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Now is the Time to Use Your Health Insurance Benefits Before the Year is Up

As the end of the year is rapidly approaching, it is important to review your health insurance benefits to ensure you do not lose out on low-cost treatments. If you’ve already met your deductible, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment for anything you have been putting off as medical costs are lower, and deductibles restart in January. At Florida Spine and Pain, we recommend reviewing the following items in your health insurance plan before the year is over. 

Deductibles 

Deductibles are the out-of-pocket costs determined by the insurance plan you chose. Once your deductible is met for the year, costs are either reduced or eliminated, making the cost of treatment much lower. If you’ve been thinking about an elective procedure or visiting Florida Spine and Pain for an appointment, check to see if your deductible has been met and plan accordingly before the end of the year.

Out-of-pocket Maximums

If you have met your out-of-pocket maximum, all other costs will be met in full by your insurance. Assess your benefits to see what your out-of-pocket maximum amount is and if it has been met. It so, this is a great time to schedule any procedures or buy medications before the year is over. 

Government Savings Plans

Savings plans such as health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs) help pay for medical expenses not normally covered by insurance. HSAs are tax-free savings plans that do not have to be met in a calendar year. It can help you pay for deductibles, co-insurances and co-pays as well as prescriptions. FSAs are tax-free accounts that must be used in the current year, or you will lose any remaining money. Be sure you have checked the amounts in these types of accounts so that you know what will roll over from your HSA for next year, or what you have left to spend in your FSA so that you do not lose it. 

Regardless of your plan, it is always good to be mindful of your benefits. December is a great month to “Use ‘em before you lose ‘em.” Call today to schedule doctor visits or procedures before the end of the year so they will be covered by insurance or at a lesser cost. To schedule an appointment with Florida Spine and Pain, visit floridapaincenter.com/contact/ to make an appointment.

The Different Manifestations of Back Pain and How to Approach Them

Back pain is one of the most prevalent medical problems in the United States and is something that most people will experience during some stage in their lives. In fact, eight in ten Americans will face some type of back pain in their lifetime. Not only is back pain one of the most common reasons for missing work, it also interferes with everyday living activities.

Ranging from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain, back pain can develop from an injury or may be due to advanced age. While back pain manifests in a variety of ways, the goal of Florida Spine and Pain is to diagnose and treat the root cause of your back pain with a variety of interventional modalities.

In order for Florida Spine and Pain to fully treat and understand your pain, it is important to first understand and identify where the pain is coming from. Most back pain falls under three categories: axial, referred or radicular pain.

Axial Pain

Axial pain is often confined to a single spot or region of the body. A muscle strain is a common example of axial pain and typically responds well to rest and medication.

Referred Pain

A dull or achy pain, referred pain can move around or vary in intensity. A common example of referred pain is lower back pain which can unfortunately be trickier to treat than others. Referred pain often responds well to physical therapy, injections, strengthening muscles and decreasing inflammation.

Radicular Pain

Radicular pain feels like searing, radiating pain and is caused by compression or inflammation of the spine. The pain is typically localized to the lower back and may include pain that radiates down the legs. Physical therapy, injections and nerve-blocking techniques can help alleviate this type of pain.

The duration of the pain is also used in diagnosing and treating back pain. Pain is considered to be acute, subacute or chronic. Acute pain may last a few days to a week, while subacute lasts a little longer and chronic pain lasts longer than 12 weeks.

Florida Spine and Pain is here to diagnose your back pain and provide an individualized treatment plan. Treatments for back pain may include one or a combination of the following methods: medication, injections, radiofrequency ablation and nerve stimulators. Surgery is an option but is used as a last resort.

Physical therapy exercises increase flexibility, while also strengthening muscles and improving posture. By itself or combined with other treatments, physical therapy is a great solution to lessen back pain.

For immediate relief from back pain, cortisone injections are a great option. The injections go into the space around the spinal cord and nerve roots, helping to ease pain by decreasing inflammation. While relief only lasts for a month or two at a time, injections are successful in diminishing back pain.

Radiofrequency ablation is a technique where a needle is inserted into the area causing pain. Radio waves pass through the needle to the damaged nerves, interfering with the pain signals from the brain. The technique is often successful diminishing back pain. Similar to radiofrequency ablation, nerve stimulators deliver electrical impulses to nerves, blocking pain signals and leaving your back pain free.

Learn more about Florida Spine and Pain’s approach to treating back pain by visiting floridapaincenter.com/services/ and schedule an appointment by visiting floridapaincenter.com/contact/.

