However, new advances in percuta­neous (needle-guided) procedures now allow interventional pain man­agement physicians to effectively treat these conditions, without the use of steroids. Radio-Frequency Ablation (RFA) is a unique technol­ogy designed to treat the source of arthritic back, neck, knee, and hip pain. Restore Medical Partners phy­sicians, Dr. Lindsey Job, Dr. Peter Fernandez, and Dr. Lindsay Shroyer, have completed thousands of these cutting edge procedures and have proven the long-lasting benefits of the treatment. Restore Medical Partners employs the latest in radio-frequency technology to bring superior results to patients in our community who otherwise struggle to combat their arthritis pain and whose pain limits their daily and recreational activities. These procedures are minimally invasive, without the need for anything beyond a needle, and can provide long-lasting pain relief of 12+ months.

RFA is completed as a same-day service, typically with sedation, getting patients back on their feet quickly and providing a comfortable experience along the way. Along with a bevy of other pain treatment options, RFA is one of the tools in the pocket of the Restore Medical Partners team. It is safe, covered by all major insurances, and is a proven method for reducing arthritis pain.

For those patients who need spine surgery, RFA has also been shown to improve post-operative outcomes as well.

Interventional pain management and spine care have undergone a revolution. If you suffer with arthritic pain and it impacts your quality of life, there is no need to suffer. RFA might be right for you.

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Atlanta Braves Open a New Spring Training Facility in North Port

North Port, FL, January 30, 2019– The Braves recently announced CoolToday the naming- rights partner for their new spring training facility on December 4, 2018. Along with the announcement, Restore Medical Partners has been named a corporate sponsor for the Braves Spring Training Facility.

The Braves will move fully into the new facility in 2020 but are set to play an exhibition game in North Port against the Tampa Bay Rays on March 24, 2019.

Restore Medical Partners is an Interventional Pain Management Clinic with complementary, award-winning specialties such as rheumatology, podiatry, physical therapy, neurology and MRI/X-ray imaging in Venice, Florida. 

“Most Athletes have one thing in common when injured, they want to get back to their workouts and events as soon as possible. That is what our Restore Care Team is here to make happen. More and more athletes are turning to therapy because procedures are less invasive than surgery and have the potential to speed and augment repair,” says Lindsey Job, MD, Owner and CEO of Restore Medical Partners.

North Port area has been a high area of interest since Restore Medical Partners was established in 2016. The Restore Care Team is committed to providing the community with the best quality healthcare possible. Restore physicians are carefully chosen, Board Certified and fellowship trained Specialists.

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If you would like more information about this topic or to schedule an appointment, please contact Restore Medical Partners at 941-375-3006 or visit www.restoremedicalpartners.com.

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Restore Medical Partners pain interventionists preach the minimum-to-maximum invasiveness scale; where the first step for the patient is always the less invasive therapies and then progressing upwards depending on the results of those therapies. This means starting with smaller steps, milder treatments, and more conservative measures, and gradually working up from there. In the past, this scale didn’t include many steps to speak of, but today that is simply no longer the case.

Physical Therapy & Adjunct Medication

The best long-term answer to any pain symptom or injury is always physical therapy, exercise, and diet. The first step in treating an injury or pain complaint is a well-structured physical therapy regimen designed to provide strengthening and body mechanics to overcome and correct painful symptoms. As with any well-rounded health regimen, regular diet and exercise also play a key role. Simply avoiding inflammatory foods such as high-sugar/corn syrup, excessive trans fats, oils, and carbohydrates, can make significant differences when it comes to pain.

Alongside this, adjunct medications (non-narcotics) play a role at this end of the scale. These medications include Gabapentin, designed to combat neuropathy (nerve pain), as well as anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen. Natural vitamins such as alpha-lipoic acid and magnesium can be useful supporting players in a healthy regimen to control pain.

