Aches and Gains

Postherpetic Neuralgia (Persistent Shingles Pain)

admin — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:30:46 +0000

There is a 20% lifetime risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster), and it’s fairly common in older adults. Although the symptoms associated with shingles can be distressing, the pain that persists after the rash resolves, known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most worrisome. Traveling, shopping, cooking, and even dressing may all come to a halt. Hacky Clark, a successful estate attorney explains firsthand how PHN has affected his life, and PHN expert Dr. Michael Oxman from the University of California, San Diego describes risks, pain-relieving treatments, and the importance of the shingles vaccine.

Low Back Pain

admin — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:00:05 +0000

Between 70-80% of the world’s population will experience low back pain (LBP) at some time in their lives. In fact, LBP is second only to the common cold as the most frequent reason for visiting a doctor. Nikki Stone, 1998 Olympic Gold Medalist severely damaged two discs in her lower back from repeated high-altitude jumps. Listen in as she shares her story of fighting back against the odds to overcome this painful injury just two years before becoming America’s first Olympic champion in inverted aerial skiing. Harvard pain specialist and back pain expert, Dr. Jim Rathmell will provide his expert recommendations on effective ways to treat this condition. Nikki will tell us how she fought back against the odds to overcome this painful back injury just two years before becoming America’s first Olympic champion in inverted aerial skiing. Harvard pain specialist and back pain expert, Dr. Jim Rathmell then gives us his expert recommendations on effective ways to treat this condition.

Child Athletes at Risk

admin — Sun, 12 May 2013 00:30:40 +0000

Holistic Approaches for Pain Relief

admin — Sun, 12 May 2013 00:00:43 +0000

Pain Pacemakers for the Spinal Cord

admin — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:30:16 +0000

Electrical stimulation for the treatment of pain has been around in every culture for thousands of years. In this episode, learn about neurostimulation, a technique that uses electric impulses to relieve chronic pain. You’ll hear a riveting story from Adam Hammond, a former member of the US Army Golden Nights Parachute Team, as he describes how a nerve stimulator restored his life following tragic skydiving accident. One of the world’s leaders in neurostimulation, Dr. Giancarlo Barolat will shed light on how these “pain pacemakers for the spinal cord” actually work.

The Pain of Multiple Sclerosis

admin — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:00:24 +0000

Pain on the Battlefield

admin — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:30:50 +0000

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

admin — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:00:03 +0000

Headaches

admin — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:40:44 +0000

Sports Pain

admin — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:18:15 +0000

Regenerative Biomedicine for Pain: Platelet Rich Plasma

admin — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 13:33:02 +0000

Pain Pacemakers for the Brain: Deep Brain Stimulation

admin — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 13:10:00 +0000

Electrical stimulation of areas deep inside the brain is used to treat severe tremors and movement disorders caused by conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Although not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for pain control, what we call Deep Brain Stimulation has actually been used to treat unyielding pain for over 40 years.

Our first guest, Thomas Ashley shares a true story of triumph over “firelike” pain felt from his neck down to his big toe on the entire right side of his body following a stroke. Then, neurosurgeon Dr. Andre Machado from the Cleveland Clinic explores this fascinating therapy of accessing our inner brain for pain relief.

Healing Touch

admin — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 14:14:30 +0000

JFK’s Pain-Medical Perspective

admin — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 12:54:28 +0000

Many know that President John F. Kennedy suffered from low back pain. But, Kennedy’s medical history was far more serious and complex. In fact, his health was a closely guarded secret. It wasn’t until the release of his medical records in 2002 that the public became aware of his lifelong struggle with pain.

We’re fortunate to have Dr. Robert Dallek and Dr. Forest Tennant as guests for this two part series on the story of JFK’s pain.

Today’s show features Dr. Forest Tennant, pain specialist, researcher, and editor emeritus of the Practical Pain Management journal. He reveals JFKs struggle with a life of discomfort, and the pain therapies that got him through the Presidency.

JFK’s Pain-Historical Perspective

admin — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 14:35:09 +0000

Many know that President John F. Kennedy suffered from low back pain. But, Kennedy’s medical history was far more serious and complex. In fact, his health was a closely guarded secret. It wasn’t until the release of his medical records in 2002 that the public became aware of his lifelong struggle with pain.  
  
We’re fortunate to have Dr. Robert Dallek and Dr. Forest Tennant as guests for this two part series on the story of JFK’s pain.    
  