 

How Interventional Pain Management Can Help You Get Back to Doing What You Love Most

While traditional pain management is effective in treating some patients’ pain, sometimes over-the-counter medication or prescription medication does not adequately alleviate pain. Interventional pain management is often an excellent alternative. Interventional pain management involves minimally invasive treatment options to relieve acute or chronic pain. These treatments work by interrupting pain signals between nerve endings and the brain.

 

What is Interventional Pain Management?

Florida Spine and Pain utilizes a myriad of interventional pain management techniques to treat the root cause of pain. Common treatments include epidural injections used to treat pain by reducing inflammation around nerve roots. These injections treat a variety of conditions affecting the spine, back, neck and upper and lower extremities. Spinal cord stimulators are a useful method Florida Spine and Pain uses to interrupt pain signals, preventing them from reaching the brain. Another common treatment is radiofrequency ablation application (RFA) which uses heat to destroy a small volume of nerve tissue, eliminating pain signals to the brain. Additionally, joint injections which involve corticosteroid injections can be applied to damaged tissues which are designed to increase mobility while relieving joint pain.

Whether a patient is struggling with arthritis or a recent sports injury,” said Dr. Paul Roa of Florida Spine and Pain, “interventional pain management can reduce their pain quickly and often without the use of daily pain medication. It is our desire to improve a patient’s quality of life so they can get back to doing what they love most.”

 

What are the Benefits of Interventional Pain Management?

For patients who struggle with acute or chronic pain, interventional pain management is an ideal solution that often reduces a patient’s pain by as much as 70%. A common benefit of interventional pain management is immediate relief from pain that can last for an extended period of time. For example, an epidural injection can provide pain relief almost instantly and that relief can last for up to several months. Often these injections are given in a series over time, to provide long lasting relief.

Targeted treatment is another benefit of interventional pain management. This approach focuses treatment of the pain at its source, significantly relieving discomfort. Additionally, patients who receive interventional pain treatments are less likely to become addicted to or experience issues related to opioids. Finally, interventional pain management treatments are minimally or non-invasive, meaning they are not high-risk, and they relieve pain in little to no time. The comprehensive team of pain specialists at Florida Spine and Pain uses the latest techniques to give patients the best possible outcomes. We believe that when it comes to treating pain, surgery should be the last resort.

 

Who is Interventional Pain Management for?

Florida Spine and Pain believes interventional pain management is an ideal solution for those with acute or chronic pain seeking effective treatment for relief of pain or discomfort. It is also a great option for those who have tried traditional pain management methods with little to no success.

At Florida Spine and Pain, we care about treating the root cause of pain and getting our patients back to doing what they love most. If you are interested in discussing interventional pain management as a treatment option, we would love to hear from you. Please visit www.floridapaincenter.com/contact/ to schedule an appointment.

 

The Power of Pain Management

The International Association for the Study of Pain reports one in five adults experience chronic pain each day. Persistent chronic pain can interfere with daily life and may lead to depression, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. This cycle of pain is one that is difficult to break. Interventional Pain management specialists are trained to help patients deal with their chronic pain through the use of medications, procedures, exercises or therapies. While many individuals may live with chronic pain, Florida Spine and Pain believes in finding individualized long-term solutions that treat the underlying cause of pain so patients can live their best lives possible.

Florida Spine and Pain’s approach to treating pain takes the individual into account, assessing each patient’s medical history, diagnosis and symptoms. Pain manifests differently for every patient, therefore, no two solutions look the same. At Florida Spine and Pain, we address pain on a case-by-case basis. 

“Pain is not a one size fits all issue and neither is our approach to treating it,” said Dr. Neil Kirschbaum. “Our staff is educated on the latest modalities that can be applicable in the treatment of a patient’s pain regardless of the location. We offer a full complement of treatment options that are tailored to best fit the patient’s needs, limitations and lifestyle. Ultimately, we want each patient to live their best lives possible, free of pain and its issues.” 

Rather than covering up symptoms with medication or unnecessary surgery, Florida Spine and Pain’s interventional approach treats the root cause of pain. The all-inclusive approach to pain management Florida Spine and Pain takes ensures every person is taken care of and their needs are addressed. Our providers use a variety of strategies to treat pain including medication, injections, blocks, lifestyle changes and therapies. Each treatment plan assesses the individual’s type and cause of pain, while also factoring in the patient’s age and overall health, to determine the best plan of action for each patient.