Image-Guided Injections

The new-wave of targeted procedures employed by interventional pain specialists have filled the void when the steps above alone have proven inefficient on their own. This category includes epidural steroid injections (for nerve pain), radio-frequency procedures (for arthritic pain), and a host of other minimally-invasive needle-based solutions for chronic pain. Under the hands of skilled interventionalist, most patients can achieve significant results during this phase, and are redirected to step one once pain has been effectively controlled.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

For those who don’t achieve the results from the first two phases of the invasiveness-scale, spinal cord stimulation can provide significant benefit. Spinal cord stimulation or “SCS” technology has become an increasingly effective option in treating chronic pain. This medication-free approach works by providing an extremely small electrical charge in the form of a wave that works to interrupt the body’s pain signals as they are transmitted back to the brain. This interruption of signals helps to reduce pain levels for long-lasting results. Spinal cord stimulation is a rapidly-evolving field and represents the latest in technology designed to combat stubborn chronic pain.

Minimally-Invasive Spine Techniques

After failure of steps one through three, a surgical referral is typically considered. However, this doesn’t mean giving way to an invasive spinal surgery. New options exist to provide patients the benefits of surgical intervention without the issues that sometimes accompany it. Technological advances can now provide patients with decompression of the spine without the need for fusion utilizing small implantable devices that maintain range of motion, provide support, and don’t carry the same risks as open surgery, both during and after the procedure.

With these modalities and cutting-edge technologies available to today’s top pain management specialists, patients now have a plethora of options to consider that can create an environment of appropriate treatment and superior long-term results. If you are seeking better options for your care of the care of a loved one, speak to your doctor, a board-certified pain management specialist at Restore Medical Partners might be the answer you’ve been seeking.

The post The Evolution of Spine Care appeared first on Restore Medical Partners.

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a diet methodology involving limiting intake of food into short windows during the day. These short fasts typically provide a window of six or so hours per day that the participant can consume their daily intake of food, but there are many strategies of fasting to fit varied lifestyles and goals. As with any healthy diet, the general mission is reducing overall intake of calories to facilitate weight loss and overall well-being.

So how does the process work?

As we consume food, nutrients are broken down by body’s enzymes in the gastrointestinal system and result in a supply of various molecules in the bloodstream. Carbohydrates and refined grains (flour, rice, etc) break down quickly into sugar, which the cells then utilize for energy. However, unused sugars are quickly converted into fat stores. The key to avoiding this transfer? Exercise and fasting.

Exercise provides a natural use of the body’s glucose as it is released as energy and put to work. Fasting lowers the body’s insulin levels and facilitates a transition to the next source of energy, as sugar is no longer readily available. The source the body turns to is those same fat cells. This evolutionary mechanism of the human body called, gluconeogenesis (or literally “glucose creation”), was a genetic adaptation aimed at providing optimal performance to early humans in times of food shortage.

What is the science behind fasting and how long should you fast?

There are a lot of answers to this one, but we can start by looking strictly at the science. The chart below shows the various stages of the body’s use of insulin and the subsequent transition to using fast stores for energy. (Credit to Idmprogram.com for providing this informative graphic).

1. Feeding – During meals, insulin levels are raised. This allows uptake of glucose into tissues such as the muscle or brain to be used directly for energy. Excess glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver.
2. The post-absorptive phase – 6-24 hours after beginning fasting. Insulin levels start to fall. Breakdown of glycogen releases glucose for energy. Glycogen stores last for roughly 24 hours.
3. Gluconeogenesis – 24 hours to 2 days – The liver manufactures new glucose from amino acids in “gluconeogenesis”. In non-diabetic persons, glucose levels fall but stay within the normal range.
4. Ketosis – 2-3 days after beginning fasting – The low levels of insulin reached during fasting stimulate lipolysis, the breakdown of fat for energy. The storage form of fat, known as triglycerides, is broken into the glycerol backbone and three fatty acid chains. Glycerol is used for gluconeogenesis. Fatty acids may be used for directly for energy by many tissues in the body, but not the brain. Ketone bodies, capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, are produced from fatty acids for use by the brain. After four days of fasting, approximately 75% of the energy used by the brain is provided by ketones. The two major types of ketones produced are beta hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate, which can increase over 70-fold during fasting.
5. Protein conservation phase – >5 days – High levels of growth hormone maintain muscle mass and lean tissues. The energy for maintenance of basal metabolism is almost entirely met by the use of free fatty acids and ketones. Increased norepinephrine (adrenalin) levels prevent the decrease in metabolic rate.