Today’s show features Robert Dallek, noted historian, Pulitzer Prize finalist, Bancroft Prize winner, and author of An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963. He’ll give us an intimate view of Kennedy’s personal life, health, and legacy.

Calmare Therapy

admin — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:07:58 +0000

Electrical stimulation can reduce pain in the form of spinal cord stimulator devices and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy. Today, we’ll examine another way of using electricity to control pain. Calmare is a new device that uses electrocutaneous nerve stimulation to relieve chronic pain. It was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2009 for treating both neuropathic and cancer pain.  
Cynthia Chauhan, retired clinical social worker and cancer research advocate details the dramatic relief she’s experienced while Dr. Michael Cooney shares his expertise in using Calmare therapy on a variety of painful conditions.

Emotional Pain

admin — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 14:17:46 +0000

It seems surprising, but pain caused by emotional distress can be felt more deeply and for a longer period of time than pain caused by physical injuries. In its most severe form, depression can lead to suicide and represents a way to “end the pain”. And, there’s a real overlap between our mental states and our brain.
On today’s show, we’ll talk to Julie Hersh, author of Struck by Living: From Depression to Hope. Julie shares her journey from the depths of painful depression and three suicide attempts to the path of recovery and hope. Then Dr. Judith Orloff, psychiatrist and New York Times bestselling author of Emotional Freedom provides a unique perspective on healing emotional pain.

Babies in Pain

admin — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 13:32:15 +0000

It’s hard to believe, but sick babies are suffering in pain today. It was commonly thought that the nervous system of newborn babies wasn’t developed enough at birth to experience pain. Even though medical thinking has changed, it’s frightening to realize that under treating or simply not treating pain in sick babies may lead to a life of pain.
Both of our guests provide a beacon of hope that we’re making strides in controlling this problem. Pam McFadyen, a Canadian from Toronto shares an intimate portrait of having her twin boys exposed to over 100 painful procedures during almost 5 months in the neonatal intensive care unit. Bonnie Stevens, PhD Signy Hildur Eaton Chair in Pediatric Nursing Research at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, then describes how best to reduce pain in this vulnerable population.

Pain Pumps

admin — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 15:14:52 +0000

If all efforts to relieve your pain fail or if the pain of cancer plagues you, an implantable pain pump may be the answer. This device delivers tiny, controlled doses of pain medicine directly to the spinal cord. Since the 1980s, pain pumps have been an accepted, but lesser known alternative to standard medical management for treating unrelieved pain from cancer and non cancerous conditions.
We are joined by Ami McCarty, who will describe what a difference her pain pump has made in managing her constant abdominal pain and low back pain. Then, pain specialist Dr. Richard Rauck from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the Carolinas Pain Institute gives us the most current information on this amazing therapy for pain relief.

Dr. Richard Rauck is the editor-in-chief of PainPathways, a magazine for acute, chronic and cancer pain. To subscribe or to learn more, visit www.painpathways.org.

Chakra Healing

admin — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 04:54:43 +0000

Many mind-body therapies help us cope with life events and optimize personal health. A specific mind-body therapy called Chakra Balancing is rooted in the tantric and yoga traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. There are seven main Chakras that represent energy sources which can be accessed for pain relief. Each is connected to a physical place in the body that governs a certain set of organs or glands.
We will explore this rich and complex system of energy healing with both of our guests. Jennifer Becker describes how well chakra balancing has controlled many years of neck and back pain. Then, Kim Meisinger, accomplished energy healer reveals the power of mind-body healing for pain.

Biofeedback

admin — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 16:52:27 +0000

Biofeedback sounds mysterious and technical, but it’s been in use since the mid-to-late 1960’s. Basic physiological functions like blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension are measured. Then computer generated, audio generated, or visual generated systems provide feedback to patients about their body while using cognitive and breathing strategies to control pain and stress.

Today, we’ll examine Biofeedback with the help of two of our guests. Retired anesthesiologist, Dr. Blossom Sanger shares how this therapy has given her much better control of her pain and her life. Jim Cahill, Biofeedback Therapist from the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, and Founder of Mindfulness-Based Biofeedback Therapy™ then gives us an in-depth look at how this treatment can be so effective.

