional and social influences. If you’re experiencing problems in these two areas, they need to be addressed along with the physical causes of pain. Chronic...

USING INJECTIONS FOR PAIN RELIEF Apr 25th, 2017

When people experience chronic pain, their doctor might prescribe injections of pain-relieving medications. This procedure is usually done to treat back pain, but there are other sites throughout the body that could benefit from similar injections. Arthritis in the knees, neck pain, or hip pain can all be improved with the use of site-specific...

WHAT IS FAILED BACK SURGERY SYNDROME? Apr 4th, 2017

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a generalized term used to describe the condition of patients who received poor results after a back or spinal surgery. These patients often experience continued pain in their backs or legs following the surgery. For those suffering from FBSS and who cannot repeat the surgery,...

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATTRESS TO EASE YOUR BACK PAIN Mar 28th, 2017

Studies have shown that you spend a third of your life asleep, which is why it is important to find a mattress which best fits your body and suits your sleeping needs. If you currently have back pain and looking for a new mattress, understanding what qualities you need to...

5 IMPORTANT POINTS ABOUT MANAGING PAIN Mar 8th, 2017

For many individuals who experience chronic back pain, managing this health condition is a constant struggle. It is difficult to determine which treatments are effective, when to rely on pain medication compared to other options, as well as when to see a spine specialist and consider surgery. It is imperative...

4 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS TO HELP BEAT CHRONIC BACK PAIN Feb 7th, 2017

If you are motivated to make 2017 as pain-free as possible, New Year’s is the best time to make a few changes to improve your quality of life. The following are helpful tips to get this year start off on the right track. Walk 3 or 4 Times a Week...

COMMON CAUSES OF CHRONIC NECK PAIN Feb 3rd, 2017

Neck pain is considered chronic when it continues for over three months. These painful conditions tend to derive from issues in the cervical spine, either with a disc or facet joint. Common causes of chronic neck pain include: Cervical Herniated Disc A cervical disc becomes herniated when its jelly-like inner layer...

PAIN-FREE SUMMER TRAVELING Aug 29th, 2016

It's the end of summer and many people are making those last minute summer traveling plans. If you have chronic back and leg pain and are worried about what travel and long car rides may do to your pain level, read these easy tips below. What To Pack Invest in your luggage....

3 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GOING TO A PAIN CLINIC Mar 18th, 2016

1. Know your pain This might sound ridiculous at first. After all, you’ve been living with you pain for quite some time, right? You know it, in and out. That may be, but when chronic pain becomes a part of your daily life, it’s easy to not pay the kind of attention...

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE; WHAT'S ALL THE HYPE? Mar 11th, 2016

Osteoarthritis and meniscal tears are a very common source of knee pain. Osteoarthritis of the knee usually occurs in knees that have experienced trauma, infection, or injury. The knee cartilage, which acts as a protective cushion, begins to deteriorate. Recently, there has been a lot of media attention on stem cell therapy and...

THINGS YOU CAN DO EVERY DAY TO DECREASE LOW BACK PAIN Mar 4th, 2016

Remember to stretch. Stretching is vital. A small amount of time spent stretching every day cannot only reduce back pain but can stop back pain from reoccurring or worsening over time. A gentle yoga program catered to you would be ideal; otherwise just trying out 5-6 different stretches targeted at...

3 REASONS TO SEEK A PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST Jan 6th, 2016

Pain can affect every aspect of your life. Even worse, pain in one area of the body can affect pain in other areas of the body as well, creating a snowball effect on your overall perceived pain levels. With a variety of specialists out there, it can be difficult to...