Article featured on Practical Pain Management
The human neck houses incredibly important structures—the airway, the voice box, the food-entry canal (esophagus), all the nerves in the spinal cord, and of course the muscles and bones that “keep our heads on straight.” As a result of this plethora of activity, neck pain can arise from a variety of sources.
Neck pain can imply something simple like a stiff muscle, which can often be worked out with rest, therapeutic manipulation, or exercise. But neck pain can also be a warning sign of a medical emergency, such as in the case of bacterial meningitis (which can threaten one’s life) or cervical myelopathy (which can lead to paralysis). In these situations, seeing a doctor to distinguish the significance of your particular form of neck pain is warranted. Below is an overview of six potential sources of neck pain. See also our diagnosis and treatment sections for each.
1. Muscle Strain:
A strained muscle or group of muscles is often the source of neck pain. Strains can be caused by weight (including obesity), weak abdominal muscles (your “core”), or poor posture.
New studies about “tech neck” or “tablet neck” show that those who put themselves into odd positions while holding handheld electronic devices can also cause neck strain; try to avoid placing the device in your lap, which causes you to flex your neck down to look at the screen. The weight of the head on the spine, normally about 10 to 12 pounds, can increase to 60 pounds of load on the spine when the neck is flexed 60 degrees (See Hansraj, 2014).
Muscle-based neck pain can also occur from over-extending the neck. Sometimes called “belayer’s neck,” this position can be best described as a person standing at the bottom of a cliff and assuming a constant gaze upward to shift ropes and watch out for the safety of a climber. Not only are muscles affected by this position, but the facet joints of the spine are jammed together.
Certain occupational activities, sports, hobbies, and even sleeping in an odd position can lead to musculoskeletal neck strain and pain as well. A fall or car accident can spur muscular neck pain in the form of whiplash, leading to potential long-term damage or disability.
2. Cervical Disc Herniation:
In between the vertebrate in your spine are discs that serve as a cushion to the vertebrate above and below. Sometimes, through trauma or normal age degeneration, the outer hard layer of a disc breaks, and the inner, gel-like nucleus pulposus squeezes out, irritating the nerves behind it. This action is referred to as a herniated, bulging, slipped, or ruptured disc. When discs rupture within the cervical spine—that is, the vertebral column in the neck area, the movement can produce pain. Symptoms can also include pain between the shoulder blades or pain/numbness that radiates down the arm to the hand or fingers.
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis:
For individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), neck pain typically comes years after the diagnosis; over 80% of patients who have had RA for 10 years wind up experiencing cervical spine issues (See Hamilton, 2000) as the disease can lead to damage in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. At higher risk are male patients and those with a positive rheumatoid factor, which your rheumatologist can likely share with you.
The good news is that neck pain is rarely the first known symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. When it does present in the neck, RA usually affects the atlantoaxial joint. This particular joint pivots the head so we can look left and right, up and down. As RA loosens ligaments, erodes bone, or causes thickened tissue around joints, the spinal cord and brain stem can condense, requiring urgent medical attention. Therefore, although rare, RA retains its spot on the list of possible neck pain causes even when there is no evidence of RA in the peripheral joints (eg, hips, knees).
4. Meningitis:
One of the most dangerous sources of neck pain is bacterial meningitis (also called meningococcal meningitis), as a person can go from neck stiffness to death in a matter of hours to days. The three membranes that coat and protect the brain and spinal cord, running through the neck and back, are called meninges. The dura mater guards the outside, the arachnoid mater serves as the webbed middle layer, and the pia mater shelters the central nervous system as the inner layer of meninges.
While the meninges shield our central nervous system (CNS), there are certain bacteria, viruses, and even fungi that can inflame and destroy these layers. Two of the most dangerous bacteria that can threaten one’s life rather quickly are called Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The bacteria are passed through saliva and the most common symptoms include fever, headache, and stiff neck. If you experience such symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
While the highest global incidence of meningitis outbreaks occur in Sub-Saharan Africa, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data show that outbreaks can also occur in communities, schools, colleges, prisons, and other populations around the US. Viral and fungal forms of meningitis also exist, but are often less severe.
5. Tumors:
Since the airway is contained in the human neck, a lifetime of inhaling a toxic substance, such as asbestos, wood, nickel, dust, or tobacco, could mean that neck pain is being caused by a tumor. At least 75% of head and neck cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol use (See Blot, 1988). Cancers in the neck usually involve abnormal cell growth in the squamous cells, which are the moist, mucosal cells that line the mouth, nose, and throat. Less often, neck cancer originates in the salivary glands or thyroid glands.
Sometimes cancer originates in squamous cells elsewhere in the body and then spreads to a neck lymph node, creating a lump. This cancer is called metastatic squamous neck cancer with occult primary. Symptoms can include pain or a lump in the neck or throat.
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a growing culprit in oropharyngeal cancers; according to the National Cancer Institute, HPV is the source of 26,000 new head and neck cancers each year.
6. Cervical Myelopathy:
This version of neck pain usually indicates that immediate surgery may be needed. If you notice pain or numbness in your arms or legs, frequent tripping, or sudden bladder incontinence, it may be because the spinal cord is being compressed. Known as cervical myelopathy, the condition can lead to permanent disability or paralysis if left untreated, which is why surgery is usually advised.