Innovations in Spinal Cord Stimulation

admin — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 13:44:56 +0000

Nerve stimulation with small doses of electricity has been used for pain relief since Egyptian and Roman times. But it wasn’t until 1965 that we gained a basic understanding that electrical stimulation of the spinal cord can block pain signals in the cord itself and alleviate chronic, neuropathic pain.
On today’s show, we’ll learn about exciting advances in neurostimulation for controlling pain. Andy Magruder shares his compelling story of how a nerve stimulator transformed his life following three spinal surgeries. And then, Dr. Giancarlo Barolat, neurosurgeon and medical director of Barolat Neuroscience in Denver, Colorado returns to tell us about specific innovations in the field.

Pain Coaching

admin — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 16:39:26 +0000

Osteoporosis: Silent, Searing, and Bone Breaking

admin — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 14:06:05 +0000

Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone isn’t able to keep up with the removal of old bone. Bones then become weak, brittle, and painful — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses like bending over or coughing can cause what is known as a “fragility fracture.” Bone loss is painless, but breaks in the bone can feel like a “firecracker” snapping inside of you.
Our guest is Dr. Keith McCormick. He’s the author of The Whole-Body Approach to Osteoporosis and shares his experience as both a patient who overcame 12 fragility fractures, and an osteoporosis expert who’s developed a nutrition based prevention and treatment program.

Vulnerabilities in Racehorses

admin — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 13:23:37 +0000

Today, we step away from human pain and examine animal pain. The similarities may astound you. We’ll get an in depth look at thoroughbred racehorses. Targeting injury and pain and then treating them quickly and effectively are critical. But, how is this done? Do trainers have a remarkable gift for understanding horses? Can they communicate with them uniquely as depicted in the 1998 American film directed by and starring Robert Redford called The Horse Whisperer?
John Servis, champion thoroughbred horse trainer of Smarty Jones, the 2004 winner of both the Kentucky Derby and The Preakness, and equine veterinarian Dr. Art Stitzer give us a privileged view of identifying, and treating pain in these beautiful animals.

Gout: The King of Pain?

admin — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 02:32:24 +0000

The pain from gout can be crushing. On many occasions, not even a bed sheet can touch the exquisitely tender, red, warm, and swollen joint without causing lightning bolts of pain. It’s the most common inflammatory joint disease and affects over 5 million people in the United States alone. It’s also been referred to as “the king of diseases and the disease of kings” because rich foods and alcohol, symbols of the “good life” trigger painful attacks.
On today’s show, Paul Feinberg shares what it’s like to have gout for 13 years, and how he’s making strides to beat it, while Dr. Michael Maldonado, rheumatologist and Director of the Immunoscience Clinical Research Group at Bristol-Myers Squibb provides expert recommendations from years of treating patients with this disease.

Knee Pain

admin — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 03:49:36 +0000

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and the knee joint has great susceptibility to injury, degeneration from age, and arthritis. In fact, the prevalence of knee pain in the population is about 19%. In adults, the most common causes of knee pain are due to overuse and trauma.
On today’s show, we’ll first hear from Joe Montana, one of football’s biggest names. He’ll share how he has successfully treated and overcome arthritic knee pain. Then, orthopedist and sports medicine specialist Dr. Kevin Stone talks about the most advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques for treating knee problems, including tissue regeneration.

Tracking, then Taming Pain

admin — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 04:57:06 +0000

The Pain of Colon Cancer

admin — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 11:21:03 +0000

Cancer pain can result from many sources. Tumors can invade into nerves, for example. In colon cancer, the tumor can compress the colon or even spread to other parts of the body like the liver or bone. Pain may be experienced as tight, crampy, or squeezing, and then change when the cancer moves to other parts of the body. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy may all contribute to discomfort, even after the cancer is eliminated.
Colon cancer survivor, Edel Blumberg shares his triumphs over the disease, as well as his struggles with persistent pain. Oncologist and colon cancer specialist, Dr. Luis Diaz from Johns Hopkins then offers his special expertise on detection, treatment, and outcomes.

Is Pain a Curse from God?

admin — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 16:02:39 +0000

When pain overwhelms us, we feel compelled to ask, “Why did this happen to me?” “Did I do something wrong?” “Is this experience a curse from God?”
Religion is an important aspect of life for many people and often not discussed in the health care setting. Yet, people often rely on their faith when faced with difficult medical situations, like pain. Answers to spiritual questions are not easy because faith is personal.
There are, however people who have studied scriptures and dedicated their lives to helping us gain spiritual enlightenment while providing guidance along the journey. Two such individuals, Rabbi Mark Strauss-Cohn of Temple Emanuel in North Carolina, and Father Paul Holland, Rector of the Jesuit Community at Fairfield University help clarify the question, “Is Pain a Curse from God?”

