Stress, Fatigue and Chronic Pain

The biologic response to stress is a struggle for homeostasis, and a better understanding of the process may inform better decisions in pain management. Dr. Blatman offers some insights, and the beneficial impact of nutritional intervention.

Sleep Dysfunction and Myofascial Pain

Sleep quality has long been a concern in the practice of pain management, and evidence suggests a greater significance to sleep issues and apnea than has been generally considered. Dr. Blatman discusses the relationship of sleep fragmentation to head and neck pain, and offers guidance on integrative...

Medical Cannabis: A Viable Opioid-Sparing Approach?

Increasing concern over long-term opioid therapy for chronic noncancer pain has prompted interest in opioid sparing alternatives. Is cannabis useful as an opioid sparing approach to pain management? Dr. Badiola considers the evidence.

Interventional Procedures for Back Pain

Dr. Badiola summarizes some of the challenges to accurate diagnosis and pinpointing of spinal pain, and considers some interventional options in the treatment armamentarium as well as where these fit in the multimodal spectrum

Differential Diagnosis of Myelopathies

Myelopathies--spinal cord disorders--are associated with multiple medical conditions. Dr. Argoff provides an overview of the causes of myelopathy, and discusses differential diagnosis and options for treatment.

Rational Polypharmacy in Pain Treatment

Multidrug therapy has been part of the chronic pain treatment armamentarium for many years. In this segment, Dr. Argoff reviews the concept and offers guidance on its engagement.

Making Sense of Clinical Treatment Guidelines

Are clinical treatment guidelines useful in actually treating patients? Dr. Argoff discusses the guideline development process, and why the individual patient sometimes gets "lost in translation".

PROs and CONs of Pain Scores

On a scale of 1 to 10, how crucial are pain scores for the benefit of the patient? What do these numbers impart to the practitioner? Jeremy A. Adler, MS, PA-C, of Pacific Pain Medicine Consultants, talks HCAHPS and fifth vital sign.

Impacting Diverting: It Can Be Done

Jeremy A. Adler, MS, PA-C, of Pacific Pain Medicine Consultants, emphasizes the importance of the patient/practitioner conversation about the importance of drug safety. Communication and safety are key.

When Health Insurance May Not Be on Our Side

 Jeremy A. Adler, MS, PA-C, of Pacific Pain Medicine Consultants, warns against looking for a single solution.