Degenerative cervical myelopathy, also called osteoarthritic or cervical spondylosis, occurs when any of a host of degenerative problems occur, such as herniated discs, swollen ligaments, or bone spurs. Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, can grow as a result of osteoarthritis, poor posture, or traumatic injury; changes that are more common with age. Continued degeneration or trauma can lead to cervical stenosis, which means that the space in the spinal canal has narrowed. When this narrow canal pinches the spinal cord, myelopathy, or neurologic deficits (abnormalities in body function), can occur.
Overall, diagnosing neck pain can be tricky, but with the proper medical exams and tests, your doctor can narrow down the cause of your pain to make an accurate diagnosis.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
How to Relieve Pain From Sitting All Day
in Wellness Tips, Working From Home- TipsArticle featured on Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania
Do you have an office job or one that requires you to sit for long periods of time? Or maybe even requires you to sit for the entire day? If you do, you are probably also familiar with the stress that puts on your body, such as back and neck pains. You may even worry about your posture.
Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common pains that results from sitting at a desk all day. There are two types of back pain: upper and lower. Each can be caused by different things, but both are pains you can get from sitting at your desk all day. Let’s take a deeper look at each one.
UPPER BACK PAIN
There are 12 bones within your upper back. The first is at the base of your neck and the twelfth ends just below your ribcage. Upper back pain consists of any pain that occurs within this area.
Most of the time, upper back pain is caused by bad posture. While sitting at your desk, it’s easy to slouch over in your chair without realizing it. But try out these tricks to prevent those pains.
Most back pains can be fixed with simple lifestyle changes. However, if your pain persists, we’d love to meet you and check out those issues you’re having!
LOWER BACK PAIN
Over 50% of Americans will experience lower back pain throughout their lifetime.
Lower back pain is pain experienced in the vertebrae known as L1 through L5. We have discs which are sacs that prevent your vertebrae from rubbing together. A common cause of lower back pain is bad posture, which puts strain on those discs.
Like upper back pain, lower back pain can probably be fixed by lifestyle changes, one of the most common being working on your posture. But there may be something more going on, such as:
Shoulder Pain
This may seem like a strange pain to have from sitting, but it definitely happens. Well, what could be causing shoulder pain at your desk job? Small, repetitive activities can place stress on the muscles in your shoulder, such as using a mouse or keyboard all day. In addition, check out this list of what could be contributing to your shoulder pain.
Surprisingly, a lot of repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are actually computer-related. So study your everyday habits while at your desk or working on your computer and see if you’re making any movements that could be causing that shoulder pain.
WHAT CAN OIP DO FOR YOUR SHOULDER PAIN?
Once we figure out what is causing your pain, we can choose the best treatment plan for you. Here are some of the options:
We prefer to visit the above methods to see if one of them will work, but sometimes, there is something more serious going on. If this is the case, a more in-depth surgery or treatment plan is the route we have to take.
Elbow Pain
Like shoulder pain, you wouldn’t expect that this kind of pain would come from sitting at your desk, but here we are. Maybe you lean on a desk all day, putting stress on your elbow and joints. Maybe you move your elbows in harsh ways all day while sitting at your desk. Whatever the case may be, take a look at these few tips for relieving pain.
Hip Pain
The hip is the largest ball-and-socket joint in our body and is where the bones in the upper part of the leg connect to your body. The hip will support you while walking, running, or any other activity you may take part in. But the hip will also support you while you’re sitting. In fact, your hip bends to support your weight when you’re sitting down, which can put stress on the hip and cause you pain.
Sometimes, hip pain is just a result of sitting down for too long, so you may be able to stand, move around and stretch to relieve the pains. But sometimes, your hip pain could mean there is something more going on with your body.
The kind of pain you are experiencing and where you’re experiencing it can help you determine what the issue may be. Pains on the outer portion of the hip are usually related to your ligaments, tendons and/or muscles. But pains on the inner portion of the hip are usually tied to health issues related to your hip and its connecting joints. There’s also the possibility that your back pain has worked its way into your hip, known as referred pain.
WHY DO I HAVE HIP PAINS?
As with all pains related to sitting down for long periods of time, it could be a few different things.
There could definitely be something more serious going on, so if making these alterations while sitting doesn’t help, get a professional evaluation.
Knee Pain
Pains in the knee can be a result of a previous injury, but they can also be overuse, wear and tear or maybe it’s just the way you’re sitting. While you may not think you would be putting stress on your knee while sitting, you definitely can. So what could be causing those knee pains?
These are the most common reasons you could be having knee pains in relation to sitting at your desk all day. However, as always, there can definitely be an underlying condition causing these pains. If you feel you need to have your knees examined, our physicians can take a look to determine the problem.
Most people tend to avoid doctors when it comes to knees because they believe surgery is the only way to fix the pain. However, our physicians will work through all non-surgical treatment methods before surgery. We will do our best to find a method that works for you. We won’t pressure you into surgery unless we believe it is the only way to help you relieve those pains.
