Blog
New Trial Shows Deep Brain Stimulation Could Ease Chronic Low Back Pain
A groundbreaking trial has shown promising results for using deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat chronic low back pain, offering hope to patients who haven't found relief from other treatments. In this trial, a 50-year-old man with over 20 years of severe back pain underwent DBS targeting a specific brain region known as the subgenual cingulate cortex (SCC). This area is involved in processing pain and emotions. 6 months after the procedure, the patient experienced a significant reduction in pain and disability. His pain levels dropped by 75%, anxiety related to pain decreased by 86%, and his overall disability score improved by 90%. Additionally, his use of opioids for pain management decreased by 95%. Importantly, the procedure was well tolerated, with no serious side effects reported. This trial, led by Dr. Ausaf A. Bari at UCLA, suggests that DBS could be a viable option for patients with severe low back pain who have exhausted other treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Unlike SCS, DBS targets brain circuits that are altered in chronic pain conditions, potentially offering more effective relief. While these initial results are promising, more extensive studies are needed to confirm the benefits and determine the best ways to implement this treatment for a broader patient population. This research represents a significant step forward in chronic pain management, providing new hope for patients suffering from persistent, debilitating back pain.
Read More
How Minimalist Running Shoes Impact Injury Rates and Pain Levels in Recreational Runners
A recent study explored how different types of running shoes affect injury rates and pain in recreational runners. It compared neutral shoes, partial minimalist shoes, and full minimalist shoes. Minimalist shoes are designed to mimic barefoot running, offering little cushioning and support. The study found that runners using minimalist footwear, especially full minimalist designs, experienced more injuries and pain, particularly in the shins and calves. The findings suggest that runners should transition gradually to minimalist shoes and be cautious, especially when training for events like a 10 km race.
Read More
Three PRP Injections Shown to Significantly Improve Knee Osteoarthritis Over Single Injection
A study examined the effectiveness of different frequencies of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in treating knee osteoarthritis (OA). It involved 120 patients divided into three groups: one group received a single PRP injection, another received three injections, and the third group received five injections. Over a year, all groups showed improvements in pain and joint function, but the groups receiving three and five injections experienced significantly greater benefits. No major difference was found between the three and five injection groups, making three injections the recommended treatment for better pain reduction and improved physical function​.
Read More
Dietary Interventions for Treatment of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide and can have a significant impact on daily life. While medications are often used to manage pain, they can come with unwanted side effects. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using dietary interventions, like changing what you eat, to help manage chronic pain. Two types of diets have shown promise in this area: the low-carbohydrate diet and the Mediterranean diet. These diets focus on eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats while reducing processed carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. Research suggests that these diets may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which are thought to contribute to chronic pain. However, there are still many unanswered questions. For example, while some studies have shown that dietary antioxidants, found in foods like berries and green tea, may help with pain, the evidence is not yet conclusive. Additionally, there is a need for more research specifically focusing on chronic pain and how diet can affect it. One challenge is that changing your diet can be difficult and may require significant lifestyle changes. Factors like socioeconomic status, cultural background, and access to certain foods can also play a role in how effective dietary interventions are. In conclusion, while changing your diet may hold promise as a way to manage chronic pain, more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations. Individuals with chronic pain need to talk to their healthcare providers about all available treatment options, including dietary changes, to find the approach that works best for them.
Read More
The McGill Big 3 Exercise for Core Stabilization and Back Pain Relief
The McGill Big 3 refers to a set of core stability exercises developed by Dr. Stuart McGill, a renowned spine biomechanics researcher. These exercises are designed to strengthen and stabilize the muscles surrounding the spine, helping to prevent and alleviate back pain. First on the list is the "Curl-up". This exercise is performed lying on your back with one knee bent and the other leg straight. You place your hands beneath the curve of your lower back for support and then gently lift your head and shoulders off the ground, making sure to keep your lower back pressed into your hands. The focus is on activating the abdominal muscles while minimizing stress on the spine. The second position is the "side bridge". In this exercise, you lie on your side with your legs straight and prop yourself up on your elbow, ensuring it's directly beneath your shoulder. You then lift your hips off the ground, forming a straight line from your head to your feet. This move targets the muscles along the side of your core, helping to improve stability and support for the spine. The last position is the "bird dog". Starting on your hands and knees in a tabletop position, with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips, you extend one arm straight out in front of you while simultaneously extending the opposite leg straight back behind you. The goal is to maintain a stable spine and pelvis throughout the movement, engaging the muscles of the core, hips, and shoulders. These exercises are highly effective for improving core stability, reducing the risk of lower back pain and injury, and enhancing overall performance in various physical activities. They're widely used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike, endorsed for their ability to strengthen the core without compromising spinal health.
Read More