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PTCOA Announces Opening of Texarkana Clinic

Thu, 23 May 2019 18:58:55 GMT

Pain Treatment Centers of America is proud to announce the opening of our newest pain management clinic in Texarkana, Arkansas on May 28, 2019. This new clinic will allow our outstanding pain specialists to provide care, diagnosis and pain relief to a greater number of patients than ever before.

What sets Pain Treatment Centers of America Apart?

There are several unique aspects of PTCOA that make us a leading pain management provider in the state of Arkansas:

We Offer Comprehensive Pain Management. Unlike other pain clinics, PTCOA offers treatment for all chronic pain conditions, even conditions that aren’t spine-oriented.

We Accept All Major Insurance Plans. PTCOA is proud to accept all major insurance plans and government expansion programs. This includes Medicare and Medicaid.

We Offer Advanced Pain Management Therapies. PTCOA offers an array of advanced therapies in diagnosing and treating pain, including Spinal Cord Stimulation, Intrathecal Drug Delivery, Kyphoplasty and SI Fusion. We also offer genicular nerve block and genicular nerve ablation for diagnosis and treatment of chronic knee pain .

We Offer Both Interventional and Conservative Pain Management. We offer pain management options that fit the unique needs of our patients and help them meet their pain management goals.

Our Team Consists of Experienced Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. We are dedicated to hiring the best, most experienced pain management specialists. The members of our team have over 100 years of combined pain management experience.

Pain Treatment in Texarkana: PTCOA's New Clinic Location and Information

Our Texarkana clinic will open on Tuesday, May 28, 2019. We are conveniently located on N Stateline Avenue in Texarkana!

We are currently accepting and scheduling patients for our Texarkana clinic.

To schedule an appointment or speak with our Texarkana representatives, call (844) 215-0731.

Genicular Nerve Block: FAQs + Information

Mon, 20 May 2019 14:28:57 GMT

The knee is one of the main weight-bearing joints of the body. As a result, it undergoes a lot of wear and tear throughout our lives. Injuries, diseases, failed surgery and the normal effects of aging can eventually cause significant knee pain that worsens as we age.

Anyone with chronic knee pain knows how big of an impact it can have on work, fitness, and daily chores. For people with advanced knee arthritis, pain often persists even when sitting or laying down.

As osteoarthritis progresses in the knee joint, pain and knee stiffness can become unbearable. Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, may provide initial relief, but as arthritis progresses, the pain always returns. Eventually, it may also stop responding to traditional treatments. At this point, many patients elect to undergo a knee replacement.

For many people, however, surgery is not an option due to coexisting diseases or health concerns. These patients may elect to explore newer and more advanced non-surgical treatment options, such as nerve ablation.

Pain Treatment Centers of America specializes in diagnosing and treating chronic knee pain using cutting edge techniques and procedures, including genicular nerve block and ablation.

What Is Genicular Nerve Block?

The word “genicular” refers to the various arteries (femoral and popliteal) and nerves that feed into the knee. For people with knee osteoarthritis, the pain signals delivered by these nerves can become unbearable.

A genicular nerve block temporarily blocks the nerve signals in the knee. If you experience effective pain relief following a nerve block, your pain specialist may recommend genicular nerve ablation to treat your knee pain.

During the GNB procedure, your doctor will target the superior medial, the superior lateral and the interior medial nerves of your knee with anesthesia. The anesthesia numbs the nerves and prevents them from sending a pain signal to the brain.

Is Genicular Nerve Block Painful?

Genicular nerve block procedures require the use of a needle. For many people, the injection causes mild pain. However, IV sedation can help relieve discomfort or anxiety before and during the procedure.

Are There Risks Associated with Genicular Nerve Block?

GNB is a non-surgical procedure that carries few risks. However, some cases of adverse side effects have been reported. These side effects include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, nausea and dizziness.

What To Expect Following a Genicular Nerve Block

Following your GNB, you should pay close attention to your pain levels. Pain relief should occur almost immediately after the injection, and should last at least a few hours. Patients who experience significant pain relief from the injection are often good candidates for nerve ablation, which cauterizes the nerves in the knee. Genicular nerve ablation can provide pain relief for up to 18 months .

Are you experiencing chronic knee pain that hasn’t responded to treatment? A genicular nerve block can help diagnose the source of your pain.

Pain Treatment Centers of America is proud to specialize in genicular nerve block and ablation in Arkansas. Contact us today to schedule your appointment: 844-215-0731.

Fibromyalgia: FAQs and Treatment

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 18:51:47 GMT

Fibromyalgia affects nearly 4 million Americans . Unfortunately, it’s among the most misunderstood condition in the world.

Here’s what you should know about this disease and finding relief from your fibromyalgia pain.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition . It can cause aches and discomfort in all areas of the body, including the muscles, tendons, joints and skin. Many people with the condition also have tender points on the body--areas where even slight pressure can cause intense discomfort.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Sleep disturbance

Fatigue

Irritability

Memory problems

Tingling in hands or feet

Numbness in hands or feet

Depression

Anxiety

Digestive issues, including symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

People with fibromyalgia have also reported feelings of muscle and joint stiffness and frequent headaches.

Unlike inflammatory or autoimmune conditions like arthritis or lupus, fibromyalgia is believed to be connected with the central nervous system.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Researchers don’t know the exact cause of fibromyalgia. However, it is believed that different “triggering” events can cause the condition to surface.

Fibromyalgia that comes on rapidly has often been associated with traumatic injuries from car accidents. In other studies, fibromyalgia patients reported that their symptoms surfaced following surgery, infections, illnesses, and bodily assault.

