Blog Archive

Personalized care is more than choosing a procedure from a menuPain research increasingly points toward individualized care: matching treatment to the likely pain generator, symptom pattern, health history, function goals, and patient preferences. That sounds obvious, but it is a major reason pain management is not one-size-fits-all.For New England patients,...

Poor sleep can turn up the pain volumeChronic pain and poor sleep often travel together. Pain can make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep, and poor sleep can make pain feel sharper, louder, and more exhausting the next day. For Vermont and New England patients, this cycle can...

Some nerve pain is local enough to consider a targeted strategyPeripheral nerve stimulation is a neuromodulation option that may be discussed for selected focal nerve pain problems. For Southern Maine and nearby New England patients, it is best understood as a targeted tool — not a general cure for every...

Knee pain is not always only a knee problemKnee pain with stairs is often related to the knee joint, kneecap tracking, tendons, arthritis, or prior injury. But in some Seacoast NH patients, pain around the knee can also be influenced by the low back, hip, or nerves that refer symptoms...

Leg pain from irritated spinal nerves needs the right question firstPain that travels from the low back or buttock into the leg may come from nerve irritation, spinal stenosis, a disc herniation, or another overlapping problem. For Northern Massachusetts and Seacoast-area patients, an epidural steroid injection may be discussed when...

A practical checklist can make procedure day less stressfulOutpatient pain procedures such as epidural injections, medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablation, SI joint injections, and other image-guided treatments are usually planned around a specific diagnosis and goal. For Seacoast NH and nearby New England patients, preparation starts with understanding the purpose...

When chronic nerve pain remains limiting despite reasonable careSome chronic nerve-related pain continues despite physical therapy, medication adjustments, injections, surgery, or time. For selected Vermont and New England patients, spinal cord stimulation may be discussed when the pattern, history, and goals fit a neuromodulation approach.Spinal cord stimulation is not a...

Low back, buttock, and leg pain can have more than one sourcePain in the low back, buttock, hip, or leg is often labeled sciatica, but not every pain that travels below the beltline comes from an irritated spinal nerve. In Southern Maine and the Seacoast region, one common diagnostic question...

Why a short-term test can guide a longer-term decisionChronic neck or low back pain can come from many structures, including discs, nerves, muscles, sacroiliac joints, and small spine joints called facet joints. For New Hampshire patients with suspected facet-related pain, a medial branch block may be used as a diagnostic...

Sudden severe back pain after a compression fracture deserves a planA vertebral compression fracture can cause sudden, intense back pain that feels different from ordinary muscle strain. For older adults and patients with osteoporosis risk in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, and across New England, early evaluation can help clarify...

A lower pain number is helpful, but life function tells the bigger storyPain scores are useful, but they do not tell the whole story. Two people can report the same pain number while having very different sleep, walking distance, work tolerance, and daily activity.Modern pain care increasingly focuses on function:...

Weather may not cause every flare, but patterns still matterMany patients notice pain changes with cold fronts, storms, humidity, or seasonal shifts. Weather is rarely the only factor, but it can interact with sleep, activity, mood, joints, and muscle tension.For Vermont and New England patients, tracking pain flares can make...

Arm tingling changes the neck-pain conversationNeck pain after desk work, driving, or sleep position is common. But when symptoms travel into the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers, a cervical nerve may be involved.For Northern Massachusetts and New Hampshire patients, persistent neck pain with arm tingling should be evaluated carefully rather...

The leg may be where pain shows up, not where it startsSciatica can feel like a leg problem: pain, tingling, burning, or electric symptoms moving through the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot. But the source is often irritation of a nerve in the lower back.For Southern Maine and Seacoast patients,...

Gardening can be peaceful until the back files a complaintGardening, yard work, and weekend projects can involve hours of bending, twisting, lifting, and kneeling. A little soreness may be expected, but pain that persists or travels into the leg deserves more attention.For patients in Newington, Newmarket, Dover, Portsmouth, and the...

A good procedure plan starts with good questionsEpidural steroid injections can be helpful for selected patients with nerve-related spine pain, such as sciatica or certain neck-and-arm symptoms. But the decision should be tied to a clear diagnosis and a clear goal.For patients in Northern Massachusetts, the Seacoast, and Southern New...

Useful technology still needs thoughtful doctors and real examsArtificial intelligence is showing up in healthcare conversations everywhere, including pain management. It may help organize information, support education, identify patterns, or improve workflows. But it is not a magic wand and it is not a substitute for clinical judgment.Pain care is...

Trail pain does not always start where it is feltHiking is one of the best parts of Vermont and New England life. Unfortunately, hills, uneven ground, descents, packs, and long drives to the trailhead can reveal pain patterns that are not obvious at first.A sore knee may be a knee...

Arm tingling changes the neck-pain conversationNeck stiffness after driving, computer work, or sleep position is common. But when pain travels into the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers, the conversation changes. Tingling can be a clue that a nerve is irritated.Patients from Southern Maine and the Seacoast often describe these symptoms...

Weekend chores can wake up more than sore musclesYard work, snow cleanup, gardening, and home projects are part of New England life. They can also create the perfect recipe for low back pain: bending, lifting, twisting, carrying, and then pretending the body did not notice.For patients in Newington, Newmarket, Dover,...

Good questions make procedure day safer and clearerMany pain procedures can be performed in an ambulatory surgery center, often called an ASC, when the procedure and patient are appropriate for that setting. The environment is designed for outpatient care, but patients still deserve clear explanations before scheduling.For patients across New...

The car seat is not always the villainLong commutes, traffic, and winter driving can make neck pain more noticeable. Sometimes the problem is posture or muscle fatigue. Other times, driving exposes an underlying cervical joint, disc, or nerve issue.For patients in Northern Massachusetts and nearby New Hampshire, neck pain while...

A useful pain plan has to survive daily lifeChronic pain care works best when the plan fits the person, not just the diagnosis label. A plan that sounds perfect in an office but fails during work, winter driving, caregiving, or sleep disruption is not truly practical.For Vermont and broader New...

RFA is usually not the first questionRadiofrequency ablation, often called RFA, is a procedure that may reduce pain signals from selected small nerves near painful spinal joints. It is commonly discussed for facet-mediated neck or back pain.For Seacoast New Hampshire patients, the important point is that RFA is usually considered...

The low back is not always the whole storyPain near the belt line, buttock, hip, or back of the pelvis can be confusing. Many people assume it is automatically a disc problem, but the sacroiliac joint can also produce stubborn low-back-area pain.For patients in Southern Maine, Kittery, York, Wells, and...

A procedure works best when the goal is clearPain procedures can be helpful for selected patients, but the most successful plans usually begin with realistic expectations. A procedure may reduce inflammation, clarify a diagnosis, calm a nerve, or interrupt a pain signal. It does not always erase every symptom forever.Research...

When neck problems travel into the armArm pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness can sometimes start in the neck. When a cervical disc problem or narrowing irritates a nerve root, symptoms may travel into the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers.A cervical epidural steroid injection may be considered for selected patients after...

Two neuromodulation tools, different targetsSpinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation are both neuromodulation treatments, which means they use carefully controlled electrical signals to influence pain pathways. The names sound similar enough to make anyone’s eyes glaze over, but the target and use case are different.Understanding the difference can help...

When walking distance becomes the clueSpinal stenosis can be frustrating because the symptom pattern is not always dramatic at rest. A person may feel reasonably comfortable sitting, then develop leg heaviness, aching, numbness, or weakness after standing or walking for a while.For patients in Northern Massachusetts and the broader New...

When leg pain may be coming from an irritated spinal nerveSciatica can make everyday movement feel unpredictable: one minute the back is stiff, the next the pain is traveling through the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot. For patients around the Seacoast, Newington, Newmarket, and nearby Southern Maine, an epidural steroid...

Cold weather does not have to win every roundMany patients swear their joints can predict New England weather better than a forecast app. Cold, snow, shorter days, and less movement can all affect pain and stiffness.Weather may not be the only cause of pain, but winter can change routines in...

Image guidance is about anatomy, accuracy, and safetyMany interventional pain procedures use imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy is a real-time X-ray technique that helps the clinician see bony landmarks and guide treatment to the intended area.Patients do not need to become radiologists, thankfully. But understanding why imaging is used...

Sleep is not a luxury item in pain carePain research continues to show a close relationship between sleep and pain sensitivity. The simple version: when sleep gets worse, pain can feel louder; when pain gets worse, sleep can fall apart. Very rude of both systems.This does not mean pain is...

A trial is designed to answer a practical questionSpinal cord stimulation, often called SCS, may be discussed for selected chronic pain conditions, particularly certain nerve-related pain patterns. It is not the first step for a routine sore back.A trial helps determine whether stimulation meaningfully reduces pain and improves function before...

The SI joint is small, but it can be very persuasiveThe sacroiliac joint sits where the spine meets the pelvis. When irritated, it can cause pain that feels like low back pain, hip pain, or buttock pain.Patients across New England may notice pain with sitting, stairs, getting out of a...

Preparation makes procedure day less stressfulAmbulatory surgery centers, or ASCs, are commonly used for outpatient procedures, including selected pain-management procedures. Preparation matters because safety checks begin before the patient arrives.The goal is not to make procedure day feel complicated. The goal is to make it predictable. Predictable is underrated.Common preparation...

A flare plan is not pessimism — it is preparationChronic pain can behave like New England weather: mostly manageable, then suddenly dramatic. Patients in Vermont and across the region often benefit from having a practical flare plan before pain spikes.A flare plan does not mean giving up. It means deciding...

Neck pain plus arm symptoms deserves attentionNeck stiffness after work, driving, or sleep is common. But when neck pain travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand — especially with tingling, numbness, or weakness — the conversation changes.For patients in Northern Massachusetts, the Seacoast, and nearby New Hampshire, the goal is...

Leg pain is not always a leg problemA person in York, Kittery, Berwick, Wells, or Southern Maine may feel pain down the leg and assume the problem must be in the hamstring, hip, or knee. Sometimes it is. But sometimes the signal begins in the lower back.Sciatica is a term...

A good injection plan starts before the needle ever appearsWhen back pain does not improve with basic care, patients around Portsmouth, Dover, Newington, Newmarket, and the Seacoast may start searching for injection options. That search can get confusing quickly.The most important point is simple: an injection should be tied to...

Nerves can stay irritated after the original injury has healedAfter an injury or surgery, some pain fades as tissue heals. But sometimes burning, shooting, tingling, electric, or hypersensitive pain lingers in a pattern that suggests nerve irritation.Patients across Newington, Dover, Rochester, Exeter, Southern Maine, the North Shore, and Vermont may...

Guidelines are not cookbook medicine — but they can keep care groundedRecent pain-management literature and guideline discussions continue to emphasize careful patient selection for non-cancer chronic spine pain procedures. That may sound dry, but it matters a lot when someone is deciding whether an injection, block, or ablation makes sense.The...

Not every back pain flare is muscularA vertebral compression fracture happens when a spinal bone loses height, often in the setting of osteoporosis or a fall. It may cause sudden, sharp back pain that is different from a typical strain.For patients in New Hampshire, Southern Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont, prompt...

One procedure is the test; the other may be the treatmentPatients searching for back pain procedures near the Seacoast, Southern Maine, Boston/North Shore, or Vermont often run into two terms: medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation. They sound like alphabet soup, but the logic is fairly practical.Medial branch blocks are...

The “shopping cart sign” is not just a funny detailSome people with lumbar spinal stenosis notice that walking through Portsmouth, Dover, Kittery, York, or a Newington grocery store feels easier when they lean slightly forward on a cart. That pattern is sometimes called the “shopping cart sign.”It does not prove...

Leg pain patterns help narrow the possibilitiesPatients searching for leg pain sciatica spinal stenosis are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For patients in Seacoast...

Pain and sleep can amplify each otherPatients searching for chronic pain sleep treatment are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For patients in New England...

Precision matters when treating spine and nerve painPatients searching for image guided pain injections are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For patients in New...

Knowing the steps can reduce anxiety before a procedurePatients searching for epidural steroid injection ambulatory surgery center are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For...

The shoulder is not always the source of shoulder-area painPatients searching for shoulder pain neck nerve pain are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For...

Knee pain can involve joint, nerve, spine, or gait factorsPatients searching for knee pain pain management are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For patients...

Pain location alone can be misleadingPatients searching for hip buttock back pain source are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For patients in Seacoast NH...

Cold weather, shoveling, and slipping can aggravate pain generatorsPatients searching for winter back pain New England are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For patients...

Long drives can expose neck and nerve problemsPatients searching for neck pain driving treatment are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For patients in New...

SI joint pain can imitate low back, hip, or buttock painPatients searching for SI joint injection New Hampshire are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist....

Some pain is driven by a specific peripheral nerve pathwayPatients searching for peripheral nerve stimulation pain are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For patients...

Neuromodulation is about changing pain signaling, not masking every symptomPatients searching for spinal cord stimulation New England are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For...

Some procedures start with a diagnostic questionPatients searching for medial branch block back pain are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For patients in New...

RFA is usually considered after diagnostic confirmationPatients searching for radiofrequency ablation New Hampshire are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For patients in Seacoast NH...

Research keeps pointing toward matching care to the patient, not the labelPatients searching for personalized pain management research are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist....

AI may help organize care, but it does not replace the clinicianPatients searching for AI in pain management are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist....

Persistent pain deserves a structured planPatients searching for chronic pain management Vermont are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For patients in Vermont and western...

ASC care can be efficient when the procedure and patient fitPatients searching for ambulatory surgery center pain procedures Massachusetts are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain...

Good questions make procedures safer and more usefulPatients searching for back pain injections Maine are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For patients in Southern...

Local pain care should start with the right diagnosisPatients searching for pain management New Hampshire are usually not looking for a medical lecture. They want to know what might be causing the pain, what options are reasonable, and when it makes sense to see a pain specialist. For patients in...

A first visit is about understanding the “why” behind the pain A first pain management visit should not feel like being rushed into a procedure. The goal is to understand your symptoms, history, exam findings, prior treatments, and what pain is preventing you from doing. Think of it as detective...

Pain is real — and stress can turn up the volume Stress does not mean pain is “all in your head.” Pain is real. But stress, poor sleep, muscle tension, and nervous system sensitivity can make pain feel louder, more persistent, and harder to ignore. Understanding the brain-body connection can...

Your neck was not designed to become a laptop stand Long hours at a computer can leave the neck feeling stiff, achy, or tight. Sometimes the cause is posture and muscle fatigue. Other times, computer work brings out an underlying neck, disc, joint, or nerve problem. The modern desk setup...

Walking pain can tell an important story Some people feel better when they walk. Others develop leg pain, heaviness, numbness, or weakness after a short distance. Walking-related leg pain can come from the spine, nerves, joints, circulation, or a mix of factors. The pattern — what makes it better, worse,...

The hip and low back share a neighborhoodHip pain and back pain often overlap. Pain may show up in the groin, buttock, outside of the hip, thigh, or low back, and the true source is not always obvious. The body did not label the wiring for our convenience.A careful exam...

When nerves send odd messages Burning, tingling, pins-and-needles, numbness, or electric sensations can be unsettling. Sometimes the problem is not the muscle or joint itself, but the nerves carrying the signal. Nerves are helpful, but when irritated, they can be a bit dramatic. Neuropathy can have many causes, so the...

Pain near the low back is not always from the spineThe sacroiliac joints, or SI joints, sit where the spine meets the pelvis. When irritated, they can create pain that feels like low back pain, hip pain, or buttock pain. In other words, the SI joint is very good at...

A targeted option when certain joints keep sending pain signals Radiofrequency ablation, often called RFA, is a procedure used for some types of chronic back or neck pain, especially pain coming from facet joints. It sounds futuristic, but the idea is fairly practical: reduce pain signals from carefully selected nerves....

Tiny joints, surprisingly loud complaintsFacet joints are small joints in the back of the spine that help guide motion. When they become irritated or arthritic, they can cause pain that feels larger than the joints themselves — a classic small-part-big-opinion situation.Facet-related pain can affect the lower back or neck and...

Back pain is common, but some symptoms deserve faster attentionMost back pain is uncomfortable, annoying, and very capable of ruining a perfectly good Tuesday — but it is not usually an emergency. Still, certain warning signs should not be brushed off or handled with a wait-and-see approach.Knowing the difference between...

The MRI question is very common When your back hurts, it is natural to wonder what is going on inside. Many patients ask, “Do I need an MRI?” Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes the answer is not yet. And sometimes the MRI shows changes that are real but not...

When neck pain refuses to stay in the neck Neck pain is annoying enough on its own. When it starts traveling into the shoulder, arm, or hand, it gets your attention quickly. That pattern may suggest irritation of a nerve in the neck. Not every arm symptom comes from the...

Back pain and sciatica are related, but not identical Lower back pain is common. Sciatica is common too. The tricky part is that they can feel similar at first, especially when pain starts near the low back or buttock. But sciatica has a few clues that make it different from...

Spinal stenosis, minus the medical fog Spinal stenosis means there is less room around the spinal nerves than there used to be. Think of it like a hallway that has gotten narrower over time. The nerves still need space, and when they do not have enough, symptoms can show up....

A calm explanation of a procedure with a technical name “Epidural steroid injection” sounds like something from a medical textbook. The idea is simpler: medication is placed near irritated spinal nerves to help reduce inflammation and pain. It is commonly considered for certain types of back, neck, arm, or leg...

Why sitting can make your lower back complain If your lower back starts aching after you sit for a while, you are not alone. Many people feel fine when they first sit down, then slowly notice stiffness, pressure, or pain across the lower back. For some, the discomfort stays in...

Pain and sleep have a complicated friendship When you do not sleep well, pain can feel louder. That is not weakness, drama, or imagination. Sleep and pain sensitivity are closely connected. Pain can make it harder to fall asleep. Poor sleep can make the nervous system more sensitive the next...

Those who live with chronic pain are constantly seeking ways to find relief. It’s important to consult with specialists in the pain management field to receive the most accurate information regarding your diagnoses. Furthermore, having a consistent, balanced diet is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Obesity can intensify pain...

When researching the symptoms you’re experiencing for back pain on the internet, the phrase “vertebral compression fracture” may show up often. For those unfamiliar with the phrase, it can come off as some sort of confusing medical jargon. A vertebral compression fracture is typically the cause for many different types...

While it’s no secret that slouching can be bad for you, the extent to which it affects your overall health is surprising. In fact, reading this article, you will most likely be leaning your head towards the computer screen, shoulders rolled forward, adding an extra unnecessary 20 pounds of stress...

For most people, pain is a nuisance that comes and goes throughout the body as it pleases. Pain can come after sleeping in an awkward position, sitting for extended periods of time, or performing unnatural repeated movements. We also experience pain that is quickly forgotten, like getting a scrape or...

Braces come in all shapes, sizes, and forms including trochanteric belts, corsets, molded jackets, sacroiliac belts, and more. A brace is meant to hold a specific part of your body relatively in place to alleviate pain and assist with healing. For those that suffer from chronic pain, braces can be...

When experiencing back pain, it’s not unusual that the last thing one would want to get into is a workout routine. Traditional exercises like stomach workouts, weight lifting, push-ups and sit-ups are not recommended for those with chronic back pain, as these exercises tend to put unnecessary stress on your...

You may have been told by a concerned friend or family member to stand up straight in order for you to recognize your poor posture. Kyphosis, or the rounding of the upper back, is a common sign of bad posture. Recent studies have shown that having poor posture can negatively...

If you’re reading this, you may be experiencing painful and consistent back pain that’s strong enough to be causing you to be worrisome and anxious. While a qualified pain professional can give you a proper diagnosis for the root cause of your back pain, there are different signs you can...

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus. But...

Although stylish, high heels are infamous for their discomfort and negative effects they can have on spinal health. When women wear high heels, they do so to look fashionable, without really considering the harsh health effects they can have. In fact, some studies have even shown that wearing high heels...

Complex regional pain syndrome is a fairly uncommon type of chronic pain typically affecting both the upper and lower extremities. The condition, however, is common among patients post-surgery, stroke, or heart attack. The pain experienced by those affected is not in proportion to the severity of the injury - the...

Arthritis occurs when joints responsible for motor skill such as the fingers, wrists, and knees become inflamed. As we get older, arthritis can worsen with age and eventually lead to severe joint pain. In the United States, arthritis affects roughly 40 million Americans throughout the country. There are two types...

Contrary to popular belief, the term “sciatica” refers to a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Sciatica describes the numerous types of lower leg pain including chronic leg pain, leg tingling and weakness, and more. Typically, sciatica pain originates in the bottom portion of your lower back and radiates towards the...

Going on vacation can cause an array of mixed feelings when dealing with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other forms of chronic pain. You may be happy to get away for a little bit, but the thought of being in pain on vacation may be discouraging. Rest assured, however, with preparation and...

Motorcycle riding is a beloved pastime by many motor enthusiasts in the United States. In New Hampshire, there are almost 150,000 motorcycles registered in the state. Motorcyclists are far outnumbered by the over 3 million registered cars on the road. Taking this into consideration, riding a motorcycle is one of...

There are a variety of options to deal with knee pain or a stiff knee. However, most people unintentionally make their knee pain worse while attempting to cope with it. For example, when we experience pain, our first thought is to rest and when we are experiencing knee pain, we...

Exercise involves any type of physical activity that relieves stress. Both stretching and exercising can aid in reducing certain types of pain including back pain. Some of the top outdoor activities that the experts at Pain Specialty Group recommend to help lower your stress and relieve your chronic pain include...

Approximately 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain on the daily. Chronic pain is difficult for physicians to diagnose, as this condition is used to describe persistent pain that lasts longer than six months. Pain signals remain active in the nervous system for extended periods of time, from just a...

Hobbies have a therapeutic effect on people, especially those that suffer from chronic pain. With springtime quickly approaching, participating in outdoor hobbies and enjoying the sunshine is sure to help with your chronic pain. Gardening has both psychological and physical benefits. This beloved hobby can be enjoyed by individuals of...

Aging can be a pain in the neck, literally. Almost everybody experiences some degree of cervical vertebrae degeneration as we age. Most doctors believe vertebrate degeneration results from our relatively small neck bones, carrying a 9 to 10 pound head, that wear out overtime. Those with severe degeneration are susceptible...

Pain and dieting are two topics that are often discussed separately, but they are actually interconnected - Pain can affect dieting and vice versa. Pain is a common experience for many people, and it can be caused by a variety of factors such as injury, illness, or chronic conditions. Dieting,...

Let's be honest, who hasn't reached for that second (or third) slice of pizza in an effort to distract yourself from your aches and pains. We've all been there. But here's the thing: overeating isn't a cure for pain. In fact, it can actually make things worse! Overeating can lead...

Myofascial trigger points, or commonly known simply as trigger points, are areas of your body hypersensitive to pain. The term myofascial refers to muscle tissues (myo) and the connective tissues (fascia) in and around them. Myofascial trigger points are unique in how they affect different areas, but similar to normal...

Unfortunately, chronic pain can lead to depression. But, it’s important to understand the link between the two of them, in order to solve it. There are a wide variety of solutions if you’re feeling down and depressed from your experienced chronic pain. For example, some patients may benefit from getting...

Those that suffer from chronic pain may find taking pain medications beneficial in treating their pain. However, it’s important not to solely resort to medications - there are alternative therapies that can help reduce your pain. In fact, these therapies can even help in decreasing your medication dosage. Activities like...

The Center for Disease states that about 2 million Americans experience concussions every year. A concussion is a mildly traumatic brain injury. These are commonly “closed head” injuries, therefore there isn’t a penetration to the skull and the injury was caused by a forceful impact to the head. 14.3% of...

Owning furry friends can actually be beneficial to your health. Studies have discovered a distinct connection between a reduction in patient-reported chronic pain and pet ownership. Additionally, owning a pet can aid in reducing the likelihood that chronic pain will lead to depression. Research shows that depression is more likely...

Exercise is a great way to alleviate pain, when done properly. There are many exercises out there that require prior knowledge on how to perform it. This includes proper form, repetition, and resting periods. These are vital in order to not cause or increase back pain. Some specific exercises that...

With the impact that chronic pain can have on your daily life, many enjoyable moments can be ruined. There are about 25.3 million Americans suffering from chronic pain, however diagnosing your chronic pain can be a difficult task. Even though chronic pain must be diagnosed by an experienced doctor, if...

With New Hampshire entering the middle of winter, we need to be more careful than ever to avoid the chance of a slip and fall accident. Snow and ice can mix to transform sidewalks and streets into slippery safety hazards. Slip and falls, although avoidable, are one of the most...

Skiing can be one of the most exhilarating ways to enjoy the cold winter months. The feeling of surging down the slopes can give you an adrenaline rush like no other. But, the ensuing bodily pain afterwards can be brutal for days on end. Unfortunately, back pain is one of...

The connection between pain and poor posture becomes more evident as more studies are done regarding chronic pain. The environment in which you work can worsen back pain, especially those with office jobs. It's proven that sitting for extended periods of time causes forward hunching and slouching, which over a...

Medicine works hand-in-hand with Mother Nature to derive the modern-day treatments that we rely on for a good quality of life. There are foods and plants out there that are actually still relied on for their therapeutic benefits. For example, salmon, olive oil, leafy greens, and ginger all have both...

The National Sleep Foundation recommends the average adult should get an average of 8 hours of sleep each night, which means about a third of our days should be dedicated to sleeping. However, laying in a horizontal position for this amount of time can actually affect the curvature of your...

When in a car accident it can be difficult to determine whether you were injured or not, due to the adrenaline most people are experiencing in that moment. Injuries left untreated from a car accident can lead to back pain with an increase in pain over several days, weeks, or...

There are many options to treat and address chronic pain besides surgical procedures. Although there are a vast number of options to choose from, recent research points to massage therapy as a viable alternative and non-invasive treatment for chronic pain. A massage therapist may alleviate pain to the same extent...

Pharmacies offer hundreds of  over-the-counter medications and painkillers that are easily accessible for you. The countless brands and options of medications available, bring a slew of directions and warnings about how the medication should be properly taken. It’s very easy for misinformation to spread fast, leading to an increase in...

Chronic pain can be a burden to those that it affects. With the intensity and persistence that chronic pain brings, can make it difficult for people to focus on everyday life, hobbies, and work life. And, feeling the need to manage your chronic pain can be just an added, unnecessary...

As many know, poor posture can affect your health, mood, and overall comfort. Therefore many know they need to improve their posture as a way to realign their back, but don’t know where to start. While there is no direct way to instantly improve your posture, there are certain changes...

Even with all the research breakthroughs to date, there are still many more to go. Research is still trying to answer many questions relating to pain. Some of these include, how can it be treated, when does it start and why does it start. This is why it is important...

Simple, everyday items can be beneficial in helping you alleviate your pain and discomfort. Prior to pain treatment, people needed to come up with creative ways to minimize their pain. One particular method involves using a tennis ball to massage muscle knots caused by pain. Tennis balls work to relax...

In your body, there are several systems that help repair and prevent injuries. One such system, inflammation, works to protect your body by eliminating harmful agents like pathogens, damaged cells, and other irritants. Symptoms of inflammation include joint pain, redness, and sensitivity. When this happens, your body is trying to...

Hiking is a relaxing activity that allows you to experience  wonderful views, and gives you an escape from  technology and other worldly distractions. Going on a hike can be peaceful, which may be hard to find in your daily life when dealing with chronic pain. But, chronic pain does not...

Basic methods of treatment can sometimes be overlooked with new technological and medical advances. For many patients, being placed on another medication is undesired as they would rather feel the “healing touch of a doctor.” If you can relate, an alternative treatment known as Osteopathic Manipulation may be in your...

The cause of chronic pain can stem from an injury that results in your body having trouble moving naturally. This imbalance in motion can cause poor posture which is a leading cause of the pain cycle. By looking at this cycle, experts are able to see how your body compensates...

Back pain, especially low back pain, affects millions of individuals worldwide. Simple everyday activities become difficult to perform for people with back pain. As discouraging and uncomfortable experiencing back pain is, it is important to not allow back pain to control your life or conquer your positive spirit. Applying ice...

As a patient, it can often be very frustrating describing your pain to a doctor especially as a chronic pain patient. Difficulties can stem from not knowing how to accurately describe the severity of pain being experienced. Fortunately, a new phone app and website called Pain.com aims to relieve some...

Even though living with chronic pain is a challenge for everyone, it is exceptionally hard for those with children. As if managing your pain was not enough, you also have to keep up with kids who may not necessarily understand your limitations. Whether you’re the proud parent of a newborn...

As an employer, your employee’s comfort can have a big impact on the quality of his or her work. It is proven that happier employees are more likely to work for you longer, communicate openly, and volunteer to help their coworkers. Working with an employee who suffers from chronic pain...

Chronic pain is a condition like no other. When you break your leg, it is obvious that your leg is broken. Or, if you were severely burned, the pain that it caused is obvious. Chronic pain, however, is unique in that it is completely unidentifiable. You would probably never be...

How to Address Chronic Pain While on Vacation When it comes to traveling, patients with chronic pain seem to have the most trouble with it. Even though getting a breath of fresh air and light exercise can be great for the body in both a physical and mental capacity, traveling...

It can be very difficult, and a major source of frustration, as a chronic pain patient to be told that you are imagining your pain or that it is “in your head”. This statement also allows for the belief that anything happening in the head is only minor even though...

Many healthcare professionals recommend Pilates to all people. However, patients who suffer from chronic back pain may find Pilates useful, as it is known to help improve flexibility and strength. Pilates is not only a great option for pain relief, but this activity teaches individuals how to avoid movements that...

With the daily improvement of technological and medical advances, there is an increasing number of impressive developments in many areas now more than ever. Diseases, illnesses, and ailments that were once thought to be untreatable are now becoming more manageable. Recently, the top one hundred universities in the world located...

It can be hard to hear as a patient that chronic pain is something you are going to have to live with regardless of treatment. However one option of treatment that is often overlooked is meditation. Meditation has been shown to be a viable pain option. It requires focusing your...

Canes are tools used to assist people who experience balance issues. Although canes are most commonly used by the elderly, canes can be useful to all individuals who suffer from chronic back pain and aid in their  ability to stand upright without support. Typically, people are afraid that using canes...

Why Would a Child Have Chronic Pain? Many people have the misconception that chronic pain only affects adults, however it has the ability to affect everyone, including children. Over the years, chronic pain is an increasing issue becoming more common in children and young adults. These issues can come from...

What is it? Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides medical assistance for injuries and illnesses caused while working. New Hampshire employers provide workers’ compensation insurance. Once the claim is filed and is approved, the workers’ compensation assists with all essential medical services. How can Pain Specialty Group...

The journey to pain relief can be very frustrating and often can feel like an impossible and never-ending journey. At Pain Specialty Group, our providers are aware that conservative methods of pain treatment may not always be sufficient to help a patient’s condition. Additionally, a patient may not be a...

Arthritis in Women Arthritis is a common joint condition where one or more joints become stiff from inflammation which leads to pain that increases as one gets older. While more men find themselves with arthritis before the age of 55, the amount of women dealing with arthritis rises dramatically after...

When dealing with chronic pain, much of the advice emphasizes maintaining proper posture, stretching and exercise. While the majority of chronic pain symptoms do come from mechanical issues with the spine or nerves, good nutrition can help prevent and alleviate your chronic pain as well. The benefits of a healthy...

Muscle knots are hard, sensitive areas of muscles that tighten and contract, even when the muscle is at rest. These tense muscle fibers can cause pain in other parts of the body when touched. If left untreated, a muscle knot can cause increased pain over time. This can lead to...

What is Long COVID? The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing health crisis that has taken and affected lives worldwide. For some, contracting COVID-19 results in mild cold-like symptoms lasting a few days to a week, but for an ever-increasing number of people, the physical effects of COVID-19 can extend to...

Chronic pain is a difficult issue for many. You wake up every day feeling less capable of doing what you need and want to do because of your body’s physical limitations. You may feel that the only person who can begin to understand your troubles is your doctor, as friends...

When you're limited or disabled by chronic sciatica, it's easy to lose hope from the severity of pain. At Pain Specialty Group, our board-certified and expert pain management specialists understand how debilitating chronic sciatica can be. Learn more about chronic sciatica and three different methods for finding relief from chronic...

Happy Holidays 2021 from Pain Specialty Group Our Dearest Patient,As the holiday season is officially underway, we wanted to reach out and wish you well. We hope this holiday season is the best one you have yet. Here at Pain Specialty Group, we have a lot to be thankful for...

Is It All In the Head? Society has many unfair stigmas and misconceptions, especially when it comes to chronic pain. One of the most common misconceptions as it relates to chronic pain is that a patient's pain is "just in their head". This is frustrating to many people as it...

At Pain Specialty Group, our goal is to provide quality treatment and care in a timely manner to all our patients.  We schedule our appointments so that each patient receives the right amount of time to be seen by our providers and staff.  We have implemented a cancellation and "no...

Coronavirus COVID-19 Patient Safety fromPain Specialty Group Dear friends of Pain Specialty Group:We hope that this letter finds you and your family in good health. We have all been through a lot over the last few months, and cannot wait to see you again!!We are reaching out to ask you...

  Our Dearest Patients,The health and well-being of our patients is our top priority, now and always. In response to the coronavirus pandemic and the guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, we have decided to institute measures to help keep patients safe while continuing to provide excellent...

Our Dearest Patient,In light of concerns related to the spread of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we want to reassure you that now, more than ever, our commitment to your health and safety is our top priority.WE ARE EXERCISING EVERY POSSIBLE PRECAUTION TO LIMIT RISK:• Employees who are sick or...

  Low Back With Leg Pain With an increasing number of patients diagnosed with chronic low back pain in the United States, our specialists at Pain Specialty Group strive to integrate innovative and leading edge treatments for patients in New Hampshire’s Seacoast and Maine.  Either you or somebody you know...

When you’re limited by or disabled by arthritis, it’s easy to lose hope in treatment.  At Pain Specialty Group, board-certified pain management specialists Manuel G. Sanchez, MD, and Anh L. Ngo, MD, MBA, understand how debilitating arthritis can be, especially in its advanced stages. Learn more about the different types...

Low back pain is a common condition that often is a struggle for physicians and patients to treat.  Management plans widely vary and frequently depend on a patient's age, height, weight and other health factors.  Compared to the other treatments available for low back pain, Pilates is considered a conservative...

As one of the co-authors, Dr. Anh Ngo in collaboration with our research group from leading U.S. academic institutions recently compiled and published in Pain and Therapy Journal a comprehensive review of chronic pain following cosmetic breast surgery.  The research team provided the review as an update on the current...

As one of the co-authors, Dr. Anh Ngo and our research group out of leading U.S. academic institutions recently compiled and published in Pain and Therapy journal a comprehensive review of literature on common chronic pain conditions of the hand. In the article, we presented common conditions with their biological background, diagnosis,...

When you’re suffering from chronic back pain or limited in your mobility due to spinal stenosis, you may be a candidate for treatment with mild®, a safe, minimally invasive procedure available at Pain Specialty Group. Our interventional pain management specialists offer comprehensive care for spinal stenosis, using the mild system to improve...

Pain is actually a good thing. It alerts your body when you’re injured and lets you know you need to protect that area from further harm.  But what happens when the injury is gone but the pain persists? That’s called chronic pain and it plagues more than 20% of Americans....

Happy New Year from Pain Specialty Group We’ve made a New Year’s Resolution for 2020 and the new decade:To bring you the most innovative and impactful solutions to help restore and maintain your health and happiness.As you know, we are with you in your journey for pain relief and truly...

Top 5 Reasons Why Digital Triage is Better Than Leaving a Voicemail Have you ever called the clinic at Pain Specialty Group only to end up with a voicemail?  Have you called again only to obtain the same recorded message on the other end?  Frustrated and wondering, have you called...

Express Referrals for Referring Clinicians It's simple as 1, 2, 3. Referrals made easy. On behalf of the team at Pain Specialty Group, we present to our doctors and clinicians an easy and quick way to refer patients.  Introducing Express Referrals by Pain Specialty Group, our digital solution for expedient and...

A Special Holiday Wish from Pain Specialty Group On behalf of the team at Pain Specialty Group, we wish you and your family a very special holiday and Happy New Year!We understand that pain relief is a journey and we truly strive for your return to health and happiness. We...

If you’re in pain, you’re not alone. As many as 40% of Americans experience chronic pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As you might imagine, people who are in pain have a lower quality of life than those without pain, and they’re more likely to suffer...

Chronic pain and depression are health conditions that often go hand in hand. Many people who suffer from long-term pain and health problems, like neuropathy and spinal pain, also suffer from depression. After all, when you wake up each day faced with debilitating pain, it’s understandable that you become less...