Vertebroplasty: A Novel Approach to Chronic Back Pain

A new approach to some forms of chronic back pain is on the horizon...and it appears to begin working rapidly when it is used! The treatment we're talking about here is an interventional radiology procedure that can be used for compression fractures due to osteoporosis, or spinal cancer.

Compression Fracture of the Spine

The technique involves using x-ray guidance to guide a needle into the involved area of the spine. Bone cement is injected into this space..as it is injected it is the consistency of toothpaste, but within a short time becomes hardened. Once hardened, it stabilizes the affected area..an "internal cast" of sorts!

This procedure, known as vertebroplasty originated in France in the 1980s. It is a minimally invasive procedure, and many patients notice a reduction in pain within 24 hours of undergoing treatment. It is usually a one-time procedure but re-treatment may be indicated if new problem areas develop.

Sources: HometownFocusUS; Wikipedia

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Living with Chronic pain hits the big screen!

Been to the movies lately? Jennifer Aniston is on the big screen in a recent release titled "Cake." Her character, Claire is a victim of chronic pain...she belongs to a support group, where all of the members are coming to terms with the suicide of one of their members. Of course, she also takes pain medication and addiction is another of her problems...and of course there's more! I guess I am writing this post just to bring readers' attention to the fact that Hollywood has become aware of the crisis that is chronic pain. This movie is a testament to that. People that don't have to live with this kind of pain don't fully understand the whole story. Maybe this movie will shed some light on the issues. Here is the official trailer for the movie: Sources: prweb;NorthJersey.com;YouTube

Sciatica: A common pain in the butt!

Sciatica pain results from pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve. This nerve originates in the spine and runs down through the buttocks and the back of the leg...so if you've ever literally had a pain in the butt, it is possible that sciatica is the problem. The cause of the pressure can be from a number of sources...for instance, compression in the spinal cord due to disc injury or a tumor. The sciatica pain sensation can vary widely..it can present as a numbness or tingling, dull ache, burning, and in severe cases the pain can make movement quite difficult. Over time, it is possible for sciatica to resolve on its own. If it does not, it is important to seek medical help to determine the root cause of the pain. The usual first course of remedies for sciatica include ice application to the affected area for the first 48-72 hours, followed by heat. Over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are also appropriate. ...

Non Drug Pain Management Ideas: Applying the 80/20 Principle

The idea for today's post comes from my husband, who has in recent years become a follower of the paleo/primal diet. Most of the time he is very strict about this diet, making sure not to eat anything taboo. On occasion, he breaks from the rigidity of his new found way of life and enjoys a few cookies, maybe a bottle of beer, or a new pasta dish. Why, you ask? He says that according to others who follow this course, there is an 80/20 rule. This means that that if you adhere to the rules 80% of the time, you can allow yourself some leeway the other 20% of the time. It is important to bring this concept to the readers of this blog for a number of reasons: 1)If you have been following this blog at all, you know there are a lot of lifestyle changes that can tremendously enhance relief from chronic pain. For a lot of people this not an easy thing to do. By opting to follow the 80/20 rule these lifestyle modifications suddenl...

Everyday pain management ideas

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