If you have chronic pain, you’re not alone. An estimated 25.3 million adults in the United States report severe, daily pain, significantly more women than men, while 55 percent of U.S. adults report at least some pain in the past three months. Chronic pain is one of the most frequent reasons for physician visits and […]

Chronic pain is the medical term for pain that lasts more than about three months. The word “chronic” means “long-lasting.” Researchers estimate that more than 100 million American adults have chronic pain, so you are not alone. Chronic pain is one of the leading reasons we visit the doctor and take medication. It is extremely […]

When you break your leg, undergo surgery, or burn your hand, you experience pain—acute pain. With treatment and time, the pain usually disappears. But chronic pain is different. It hangs around even after the original illness or injury has improved, reminding you every day that it has no plans to vacate the premises. Technically, chronic […]

If you have chronic pain, you’re not alone. An estimated 25.3 million adults in the United States report severe, daily pain, significantly more women than men, while 55 percent of U.S. adults report at least some pain in the past three months. For women, the continual variation of hormonal levels through puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and […]

Half of all patients leave their medical visit without understanding what their physician said to them or what they’re supposed to do. Health coaching helps patients understand their treatment and actively participate in their care. Coaches support patients in developing and following action plans for healthier behaviors. Health coaching has clinical and operational benefits and […]

Today, 1 in every 4 American adults has obesity. Yet, there are more health problems associated with obesity than just being over-weight. One way obesity can cause chronic pain is that the extra mass or amount of tissue on your body puts a heavier load on your bones and joints. Just like an overloaded piece […]

Research shows that foods and drinks that reduce inflammation can reduce chronic pain and improve your mood. Avoiding foods and drinks that cause inflammation can also help. In fact, changing your diet and lifestyle can allow you to work with your health care team to reduce the amount of medication you take or even stop […]

When I think about chronic pain, I think about my patient Margaret and her back pain. She wasn’t sure how it started – maybe she lifted her grandson wrong, or it was the extra hours on her feet at the shop. Her doctors prescribed medications and physical therapy. She had X-rays and an MRI, which […]

It takes a village to manage chronic pain – or at least a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals with you (and your own self-care) at its center. With a pain management team by your side, it is important to keep these four actions in mind about managing your chronic pain: 1. Communicating with Your Doctor […]

If you have chronic pain, you’re not alone. An estimated 25.3 million adults in the US report severe, daily pain, significantly more women than men, while 55% of US adults report at least some pain in the past 3 months. Chronic pain is one of the most frequent reasons for physician visits and among the […]