The well-rounded team of physicians and compassionate staff at Florida Spine and Pain use the latest therapeutics and resources to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients. Incorporating healthy lifestyle habits into daily routines when combined with prescribed treatments or therapies such as physical therapy, prescription medication or injections can help reduce chronic pain. 

At Florida Spine and Pain finding the source of pain and treating its underlying cause is at the heart of what we do. While some patients may never be pain free, interventional pain management can drastically improve a patient’s quality of life by incorporating the latest treatments, medications and lifestyle changes, encouraging lasting healthy habits. Florida Spine and Pain believes patients do not have to experience a lifetime of pain. We deliver comprehensive care to help musculoskeletal and pain management patients live their best lives possible. To schedule an appointment at Florida Spine and Pain, visit www.floridapaincenter.com/contact/.

Back Pain and Migraines

Chronic headaches are defined as occurring more than 15 days a month. Up to 4% of adults worldwide have this many headaches a month. Studies show no correlation between low back pain and a specific type of headache. Both primary and secondary headaches plague the adult population ranging from tension-type headaches (TTH) to migraines. Primary headaches are independent of health conditions or sickness, while secondary headaches are caused by various conditions such as stress, sleep deprivation, alcohol, fatigue, injury or infection. Below are several common types of headaches:

Tension-type headache

A tension-type headache (TTH) is typically a dull pain or continuous pressure occurring bilaterally or across the forehead. These headaches are often associated with a tightness of the scalp or neck in response to stress or depression. The best method of treatment for a TTH is rest and relaxation. Mild, over-the-counter painkillers may also be used in moderation.

Post-traumatic headache

A post-traumatic headache is often localized to an area inflicted with injury. It can feel like a TTH or a migraine, depending on the severity of the trauma. They may occur daily following an injury and are not quickly treatable. However, rest and anti-inflammatory drugs may be used.

Sinus headache

Sinus headaches are typically caused by viral infections producing pain in the face, sinuses, eyes, ears or forehead. Symptoms can include congestion, itchy, runny nose, fever or facial swelling.

Migraine

A migraine is a throbbing pain in the face or neck, concentrated in one area. Other symptoms may include sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, vomiting and distorted vision. Pain may last anywhere from several hours to several days.

Studies have shown that individuals with headaches are significantly more likely to suffer from low back pain than those without headaches. Individuals are twice as likely to have both headaches and back pain simultaneously. Doctors and researchers speculate a potential biological underpinning between the two. While there is no specific correlation to the type of headache associated with chronic back pain, chronic headaches, whether primary or secondary, are associated with low back pain.

Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Low back pain affects 80% of adults at least once in their lifetime, while 20% of these individuals develop chronic low back pain.

Several factors put a person at higher risk for low back and headache pain. Females are more susceptible to chronic headaches and therefore are at a higher risk of experiencing the two pains side by side. Additional factors include smoking, obesity and low level of education. While these factors are not necessary for chronic headache and low back pain, they are strongly associated with the two.

While experts are unsure why the two co-occur, they know that a strong correlation exists. Preventative measures and treatments may help to alleviate some of the pain. Recommended treatment for headaches and back pain include:

  • Rest
  • A hot or cold compress on the head, neck, or back
  • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Maintain good posture
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects
  • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid smoking
  • Manage high blood pressure
  • Avoid infections and wash your hands

To learn more about back pain and the resources available to you, visit https://floridapaincenterdev.com/.

Back Pain with Radiating Pain

Back pain can manifest itself in many different ways. As the leading cause of disability worldwide, back pain ranges from a mild muscle ache to shooting, burning or stabbing pain. Most back pain can be treated without surgery, but in severe cases surgery may be required.

The expression of back pain determines the method of treatment. A common cause of back pain is muscle or ligament strain induced by a sudden movement or repeated heavy lifting. In most cases, pain is resolved with rest and mild pain medication. Arthritis is another common cause of back pain that can present itself with the wear and tear of aging. If pain persists over a period of several weeks and does not get better with rest, it may be time to see a doctor.

When back pain worsens to the point that pain radiates down your legs, this may be a sign of a spine condition. Sciatica is a common spine condition that sends pain or numbness down the side of the leg, typically concentrated to one side of the body. The pain is most often caused by a herniated disc in the spine that compresses a nerve. Mild cases of sciatica typically go away with time and rest, but more serious cases with pain lasting longer than a week may require more aggressive forms of treatment.