HOW CAN I ALLEVIATE KNEE PAINS WHILE SITTING?
There are some things you can work on to prevent knee pains.
Another idea, which may seem very odd, is to look into a standing desk. This keeps you from sitting too long and bending your body at unnatural angles.
If these adjustments don’t help with your pain, reach out to our staff so we can evaluate your pains and struggles.
Pain Management
Now let’s talk about how to manage your pain. It’s important to note that pain is a symptom. Usually, your pain means that there’s something underlying. In this case, the underlying problem is how you’re sitting while at a desk, at work, etc.
If you’ve tried our tips and tricks previously mentioned and your pain is still an issue, contact us today! We will take a look to make sure you don’t have a more serious problem, such as arthritis or chronic joint pain. Whether it is something more or just pain associated with sitting at a desk all day, we will come up with a plan to treat your pain.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Chronic Pain Effects On Your Immune System
in Chronic PainArticle featured on WebMD
With so many questions right now about the dangers of the coronavirus (COVID-19), you might be wondering how chronic pain might affect the immune system’s ability to fight off disease. Since COVID-19 surfaced a few months ago, we’ve learned that certain people are more susceptible to it than others. Some of the factors that seem to increase severity of the illness include age, smoking, gender, co-existing chronic medical problems, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and underlying lung problems from diseases like COPD. This has led to a general view that those with more compromised immunes systems are more likely to experience the worst coronavirus episodes and a higher mortality rate.
Both chronic pain and ongoing stress can impact immune function. According to past research done in laboratory mice at McGill University, chronic pain may reprogram the way genes work in the immune system. In fact, chronic pain seems to prompt changes in the way DNA is marked in special immune cells known as T cells. While it is unclear how much these changes affect the ability of these T cells to fight infection, there does appear to be a strong connection between chronic pain and DNA marker changes on these important infection fighters.
The experience of ongoing pain can certainly trigger a stress response, and if the pain remains chronic, this can lead to a state of long-term stress in the body. Think of the stress response as a combination of neurologic, endocrine, and immune system changes that come together to help the body ward off some type of perceived danger or threat. If the stress response persists, then levels of the hormone cortisol start to rise. Long-term elevations in cortisol levels are connected with a decline in immune system function. As an example, older caregivers have been found to have lower levels of immune cells like lymphocytes, slower wound-healing times, and are more susceptible to viral infections.
Patients with painful autoimmune disorders, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, who are treated with immunosuppressive medications, are also at a greater infection risk. By their very nature, immunosuppressive agents inhibit the body’s natural immune response.
Chronic pain can also be associated with other chronic diseases that also impact the effectiveness of the immune system. Factors related to pain like the stress response and prolonged inactivity can lead to changes in your body that elevate blood pressure and promote weight gain, which in turn become risk factors for developing heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. In fact, studies have found the incidence of cardiac disease to be significantly higher in those with chronic pain.To limit pain’s effect on your immune system, do what you can to decrease your body’s stress response. Consider calming down an over-anxious nervous system through simple relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, gentle yoga, or maybe learn special techniques from a psychologist or therapist. Other ways to lower stress include exercise, getting some fresh air, watching a funny movie, and just unplugging from your devices.
Also, don’t rely only on your immune system – take steps that will minimize your risk of exposure to the virus in the first place:
And don’t forget to practice the practical steps that will keep your immune system working at its best: eat well, try to get plenty of sleep, and stay active.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Unexpected Benefits of Movement and Exercise That We Love
in Health & WellnessArticle featured on Thrive Global
Whether you opt for a sunrise yoga class or an impromptu dance party before dinner, making time for movement provides us with many rewards — some expected, and some surprising. Pausing to appreciate the unexpected ripple effects of movement can help motivate us on days we feel uninspired or lethargic.
Which of these benefits do you love?
It allows us to clear our minds
“I try to take a daily morning walk, either around my neighborhood or near my office as a recommendation from my therapist. In the six months that I’ve done this, I’ve found not only a shocking amount of clarity but motivation to tackle the rest of the day. Moving my body gives me the space to think about challenges differently.”
—Sentari Minor, strategist and social impact advocate, Phoenix, AZ
It gives us a burst of energy
“I’m surprised by how quickly my energy level increases whenever I move my body. Suddenly, tasks I don’t enjoy, like cleaning, get done.”
—Kristin Meekhof, author, therapist, life coach, Royal Oak, MI
It improves our creativity
“One of the most surprising benefits of movement for me has been the ways that it increases my creativity. Without fail, anytime I move — whether it’s walking, dancing, or riding a bike — I am flooded with inspiration and ideas.”
—Becky M., coach, Ashburn, VA
It helps us silence negative thoughts
“Moving my body helps me silence negative thoughts. Some estimates say we have up to 60,000 thoughts a day, and 80 percent of them are negative. We often fail to recognize that exercise is a great way to create space between your thoughts and bring balance into your life. I find that when I put on a good playlist, get my body moving, and raise my heartbeat, the worries of the past and fears of the future begin to fade as my consciousness focuses on the present moment. Movement of the body comes in many forms, and exercise does not have to live in the gym.”