The Burning Alive Syndrome

admin — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 12:35:52 +0000

Erythromelalgia (or EM) is rare and can be a devastating condition. It only affects 200-500 people in North America and a few thousand worldwide. It’s a disorder of the nerves and tiny blood vessels of the body.
  EM primarily affects adults, but young children have been reported to have the genetic form of this condition. It typically affects the feet or hands, or both and causes visible redness, as well as sensations of intense heat and burning pain. Some have described this condition as having their “nerves on fire” or feeling like they’re “burning alive”.   
We’ll hear Diana Zak and Kate Conklin share their personal and quite amazing experiences of overcoming EM. Dr. Stephen Waxman, Director of Yale University’s Center of Neuroscience and Regeneration Research then provides an insightful discussion about how the genetic revolution promises to offer unique treatments for this condition.

Foods that Fight Pain & Slim the Body

admin — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 12:32:48 +0000

If you’re like most of us, we sing the praises of good food. We celebrate taste, and watch reality TV shows like Top Chef and Iron Chef America, wishing that we could be the judge of deliciously prepared food.
Yet, we fight the battle of the waistline all the time. More and more, we’re finding that what we eat – or don’t eat – can make a huge difference in how we feel. But, can food really act as a pain reliever? Or, can it make us feel even worse? These questions and more are answered by our two guests.
Anne Wilson traces her path to a diet that’s helped her reclaim her life, virtually free of arthritic pain. Dr. Harris Mcllwain, author of “Diet for a Pain-Free Life” shares his prescriptions for a lifestyle that can reduce pain, pounds, and stress.

Pooches, Pets, and Pain Relief

admin — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 03:26:54 +0000

Is there really a unique bond between humans and animals? Most of us have felt the soothing sensations of stroking the fur of our pets, especially dogs and cats. Some of us have even had remarkable personal experiences that convince us that a true healing relationship really exists. But, is there any actual evidence of this connection between our four-legged friends and us? Actually, published studies show that animal assisted therapy optimizes healing, and therapy dogs provide benefits across a broad range of medical conditions, including pain.
We’ll hear from Canadian, Jodi Tuckett whose devoted dog, Suzy helped her fight her way back to a productive life after a severe, painful traffic injury. Dr. Dawn Marcus, author of The Power of Wagging Tails then shares some remarkable studies on the value of therapy dogs in helping us feel better.

Hypnosis, Healing, and Pain Relief

admin — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 02:15:38 +0000

Have you ever daydreamed and lost track of what was going on around you? The dividing line between a normal waking state and a trance state is not always a definite one.
Hypnosis is a mind-body healing approach that’s been used successfully to manage acute and chronic pain, including cancer pain. Its analgesic effects are well known during dental procedures, burn wounds, headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Ross Chambers talks to us about how well hypnosis relieved aggravating chest wall and shoulder pain following a pacemaker implantation. Then, Dr. David Patterson, psychologist and hypnotherapist from the University of Washington School of Medicine shows us the benefits of hypnotic analgesia on a variety of painful conditions.

The Sleep/Pain Connection

admin — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 13:32:14 +0000

More than 70 million Americans suffer from some sort of sleep disturbance. In fact, almost 70% of those suffering from pain complain of sleep problems. The relationship is reciprocal: pain often disrupts sleep, and poor sleep can worsen pain. We all need healthy sleep to revitalize us, and when pain is the thief robbing us of that treasured sleep, it’s time to seek special medical help.
Dr. William Kohler may have just the right medicine. He is the Medical Director of the Florida Sleep Institute in Spring Hill, Florida. With over 44 years of experience, he brings a great deal of insight into this quest for a good night’s sleep.
Gwenn Herman is the Executive Director of the Pain Connection, a chronic pain outreach center in Rockville, Maryland. She has a personal understanding of chronic pain. A serious automobile accident instigated a cascade of painful symptoms that have made sleep a nightly struggle. She’s made great strides, however in finding a routine that’s helped her feel rested.

American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Audioanalgesia: Music that Soothes the Body & Soul

admin — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 15:38:04 +0000

Listen to “The Rushing Wings”

Listen to “Reflections”

Pain after Breast Reconstruction

admin — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 12:09:38 +0000

The risk of having chronic chest pain after breast surgery (mastectomy and lumpectomy) for cancer is high at 20-30%. When a woman is confronted with breast cancer, many questions arise – not the least of which is post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Options such as autogenous breast reconstruction (DIEP or TRAM flaps) or implants made of silicone or saline can help restore a woman’s body image.
Janet Ladd, a professional coach shares her experience with mastectomy, breast reconstruction, and pain-free living while Dr. Gedge Rosson, Director of Breast Reconstruction at Johns Hopkins tells us how the latest surgical technique called a DIEP flap can lower the risk of persistent pain and restore natural sensation.

