Some recognizable examples of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), diclofenac, and naproxen (Aleve). They are frequently used as the first line of defence to reduce pain and inflammation. Most NSAID medications are available without a prescription and are widely used to reduce fever and pain related to long- and short-term medical conditions such as … Read more
The latest from the Apollo Blog outlines very interesting and encouraging interim research about chronic pain patients who are using opiates (pain killers) as their main way to manage their pain: a significant number of patients who are on addictive pain killers are reporting using less of those drugs while on the medical cannabis available through … Read more
Today we are happily sharing another whiteboard video by Dr. Mike Evans, Toronto based professor, doctor and health educator extraordinaire. Dr. Evans outlines some very practical aspects of preparing for joint surgery which encourage the patient to be at the centre of the process. The key message: all of the surgeons, nurses and practitioners that participate in your care … Read more
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection is a therapeutic treatment using the patients’ own blood, put through a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the number of platelets, which is then re-injected to the injured site or pain area. Because platelets contain a variety of growth factors which are instrumental in the healing process of tissues, this … Read more
In a recent article in Chatelaine, an assistant editor tested out osteopathy for her joint pain. Like many first time patients of osteopaths (also known as DOs or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine) she was surprised by just how much information could be determined by observation and touch alone. The final verdict: not only was the … Read more
”Burnout at its deepest level is not the result of some train wreck of examinations, long call shifts, or poor clinical evaluations. It is the sum total of hundreds and thousands of tiny betrayals of purpose, each one so minute that it hardly attracts notice.” Psychology Today has a great summary of what burnout is, … Read more
There are so many good and important points in this video, it’s too much to completely summarize in one post. This 11 minute video is simply a must-watch for everyone to both advises on and manages their chronic pain. A a few of the key points that are very important and are often overlooked relate … Read more
A new study recently led by Dr. Richard Deyo of the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland and published in the May 15, 2013 edition of Spine, set out to examine associations between use of medication for erectile dysfunction or testosterone replacement and use of opioid therapy, patient age, depression, and smoking status. The study concluded … Read more
This video not only explains how pain relievers work, it also gives a great account of how pain (for example neuropathic pain) occurs in the body and is interpreted by our minds. For many of us who experience headaches,acute injuries, and other aches and pains, medications like Asprin, Tylenol or Advil are staples for pain relief. However, few of … Read more
This article in Pain Medicine News, from their April 2013 issue, cites the journal Spine (Spine 2013;38:140-147) in highlighting that when patients are in severe pain, they are more willing to accept the risks of surgery when they are not. While the article does not suggest altering practice based on this study, it does mention one may … Read more