Mental illness and emotional and physical trauma have also been linked to the onset of fibromyalgia.

Who Is Affected By Fibromyalgia?

While the condition can affect people of all ages and races, fibromyalgia is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged women. Individuals with a family history of fibromyalgia are more commonly diagnosed, as well.

In additional studies, obesity and lack of physical activity have been linked to more severe fibromyalgia symptoms.

Fibromyalgia Testing and Diagnosis

Fibromyalgia is commonly diagnosed through a combination of x-rays, blood testing, and physical examination. Medical history and tender point testing may also be used in diagnosis.

How Is Fibromyalgia Treated?

While there is no cure, there are treatments available to help relieve fibromyalgia pain:

Antidepressants - duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran (Savella) are approved by the FDA to treat fibromyalgia
Anti-seizure medication - pregabalin (Lyrica) is approved by the FDA to treat fibromyalgia
Over-the-counter pain medications
Exercise
Lifestyle changes (weight loss, increasing sleep, massage, daily stretching)

If you have tried traditional fibromyalgia treatments with no success, a pain management specialist may be able to help.

Pain Treatment Centers of America is proud to specialize in fibromyalgia treatment in Arkansas. Contact us today to schedule your appointment: 844-215-0731.

Herniated Disc Pain + Treaments

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 20:00:21 GMT

Back pain is extremely common. In fact, it’s the most reported type of pain on the planet, with up to 80% of people experiencing low back pain at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, many people experience back pain that doesn’t respond to traditional pain relief techniques. This can lead to limited mobility and even disability.

One of the most common sources of chronic back pain is a herniated disc.

Here’s what you should know about herniated disc pain and its treatments.

What is a Herniated Disc?

The human spine, which runs from the base of the skull to the pelvis, is comprised of 33 bones called vertebrae. Only the 24 bones at the top of the spinal column--in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions--are moveable. The bones at the bottom, in the sacrum and coccyx, are fused.

The vertebrae of the spine are stacked on top of each other with small, cushiony discs in between. These discs are comprised of 80% water and have a tough outer ring (the annulus) with a soft, gel-like center (the nucleus).

A disc is considered herniated when its jelly-like nucleus pushes into the outer annulus. Because the spinal canal is narrow, a herniated disc can press against the outerlying nerves of the spinal column. Many individuals with herniated discs experience no symptoms. Others experience severe pain, tingling, numbness and even muscle weakness.

When the annulus is cracked or ruptured, the nucleus of the spinal disc can leak out into the spinal canal.

What Causes Herniated Discs?

Most herniated discs are caused by age-related wear and tear or injury. Being overweight may also contribute to disc herniation, since excess body weight puts extra strain on the spinal column.

The most common symptoms of a herniated disc include:

Pain. Typically, herniated discs occur in the cervical region (the neck) or the lumbar region (the low back). Pain is often felt in these areas, with many individuals experiencing shooting pains that extend to the arms, shoulders or fingers.

Sciatica. For herniated discs in the lumbar region of the spine, sciatica is the most commonly reported symptom. Sciatica is characterized by shooting pains that extend down the buttocks or through the backs of the legs.

Numbness. The nerves that are impacted by the herniated disc can cause localized numbness.

Tingling. The nerves affected by a herniated disc may cause localized tingling.

Weakness. A herniated disc may impact surrounding muscles and cause a feeling of weakness.

Herniated Disc Treatment + Pain Relief

There are several treatments for disc herniation that can relieve pain, tingling, numbness and weakness.

The most common treatments are rest and physical therapy. Stretching and regular exercise can help relieve the amount of pressure placed on the spinal nerve root. Over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and narcotics are also commonly used to treat herniated disc pain. For individuals experiencing muscle spasms, muscle relaxants are a good treatment option.

When pain doesn’t respond to traditional treatments, epidural steroid injections may be recommended. Eventually, surgery may be recommended for chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments.

Pain Treatment Centers of America is proud to specialize in a variety of treatments for herniated disc pain.

Make your appointment with PTCOA today by calling (844) 215-0731.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Info + Treatment

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 19:53:22 GMT

Back pain--particularly low back pain--is one of the most pervasive and immobilizing forms of pain. In fact, it is the leading contributor to disability worldwide .

When you undergo back surgery, you don’t expect to be left with persistent or even worse forms of pain afterward. However, many laminectomy patients do experience post-surgery pain. The condition even has a name: Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.

Here’s what you should know about this increasingly common condition and its treatments.

What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, often called FBSS or post-laminectomy syndrome, is a collection of conditions characterized by post-surgery pain.

Post-laminectomy pain occurs after surgery. For some patients, the pain that surgery was meant to cure returns after a brief pain-free period. For others, nerve damage, failure to heal, or a new spinal problem causes pain after surgery. Post-laminectomy syndrome pain has a variety of causes. As a result, treatments vary widely.

As chronic back pain has become more common, more surgeries have been developed to treat it. Unfortunately, many of the root causes of low back pain, such as arthritis, nerve damage and recurrent disc herniation, are progressive.

Scar tissue is another problematic result of back surgery. In many cases of post-laminectomy syndrome, scar tissue is the only problem that can be spotted on an MRI. This makes diagnosing and treating recurring pain more difficult.

