Vertebral compression fractures are the most common complication of osteoporosis (loss of bone mass) and can be a significant health issue leading to a lot of pain, disability and potentially serious complications. A fall, cough, or lifting of a heavy object may cause a fracture of the back bones. This...
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus. But...
Even though MRI(magnetic resonance imaging) is considered a “gold standard” in evaluating spinal problems it is not perfect. The difficulty with the results of an MRI scan, as with many other diagnostic studies, is that the "abnormality" that shows up on the MRI scan may not actually be the cause...
Few musculoskeletal conditions can hijack your life the way lower back pain can, as pain and limited mobility effectively sideline you. And when it comes to progressive conditions like spinal stenosis, the problem only gets worse as time goes on, leaving you casting about for solutions that will get you...
ALLERGY TESTING/TREATMENT NOW OFFERED AT Advanced Pain Management Center The rationale behind diagnosing and treating allergies in the setting of chronic pain. When your immune system overreacts to an allergen, you will likely experience allergy symptoms. Most people either have or know someone who experiences seasonal allergies such as sneezing,...
Distinguishing between neuropathic and nociceptive pain When determining an effective treatment option, it is important to work with your doctor in ascertaining the correct pain diagnosis. Treatment options differ vastly between nociceptive and neuropathic pain. The most common type of pain that people experience is nociceptive pain. The human body...
Incorporating physical therapy with injections After sustaining an injury, it is common to be referred to physical therapy to assist you in regaining proper mobility and to reduce your pain. Depending on the severity of the injury, physical therapy can yield beneficial results in a short time. In some cases,...
As interventional and pain medicine specialists, we are always interested in ways to reduce oral narcotics. We recently started utilizing topical (applied to the skin) compounded pain creams for post-procedure, injection site pain and found that many of our patients found this approach to be very effective for their baseline...
Who takes care of the caregiver? In today’s world, learning to juggle work, family social activities and taking care of ourselves has become a crucial skill for everyone. This may be especially true for those of us who interact with others who are in chronic pain or are ourselves in...
I’m not trying to suggest that you actually sleep through the holidays but rather that you learn ways which may help you to get a great night’s rest during the holidays. As we all know, this time of year brings plenty of cheer, social interaction and let’s face it, stress, and...
At Advanced Pain Management Center in Portland, OR, our team of pain specialists, led by Dr. Vladimir Fiks, is committed to providing patients with ongoing relief. Spinal cord stimulators can be an excellent choice. Unlike drugs that merely mask the problem, they don’t carry harsh side effects. Nor are they...