Jenny L. F. Andrus. MD In my practice as an Interventional Pain Management Specialist, I can attest to the fact that I see more women than men for the treatment of chronic pain. Research also tells us that women are disproportionately affected by pain conditions more often than men. Even more concerning is they often… Read more »
Andrew L. Martin, PsyD I vividly remember my first relaxation exercise. I was a psychology intern, co-facilitating a fibromyalgia psychotherapy group at the Navy hospital in San Diego. My supervisor led the group in a breathing exercise, and I got caught up in the exercise with the group members. A few minutes later, I was… Read more »
Raj N. Sureja, MD When a patient with chronic neck pain gets referred to me, an Interventional Pain Management Specialist, I am often considered a last resort for treatment. Typically, the patient has tried every treatment that their PCP has to offer, been to a Chiropractor, Physical Therapist, massage therapist, to an Orthopaedist, and may… Read more »
Jenny L. F. Andrus, MD 1. Self-care is key. Exercise and stress management are the most important aspects of your care. Try yoga, swimming or walking. Meditation and Mindfulness are proven stress reducers. Try to do something everyday that relieves your stress and gets you moving. 2. Mood disorders are common with FMS and failure… Read more »
Jenny L. F. Andrus, MD Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) can be a confusing and frightening diagnosis. Patients often get this diagnosis after having been seen by many different specialists. They’re often confused and frustrated by the lack of clarity surrounding the cause or the treatment. This diagnosis is more of a description of your problem rather… Read more »
Jenny L. F. Andrus, MD Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain condition that causes pain all over the body. Often patients will say that they hurt from head to toe. Some of the areas may be more painful than others with patients often reporting higher levels of low back or neck pain. This “all… Read more »
Emily A. Ludwig, PsyD Picture this…your entire family, sitting around the kitchen table, all warm and snuggly, drinking hot cocoa. Everyone is smiling and laughing as your kids take turns talking about how they love spending time at home with you. You’ve got chocolate chip cookies in the oven and a pot of homemade… Read more »
Emily A. Ludwig, PsyD One of the most useful tools I employ when helping patients is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. It uses Cognition (thinking) to affect change in Behavior (actions) and, with practice, can become a truly life-changing tool for patients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, substance abuse, etc. CBT has… Read more »
Jenny L. F. Andrus, MD As a fellowship-trained Interventional Pain Management Specialist, I often diagnose and treat patients who display the symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). Commonly seen complaints with this condition are widespread musculoskeletal pain, tender points located in specific areas of the body, fatigue and sleep issues. Conditions often experienced with FMS are… Read more »
Approaching Chronic Pain with Mindfulness Join Dr. F. Cal Robinson, PsyD, MSPC as he discusses how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one’s relationship with chronic pain, by complicating the pain experience. Mindfulness offers a way to learn how to respond to pain as one embraces the fullness of life. The overarching goal of mindfulness is… Read more »