The concept of fasting is to lower insulin and allow fat cells to release their stored sugar. This in turn reduces weight as fat cells are depleted. Numerous studies have pointed out the various lengths of time for this insulin drop to occur, but the consensus is it starts to pick up after about 8 hours and accelerates rapidly as you approach and pass the 24-hour mark. Glycogen, or glucose energy stores, lasts around 24 hours before depletion. After this point, almost all energy used is coming from stored fat cells. Absent other health conditions, it is generally safe for the body to endure a fast lasting 24-48 hours, as long as the individual is regularly hydrating with water.

In a recent Harvard study, intermittent fasting was shown to shed weight, reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and improve blood sugars. Almost all studies performed show that IF is safe and effective. However, it is the timing of the fast and the length that can provide dramatic and sustainable results in weight loss and diabetes prevention. According to Dr. Deborah Wexler, Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Diabetes Center at Harvard Medical School; “There is evidence to suggest that the circadian rhythm fasting approach, where meals are restricted to an eight to 10-hour period of the daytime, is effective,”

Can you do it?

Most people, when faced with such a proposition, say that they couldn’t imagine going without food for more than 24 hours, or even simply limiting intake to a six-hour window every day.

Personally, I find that a 24 hour fast two or three days per week, is very effective. I find my appetite is suppressed, my energy levels are great, and I experience consistent and sustained weight loss. The best part? I haven’t dramatically changed what I am eating (I try to be healthy of course but it’s not a rule). For those suffering from chronic pain; weight loss, ideal energy levels, and a general avoidance of inflammatory food is even more critical.

The best diet is one that works for you. Make it too hard and you’ll crash and revert, getting rid of any gains and sometimes getting to a worse point than they started with. But with a little training (it’s more brain than body), anyone can implement intermittent or extended fasting with success.

Some closing tips

1. Avoid sugars and refined grains. Instead, eat fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (a sensible, plant-based, Mediterranean-style diet).
2. Let your body burn fat between meals. Don’t snack. Be active throughout your day. Build muscle tone.
3. Consider a simple form of intermittent fasting. Limit the hours of the day when you eat, and for best effect, make it earlier in the day (between 7 am to 3 pm, or even 10 am to 6 pm, but definitely not in the evening before bed).
4. Avoid snacking or eating at nighttime, all the time.

Sources:

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Since 1942, the average American has lost an hour of sleep, now down to 6.8 hours. This might not seem like much, but evolution and biology tend to lean on the stubborn side. The human body’s natural sleep pattern is as inherent to one’s physiology as the ability to walk. It’s the genetic programming that has allowed humanity to perform, endure, and recover, and then do it all again the next day. As with many things, this can sometimes be at odds with the stresses of modern living. In today’s fast-paced environment, not only are we are staying up later and waking earlier, but the quality of our sleep is declining too.

Thankfully modern life does have its advantages. One of those advantages is data collection. Thanks to technology, we know that in 2018, one in five Americans was using a wearable device to track their sleep. This increased focus on sleep has provided valuable insight into how much sleep Americans are getting, as well as a wealth of associated health data.

The inherent sleep deficits seen in a majority of these studies have long-reaching effects. Some studies have shown that sleep deprivation has a profound impact on reaction time, and might be as dangerous to drivers as alcohol in some instances. Sleeping less than six hours per night triples your chance of hypertension. And so on…

But what about pain?

Numerous studies into sleep deficits point to the body’s inhibited ability to recover and repair, and some research is narrowing down into those specific effects. According to a research study from the UK, “poor or insufficient sleep is actually the strongest predicator for pain in adults over 50.”