Disc herniations and radiculopathy (pinched nerve) are additional causes of back pain with radiating pain. Herniated discs are discs in the spine that “spill out” of their lining causing pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. The compressed nerves cause numbness, tingling, or even sharp pain to shoot down the lower back and legs. Radiculopathy is caused by irritation to a nerve root exiting the spine. Nerves are responsible for pain and sensation and when they are damaged or compressed, pain or numbness occurs.

The lower back is a common spot for pain due to the stress and impact it takes from everyday movements. The lower back is where the spine and pelvis connect, bearing the majority of weight from the upper body. This area also contains fewer vertebrae than the neck and mid-back, making it a more susceptible to pain. To prevent back pain, here are some practical steps to take:

  1. Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise.
  2. Strengthen the muscles in the lower back.
  3. Maintain a healthy weight.
  4. Quit smoking.
  5. Rest from strenuous activities if they cause discomfort or pain.

Avoid motions that are painful or cause stress to the lower back. This coupled with a healthy diet and exercise will help to prevent back. If you have questions about your back pain, visit https://floridapaincenterdev.com/.

Hand holding image

PATIENTS’ LOVED ONES AT RISK FOR COMPASSION FATIGUE

TEXT BY FRED WILKINSON

Caring for a loved one living with chronic pain takes a toll on the people closest (and most important) to the pain sufferer.

Family members, friends — and even acquaintances and colleagues – who have a supportive commitment and connection to a chronic pain sufferer can experience prolonged exposure to the person living with pain’s trauma. This can make them vulnerable to compassion fatigue, which can manifest itself in acute symptoms that can put their physical and mental health at risk.

It can make a pain sufferer’s support network wary of giving and caring just when they need their emotional and spiritual support the most. 

 

WHEN CARING TAKES ITS TOLL

According to the American Institute of Stress, compassion fatigue can take its toll on those caring for a pain sufferer in numerous ways:

  • Emotional exhaustion
  • Reduced sense of personal accomplishment or meaning in work
  • Mental exhaustion
  • Decreased interactions with others (isolation)
  • Depersonalization (symptoms disconnected from real causes)

Patient caregivers suffering from compassion fatigue also may experience physical as well as mental symptoms. Compassion fatigue can make itself known through a host of bodily symptoms, including:

  • Physical exhaustion
  • Bodily fatigue
  • Changes in appetite
  • Digestive issues
  • Headaches.

OPTIONS TO RELIEVE PAIN AND STRESS

Research looking at the impact of social support’s role in the context of health and wellness suggests patients who are part of a social network have a decreased risk of mortality in comparison to those who have a low quantity or quality of social relationships.

The link between patients’ emotional and mental status and positive treatment outcomes necessarily involves the patient, their family and loved ones, and the health care provider.

The path patients must walk on their healing journey is not tread by the patient alone. 

Patients have personal and professional resources that they can turn to for emotional, spiritual, and medical options for healing and recovery. 

COMPASSIONATE STAFF, REAL PAIN RELIEF

Florida Spine & Pain Center employs a team of experienced physicians, and this team of healers is bolstered by their compassionate supporting staff to offer patient-centric options for addressing their pain and making daily life free from physical pain and mental stress without surgery. 

 

Take the first step toward a new life for you and your loved ones and learn more about Florida Spine & Pain Center’s range of treatment solutions by calling out to our office at (954) 447-5206 to schedule your consultation.

Excellence in care setting the standard, Miramar, FL

Excellence in Care: Setting The Standard

Q & A with Florida Spine & Pain Center

The goal of Florida Spine & Pain Center is to decrease pain and enhance performance without surgery. As a Patient, you can expect to be treated by a team of experienced physicians and a compassionate staff that employs the latest technology necessary to achieve the best possible outcomes for each patient. We sat down this month with the providers at FSPC to learn more about the standards the practice holds while providing essential services to their community.

 

 

Q: Describe the standard for excellence in care at Florida Spine & Pain Center.

A:  As a Patient, you can expect to be treated by a team of experienced physicians and a compassionate staff that employs the latest technology necessary to achieve the best possible outcomes for each patient. We are a performance-driven organization, committed to excellence in service and patient outcomes. We work to be the best version of ourselves each day. We are committed to improving and sustaining improvements regarding the quality of care we provide to our patients.

 

 

Q: How does Florida Spine & Pain Center make excellent care a priority?