—James Petrossi, president of PTNL, Austin, TX
It creates community
“I’ve grown to appreciate how being in motion invites motion. Throughout the pandemic, I’ve been managing our neighborhood community garden. When people driving by see me out there weeding, shoveling, and tending, they stop the car to come over and check it out. They walk by and ask to come inside the garden gate and walk around. This year, for the first time in about 15 years, all garden beds are rented.”
—Donna Peters, MBA faculty and executive coach, Atlanta, GA
It helps us stay resilient
“My personal obsession with fitness started six years ago, and I can’t rave enough about the benefits of moving my body when it comes to managing my anxiety. Movement has become a part of my coping mechanism and a part of my self-care ritual. To me, resilience is a daily practice and that is what fitness and movement does for me. It activates resilience in body, mind, and soul.”
—Karisa Karmali, certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, Ontario, Canada
It sets us up for our day ahead
“Movement has been a big part of my daily routine ever since I had a pretty spectacular burnout in the world of banking 10 years ago. Moving each morning, with a run along Hong Kong’s green hiking trails or stretching out my body with a flow yoga class, is a way to reconnect mind and body and center myself before entering the fray of another day in the corporate world. Even better, having adherence buddies for each activity that energize me means I’m motivated even on the days when it’s tempting to roll over and doze.”
Liz Bradford, chief of staff, Hong Kong
It helps us realize how capable we are
“I got hooked on walking years ago. It all started with listening to audiobooks. I kept wanting to hear the next chapter and soon found that I was walking three to four hours without giving it a second thought. I was over 40 years old before discovering that I had a Maasai-like ability to walk long distances. Today, I have a hard time not walking at least three miles or so every day. This regular practice had given me endurance and stamina I never had when I was in my 20s, which gives me the confidence that I will age in good health in mind, body, and spirit.”
— Maria Baltazzi, travel designer and mentor, Los Angeles, CA
It keeps us mindful
“I love the meditative quality of movement. For me, time on my yoga mat is time spent with my body, completely focused on how it feels, how it moves and finding smoother, more nourishing ways of moving it. When your mind is completely immersed in the sensations in your body, there’s little space for worries, anxieties, or even mundane thoughts to whirl around in your head. To know that I have this body to pour my attention into whenever I want to divert from or interrupt a flow of corrosive or unproductive thoughts is priceless. It can take a while for that focus to become natural. We bring our attention to the body on the yoga mat where it’s easier so that when we’re in a more difficult situation we can put our practice into action.”
—Felicity Pryke, yoga teacher, Lancashire, U.K.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
What Kind of Injuries Cause Knee Pain?
in Knee Injuries, Knee PainArticle featured on Noyes Knee Institute
Are you someone that has been dealing with knee pain that affects you daily? Conditions like these can affect people at any time and age. Thankfully, you can benefit from the expertise of an orthopedic knee surgeon, no matter what your situation is.
Today, we’ll discuss some common injuries that can cause knee pain. We’ll also talk about when you should see a doctor to address this.
Meniscus Tears
When people talk about torn knee cartilages, they’re likely talking about a meniscal tear. The menisci are two pieces of cartilage that cover the end of your bones. They can either tear suddenly during sports events or slowly due to aging.
When the meniscus tears due to aging, medical experts refer to it as a degenerative tear. As for sudden tears, you may experience or hear a pop in the knee. Once the injury occurs, you may witness higher levels of pain over the next few days.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
The ACL ligament runs diagonally down the front of the knee and provides stability to your joints. Injuries that occur in the ACL can be serious and even require surgery. ACL injuries can range from a Grade 1 mild sprain to a Grade 3 total tear.
ACL tears can occur as a result of these movements that occur in sports or non-sport events.
Any ACL or other ligament injury can result in serious knee pain that may indicate the need for surgery.
Post Traumatic Arthritis (PTA) In The Knee
PTA is a form of arthritis that occurs as a result of serious knee injuries. Injuries such as broken bones or ligament tears can wear down your joint surface. That, in return, can also lead to arthritis as time goes by.
These injuries can lead to damage to your knee cartilages as you age and lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling. If you experience these symptoms, contact your orthopedic knee surgeon to discuss the right pain relief options for you.
Tendon Issues
Tendon injuries, such as tendonitis or tendon tears, commonly occur in athletes or mid-age people that participate in physical activities. Tendons are soft tissues that connect the knee cap to the shinbones. The most common tendon that receives injury is the patellar tendon. This tendon works with the front of the thigh so that a person can run and jump.
Tendonitis is also known as jumper’s knee since this condition is common amongst athletes who jump often. Other types of physically active people can develop this as well.
As for more serious tendon injuries, direct impact from hits or falls can cause a tendon tear. This can lead to severe knee pain, which can require treatment or even surgery.
When Should I See An Orthopedic Knee Surgeon?
It may be time to see an ortho doctor if you’re dealing with these conditions resulting from knee area injuries.
