How Behavior Modification Can Help Alleviate Your Hip Pain
Looking for a natural approach to hip pain relief? The answer could be “all in your head” with behavior modification and mindful movement.
When to See a Specialist About Chronic Pain
For many people, pain is an all-too-common part of life. Yet, when discomfort shifts from a transient ache to a constant companion, life can become a daily struggle. Chronic pain not only impedes your everyday activities but can also cloud your mental well-being.
If you’re struggling with chronic pain, it’s time to see a pain expert. At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, our pain specialist Dr. Brian K. Rich stands ready to help you win the battle against chronic pain. Whether you’ve tried other treatments without success, or your chronic pain is a new issue, Dr. Rich can help you find an effective solution to bring relief.
Recognizing chronic pain
Chronic pain is a persistent or intermittent discomfort that lasts three months or more, often continuing even after the injury or illness that initially caused it has healed. This could be pain lingering from a surgical procedure, a long-term backache, arthritis, or even fibromyalgia or neuropathy.
When to see a specialist
You may have a high tolerance for pain or are adept at adjusting to discomfort. But there comes a point when bearing the burden alone is not only challenging but could be detrimental to your overall health.
Here are a few indicators that it’s time to visit a specialist like our experts at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics:
Pain persists beyond expected recovery time
If you've had an injury or undergone surgery and the pain lingers far beyond the estimated recovery period, it's time to seek a specialist's help. Persistent pain may indicate complications or another underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Pain interferes with daily life
When chronic pain becomes a hurdle in accomplishing daily tasks like working, sleeping, eating, or simply enjoying life, it's a sign to consult a pain specialist. You shouldn't have to compromise on the quality of your life because of constant pain.
Pain is accompanied by anxiety or depression
Chronic pain and mental health are closely intertwined. If you notice feelings of anxiety, depression, irritability, or other emotional changes accompanying your physical pain, it's crucial to seek professional help. A specialist can not only address your physical discomfort but also provide resources to handle the mental health aspects of chronic pain.
Pain is unresponsive to over-the-counter medication
If over-the-counter pain relievers aren't easing your discomfort, or you find yourself increasingly relying on them, a visit to a specialist is warranted. Long-term use of such medications can lead to other health issues.
Treating chronic pain
At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, we provide a comprehensive range of advanced treatment options for chronic pain that affects various areas of the body, including the neck, back, knee, shoulder, and hip.
Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure in which heat generated from radio waves is used to target specific nerves and temporarily turn off their ability to send pain signals.
This treatment can be remarkably effective for chronic pain in the neck, back, and knees. It's an especially viable option for patients whose pain originates from the facet joints in the spine or from degenerative knee conditions.
Peripheral nerve stimulation
Peripheral nerve stimulation is another innovative treatment. It involves using a small device that sends electrical signals to the nerves to disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain.
Interspinous fusion
For patients struggling with chronic back pain, especially due to degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis, interspinous fusion can be a game-changer. This surgical procedure involves stabilizing the spine by fusing the problematic vertebrae together, which can dramatically alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Every patient's pain is unique, and at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, we firmly believe in tailoring treatments to individual needs. Dr. Rich is prepared to partner with you to formulate a personalized treatment plan to reclaim your life from the shackles of chronic pain.
To learn more, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rich. We have clinics in
Lawton, Oklahoma, and Decatur, Texas.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Managing Your Lower Back Pain at Your Desk Job
Long hours at the office can take a toll on your back, but relief is within reach. Learn easy-to-implement tips on posture, stretching, and hydration to help keep your back healthy while you work.
How to Protect Your Knees as a Runner
Ready to hit the pavement? Make sure your knees are prepared too. Discover simple ways to avoid injury and run pain-free.
5 Common Causes of Chronic Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can become chronic, and when it does, even most basic activities are painful. Before persistent shoulder pain limits your daily functioning, have it checked out by an expert.
How to Manage Degenerative Disc Disease Without Major Surgery
Managing degenerative disc disease without major surgery is not only possible but also highly effective with the right approach. With minimally invasive treatment, you can get pain relief, improved mobility, and better quality of life.
What to Expect During Your Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial
Spinal cord stimulation is designed to treat chronic pain, and when it’s successful, many patients report life-altering pain relief. A trial period tests the effectiveness of this therapy before patients commit to a permanent implant.