“In older adults widespread pain, that is pain that affects multiple sites in the body, is common and is associated with morbidity and disability including poor mental health and reduced physical functioning,” said Ross Wilkie, the study’s senior author. Wilkie is one of the researchers with the Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Center of Keele University in Staffordshire. “Non-restorative sleep was the strongest predictor of new onset widespread pain,” he said, and “sleep is a modifiable target,” so improving it might improve the outcomes of these people, he said.

There is little doubt that sleep deprivation negatively affects the human body, but this is especially true for those with acute and chronic pain conditions, as evidenced by new research like this. Thankfully, this knowledge gives us helpful tips on breaking this cycle of sleep problems;

Pain Relief

Seek treatment for the pain that is the primary cause of the sleep deficit.

Wind down

“Slowing down” in the final hours before going to sleep allows the body to make an easy transition to a state of rest.

Invest in Yourself

Give yourself a full eight hours to rest and recover. This won’t happen if you’re constantly up against the clock.

Eliminate Light

Light triggers serotonin production, which can keep you awake and disrupt your circadian rhythm. Reduce light while sleeping to combat this.

Lower the temperature

Most people find it easier to sleep in a cooler room, anywhere between 65-70 degrees.

Exercise and Diet

Regular physical activity and eating well can be the primary keys to good sleep hygiene.

Sources:

Poor Sleep linked to Widespread Pain

How Much Less Sleep Are You Getting Than Everyone Else?

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As the metatarsal bone protrudes, it forces the big toe in the opposite direction (out towards the other toes on that foot) and produces a buckling of the joint. The top of the metatarsal bone, now “subluxed” or separated from the big toe joint, is where the bunion is. 

In this YouTube video, board-certified podiatrist Dr. Michael Katz, explains how to treat painful bunions. 

Painful bunions caused by osteoarthritis and degenerative disease

With bunions you can also develop osteoarthritis or degenerative disease of the joint. As the joint wears away and the bunion progresses and grows larger, you can develop joint disease.

Different types of arthritis—not just osteoarthritis but rheumatoid arthritis as well—can affect the first metatarsal phalangeal joint as well as all the joints in the foot. Gouty arthritis, or gout occurring in the foot is the most common occurrence for gout and can present with a very hot and warm and extremely painful big toe joint. 

When you visit a podiatrist for painful bunions, the doctor will typically look to see whether you have a foot deformity or a flexible arch. If you have a flexible arch, it can cause the bunion to worsen. This is because the more pressure there is on the inside of the foot as the foot flattens, the more pressure there is on the first metatarsal, which further causes it to deviate.

Nonsurgical treatment for painful bunions

If you have a flat foot deformity, your podiatrist may recommend an orthotic which is a shoe insert that can be used to stabilize the foot and help prevent the bunion from worsening. 

Other nonsurgical options for painful bunions include injections to the area. If there’s bursitis associated with the bunion, for example, a corticosteroid injection in the joint will settle the joint down by reducing inflammation and pain. This is not a permanent cure but produces enough pain relief from bunions that you can walk further and do more in your daily life. You may need repeat injections after a few weeks or months and go for regular check-ins with your podiatrist.

Need help with painful bunions?

Talk to our podiatrist today. We offer same-week appointments! 

The post How to Treat Painful Bunions appeared first on Restore Medical Partners.

Vertiflex is an FDA-approved procedure that involves placement of a small spacer inside the spine to create more room for the nerves and less friction in the space. The spacer insertion is done without removal of any nearby bone or tissue. This LSS treatment is minimally invasive and has been shown to provide long-term pain relief from lumbar spinal stenosis.

What causes LSS pain

Lumbar spinal stenosis develops over time and is most common in people over 60. It’s caused by normal wear and tear that leads to spinal canal narrowing and development of conditions such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disk disease, thickened ligaments, and bone diseases. 