Not only do they provide you with unique solutions to treat your condition, but they’ll also give you preventative advice.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
3 Signs You Have a Slipped or Bulging Disc
in Back Pain, Disk InjuriesArticle features on Spine-Health
When a disc in your lower spine bulges or tears, you may feel pain in your lower back and/or your leg. Here are 3 unique signs of a herniated or protruding disc to help you identify the underlying cause of your lower back problem:
1. Pain while sitting
An activity that exerts tremendous pressure on your lower spinal discs is sitting. If you have a herniated or bulging disc, this increase in pressure within your disc may cause the bulge to become more pronounced, which may aggravate your lower back pain when you sit.
2. Radiating pain into your leg (sciatica)
The discs in your lower back typically herniate or bulge in the posterior (back) and/or lateral (side) region, which is in close proximity to your spinal nerve roots. Herniated discs may affect these nerve roots through one or both of the following 2 methods:
The function of the affected nerve root is then altered, and you may feel a burning pain along with numbness, weakness, and/or tingling along the front and/or back of your thigh, leg, and/or foot. These symptoms are commonly referred to as sciatica. The symptoms and signs of sciatica typically affect one leg at a time.
3. Pain aggravated by specific activities
Your lower back pain and/or sciatica may worsen when you perform certain activities, such as:
Lumbar herniated disc pain usually comes on fast. In most cases, there is no single, clear reason for the pain, such as a specific injury or traumatic event. Yet, the pain feels sudden.
This condition can be very painful, but for most people, the symptoms don’t last too long. Nearly 90% of people who experience painful lumbar disc herniation report within 6 weeks that they no longer feel the pain, even if they received no medical treatment for it.
Warning signs and when to see a doctor
Visit your doctor if you exhibit these 3 telltale signs of a herniated disc. Your doctor may recommend a combination of nonsurgical treatments, such as pain-relieving medications and a guided physical therapy program, as well as referral to an interventional pain specialist for image-guided lumbar injections—to help decrease inflammation and relieve the pain.
If you experience any difficulty in controlling your bowel and/or bladder movements, numbness in your inner thigh and genital area, and/or problems in starting urination, consult your doctor immediately. These symptoms and signs may indicate cauda equina syndrome, a serious medical emergency, which is possible with certain severe lower back disc herniations.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
10 Ways to Move More in Everyday Life
in Prevention, Wellness TipsArticle featured on Healthline
It can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to make time for exercise. Here are some tips I give my physical therapy patients… and how I manage to keep myself moving. I get it. We’ve all said, “Who has time to exercise when you’re a…”
Just fill in the blank: working parent, working night shifts, entrepreneur, student, person who commutes, or parent who stays at home keeping children alive. You’re not alone in trying to figure out how to fit exercise into your day.
Over the past 11 years, I’ve realized the I’ll-work-out-later approach doesn’t work for me. I have to block time out of my day to exercise so I can stay sane and maintain my health and strength.
And here’s another tip: Try adding in a few bonus activities throughout the day and week to keep your body moving. Just a few extra minutes of movement here and there really do add up over time.
Here are 10 ways to move more during everyday life, without having to block more time out of your busy schedule!
1. Take the stairs
I know. This is so boring, and you’ve heard it a bajillion times. Yet, it’s one of the best tips for a reason.
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator increases your heart rate, helps with balance, and improves lower-extremity strength. If you’re feeling saucy and have a few minutes, you can even do some heel raises off the edge of a step for calf strength, or take the stairs two at a time.
Skip the elevator, your body and heart will thank you.
2. Incorporate walking meetings
If you work from home or have transitioned to virtual conference calls, schedule a walk during one call per day.
If you don’t need to be staring at a screen looking at spreadsheets, plug in your headphones, slip your phone in your pocket, and solve the world’s problems on a walk. It’s a great way to mix up your daily routine.
And if you work in an office, take your one-on-one meetings to go. Walking together enhances team bonding, and you may even come up with better ideas. Research shows walking boosts creativity and enhances mental acuity.
3. Lunge it up
I do this a lot, and I get funny looks sometimes, but hey — I’m a busy woman, and my time is precious!
When you’re shopping, try walking lunges down the supermarket aisles while holding onto the cart. The cart offers a good balance point, and you can get about 10–20 lunges in a single pass, depending on how long your supermarket’s aisles are. Go for it, it’s surprisingly fun!
4. Sit on an exercise ball
Swap out your office chair for a stability ball. This can help with back pain and help improve posture, and while sitting on the ball, you can do some gentle mobility stretches for your neck, pelvis, and spine.
Try a hula-hoop motion and tucking and untuck your pelvis to help fire up your core stabilizers. If you want to add in some abdominal work, you can also try seated marches or other exercises on the ball — all while sitting at your desk!
5. Park far away
While we need to be safe and alert to our surroundings, if you’re in a safe and well-lit area, consider parking further from the entrance of wherever you’re going. Adding in a few minutes of walking time here and there adds up over time and can increase your daily step count!
6. Have more sex
Yup, you’re welcome. Some older research states that sex burns calories at a rate of about 3.1 calories per minute for women and about 4.2 calories for men.
So although it’s not the same as a vigorous jog, you can (for sure) work up a sweat during sex. Have fun, try new positions and techniques, and bond with your partner all while moving more.