What Types of Pain Are Common in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

FBBS is characterized by a variety of pain types and symptoms:

Nerve pain, characterized by burning, stinging, prickling, or sensitivity, is the most common pain reported by patients

Many patients complain of pain radiating to other areas of their body, including their legs or arms

Many patients experience feelings of muscle weakness and issues with bladder or bowel control

Carefully track any pain you experience after healing from a low back surgery. Write down descriptions of the pain, i.e. any burning, stinging, aching or radiating pain. Use this information to help your doctor evaluate your condition.

Failed Back Surgery Treatment Options

If you’re experiencing pain after back surgery, schedule an evaluation with your doctor immediately.

This evaluation may involve a physical examination, radiologic testing like x-rays and MRIs and other physical testing.

Pain Treatment Centers of America offers evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome in Arkansas. Contact us today to learn more about treatment options or to schedule your appointment.

Arthritis Pain: What Are The Best Treatment Options?

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 16:57:14 GMT

Arthritis pain is a common issue for millions of Americans of all ages. In fact, the CDC reports that over 50 million people were suffering from some form of arthritis in 2018; that’s a staggering 23% of all adults. Because it’s so common, arthritis is considered the leading cause of disability in the United States.

Arthritis pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that impacts mobility and quality of life.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with arthritis, you may have questions regarding the nature of the condition and how it can be treated.

Today, we’re examining what arthritis is--and how Pain Treatment Centers of America can help you effectively manage the pain and joint stiffness that accompany it.

What is Arthritis?

Despite having one name, arthritis is actually an umbrella term for over 100 different conditions and diseases.

Degenerative disc disease, gout, bursitis, Kawasaki disease, fibromyalgia, and lupus are all considered forms of arthritis.

At its most basic level, arthritis is inflammation of the body’s joints --the places where two or more bones meet. Most commonly, arthritis affects the joints of the fingers, hips, knees, elbows, wrists, back and neck.

What Are the Most Common Types of Arthritis?

Arthritis is incredibly common, but a few types are diagnosed more often than others:

Osteoarthritis. This form of arthritis occurs when the cushioning cartilage between the joints breaks down. This can cause the bones to rub together or the joints to grind during normal movements. Osteoarthritis is a common side effect of aging, resulting from the normal wear and tear of joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own healthy tissues, including the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis causes a swelling in the joints that can lead to debilitating pain and deformation of the joints.

Psoriatic Arthritis. Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. It can also cause damage to joints and ligaments if left untreated.

Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a pain disorder in which the brain processes pain signals differently and more intensely than is normal. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal discomfort, sensitivity to touch and disturbances to sleep and mood.

Gout. Gout is a condition characterized by sudden, severe bouts of pain, generally located in a single joint like the one in the big toe. It’s caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, and joint discomfort can linger for weeks after a bout of inflammation has subsided.

How is Arthritis Treated?

Before you can seek proper treatment for your arthritis, you’ll need to find out the kind of arthritis you have. This can be accomplished through laboratory tests, x-rays and input from your doctor.

The most common treatments for arthritis include traditional oral medications like analgesics and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Other common treatments include corticosteroid injections, sacroiliac joint injections , ultrasound guided major joint injection , and joint surgery.

Pain Treatment Centers of America specializes in treating multiple forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and degenerative disc disease .

Make your appointment with PTCOA today by calling (844) 215-0731.

Pain Management FAQs

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 16:42:20 GMT

Every person understands the feeling of pain. Whether it’s a burning, stinging, ache, throbbing or sharp pain, we’ve all been there at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, many of us experience what is known as chronic pain--long-lasting pain that can have a serious impact on a person’s quality of life.

If you’ve been living with chronic pain, you know how confusing and distressing it can be to search for effective treatment options. It can be even more distressing to try and understand the nature of your pain and why it may not respond to traditional pain treatments.

At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand that your decision to seek education and treatment for chronic pain is a personal one.

Here are some frequently asked questions about seeking effective treatment for pain

FAQ #1: How Do I Know If My Pain is Acute or Chronic?

Both acute and chronic pain are significant health issues in the United States. In fact, chronic pain was estimated to have cost over half a billion dollars in lost productivity and medical services in 2012 alone.

Many people are confused about the classifications for pain, and whether their pain qualifies as acute or chronic.

Acute pain is a normal physiological response to injury--think of the shock of pain you feel when you get a cut or burn yourself while cooking. Acute pain arises quickly, is very intense, and subsides completely over a short period of time. Most acute pain goes away after three months.

If acute pain isn’t properly treated, it can develop into chronic pain --pain that persists for longer than three months.

Chronic pain occurs when pain signals in the brain continue firing long after recovery from illness or injury. One of the biggest causes of chronic pain is damage to peripheral nerves after an initial injury. Even after the injury heals, the damaged nerves continue to receive and send out pain signals into the body.

FAQ #2: When Should I Seek Treatment for My Pain?

You should seek treatment for any pain that lasts longer than three months. Ignoring persistent pain can cause it to get worse, and may make treatment more difficult.

FAQ #3: Are All Pain Medications Addictive?

Opioid drugs have caused a major health and economic crisis in the United States.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse , over 115 people per day died after overdosing on opioids in 2017. These overdoses were caused by the use of illegal opioid drugs like heroin, illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and prescription narcotics.

For individuals experiencing severe chronic pain, the idea of taking such an addictive medication to control pain is concerning. Fear of addiction, in fact, is among many patients’ biggest concerns when seeking treatment.