LSS symptoms that develop often include:

• Leg weakness
• Pain when walking or standing
• Lack of physical endurance
• Tingling or numbness in legs, back or buttocks
• Desire to sit or lean over to relieve pain

People living with lumbar spinal stenosis may also experience problems with balance, mobility and functionality, and ability to perform daily activities. Without LSS treatment, you may experience permanent nerve damage due to long-term lumbar spinal stenosis. 

What to expect from Vertiflex LSS treatment

The way Vertiflex works for LSS pain is similar to how you find relief when you lean forward or sit down to feel relief from lumbar spinal stenosis. 

• A spacer, sized appropriately for your anatomy, is inserted inside the spine.
• Once the spacer has been inserted, the spacer’s “arms” open to create space for the constricted nerves.
• No bone or tissue is removed in the process, making the Vertiflex procedure one of the safest options for treatment of LSS. 

Vertiflex is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive, same-day procedure that requires very little down time. 

The Vertiflex LSS treatment is minimally invasive, requiring just a small incision for placement of the spacer followed by a quick recovery time. The treatment is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day of treatment. You will not need general anesthesia (you will not be put to sleep). Local anesthesia or numbing will alleviate any potential discomfort. It is recommended, however, that someone come with you the day of your appointment. 

After the procedure, which takes less than 45 minutes, your doctor will provide instructions for at-home care, such as:

• Keeping surgical site wounds clean and dry
• Avoiding scrubbing the surgical site for 72 hours
• Avoiding baths and excessive soaking of the surgical site
• Reporting any changes such as bleeding, redness or swelling (possible infection)
• Avoiding activity such as lifting, bending and strenuous activity for six week

You’ll generally have a follow-up appointment with your pain management doctor within two weeks following the Vertiflex procedure.

Vertiflex is covered by Medicare and some private insurance companies. Discuss your coverage options with your health care provider and be sure to consult with your insurance provider for coverage information.

Interested in Vertiflex LSS treatment?

Find out what’s next for your lumbar spinal stenosis pain. Talk to a pain management specialist today.

The post Vertiflex: An LSS Treatment that Really Works appeared first on Restore Medical Partners.

When a bulging disc squeezes on the sciatic nerve, it can cause radiating pain down the back of the leg. People describe this as a burning, aching, tingling, or throbbing sensation. The diagnosis is called lumbar radiculopathy because the source of the problem is the lower back (lumbar) and the transference of pain is down one or the other leg (usually not both). 

When to see a physical therapist for sciatica

If you’ve been living with sciatica, you may have tried a variety of treatments and medications to deal with pain. Under medical supervision, a provider will usually start with a medical exam and some testing which may include:

• MRI
• X-ray
• CT scan
• Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies

Medications to treat sciatica often include anti-inflammatories and opioids as well as corticosteroid injections. Some patients also benefit from anti-seizure medications and antidepressants because of their side benefits of nerve pain relief.

But what if you’ve tried all of that and it’s still not working? 

You probably need a physical therapist who can help you with short- and long-term pain-relief from sciatica. 

Seeing a physical therapist for sciatica: What to expect

Your physical therapist will do a thorough assessment of your condition which will include exploration of your medical history and any history of trauma that caused the sciatica. You’ll be asked to perform different stretches and leg lifts which can help the therapist identify your range of motion and functionality. 

Your therapist will also assess how you walk (your gait) to see how sciatica nerve pain impacts the way you move. For example, some people might be experiencing so much pain, they compensate by adding more weight to the other leg, further compromising the body.

Your physical therapist will also ask different questions about how sciatica affects your daily life, such as:

• Is it triggered by sitting or lying down?
• Does it worsen as the day goes on or is it about the same?
• Does walking and exercise seem to help, or does it not make any difference?

Once your therapist has a full understanding of your condition, they’ll develop a customized physical therapy program for you. Depending on the severity of your sciatica and the pain you’re experiencing, a PT program may last anywhere from eight to 12 weeks. You’ll usually need to go on-site for therapy at least twice a week, if not three times. Frequency helps the body respond more readily and helps you gain momentum.