7. Foster a pet
Our local shelter and other adoption agencies are always looking for volunteers to help. Take the family to the shelter and volunteer to take a few dogs for a walk.
You get to increase your time outside, help a dog and your community, teach your kids about caring for others, and spend some quality family time being active and moving your body. It’s a win-win-win for all involved.
8. Have a dance party
Clear the furniture from the room and put on some tunes. You can do this while cooking dinner, folding laundry, or vacuuming.
Dancing is a fabulous way to burn calories and work on your balance and coordination. Plus, you can make it a game or contest with your kids. They need to learn about 80s rock, right? Put on some ACDC (or whatever makes you tap your feet) and get shakin’.
9. Switch up your game night
During your next family game night, swap out cards or board games for active games.
Here’s a list to jog your memory: hide and seek, kick the can, scavenger hunts, Twister, freeze dance, potato sack races, pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, hopscotch, jump rope, hula hoop contests, limbo… the games you once played as a kid are just as fun to play now.
Games like these can be played with people of any age, as well as indoors or outdoors. My family has a blast playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Freeze Frame Dance Party, and we all are sweaty and tired afterward.
10. Exercise or stretch during TV time
I know this goes beyond all tenets of “binge and chill,” but hear me out. Walk on the treadmill, use a stationary bike, stretch on the floor, use weights for upper- and full-body strengthening, or do Pilates during your next Netflix sesh.
If you watch a 30-minute show and move the whole time, that’s 30 minutes of exercise you didn’t have before! You can even limit it to when the commercials come on if that feels like a good place to start.
Keep your exercise stuff near your “binge-watching” place, and do some bodyweight exercises or even foam rolling during your show. Just a few reps of bicep curls, tricep presses, or arm raises with light hand weights will make a huge difference in your arm strength, posture, and well-being.
This is especially true for women, who are at a higher risk of osteoporosis. Incorporate weight training into your routine to keep your bones healthy and strong.
The bottom line
I hope these ideas will motivate and inspire you to get up and move a bit more throughout your day.
I know how difficult it is to maintain a good routine. It can seem overwhelming when you first start to exercise, but trying a few of these things will help.
Start small by adding in a few lunges here and there, a walking meeting once a week, or stairs a few times, and before you know it, you’ll be movin’ and groovin’ much more than you were before.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
How Tendons Become Stiffer and Stronger
in Tendon InjuriesArticle featured on Science Daily
Tendons are what connect muscles to bones. They are relatively thin but have to withstand enormous forces. Tendons need a certain elasticity to absorb high loads, such as mechanical shock, without tearing. In sports involving sprinting and jumping, however, stiff tendons are an advantage because they transmit the forces that unfold in the muscles more directly to the bones. Appropriate training helps to achieve an optimal stiffening of the tendons.
Researchers from ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, working at Balgrist University Hospital in Zurich, have now deciphered how the cells of the tendons perceive mechanical stress and how they are able to adapt the tendons to the demands of the body. Their findings have just been published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering.
At the core of the newly discovered mechanism is a molecular force sensor in the tendon cells consisting of an ion channel protein. This sensor detects when the collagen fibres, that make up the tendons, shift against each other lengthwise. If such a strong shear movement occurs, the sensor allows calcium ions to flow into the tendon cells. This promotes the production of certain enzymes that link the collagen fibres together. As a result, the tendons lose elasticity and become stiffer and stronger.
Gene variant overreacts
Interestingly, the ion channel protein responsible for this occurs in different genetic variants in humans. A few years ago, other scientists found that a particular variant called E756del is clustered in individuals of West African ancestry. At that time, the importance of this protein for tendon stiffness was not yet known. One-third of individuals of African descent carry this gene variant, while it is rare in other populations. This gene variant protects its carriers from severe cases of the tropical disease malaria. Scientists assume that the variant was able to prevail in this population because of this advantage.
The researchers led by Jess Snedeker, Professor of Orthopaedic Biomechanics at ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, have now shown that mice carrying this gene variant have stiffer tendons. They believe that tendons “overshoot” in their adaptive response to exercise due to this variant.
Major performance advantage
This also has direct effects on people’s ability to jump, as the scientists showed in a study with 65 African American volunteers. Of the participants, 22 carried the E756del variant of the gene, while the remaining 43 did not. To account for various factors that influence a person’s ability to jump (including physique, training, and general fitness), the researchers compared the performance during a slow and a fast jump. Tendons play only a minor role during slow jumping manoeuvres but are particularly important during fast jumps. With their study design, the scientists could isolate the effect of the gene variant on the jumping performance.
This showed that carriers of variant E756del performed 13 percent better on average. “It’s fascinating that a gene variant, which is positively selected due to an anti-malaria effect, at the same time is associated with better athletic abilities. We certainly did not expect to find this when we started the project,” says Fabian Passini, doctoral student in Snedeker’s group and first author of the study. It may well be that this gene variant explains in part why athletes hailing from countries with a high E756del frequency excel in world-class sports competitions, including sprinting, long-jumping and basketball. To date, there has been no scientific investigation into whether this gene variant is overrepresented among elite athletes. However, such a study would be of scientific interest, Passini says.
