Questions a Doctor May Ask When Diagnosing Chronic Pain

Curious what the questions doctors ask when attempting to diagnose chronic pain are? It requires a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s medical history, symptoms and lifestyle. When going in to see a doctor, it would help to know what they may be interested in learning before seeing them. PatientsLikeMe has put together a list of… Continue reading Questions a Doctor May Ask When Diagnosing Chronic Pain

Arthritis Pain: Why Does it Happen and What Can You Do?

Arthritis, a common condition affecting millions of people, causes pain and inflammation in the joints. There are different types of arthritis, but two of the most common are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Understanding where the pain comes from is important to managing it. Are you one of the over 595 million people worldwide who live… Continue reading Arthritis Pain: Why Does it Happen and What Can You Do?

Can Fibromyalgia Feel Like an Electric Shock?

Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to touch. While the primary symptoms are well-recognized, individuals with fibromyalgia frequently report a range of sensations, including what is often described as feeling like electric shocks. Why does this happen? Let’s explore the possible causes, and what you… Continue reading Can Fibromyalgia Feel Like an Electric Shock?

How is Marijuana Legal? State vs. Federal Law

For the last few years, the legal status of marijuana in the United States has been changing rapidly. The most commonly taken drug in the country, an estimated 48.2 million people used marijuana in 2019 according to the CDC. While it remains illegal at the federal level, a number of states have legalized its medical… Continue reading How is Marijuana Legal? State vs. Federal Law

Dealing with Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain stands as a widespread and debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide. Unlike acute pain, which often comes from injury or trauma and tends to resolve with time, chronic pain persists for extended periods. Effectively managing this necessitates a comprehensive approach that addresses physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. So let’s get into it. What… Continue reading Dealing with Chronic Back Pain

Tips for Chronic Pain Management

Living with chronic pain is a daily challenge that can be physically and emotionally draining. When the pain becomes overwhelming, it’s essential to have a toolkit of strategies to help you navigate these tough moments. Here are some practical tips for coping with chronic pain when it feels like it is too much to bear.… Continue reading Tips for Chronic Pain Management

Dispelling Common Myths About Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood condition. It is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to touch, and affects millions of people worldwide. However, there are a number of misconceptions surrounding fibromyalgia that contribute to a stigma and lack of awareness. In this blog, PatientsLikeMe will delve into the depths of common… Continue reading Dispelling Common Myths About Fibromyalgia

New Boston Scientific Data Shows 50% Drop in Patient Pain

The SOLIS trial was presented at the North American Neuromodulation Society Meeting in Las Vegas recently. It showcased promising results for Boston Scientific’s WaveWriter Alpha Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system in alleviating chronic pain. The one-year data revealed a significant 50% reduction in patient pain, marking a substantial advancement in pain management. The study indicated… Continue reading New Boston Scientific Data Shows 50% Drop in Patient Pain

Marijuana Plays No Role in Starting or Stopping Opioids

A recent review concludes that there is no link between the use of cannabis and a person’s use of illicit opioids. The study challenges the notion that cannabis serves as a gateway drug influencing individuals to try narcotics. It also also dismisses the idea that weed is effective in helping individuals overcome opioid addiction. The… Continue reading Marijuana Plays No Role in Starting or Stopping Opioids

Hidden Dangers of the Opioid Epidemic

A recent study published in the Journal of Pain suggests that prescribed opioids may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and higher doses may further elevate this risk. The research into the opioid epidemic, led by Dr. Minhee Sung, analyzed data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS). They focused on approximately 50,000 patients,… Continue reading Hidden Dangers of the Opioid Epidemic