Joint Hypermobility Pain: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

admin — Sat, 26 May 2012 15:30:37 +0000

Harold Houdini, the famous escape artist probably had Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Many with extreme joint flexibility can voluntarily dislocate and relocate their joints due to EDS.
Unfortunately, 90% of those with EDS suffer from chronic pain for over 6 months, and pain is a cardinal feature of this syndrome. Extremely mobile joints, tissue fragility, and tendon and ligament injury can be caused by this genetic disorder of collagen formation.
We’re joined by Maggie Buckley, who shares her experience with joint hypermobility, accompanying pain, and methods of coping with EDS. Ehlers-Danlos expert, Dr. Clair Francomano tells us how best to manage this condition and what treatments may someday be a reality.

The Mystery of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

admin — Sat, 05 May 2012 13:03:50 +0000

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) attacks the nervous system and can cause painful, stinging, needle-like sensations along with numbness and weakness. The cause is unknown, but it can be associated with HIV and Lupus.
Ellen Schecter, an award-winning writer takes us through a time when she felt her life was shattered by this painful, potentially fatal disease, and then tells us how she was able to forge a new life filled with personal discovery and success.
Joining us will be neurologist and Johns Hopkins expert Dr. David Cornblath who will shed light on this mysterious disorder and highlight the most beneficial treatments.
To learn more about CIDP and neuropathy, visit www.neuropathy.org.

The Pain of Torture (Part 2)

admin — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 12:33:15 +0000

Inflicting pain and suffering on another human being reflects the brutality of torture. Part 2 of our show looks even closer at the physical and psychological consequences of persistent pain on survivors.
Sharing her experience as a survivor of torture by the government of Iran, Marina Nemat has written two best-selling books about her experiences– Prisoner of Tehran and After Tehran: A Life Reclaimed. Now making her home in Canada with her family, she has been a guest speaker in support of torture survivors at many universities and conferences around the world.
Dr. Ramin Asgary of the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine shares his in-depth understanding of this dark phenomenon, and guides us through efforts to heal survivors of torture.

The Pain of Torture

admin — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:17:31 +0000

The very word, “Torture,” conveys the stark reality of pain – pain inflicted intentionally upon another human being. Our program traces some of the cruelties suffered by victims all over the world.
We’ll hear the harrowing experiences of author, Marina Nemat who endured painful foot lashings, a broken wrist, and narrowly escaped a death sentence while she was imprisoned in Iran. She’s written two best-selling books about her experiences – Prisoner of Tehran and After Tehran: A Life Reclaimed. Now making her home in Canada with her family, she has been a guest speaker in support of torture survivors at many universities and conferences around the world.
Dr. Ramin Asgary founded and directed the Human Rights Program at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. He’ll help us understand this dark phenomenon, and guide us through his efforts to heal those survivors he’s been able to reach.

Mastering the Freedom from Pain: Revolution in Motion

admin — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:04:41 +0000

Our guest, Dr. Edythe Heus is an advanced chiropractor and kinesiologist. She’s also regarded as a gifted healer. Her remarkable exercise system is called Revolution in Motion. We’ll discover how people can heal old injuries, prevent new ones, and master the freedom from pain to reach an optimum level of wellness and longevity.
Adding to an impressive list of testimonials will be a current client of Dr. Heus – filmmaker Sandy McLeod. She’ll share with us her personal discoveries during her journey to good health. You’ll definitely want to hear all about this “quick and gentle” approach to warding off any aches and pains.

Can Diabetes Cause Pain? – Yes

admin — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 12:38:02 +0000

Diabetes is the most common cause of neuropathy (nerve pain) worldwide. (www.neuropathy.org) The pain felt at the onset of this disease can be so subtle or diverse that it is often ignored by patients, or even misdiagnosed by doctors.
Our special guest is very dear to us all: Leave It To Beaver’s Jerry Mathers. When he discovered he was diabetic, he decided to meet head-on the challenges of this disease and make needed lifestyle changes.
Dr. Alan Berger of the University of Florida and Shands Jacksonville (one of only 15 Neuropathy Association-designated Neuropathy Centers of Excellence across the U.S.) tells us what symptoms to watch for, updates us on the latest treatments, and shares important research developments.
To learn more about the various causes of neuropathy, visit www.neuropathy.org.