The findings about the force sensor and the mechanism by which tendons can adapt to physical demands are also important for physiotherapy. “We now have a better understanding of how tendons work. This should also help us treat tendon injuries better in future,” Snedeker says. In the medium term, it may also be possible to develop drugs that dock onto the newly discovered tendon force sensor. These could one day help to heal tendinopathies and other connective tissue disorders.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Jog On: Exercise Won’t Raise Your Odds for Arthritic Knees
in UncategorizedArticle featured on MedicineNet
Dr. Kim Huffman, an avid runner, gets a fair amount of guff from friends about the impact that her favorite exercise has on her body.
“People all the time tell me, ‘Oh, you wait until you’re 60. Your knees are going to hate you for it’,” Huffman said. “And I’m like, ‘That’s ridiculous’.”
Next time the topic comes up, Huffman is well-armed: An extensive British analysis of prior study data has found no link between a person’s amount of exercise and their risk for knee arthritis.
The research team combined the results of six clinical trials conducted at different places around the globe, creating a pool of more than 5,000 people who were followed for 5 to 12 years for signs of knee arthritis.
In each clinical trial, researchers tracked participants’ daily activities and estimated the amount of energy they expended in physical exertion.
Neither the amount of energy burned during exercise nor the amount of time spent in physical activity had anything to do with knee pain or arthritis symptoms, the researchers concluded.
“This helps dispel a myth that I’ve been trying to dispel for quite a while,” said Huffman, an associate professor at the Duke University Medical Center’s division of rheumatology.
“If you add up the amounts of activity that people do and also the duration of activity, neither of those is associated with knee arthritis,” added Huffman, who wasn’t involved in the analysis.
Dr. Bert Mandelbaum is chief medical officer of the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer club and team physician for the U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team.
He agreed the study “further corroborates the fact that levels of exercise in one’s personal life do not increase the risk, the onset or progression of osteoarthritis.”
So where did this misconception come from?
Huffman thinks it’s because people mistake exercise-related injuries for the effect that exercise itself has on your joints.
“Right now, the clear risks for knee arthritis are genetics, injuries and female sex,” Huffman said. “People who exercise more may be more likely to injure their knee. That’s where I think the myth comes from.”
In fact, exercise can help ward off knee arthritis in several ways, Huffman said:
“I don’t think we’re finding that simple overuse or using your joint is a problem. It’s more an association with injuries and perhaps in the setting of obesity or high genetic risk,” Huffman said.
Your best bet is to choose an exercise that poses the least risk of a knee injury, Huffman said.
“If you want to go snow skiing, I don’t think that’s a huge problem but you’re probably going to be more likely to injure yourself downhill skiing than, say, walking in your neighborhood or training for a marathon,” Huffman said. “It’s not soccer or football or skiing itself. It’s just the risk for injury during those activities.”
On the other hand, exercise provides benefits that go far beyond healthy joints, said Mandelbaum, co-chair of medical affairs at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute at Santa Monica, Calif. He played no role in the research review.
“Physical activity is essential to optimize both physical and mental health and plays a central role in facilitating life’s quality and quantity,” Mandelbaum said. “The list of benefits includes decreased anxiety, better mood, decreased levels of coronary disease, hypertension, diabetes and obesity, and therefore a longer life.”
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
6 Causes of Neck Pain
in Neck PainArticle featured on Practical Pain Management
The human neck houses incredibly important structures—the airway, the voice box, the food-entry canal (esophagus), all the nerves in the spinal cord, and of course the muscles and bones that “keep our heads on straight.” As a result of this plethora of activity, neck pain can arise from a variety of sources.
Neck pain can imply something simple like a stiff muscle, which can often be worked out with rest, therapeutic manipulation, or exercise. But neck pain can also be a warning sign of a medical emergency, such as in the case of bacterial meningitis (which can threaten one’s life) or cervical myelopathy (which can lead to paralysis). In these situations, seeing a doctor to distinguish the significance of your particular form of neck pain is warranted. Below is an overview of six potential sources of neck pain. See also our diagnosis and treatment sections for each.
1. Muscle Strain:
A strained muscle or group of muscles is often the source of neck pain. Strains can be caused by weight (including obesity), weak abdominal muscles (your “core”), or poor posture.
New studies about “tech neck” or “tablet neck” show that those who put themselves into odd positions while holding handheld electronic devices can also cause neck strain; try to avoid placing the device in your lap, which causes you to flex your neck down to look at the screen. The weight of the head on the spine, normally about 10 to 12 pounds, can increase to 60 pounds of load on the spine when the neck is flexed 60 degrees (See Hansraj, 2014).
Muscle-based neck pain can also occur from over-extending the neck. Sometimes called “belayer’s neck,” this position can be best described as a person standing at the bottom of a cliff and assuming a constant gaze upward to shift ropes and watch out for the safety of a climber. Not only are muscles affected by this position, but the facet joints of the spine are jammed together.
Certain occupational activities, sports, hobbies, and even sleeping in an odd position can lead to musculoskeletal neck strain and pain as well. A fall or car accident can spur muscular neck pain in the form of whiplash, leading to potential long-term damage or disability.