It’s important to understand your own risk factors for opioid addiction and to speak with your pain management specialist to find treatments you’re comfortable with. Some of the key risk factors for opioid addiction include:

Living in a rural area
Having a lower annual income
Taking a higher daily dosage of an opioid painkiller
Having a history of mental illness
Having a history of drug or alcohol abuse or dependency

When taken correctly, prescription opioid medications can be an effective method for relieving chronic pain. However, there is a wide range of pain management options that don’t involve prescription opioids.

FAQ #4: What Pain Treatment Options Are Available at PTCOA?

Depending on the nature and severity of your pain, your treatment options at PTCOA may vary. We proudly specialize in a number of minimally invasive pain treatment procedures , treating a wide variety of illnesses, injuries and conditions .

PTCOA is Arkansas’s largest comprehensive pain management practice with multiple locations to serve a variety of patients.

Find a location and schedule your appointment at PTCOA today.

What Is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 18:18:09 GMT

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is in fact not actually a syndrome.

FBSS is a general term that applies to individuals that have had unsuccessful back or spine surgery results and continue to suffer from consistent pain.

Because success rates for back surgery vary, we only recommend surgery if there is an identifiable anatomic lesion that can be corrected surgically.

Causes of Failed Back Surgery

The range of causes may include:

The surgery performed has a low success rate
Implant failure
The formation of scar tissue surrounding the root nerve
Damage obtained during the spinal surgery
Post-operative infection
Bone spurs
Incorrect diagnosis (meaning the area operated on was not the cause of a patient’s pain)

Symptoms of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

The warning signs of FBSS are as follows:

New pain beginning after the surgery
Trouble standing or walking
Dull, persistent pain in the neck, back, or legs
Muscle spasms
Fatigue
Failure to recover after surgery

Read a Related Article by PTCOA: Three Simple Yoga Poses for Back Pain You Can Do Anywhere

How to Treat Failed Back Surgery Syndrome with PTCOA

While there is no cure for chronic back pain, at Pain Treatment Centers of America we treat patients with compassion and offer our expertise to create a better quality of life.

With procedures that are proven effective, we are able to provide cutting edge, high quality care to our patients.

If you experience the above symptoms of FBSS, you may find relief with a minimally invasive procedure, such as Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial/Implants.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial/Implants

If your pain has failed to respond to more traditional treatment options, stimulation of the spinal nerves can help block the feeling of pain. Ultimately, helping improve functionality.

Learn More About Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial/Implants

Three Simple Yoga Poses for Back Pain You Can Do Anywhere

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 18:09:50 GMT

If you frequently suffer from lower back pain, you understand how much it affects how you feel not only physically, but mentally as well. The American Chiropractic Association reports that 31 million Americans deal with low-back pain at any given time. Back pain can affect your mood, appetite, sleep, concentration, stress levels, and more.

One of the most popular activities to help ease back pain is yoga, which incorporates various stretches and relaxation techniques. Yoga helps to strengthen the abdominal and back muscles, which helps to significantly reduce back pain.

3 Yoga Poses to Relieve Back Pain

Simple yoga poses can minimize back pain and the mental stress that comes with it. Plus, you these poses are easy to do almost anywhere.

Downward Facing Dog

Downward Facing Dog is a total body stretch that specifically targets the back muscles supporting your spine.

How to Do It: Starting on your hands and knees, move your hands slightly in front of your shoulders. While pressing back with your hands, lift your knees off of the floor and push your tailbone toward the ceiling.

Forward Fold/Upward Forward Bend

Forward Fold/Upward Forward Bend relieves pressure from the lower back while releasing stiff, tense shoulders. This therapeutic pose has a variety of health benefits, including relieving tension in the spine, neck, and back.

How to Do It: Standing with feet shoulder-width apart and knees bent, bend forward from your waist and let your arms and head hang loosely, toward the floor. Make sure to practice deep breathing throughout the pose.

Child’s Pose

Child’s Pose helps to stretch out the spine and de-stress the body and mind. This stretch is great to practice at the end of a long day.

How to Do It: Starting on your hands and knees, stretch your arms straight out in front of you and then sit back, resting your glutes just above your heels. Hold this position for five to ten breaths, and push back up onto your hands and knees. Repeat as needed and shift to point your knees outward on each side for a deeper stretch.

Get Started Today

Yoga is just one of the various activities you can incorporate into your life to help reduce back pain. Other helpful remedies to ease discomfort include taking a walk, swimming, and/or using hot/cold packs. Control your back pain so it doesn’t control you.

Contact Pain Treatment Centers of America

While yoga is an excellent way to help manage your back pain, you can do more through Pain Treatment Centers of America (PTCOA). Offering medical management and interventional pain management options, PTCOA physicians will help you get back to a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Find a location and schedule an appointment today.

4 Tips to Avoid Dehydration and Get Pain Relief

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 17:40:58 GMT

Dehydration occurs when your body does not have enough water to function properly. You lose water every day from basic bodily functions like sweating, breathing, and going to the restroom. If you don’t replace the lost fluids by drinking and eating foods that contain water, you put yourself at risk for mild, moderate, or severe dehydration. A survey sponsored by the International Bottled Water Association and the Nutrition Information Center found that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.

Hydration and Pain

Hydration plays an important role in the body’s ability to function and heal. Maintaining proper hydration is crucial if you’re recovering from a surgery or injury, or suffering from chronic muscle and joint pain . Dehydration can exacerbate chronic muscle and joint pain, slow the rate of healing, and increase the chances of injury. Water helps hydrate discs between the vertebrae in your spine and prevents your tendons, ligaments, and muscles from becoming tight and stiff.

