Annular Tear | Back Pain | Tyler TX

Many adults in the Tyler, Texas area will experience back pain at one point or another. Many times simple aches and pains can be from overuse or the natural aging process, but in some cases, back pain is caused by something more serious such as an annular tear. An annular tear occurs when the spinal disc’s tough exterior, the annulus fibrosus, tears or rips from continued overuse or a traumatic accident. The pain management doctors at Pain Recovery Center of Tyler are available to help treat back pain caused by annular tears with conservative, modern treatments. 

Discs in the spine play a very important role in spinal health. They serve as cushions between the vertebrae, acting as a shock absorber and providing support to the back and neck’s bone structure. An annular tear can occur if too much stress is placed on a disc from constant wear and tear or from sudden trauma. An annular tear is defined as a rip or tear in the disc’s annulus fibrosus, or the tough exterior. 

Read our full blog article dedicated to this topic here and learn more about the different types of annular tears. 

Back pain caused by an annular tear can often be treated with conservative pain management treatments, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections. 

To learn more about annular tears, or to determine if this type of tear is the cause of your back pain, please contact the Tyler, Texas pain management clinic of Pain Recovery Center of Tyler.

Pain Awareness Month | Chronic Pain | Pain Management

September is Pain Awareness Month! Chronic pain is the most common cause of long-term disability in the country, affecting nearly 100 million Americans. Because of these statistics, September has been designated as Pain Awareness Month so individuals can gain a better understanding of this debilitating health condition. The pain physicians at Pain Recovery Center of Tyler are here to share facts on chronic pain, common causes and the importance of pain management.

Chronic pain is typically characterized as pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks (3 months). Acute pain is a normal sensation that occurs immediately after an injury and subsides as the injury heals, but chronic pain is very different. Chronic pain can last for months, or even years, without an injury present. 

The most common chronic pain causes include lower back pain, headaches, arthritis, cancer and postsurgical pain. 

Pain management is an extremely important portion of the medical field. With millions of Americans struggling with chronic pain each day, pain physicians and their specialized training are critical for diagnosing and treating the pain. When it comes to chronic pain, the overall goal of treatment is to reduce pain while improving body function. The exact treatment plan is determined by the cause.

If you live in the East Texas area and are struggling with chronic pain, or would like to help a loved one during Pain Awareness Month, please contact the pain management office of Pain Recovery Center of Tyler today. You can also view our full blog article dedicated to this topic here.

Backpacks & Spine Health | Pain Management | East Texas

Back to school is here for East Texas students. Many students will be walking to and from school, as well as all around school, with heavy backpacks full of books and learning materials. All parents should be aware and monitor the weight of their child’s backpack throughout the year. Backpacks and spine health go hand-in-hand – too much weight carried on the back can lead to additional muscle stress and back pain. If you have questions about the weight of your child’s backpack, please contact the pain management doctors at Pain Recovery Center of Tyler.

In a large study, it was found that over 33% of children between the ages of 11-14 years reported some level of back pain and discomfort. The students who carried heavier backpacks reported more back pain than the students who carried lighter backpacks. Many medical professionals agree that heavy backpacks can lead to spinal injuries including muscle fatigue, lumbar curvature and lumbar disc compression. 

The back pain and discomfort caused by a backpack too heavy can usually be alleviated with reduced activity and/or rest. Pain management doctors often recommend that backpack weight should be limited to 10-15% of the child’s body weight in order to reduce the risk of spinal injuries. 

If you live in the East Texas area and would like additional information on backpacks and spine health, please contact the pain management doctors at Pain Recovery Center of Tyler today. You can also view our full blog article dedicated to this topic here.