Again, every patient is different. Your physical therapist and staff will accommodate your busy life and help make sure you’re getting the most out of your program.

How physical therapists treat sciatica nerve pain

Your physical therapy program is meant to accomplish certain goals over the course of your treatment, including:

• Relieving pain in your lower back, thigh, leg and buttock
• Reducing muscle spasm
• Restoring joint function in the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint
• Improving lower body mobility
• Preventing pain flair-ups in the future 

To accomplish this, your physical therapist may introduce a wide variety of treatments and techniques to reduce sciatica nerve pain. Some of the most effective treatment options include:

Strengthening exercises – such as bridge holds and use of resistance bands and weight training

Joint mobilization – when a therapist applies joint pressure to produce a therapeutic effect

Dry needling – the use of fine needles to identify, target and release pain through trigger points in the body

Extension and flexion exercises – exercising backward and forward in specific ways to target and reduce radiating pain symptoms

Hot and cold therapies – used alternatingly to help stimulate blood flow to the affected area and reduce spasms, inflammation and pain

These are just some examples of the therapies that may be introduced. Your physical therapist will work with you along the way to identify appropriate treatments to minimize your pain and achieve optimal results.

Also keep in mind that it may take a few weeks to start experiencing relief from sciatica nerve pain. Physical therapy may be harder on some days than others. You may feel like you’re going forward and then experience a set back because of a pain trigger in your daily life. 

Be patient with yourself and with the physical therapy process. Your therapist will also give you a home exercise program to help you stay on track in between visits. It’s important to do your best to apply what you’ve learned at therapy at home as well. You may need to think in terms of lifelong wellness when it comes to sciatica and back pain. For many people, it comes and goes.

Ideally, you’ll want to implement the exercises you’ve been given at physical therapy into your daily life so you can maintain the gains you’ve achieved through your physical therapy program. 

Interested in talking to someone about sciatica nerve pain?

Give us a call at (941) 375-3006 or fill out the form to see if physical therapy is right for you. Same-week appointments are available.

The post Do I Need a Physical Therapist for Sciatica Nerve Pain appeared first on Restore Medical Partners.

In the past, spinal cord stimulators had batteries that had to be replaced or recharged every three to five years. Now, however, the Proclaim XR SCS System has a 10-year battery life, which allows you to benefit from years of neurostimulation without having to have a follow-up battery procedure. 

What kind of pain does a spinal cord stimulator help? 

The Proclaim XR SCS System is designed to help people who have chronic pain in the body and/or the arms or legs. This may include pain that occurs on one or both sides. It also includes pain associated with failed back surgery and chronic, untreatable low back and leg pain.

A spinal cord stimulator helps if you have tried a variety of methods to control your pain and the pain has returned or only subsided, and you have not found sufficient relief. People who get spinal cord stimulators may have tried treatments such as:

• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Neurotomy or radiofrequency ablation
• Weight loss
• Exercise
• Supplementation

If you’re frustrated with pain management treatments that haven’t worked for you, talk to your pain management doctor about the Proclaim XR SCS System to see if this is an option for you.

How does the Proclaim XR SCS system work?

The Proclaim XR SCS System uses BurstDR stimulation, a new type of waveform that was developed by doctors. BurstDR was created to mimic naturally occurring signal patterns in the body. 

There are two ways the brain receives information via the central nervous system:

• At steady intervals, or tonic waves
• In clustered, or “burst” waves 

It is the burst firing that the Proclaim XR SCS system mimics because researchers have found this type of firing of the brain affects not only the physical response to pain but also a patient’s emotional response. Oftentimes pain affects a person’s psyche as well as physical well-being. Pain and depression, for example, go hand-in-hand, and can produce a vicious circle of pain and emotional response to pain that feed one another. 

Am I a candidate for a spinal cord stimulator?

To determine whether you’re a good candidate for the Proclaim XR SCS System, talk to your pain management doctor about doing a temporary evaluation. 