Proper hydration can help reduce pain and protect your joints and muscles by keeping the cartilage soft and pliable. Dehydration pulls fluid out of your tissues, which causes overall body aches and pains. One of the easiest ways to reduce pain is to increase your daily intake of clean water.

4 Tips for Staying Hydrated

It can be difficult to make sure you’re getting enough water each day. Here are some tips and tricks to help you maintain proper hydration.

1) Start Your Day With a Glass of Water

Start each day by drinking a full glass of water when you wake up. This will help you get on the right track and stay hydrated throughout the day. Try putting a glass of water by your bed each night to drink in the morning.

2) Make a Goal

Give yourself a daily water intake goal and stay motivated to reach your goal every day. Various factors can influence the amount of water a person needs. Generally, it’s recommended that women drink 91 ounces a day and men drink 125 ounces per day.

3) Write It Down

Start a hydration journal and write down how much water you drink each day. This will help to keep you on track with your daily goal. A journal is also a great place to track your pain symptoms and be very useful when meeting with your physician about a plan of action to address ongoing symptoms.

4) Snack Smarter

Consider adding high-water-content fruits and vegetables like cucumber, celery, watermelon, strawberries, spinach, and tomatoes to your diet. They are a tasty way to ensure you stay hydrated! You can also add them to your water for a fun twist to your daily hydration regimen.

Read A Related Article by PTCOA : Nature Walks Near White Hall, AR

Contact Pain Treatment Centers of America

Chronic dehydration can lead to other health problems if not addressed right away. If you’re experiencing significant pain and/or prolonged pain, it is best to visit with a specialist at Pain Treatment Centers of America.

Offering medical management and interventional pain management options, PTCOA physicians will help you get back to a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Find a location and schedule an appointment today!

Nature Walks Near White Hall, AR

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 20:46:36 GMT

Walking outdoors is a fun, easy way to alleviate physical pain while improving your mood. Regular exercise keeps your joints moving, which helps to reduce pain. Exercise causes your body to produce “feel-good” hormones called endorphins that reduce your perception of pain.

Studies show that being outdoors and immersing yourself in nature helps fight depression, anxiety, and fatigue while also enhancing sleep, energy, overall mood, and blood circulation.

Fortunately, Arkansas is full of scenic walking and hiking trails not far from White Hall that will motivate you to get moving as you explore their beauty!

Delta Rivers Nature Center

The Governor Mike Huckabee Delta River Nature Center is the perfect weekend destination for outdoor fun. Located at 1400 Black Dog Road in Pine Bluff, it is about 20 minutes from White Hall. Surrounded by the Black Dog Bayou and the Lake Langhofer, the nature center offers four trails with beautiful views and wildlife.

Discovery Loop

Discovery Loop, the main trail, is great for beginners! Paved and easily accessible, it’s only a brief 0.5-mile walk.

Whitetail Trail

Whitetail Trail consists of a paved loop and is a short 0.25-mile walk along the Black Dog Lake. It’s common to hear the cheerful sound of robins and other songbirds along this trail.

Armadillo Trail

Armadillo Trail is a short, unpaved trail that will take you through a beautiful forest for 0.25 miles.

Blue Heron Trail

Blue Heron Trail is the longest of the trails at Delta Rivers Nature Center. During this unpaved, 0.75-mile trail, you can discover many different types of wildlife and explore their natural habitat.

Read a Related Article by PTCOA :

4 Tips to Avoid Dehydration and Get Pain Relief

Lake Saracen Walking Trail

Another wonderful trail to get you active is the Lake Saracen Walking Trail located at Saracen Landing in Pine Bluff. This trail is over 1.75 miles long, giving you a longer walk than those mentioned above.

You will walk along the eastern side of Lake Saracen on a paved, handicapped-accessible trail. Stop to take a break and soak up the beautiful views of Lake Saracen on one of the multiple benches along the trail.

William G. Layher Nature Trail

If you’re looking for a longer trail that is completely wooded and unpaved, the William G Layher Nature Trail at Bayou Bartholomew located in Pine Bluff is the place for you. This trail will take you along 1.75 miles of mixed forest adjacent to the Bayou Bartholomew (now the largest bayou in the world!). You will spot beautiful cypress trees, waterfowl, numerous wildlife species, and a large flat of massive willow oaks (some approaching 400 years old).

White Hall City Park

For something closer to home, White Hall City Park is located right across from City Hall. White Hall City Park offers a paved walking trail along with plenty of playground equipment with a fenced area for children, a skateboard park, baseball and softball fields, two tennis courts, and multiple pavilions for shade. This is a great location for a last minute Sunday night walk or a Saturday picnic with the family.

Contact Pain Treatment Centers of America

If you’re experiencing significant pain and/or prolonged pain, it is best to visit with a specialist at Pain Treatment Centers of America. Offering medical management and interventional pain management options, PTCOA physicians will help you get back to a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Find us at our White Hall location or a location near you and schedule an appointment today!

Understanding Fibromyalgia

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 19:11:49 GMT

Fibromyalgia can be difficult to understand. It is the second most common condition that affects your muscles and bones ; yet, it is also one of the most misunderstood and challenging disorders to correctly diagnose due to its broad, unspecific grouping of symptoms. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, it takes an average of three to five years for the condition to be diagnosed. While there is no definite cure, proper physical exercise, fibromyalgia support groups, and some medications can prove beneficial to sufferers.

