Diabetic Neuropathy: An Overview
A condition that typically affects individuals who are diabetic or have high blood pressure, diabetic neuropathy can affect nerve endings throughout the entire body. It most often affects the legs and occurs when nerve endings are affected by high blood sugar. Patients who are suffering from diabetic neuropathy should always
All About Chronic Cancer Pain
Cancer pain can include pain that is felt before cancer has been diagnosed, while it is being treated, while it is in advanced stages, and even after the cancer has gone into remission. Cancer pain can occur in any part of the body and is always the result of the
Spinal Stenosis: An Overview
What is spinal stenosis? Spinal stenosis is characterized by a narrowing of the spaces in the spine between vertebrae, causing pressure to be exerted upon the nerves of the spinal cord. This condition can develop gradually, over the course of many years. Many patients do not experience any symptoms until they
Phantom Limb Pain: An Overview
Amputation may be necessary to remove an infected limb or reduce the amount of pain an individual is feeling due to a damaged limb. While amputation is the best medical choice for many different situations, it does not always successfully eliminate pain. In fact, around 60 to 80 percent of
A Primer on Sciatica
Sciatica affects the sciatic nerve, which starts in your lower back and runs through your buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica develops when a muscle squeezes or pinches down on the nerve, which results in pain and discomfort. What are the symptoms of sciatica? Common symptoms of sciatica include: Pain that
A Primer on Herniated Discs
Located all along your spine are small spinal discs, which mostly work to absorb shock in your back. They are made of a hard exterior and a soft, gel-like interior. If the interior of the disc spills out, the disc has become herniated. This can lead to irritated nerves around
A Primer on Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain)
Coccydynia, known casually as tailbone pain, can affect individuals of any age, gender, or fitness level. Tailbone pain is a complex issue, because there are several different potential causes, diagnostic methods, and treatment options available. Anyone suffering from tailbone pain is familiar with the intense pain that often worsens while
How Is Post-Mastectomy Pain Possible?
A mastectomy can be a lifesaving procedure for many women that suffer from breast cancer. After the breasts are removed, it removes any possibilities of developing breast cancer again. Unfortunately, there are some complications that can come after the mastectomy. Along with the risk for infection, a risk that the
The Truth About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex regional pain syndrome, CRPS, is a condition that affects the central and peripheral nervous system. Most patients with CRPS have nerve damage, which can be hard to confirm because of the complexities of the nervous system. It is important for people that believe they have CRPS to understand how the
Osteoarthritis Facts and Treatments
Osteoarthritis, sometimes referred to simply as OA, affects many individuals. It is common for elderly patients to suffer the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but the disease has the ability to affect anyone. While the elderly often face osteoarthritis due to aging joints, a much younger patient may suffer from the condition