2. Cervical Disc Herniation:
In between the vertebrate in your spine are discs that serve as a cushion to the vertebrate above and below. Sometimes, through trauma or normal age degeneration, the outer hard layer of a disc breaks, and the inner, gel-like nucleus pulposus squeezes out, irritating the nerves behind it. This action is referred to as a herniated, bulging, slipped, or ruptured disc. When discs rupture within the cervical spine—that is, the vertebral column in the neck area, the movement can produce pain. Symptoms can also include pain between the shoulder blades or pain/numbness that radiates down the arm to the hand or fingers.
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis:
For individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), neck pain typically comes years after the diagnosis; over 80% of patients who have had RA for 10 years wind up experiencing cervical spine issues (See Hamilton, 2000) as the disease can lead to damage in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. At higher risk are male patients and those with a positive rheumatoid factor, which your rheumatologist can likely share with you.
The good news is that neck pain is rarely the first known symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. When it does present in the neck, RA usually affects the atlantoaxial joint. This particular joint pivots the head so we can look left and right, up and down. As RA loosens ligaments, erodes bone, or causes thickened tissue around joints, the spinal cord and brain stem can condense, requiring urgent medical attention. Therefore, although rare, RA retains its spot on the list of possible neck pain causes even when there is no evidence of RA in the peripheral joints (eg, hips, knees).
4. Meningitis:
One of the most dangerous sources of neck pain is bacterial meningitis (also called meningococcal meningitis), as a person can go from neck stiffness to death in a matter of hours to days. The three membranes that coat and protect the brain and spinal cord, running through the neck and back, are called meninges. The dura mater guards the outside, the arachnoid mater serves as the webbed middle layer, and the pia mater shelters the central nervous system as the inner layer of meninges.
While the meninges shield our central nervous system (CNS), there are certain bacteria, viruses, and even fungi that can inflame and destroy these layers. Two of the most dangerous bacteria that can threaten one’s life rather quickly are called Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The bacteria are passed through saliva and the most common symptoms include fever, headache, and stiff neck. If you experience such symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
While the highest global incidence of meningitis outbreaks occur in Sub-Saharan Africa, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data show that outbreaks can also occur in communities, schools, colleges, prisons, and other populations around the US. Viral and fungal forms of meningitis also exist, but are often less severe.
5. Tumors:
Since the airway is contained in the human neck, a lifetime of inhaling a toxic substance, such as asbestos, wood, nickel, dust, or tobacco, could mean that neck pain is being caused by a tumor. At least 75% of head and neck cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol use (See Blot, 1988). Cancers in the neck usually involve abnormal cell growth in the squamous cells, which are the moist, mucosal cells that line the mouth, nose, and throat. Less often, neck cancer originates in the salivary glands or thyroid glands.
Sometimes cancer originates in squamous cells elsewhere in the body and then spreads to a neck lymph node, creating a lump. This cancer is called metastatic squamous neck cancer with occult primary. Symptoms can include pain or a lump in the neck or throat.
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a growing culprit in oropharyngeal cancers; according to the National Cancer Institute, HPV is the source of 26,000 new head and neck cancers each year.
6. Cervical Myelopathy:
This version of neck pain usually indicates that immediate surgery may be needed. If you notice pain or numbness in your arms or legs, frequent tripping, or sudden bladder incontinence, it may be because the spinal cord is being compressed. Known as cervical myelopathy, the condition can lead to permanent disability or paralysis if left untreated, which is why surgery is usually advised.
Degenerative cervical myelopathy, also called osteoarthritic or cervical spondylosis, occurs when any of a host of degenerative problems occur, such as herniated discs, swollen ligaments, or bone spurs. Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, can grow as a result of osteoarthritis, poor posture, or traumatic injury; changes that are more common with age. Continued degeneration or trauma can lead to cervical stenosis, which means that the space in the spinal canal has narrowed. When this narrow canal pinches the spinal cord, myelopathy, or neurologic deficits (abnormalities in body function), can occur.
Overall, diagnosing neck pain can be tricky, but with the proper medical exams and tests, your doctor can narrow down the cause of your pain to make an accurate diagnosis.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
11 Chronic Pain Control Techniques
in Chronic PainArticle featured on Spine-Health
While preparing for any chronic pain coping method, it is important to learn how to use focus and deep breathing techniques to relax the body. Learning to relax takes practice, especially while in pain. It is beneficial to be able to release muscle tension throughout the body and start to remove attention from the pain.
Coping techniques for chronic pain begin with controlled deep breathing, as follows:
After relaxation and focus are achieved, imagery techniques can be used.
Eleven specific imagery and chronic pain control techniques that are effective for pain management include:
Some of these techniques are probably best learned with the help of a professional, and it usually takes practice for these methods to become effective in helping alleviate chronic pain. It is often advisable to work on pain coping strategies for about 30 minutes 3 times a week. With practice relaxation and chronic pain control can become strong and last for a long time.
After learning these techniques, chronic pain relief and relaxation can be produced with just a few deep breaths. These techniques can then be used while being engaged in any activity, working, talking, etc. With enough experience, a greater sense of control over the chronic pain and its effects on life can be felt.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm