ECPC IBI Interventional Pain, Spine & Joint

Are you in style or severe pain? When trying to pinpoint the culprit of your back pain, consider what shoes you are wearing. Sporting high heels every day is not giving your feet the support that they need. Choose shoes that are high in arch and sturdy enough to give you the support that you need.

Studies show that two out of three people with chronic pain have trouble sleeping. If you struggle with staying asleep, your chronic pain could be the main reason you are waking up multiple times throughout the night. Outside of medication, some ways to help improve sleep are meditation, moderate and low-impact exercise, quitting or limiting caffeine consumption, and a warm bath or shower before bedtime to relax sore or stiff muscles.

Care for your chronic pain doesn’t just end when you walk out of your pain specialist’s office. If your pain specialist gives you exercises or stretches, it is in your best interest to do them. Not only can these prevent you from suffering from more pain, but they can also speed up the process to healing.

The pain in your neck after forceful, fast back and forth movement is called whiplash. Whiplash mostly occurs from car accidents. If you have been in a car accident, it is smart to be seen by a pain specialist even if you don’t feel immediate pain. Any sudden jerk or movement can have a negative impact on you. Get a physician referral to be seen by an ECPC Wilmington pain specialist.

Prioritize exercise so that you can keep your muscles and joints healthy. With cold weather, this may bring a challenge and excuse for the outdoors being too cold. Overcome this by having a list of low impact exercises you can complete within the walls of your own home.

When we lift things daily, do we realize there is a correct and incorrect way to do so? Whether you are picking up heavy bookbags, grocery bags, or laundry bins, poor body mechanics can cause you back pain. Be certain that you lift from the knees and take multiple trips to lighten your load.

When dealing with pain, it can be difficult to know when to ice and when to apply heat. Ice can help reduce inflammation and numb pain, whereas heat helps relax muscles and stiff joints. Heat is good for small amounts of time if you are going to be active, but ice will help decrease pain and inflammation for longer periods of time.

Proper posture is an important part of how you live your daily life. If you are sitting in the same positions throughout the day for long periods of time, this could be worsening your chronic pain. If you tend to have poor posture, remind yourself to stop and check every so often. Though this may seem tedious, you are helping yourself in the long run.

There are various yoga stretches that can help aid your pain and stretch you all at the same time. Modified downward-facing dog can help stretch full body. Start by placing your hands on a chair or a table that’s at waist-height or lower. Step back so that your arms are extended and your hips are over your ankles. Stay here and breathe, making sure you can feel the stretch from your neck all the way down. Understand how important it is to your pain levels to constantly keep your body stretched.

If you live in Wilmington or the surrounding areas and you are trying to find a way to enjoy everyday activities again without the nuisance of chronic pain, ECPC Pain Specialists of Wilmington is here to help you manage your pain. Our location makes us easily accessible to Oak Island, Southport, Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and Burgaw. Our knowledgeable physicians and staff provide the effective treatments you need.

Ever wonder what lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your chronic pain? The four main lifestyle factors that correlate with chronic pain levels are stress, exercise, diet, and sleep. Your ECPC Wilmington Pain Specialist can offer valuable insight on which factor relates to your type of pain and how changes in your daily routine can be beneficial.

Sacroiliitis, or the inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, often goes undiagnosed as people can mistake the pain for other common back disorders. If you are experiencing pain and fever in the lower back, pain after sitting for a long time, or stiffness after you wake up or sit in the same position for a while, let the pain specialists of ECPC Wilmington take a look and diagnose.

Though it may seem like the hustle and bustle are normal during this time of year, that does not mean you shouldn’t still prioritize getting rest. Not getting enough sleep can result in a moody and irritable disposition, two things that will make pain management more difficult.

Bundle up this season and stay warm to help reduce some of your chronic pain. Dress in layers during the day, take warm baths and showers, utilize heating pads and blankets, and turn the heat up in your home.

If you have pain to manage, setting boundaries and prioritizing activities are in your best interest. Choose which ones are important to you and weigh out which ones are going to affect your pain the least. Additionally, try to plan activities that require less physical effort, but can still be enjoyable.

For many people, the new year celebration signals a time to celebrate and partake in consuming alcohol. If you are suffering from chronic pain, this may not be the best option for you as it can cause addiction, cause bad interactions with any pain medication, and intensify any symptoms you may have.

Holiday travel can be stressful, and may cause pain to flare. Long or short, strategize your trip to better manage your pain. Things as simple as switching driving duties, drinking plenty of water, and taking breaks can all be beneficial to you.

This could be the beginning of a busy time as the holiday season begins to kick off. Don’t let the busyness of the season get the best of you. Prevent injuries by allowing extra time to get to places, wearing appropriate shoes for activities, and staying active.

The inflammation associated with Rheumatoid arthritis not only makes your joints sore and swollen, but also can lead to clogged arteries, heart attacks, and strokes. Choosing the right foods can help reduce inflammation making your heart and joints grateful. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, tuna and mackerel are great inflammation fighters as well as foods high in fiber such as fruits and vegetables. Foods to avoid include those high in sugar, saturated fats, trans fats, refined carbs, and alcohol.

Repetitive Stress Injury is a gradual buildup of damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves. This damage is done by repetitive motions and constant use of the same body part, such as your shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, or hand. If you start to feel pain in these areas and suspect it is from Repetitive Stress Injury, you may need to limit the amount of activity you do, especially in the motion that is causing it.

There are various vitamins available that can help ease joint pain and arthritis. Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory that can help keep the cartilage in joints healthy. Omega-3 Fatty Acids encourage the body to produce the chemicals needed to help control inflammation. Curcumin helps sufferers of osteoarthritis in the knee. Green tea also contains anti-inflammatory properties, and Vitamin D is great for keeping bones strong.

The cooler weather does not have to mean all negative things for those who suffer from chronic pain. This season can bring an environment where outdoor exercise is enjoyable to do, such as cycling. Cycling is a good exercise because it allows muscles to strengthen and improves overall range of motion.

Are you tired of missing out on family get togethers or exciting plans because of your pain? Stop making it an excuse so that you can be there for all of the upcoming festivities. The pain physicians of ECPC Wilmington will work with you and your individual pain to diagnose and find the best treatment for you. Get a referral from your primary doctor to be seen by an ECPC Wilmington pain specialist.

There are several ways you can combat cold weather-related joint pain. First, try and keep yourself warm by taking warm showers or baths, dressing in layers during the day including gloves and warm socks, using a weighted blanket at night, or turning up the heat inside your home. You can also ask your ECPC specialist about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The most common form of arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that happens most frequently in the hands, hips, and knees. During Osteoarthritis, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change. Though this condition cannot be cured, it can be helped with treatment so do not wait for the discomfort to increase.

Though cooler weather can bring discomfort along with it, do not use this as an excuse not to exercise and move your joints around. Even if you do not want to spend much time outdoors, designate some time to do some indoor stretching. Rotating through a few different positions will allow you as well as your joints to relax and get the exercise you need without drastic lifestyle changes.

With the changing season comes lowered temperatures and dry air, an increased risk of dehydration, and changes in barometric pressure. All of these conditions can be triggers for migraines so do your best to keep warm. Ways to help ward off these triggers include using a humidifier, taking Vitamin D supplements, and staying hydrated and healthy. If the migraines persist or worsen, contact your ECPC Wilmington specialist for proven migraine treatments.

Have you been searching for a comprehensive pain management clinic in the Wilmington area? ECPC Pain Specialists has a pain clinic located at 2800 Ashton Drive in Wilmington. Our staff is made up of highly skilled and professional pain specialists who can diagnose and treat your pain effectively. Get a referral from your primary physician to set up your first appointment at ECPC Wilmington.

Your diet plays a big role in chronic pain. What you put in your body can enhance the function of the nervous, immune, end endocrine systems, making a direct impact on how pain is experienced. Focus on consuming whole foods and losing weight to reduce the load on joints.

Coccydynia is the persistent pain in the area of the tailbone between the buttocks. This condition can be especially painful when sitting. Pain may be felt all the time or worsen with activities that put pressure on the coccyx, such as bicycling or horseback riding. Apply heat or ice to the area to help relieve pain and if the pain does not subside, get a referral to be seen at ECPC Wilmington.