This is the protocol for all potential SCS patients – a test period of about one week during which you’ll have a neurostimulation device placed on your body. The device has electrical “leads” (small wires) which (similar to the actual Proclaim XR SCS device) alter the signaling of pain to the brain. The test device, however, does not require surgical implantation.

During the trial period, you will keep track of your pain symptoms. Pay attention to whether you notice improvements in areas such as:

• Sleep
• Functionality and mobility
• Daily activities

If, at the end of your neurostimulation trial period, you have experienced at least 50 percent improvement in pain symptoms, you may be a good candidate for the Proclaim XR SCS System. Discuss your experience with your pain management doctor to determine whether the SCS is the right choice for you and to determine next steps.

What’s involved with Proclaim XR SCS implantation

If you and your pain management doctor determine that an SCS is right for you, having the spinal cord stimulator implanted is a surgical procedure that happens at a surgery center or hospital. This is an outpatient procedure, and you can go home the same day, but it does require anesthesia and you will need to have someone drive you to and from your appointment. 

After SCS implantation, you will need to take it easy for a while. Your doctor will provide you with postsurgical instructions for bathing and showering as well as activity. In the first week or two after the device is implanted, any pain you might experience is mostly from the small surgical wound as it heals. You’ll need to be especially careful not to move around a lot or lift heavy objects during this critical healing period.

Soon after the surgery, and certainly after the wound has healed, many patients report experiencing immediate relief from previous back, leg and arm pain, as the spinal cord stimulator begins to work by disrupting pain signals to the brain.

Curious about the Proclaim XR SCS System and whether it’s right for you?

Talk to a pain management specialist at Restore Medical Partners. 

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Pain Tracking Tools 

Pain tracking tools are becoming increasingly popular for those who suffer from chronic pain. Wearable devices such as Fitbit or Apple Watch allow users to track different types of data related to their pain, such as activity levels, sleep patterns, and even food intake. By collecting this data over time, people can develop a better understanding of how their lifestyle impacts their pain levels, allowing them to make informed decisions about how they manage their pain. 

Pain Management Through Telemedicine 

Telemedicine is a technology that allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, meaning that doctors can provide advice and treatments from any location. This type of care has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its convenience and cost savings for both patients and doctors alike. For people in chronic pain, telemedicine can be especially beneficial since they are often unable to travel due to their condition. Additionally, telemedicine allows patients access to specialists outside their local area who may be better equipped to diagnose and treat their specific condition. 

Advanced Treatments for Chronic Pain 

Chronic pain can be debilitating and difficult to manage without proper medical intervention. Fortunately, new treatments such as spinal cord stimulation have been developed in recent years which offer greater relief than traditional methods like medications or manual therapies. Spinal cord stimulation uses a small device implanted near the spine which sends electrical pulses along nerves in order to reduce pain signals from reaching the brain. This type of therapy has been proven effective in reducing chronic back and neck pain, as well as phantom limb syndrome – a common side effect of amputation surgery – among other conditions. 

New Technologies for Diagnosis & Treatment 

Advances in medical imaging technology have allowed doctors to diagnose conditions more accurately than ever before through MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasound imaging, etc., giving them an inside look into the body that was not possible even just a decade ago. Additionally, new surgical techniques such as robot-assisted surgery allow surgeons to perform operations with greater accuracy and less risk than traditional methods while also providing faster recovery times for patients. All these advances have allowed doctors to more effectively diagnose and treat conditions related to chronic or acute pain with greater precision than ever before. 

Pain management is an essential aspect of healthcare today, but it’s come a long way since the days when drugs were the only option for treating chronic or acute pain conditions. Thanks to advances in technology such as telemedicine services and improved surgical techniques, there are now many options available for managing your pain levels — no matter what condition you are dealing with — with greater effectiveness than ever before. If you’re struggling with persistent or acute pains caused by an injury or illness, talk with your doctor about all your options so you can find one that works best for your needs!

Are you looking for a pain management doctor? Give us a call at 941-375-3006 or fill out the form and we’ll get back to you.

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