Symptoms

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can be debilitating. People with this disorder often have widespread pain paired with burning, twitching, or tightening in the muscles. Fibromyalgia causes fatigue and cognitive difficulties, including trouble concentrating and remembering, referred to as “brain fog.” Feeling nervous, worried, or depressed are also symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia often coexists with other painful conditions; for example, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), migraines/other headaches , painful bladder syndrome, and types of joint disorders. Symptoms most commonly begin after physical/mental trauma, surgery, or infection; however, in some cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time without a single, identifiable triggering event.

Fibromyalgia can feel similar to osteoarthritis , bursitis, and tendinitis. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia can include:
Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet
Sensitivity to cold, heat, light, or sound
Headaches
Dry mouth, nose, and eyes
Urinating more often

Read a Related Article by PTCOA:
Understanding Arthritis and Arthritis Treatment Options

Causes and Risk Factors

Doctors believe that causes of fibromyalgia involve a combination of factors, including:

Genetics
Being a woman
Infections
Having another painful disease (like arthritis )
Having a mood disorder (like anxiety or depression)
Physical or emotional trauma
History of physical/emotional abuse or PTSD
Rarely working out

Treatment

At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we offer minimally invasive pain treatment procedures to improve the lives of those suffering with fibromyalgia.

Trigger Point Steroid Injection

Trigger point injections (TPI) may be an option in treating pain for some patients suffering from fibromyalgia. TPI is a procedure used to treat painful areas of muscle that contain trigger points (knots of muscle that form when muscles do not relax).

Learn more about Trigger Point Steroid Injections.

Contact Pain Treatment Centers of America

While there is currently no definite cure for fibromyalgia , the physicians at Pain Treatment Centers of America can develop a care plan that will manage your condition and help you get back to a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Find a location and schedule an appointment today!

Epidural Steroid Injections

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 18:08:35 GMT

Quick Facts:

Procedure time: 10 -15 minutes

Time off from work: ½ day

Incision: needle-sized

Insurance providers: Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare, Medicaid, Cigna, Tricare, United Health Care, Blue Advantage, Qual Choice, Health Advantage, UMR United Healthcare

Request an appointment today.

What Is An Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI)?

Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs) are relatively painless needle-based procedures used to reduce inflammation and irritation around specific nerves in the neck, mid-back or lower back. Irritated nerves can cause a type of pain referred to as radicular pain, which travels down the spinal nerve root and can be felt in the arms/hands, chest, hips, and legs/feet.

A steroid/anesthetic solution is injected into the epidural space (the area surrounding the spinal cord) where the medication “bathes” painful nerve roots with soothing medication.

ESIs have been performed for many decades and are generally considered to be a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain conditions.

What Conditions Are Typically Treated With ESIs?

Conditions commonly treated with epidural steroid injections include:

Failed back surgery syndrome (continued pain following surgery to the spine)
Radiculopathy (pain that progresses into the arms/hands or legs/feet)
Stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve root exits)
Bulging or herniated discs
Degenerative Disc Disease
Sciatica

What To Expect

The Procedure

You will be wheeled to the procedure room in a hospital bed and given sedation to make you comfortable. The injection area will be cleaned with a cold sterilizing solution to decrease the chances of infection. X-rays will help your doctor guide the needle into the epidural space where it will treat the area of pain/inflammation. Once inserted, a contrast dye will be injected to ensure proper positioning of the needle. The steroid/anesthetic solution is then injected into the epidural space, the needle is removed and a small bandage is applied to the injection site.

Some patients report feeling “warm water running down the back or legs” when the medication is injected through the needle. This feeling is normal and is a sign that the medication is being administered in the correct areas.

Recovery

The procedure only takes 10 -15 minutes. Once it is complete, you may return home and enjoy the rest of your day! The only restriction is that you cannot drive. Make arrangements for a friend, family member, or private transportation service to drive you home.

The steroids from the injection will usually begin working within three to five days, but in some cases it can take up to a week for patients to feel the benefits. Radicular pain (the pains down legs or arms) is often the first type of pain to abate.

Although not everyone obtains pain relief with ESIs, the injections can provide you with improvement in pain and function that last several months or longer.

Visit a physician at Pain Treatment Centers of America to talk about Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs). Find a location and schedule an appointment today.

Improve Your Pain Management By Keeping a Pain Journal

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 17:37:02 GMT

A pain journal can help you get the specialized pain management you deserve by helping you record and track all of the symptoms associated with your chronic pain. Whether you have suffered from chronic pain for years or are new to pain management, maintaining a pain journal can be helpful in developing a pain treatment plan that improves your quality of life.

How Will a Pain Journal Benefit You?

The information you record in your pain journal can help you identify triggers and patterns related to your pain; for example, the time of day you’re likely to have a flare-up or if elevated stress levels increase your pain. Recording key observations over time can help you and your physician recognize patterns that impact your treatment and note successful parts of your treatment that reduce your pain.

Do you ever go blank when your physician asks you specific questions related to your pain? Your pain journal can be the perfect reference to answer these questions instead of having to recall specific details from memory. You can give your physician more accurate answers to help them better understand your pain.

If you’re able to get in a routine and keep a long-term pain journal, you may experience an increase in:

Mindfulness of your daily routine and how it affects your pain.
Gratitude towards yourself for making an effort to fight your pain.
Strong communication and mutual understanding with your doctors/physicians.

As well as a reduction in:

Chronic pain flare-ups since you and your doctors/physicians have a better understanding of your pain and how to manage it.
Stress levels, which lower over time as chronic pain is abated.

