Due to neural pathways in the brain and behavioral habit patterns, pain can become a habit, making it challenging to sort out and resolve. The best ways to kick the pain habit are to recognize the most common causes and learn the 8 Step Pain Release Process. Most common reasons (habits) causing people to experience pain: [...]
As I describe in my book Outsmart Your Pain ™, pain can be a constant distraction in daily life, contributing to increased stress and causing cognitive inefficiency. The following steps have been recommended by the American Psychology Association to improve how we can cope better with pain and "kick the pain habit". As the basis of [...]
The knee is the largest weight-bearing joint of the body. As a result, it is exposed to a lot of wear and tear throughout our lives. Normal wear and tear associated with aging as well as the effects of injuries and failed surgeries can eventually cause significant chronic knee pain. Anyone with chronic knee pain knows [...]
What are epidural steroid injections? Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are therapeutic spinal injection procedures that are part of the first or second line treatment for herniated discs, sciatica and spinal stenosis. When oral steroids, rest and physical therapy are not effective in relieving pain due to these conditions then ESIs are the next best step. Sometimes, [...]
Advanced PRFM for Pain Management The platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) method is a unique process of extracting platelets from a patient's own blood to relieve pain and inflammation, combat scarring, and aid in tissue regeneration. Similar to PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), PRFM is a controlled process that removes almost all contaminants within the blood to create a [...]
Arthritis of the neck and lower back is quite common affecting 85% of people over the age of 60. While this wear and tear takes its toll as we age, even young people experience pain from arthritis in these areas. Typically, in younger people, we see this arising due to trauma or overuse. When inflammation occurs [...]
5 Minute Pain Plan explanation: This Youtube video is a good overview of how our bodies process pain. Having a better understanding of pain can help you get better. Please take time to watch the video and write down any questions you have for your next therapy visit. Can the Barr Center Help You with Pain [...]
Easy Posture Hacks to Reduce Pain Below is a diagram depicting the most common postures. Remember that posture is a habit. Poor postures are depicted on the left and in the middle. Optimal ones are displayed on the right. Posture Hacks Change your routine. Avoid doing the same activities or exercises every day. Change your shoes [...]
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is currently under study in patients with various types of chronic pain including migraines, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy. Other chronic pain states, various types of cancers, and autoimmune related disorders are also being studied. While these studies are underway, it is used widely in the U.S. for a variety of pain related disorders [...]
What is a Contrast Bath? Contrast baths are a form of hydrotherapy. It is also called hot/cold immersion therapy. It is the use of hot and cold water to help decrease pain and increase circulation around an injured area where there may be restricted blood flow. The goals for using contrast baths include: Decreasing pain Decreasing [...]