The Promise of Prolotherapy

admin — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 12:56:01 +0000

Prolotherapy helps stimulate the healing of chronically injured ligaments and tendons. It reduces pain and may even regenerate new tissue. Its’ becoming a valuable choice for managing and treating musculoskeletal conditions.
A family practice doctor and teacher at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Dr. Jeffrey Patterson is one of the country’s leading experts on Prolotherapy. We’ll find out more about this method of healing, along with a discussion with Troy Tousey. Troy has suffered with shoulder dislocations since he was 9 years old. The outlook for him, even with surgery was pretty grim—until he found Prolotherapy, and decided to give it a try!

My Aching Feet

admin — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 13:30:40 +0000

How many of us take our feet for granted? Until walking, standing, balancing, even jumping for joy, becomes too painful to even think about. Then we need answers, treatment, and some sweet relief…
We seek out a podiatrist. And Dr. Elliott Udell is one of the best. In fact, he’s the president of the American Society of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Udell is board certified in Primary Podiatric Medicine and Pain Management. Over the last 30 years, he’s treated patients with a wide variety of foot pain: from bunions to gout; ankle sprains, heel pain, ulcers and foot wounds – all of them excruciating. Joining the discussion is Jim Naylor, whose athletic activity became severely limited by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tendon attaching the heel bone to the base of the toes.

Neck Pain

admin — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 13:13:46 +0000

Neck pain is a common condition that almost 75% of people experience at some point in life. The joints, intervertebral discs, nerves, and muscles of the neck can all lead to pain. Women, older adults, and those involved in whiplash injuries from car accidents are at increased risk. The good news is that if we develop neck pain, most of us will recover.
Jennifer Grey, the co star of Dirty Dancing and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off joins us, and takes us down her path of overcoming neck pain that almost paralyzed her, to winning Dancing with the Stars in 2010. Contributing expert, Dr. Ralph Justiz then shares his expertise on the best treatments for neck pain.

Plus sized and in Pain: The Benefits of Exercise

admin — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:37:16 +0000

The headlines say that obesity is a death sentence. It can lead to hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer. However, exercise can help overweight people live a longer life than even thin people who don’t exercise at all.
Jeanette DePatie (A.K.A. “The Fat Chick”) is a plus sized, certified fitness instructor. She helps those who haven’t worked out in years to safely start and continue an exercise program. Students range in age from 4-84, face chronic disease like pain, and have limited motion from age, muscle or ligament damage, or overuse injuries. She’s seen firsthand how chronic pain sufferers can improve their lives with regular exercise that’s moderate and fun. Her student, Yvonne is also plus sized, and shares the enormous benefits of exercise on her knee and foot pain.

Sickle Cell Anemia: Painful Crisis

admin — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:15:37 +0000

Sickle Cell Disease affects 1 in 375 African Americans in the United States. It also occurs in ethnic groups from South and Central America, the Mediterranean, and India. A process called sickling causes severe throbbing and gnawing pain in the back, joints of the hands and feet, long bones, and abdomen. Children as young as 1yr of age may begin having these painful episodes called a crisis, lasting for hours to even days.
Albert Johnson, better known as Prodigy, an American rapper and author of the book, My Infamous Life shares his personal story of living with the pain of sickle cell anemia. Dr. William Zempsky, Head of the Division of Pain Medicine at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center then provides “up to date” recommendations on preventing and treating sickle cell crises.

Will We Die in Pain? (Part 2)

admin — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:56:00 +0000

Will We Die in Pain? (Part 1)

admin — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:34:56 +0000

Life Before Death (/www.lifebeforedeath.com) is a moving documentary film that premiers February 1 of this year. It’s already won four awards including a Prestige Award, Best of Show in the Best Shorts Competition, an Accolade Award, and The Indie Fest Award.
The film features the worldwide battle by physicians and nurses to stop the epidemic of pain that threatens to condemn one in every ten of us to die a painful death. Through the eyes of patients and their families, we experience very personally the agony of not having essential pain medicines like morphine, as well as the life-restoring effects that morphine can offer.
Mike Hill, the director, writer, and producer joins us to share his vision for the film. Then Dr. Kathleen Foley, cancer pain & palliative care specialist, and featured expert in the documentary discusses solutions to this problem of universal dimensions.