While everyone uses their journal differently, here are some key things to include in your pain journal to get maximum benefits:

Note the date and time of day.
Give your pain a scale rating. The easiest way to track the severity of your pain is to use a 10-point rating system, with zero representing no pain and 10 representing the worst pain imaginable.
Use descriptive words to help track changes in your pain quality. Some common pain descriptive words include “sharp”, “dull ache”, “pulsating”, “tingling”, and “burning.” Record this information to help doctors pinpoint your specific type of pain and recognize patterns.
Note the location and duration of your pain.
List what you ate and drank that day. Certain foods and drinks may worsen chronic pain. Sugary foods and processed meats have the potential to increase your pain. Keep track of what you eat and drink daily.
Record what you’re doing when the pain arises to identify possible causes and triggers. Have you done anything different than your normal routine? Was there something specific that could have triggered your pain?
Describe your mood. Note your mental state when you're experiencing pain. Are you feeling depressed or helpless? Anxious? These emotions could be triggered by your pain, and your doctor may refer you to a mental health specialist to deal with emotions that result from chronic pain.
Record additional symptoms.
Note recent changes in treatment. Recent changes in your chronic pain treatment plan can influence your type of pain, when it occurs, and its severity.

Contact Pain Treatment Centers of America If You Are Interested in Chronic Pain Management in Arkansas.

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Intrathecal Pain Pump Trials/Management

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 16:04:29 GMT

Quick Facts:

Time off From Work: 1-2 weeks, varies by patient

Incision: Abdomen, 6 inches; Back, 2-3 inches

Insurance providers: Aetna , BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare, Medicaid, Cigna, Tricare, United Health Care, Blue Advantage, Qual Choice, Health Advantage, UMR United Healthcare

Request an Appointment Today.

What Is an Intrathecal Pain Pump?

If you have chronic pain or cancer pain that has failed to respond to other methods of treatment, we encourage you to look into an intrathecal pain pump. An intrathecal pain pump can help abate pain when other types of pain care have not worked or have caused severe side effects. Intrathecal pain pumps may be used to treat your pain if surgery is not an option.

The pump sends small amounts of medicine through a tube that is inserted into the space around the spinal cord. A small electronic device that stays outside your body controls the pain pump. The tube is connected to the small, round pump that has been implanted.

Both the pump and tube are implanted under your skin in a minor surgery. Medicine from the pump is sent through the tube where it reaches nerves along the spine, helping to prevent them from sending pain signals to the brain.

Conditions Commonly Treated by Intrathecal Pain Pump:

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (continued pain despite surgery to the spine)
Radiculopathy (pain that progresses down your arms/hands or legs/feet)
Chronic Pain Syndrome (any type of chronic pain that has failed to respond to more conservative measures)
Arachnoiditis (painful inflammation and scarring of the meninges or wrapping that protects nerves)

How Is an Intrathecal Pain Pump Implanted?

This type of procedure requires a trial before having the pump permanently implanted to make sure it will work for you. You will be given an IV and sedation to help make you comfortable. After a shot of numbing medicine, an epidural needle is placed in the intrathecal space. Once the needle is properly positioned, a specialized tube will be inserted through the needle.

Once the tube is in place, your physician will remove the needle and inject a concentrated pain medication through the tube. You will be moved to the recovery room after the medication is injected. During this time, you can walk around, have food and water, and basically “hang out” while we wait to see if the intrathecal system will relieve your pain. You may receive a second injection in the recovery room and be asked to rate your improvement.

Once your physician determines that you achieved substantial improvement in pain, without side effects, the tube will be removed, and you will be sent home following observation. After a successful trial, you will be referred to a neurosurgeon to have the pump permanently implanted. For this procedure, you will have to be admitted to the hospital for a few days, depending on your doctor’s preference and hospital procedures.

Once the pain pump is permanently placed, your physicians at PTCOA will manage all maintenance, refills, and adjustments for your pump and medication.

Risks of an intrathecal pain pump implant:

Side effects of the opioid or other medication
Damage to the nerves of the spine
Infection
Small growth of tissue near the catheter (granuloma)
Mistakes in programming the device that may make the medicine dose too high or too low
Tear in the catheter that stops the medicine from reaching nerves
Leaking of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that causes headaches and other symptoms
A pocket of CSF under the skin (hygroma)
A pocket of other fluid under the skin (seroma)
Changes in endocrine function
Need for higher doses of medicine over time

Visit a physician at Pain Treatment Centers of America to talk about Intrathecal Pain Pumps. Find a location and schedule an appointment today.

Improve Your Healthy Diet: Finding Fresh Produce in Conway, AR

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 15:09:42 GMT

Inflammation is a common condition for those who suffer from chronic pain and a healthy diet can play a significant role in its treatment. Inflammation affects those with arthritis and sacroiliac joint pain .

These conditions occur in response to the immune system, which causes inflammation in the joints, resulting in chronic pain. But a healthy diet can help improve your immune system and reduce swelling by small degrees.

Healthy diets are difficult for even the most disciplined eaters; however, that doesn’t mean a healthy lifestyle can’t be enjoyable. When individuals pair a sensible diet with fresh air, walking, socializing, and exploring their hometown, a healthy diet becomes part of daily fun!

To help jumpstart your healthy lifestyle, we have compiled a list of six local farmers markets near you, in Conway, Arkansas! Grab a family member or friend and enjoy sampling and purchasing fresh, local produce that can be incorporated into a healthy daily diet.

1. Downtown Conway Farmers and Crafts Market

Located at 1132 Front Street in downtown Conway next to Patio Café, the Downtown Conway Farmers and Crafts Market offers seasonal produce, handmade crafts, and natural products from May through October.

