In Part I of this topic, we talked about sleep and pain and the sleep, stress, pain triad. If you’re looking for more detail regarding sleep and pain specifically, the New York Times recently published an excellent article on the complex relationship between these two elements. They discuss a study that demonstrated lack of sleep created a ramped up sensation to pain, and …
Less Sleep Can Equal More Pain
We all know that lack of quality sleep has numerous detrimental effects on our day to day life and our overall health. But, one thing you may not have realized is that lack of sleep can actually increase your perception of pain. Let that sink in for a minute… Less sleep can increase the intensity of pain or discomfort you’re …
Do You Have the Right Healthcare Team?
Choosing the right healthcare team is one of the most important health related decisions you make. It can be difficult to find health care providers, both in primary care & in specialty care, who you connect with. Here are a few things to look for in your health care team: Empathy & Friendliness How is your provider’s overall “bedside manner”? …
Are You Getting A Full Night’s Sleep?
If not, your pillow could be the culprit! If you are waking up with a headache, neck pain or back pain you may be in need of a different pillow. In order for you to get the best possible rest, and for your muscles to be at their most relaxed, it is important that you sleep on a pillow that …
Building Resilience
Stress is an unavoidable part of life. Stress is what the brain does to itself and the rest of the body when faced with a perceived threat, a challenge or even an opportunity. And, stress isn’t necessarily a bad thing. As a matter of fact, exercise is form of stress. Stress can become harmful when it goes from being intermittent to unrelenting. Chronic …
What is the #1 predictor of whether you will have low back surgery in the USA?
That’s right, the #1 predictor of whether you will have low back surgery in the USA is not the amount of pain you have or your MRI findings, it’s your ZIP CODE!!! Hard to believe isn’t it? Another predictor is if the surgeon owns the MRI machine. If they do, the likelihood of spinal surgery increases by 34%. Low back …