2. Conway Farmers Market

Located at Antioch Baptist Church, the Conway Farmers Market is a local, bi-weekly, outdoor market featuring local farmers, artisans, and live music. The market features more than 40 vendors to browse.

3. Conway Locally Grown

Conway Locally Grown is an online farmers market that began in Spring of 2008. They sell fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy, and a plethora of meats. Most of the produce sold here are synthetic fertilizer- and pesticide-free. Order the produce you want in custom quantities from the farms of your choice.

4. Baptist Health Farmers Markets

Baptist Health Farmers Markets are committed to healthy living. They focus on a journey to wellness, which includes cooking demos, healthy lifestyle tips, contests, and giveaways. Baptist Health takes boxes of fresh, healthy produce sourced from this farmers market into high-need, low-income neighborhoods, and other communities across the state.

5. Waccamaw Market Cooperative - Conway Farmers Market

The Waccamaw Market Cooperative is a three-market farmers market. The market takes place each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the season. Located at 217 Laurel Street, the market stocks everything from fruits, to vegetables, to art.

6. Conway Regional Health System Farmers Market

Conway Regional Health System holds a weekly online farmers market to its community, offering a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, eggs, and honey. The market is open for online ordering each week, from Sunday at noon, to Wednesday at 9 a.m.

Contact Pain Treatment Centers of America

While a healthy diet is always recommended, if you’re experiencing significant pain and/or prolonged pain, we recommend you visit with a specialist at Pain Treatment Centers of America.

Offering medical management and interventional pain management options, PTCOA physicians will help you get back to a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Find a location and schedule an appointment today.

What Is a Compression Fracture of the Spine?

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 14:59:56 GMT

Compression fractures of the spine occur when the blocks of the spinal cord (vertebral bodies) collapse. Fractures can affect one or more vertebrae and typically form in your mid or lower back and cause pain and limited mobility.

At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we treat the chronic pain associated with spinal compression fractures. In this article, we hope to provide important and helpful information in learning about the condition and how PTCOA can help.

Causes of Compression Fractures

The most common cause of compression fractures is osteoporosis, a condition which causes bones to become weak and brittle. If you have osteoporosis, small activities like bending down or coughing can cause small hairline fractures. These hairline fractures add up and eventually cause the bones that form your spine (vertebrae) to collapse.

The following factors may increase your chances of developing osteoporosis:

Race and Gender : Women are at higher risk than men. Specifically, White and Asian women are at the highest risk.
Age : Chances are higher in women around the age of fifty and increase with age.
Weight : Naturally thin women may have impaired bone quality, putting them at higher risk.
Early Menopause : Women who undergo menopause before age fifty are at higher risk.
Smokers : People who smoke lose bone thickness faster than non-smokers, putting them at a higher risk.

Hemangioma (blood vessel growth), trauma, and certain types of cancer can cause compression fractures. Individuals at the highest risk for spinal compression fractures include:

People with osteoporosis.
People with bone cancer or cancer that has originated in one area and spread to the bones, including multiple myeloma and lymphoma (sometimes a spinal fracture is the first sign that someone has cancer).
Women above fifty years of age that have already gone through menopause.

Symptoms of a Compression Fracture

When compression fractures first start developing, they may not cause symptoms. Over time, you could start experiencing symptoms including but not limited to:

Back pain that gradually gets worse over time, or comes on suddenly and sharply.
Pain that gets worse when you stand or walk, but improves when you lie down.
Trouble bending or twisting your body.
Decreasing height.
A curved, stooped shape to your spine.

The pain typically happens with a slight back strain during an everyday activity like:

Lifting a bag of groceries.
Bending to the floor to pick something up.
Slipping on a rug or making a misstep.
Lifting a suitcase out of the trunk of a car.
Lifting the corner of a mattress when changing bed linens.

Some people feel almost no symptoms from spinal compression fractures. The cracks can happen so gradually that the pain is relatively mild or unnoticeable. For others, the pain may turn into a chronic backache in the injured area.

Symptoms of Multiple Spinal Compression Fractures

Multiple compression fractures will cause your spine to change a lot. Part of your vertebrae may collapse because the small cracks make your vertebrae unable to support the weight of your spine. Symptoms of multiple compression fractures include:

Height loss : The spine gets a little bit shorter with each fracture of a spinal bone. Eventually, after several vertebrae collapse, you will look noticeably shorter.
Kyphoses (curved back) : When vertebrae collapse, they form a wedge shape, which causes the spine to bend forward. Eventually, you will have neck and back pain as your body tries to adapt.
Stomach problems : A shorter spine can compress your stomach, causing digestive problems like constipation, a weak appetite, and weight loss.
Hip pain : The shorter spine brings your rib cage closer to your hipbones. You will feel severe pain if those bones are rubbing against each other.
Breathing problems : If the spine is severely compressed, your lungs may not work properly and cause trouble with your breathing.

Symptoms are different for everyone, so let your doctor know if you’re feeling back pain or other symptoms.

Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty for Compression Fracture

Vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty is a treatment option offered by Pain Treatment Centers of America for anyone with spinal compression fractures. This minimally invasive treatment usually does not require anesthesia and allows you to return home with minimal restrictions.

Visit our Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty procedure page to learn more about this treatment option.

Compression Fracture Treatment with PTCOA

Spinal compression fractures can easily go unnoticed and be mistaken for joint and muscle pains in the back. If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, talk with a physician at Pain Treatment Centers of America to find the source of your pain, and help you get back to a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Find a location and schedule an appointment today.