A: At Florida Spine & Pain Center we provide safe, effective, efficient, and patient-centered care by professionals who are respectful, communicate clearly, and involve patients in decision making. Florida Spine & Pain Center’s experienced physician team, coupled with their compassionate support staff, offers patients numerous options for decreasing pain and enhancing patients’ daily comfort and the ability for physical activity without surgery. We will develop your treatment plan with your path to healing and wellbeing in mind–first and foremost.

 

 

Q: Please describe any continuing education, technology updates, or state-of-the-art treatments that Florida Spine & Pain Center can provide to your patients.

A: Our MDs and NPs attend various clinical lectures and conferences each year to advance their education in their areas of expertise. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest medical equipment and resources, and our licensed and double board-certified medical team all possess the knowledge and the experience necessary to treat your back pain at our pain management facility.

Just a few of the services we offer:

  • EMG/NCV Testing
  • Trigger Point & PRP Injections
  • Prolotherapy for Spine Pain
  • Radio Frequency Nerve Ablation
  • Decompressor Discectomy
  • Discogram Procedures
  • And more…

For more information on these specialized treatments options,  please see our service pages, or call any of our three convenient locations to schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment options.

 

 

Q: How does Florida Spine & Pain Center provide care that consistently meets or exceeds the expectations of your patients?  

A: At Florida Spine & Pain Center we are part of the solution and know that good patient care is a team effort. We specialize in customized treatment plans, interventional procedures, and responsible medication management to the appropriate patient. Our goal is to relieve pain for our patients to help them regain life and do the simple things that make a difference.

 

If you’re ready to regain your health without the need for surgery, it’s time to see how our spine specialists in Miramar can help. At Florida Spine & Pain Center, our team offers personalized spinal solutions to help you restore your comfort. We are led by Dr. Lowell S. Davis, an interventional spine & pain physician with board certifications in pain management and anesthesiology. Contact us today.

Pain management doctor

PAIN MANAGEMENT’S ROLE IN YOUR QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE

TEXT BY FRED WILKINSON

Like happiness, excellence is something we all must pursue.

People strive to show their best selves in many aspects of their lives — in their family, their profession, through physical fitness, in faith, in speech, in their community involvement and in their loving relationships.

To be a model of right action is to exhibit integrity and to live life with dignity. Striving to live life to the fullest is its own rewarding challenge.

Impediments to one’s life quest can be both internal (of the mind or of the soul) or external, including physical health and wellness challenges.

 

DON’T ALLOW PAIN TO KEEP YOU FROM YOUR GOALS

Embracing the resolve required to attain excellence in life necessitates being free of nagging and chronic pain, which so easily can impose physical limitations and curtail the enjoyment of life’s activities.

Chronic pain is a prevalent condition, and those who report chronic pain generally suffer from ill health and limitations in their daily life compared to individuals not suffering from the condition.

 

THE EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PRICE OF PAIN

Besides the inescapable physical discomfort, chronic and acute physical pain also takes an emotional and psychological toll on the person living with pain – as well as his or her loved ones. Choosing the right pain management caregiver is a crucial crossroads in all patients’ healing process to take control of their pain and – ultimately – their lives.

The health professionals at Florida Spine & Pain Center collaborate with individuals and their family members coping with pain to provide appropriate care, working together to develop the best-suited approach to treatment.

Pain management can range from simple, straightforward treatment to a multi-step healing journey involving the patient and caregiver, requiring a wide variety of skills and approaches filtered through our physician team’s deep and broad experience providing favorable pain management outcomes. Our pain management practitioners form a multidisciplinary support group, resulting in improved pain management – allowing you to live your life to the fullest for personal fulfillment while enabling you to be an active participant in the lives and passions of your loved ones.

 

EXPERIENCE EXCELLENCE IN RELIEVING PAIN

Florida Spine & Pain Center’s experienced physician team coupled with their compassionate support staff offers patients numerous options for decreasing pain and enhancing patients’ daily comfort and the ability for physical activity without surgery.

Learn more about Florida Spine & Pain Center’s treatment options tailored to your needs and expectations by reaching out to our office at (954) 447-5206 to schedule you

HOW CAN RADIOFREQUENCY NERVE ABLATION HELP WITH DAILY PAIN?

Text by Fred Wilkinson

Millions of Americans live with pain as part of their everyday lives.

In 2019, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report found that 20.4% of American adults had chronic pain, and 7.4% of adults had chronic pain they said frequently limited their lifestyle or work activities. CDC found chronic pain was highest among women and people aged 65 and older.

While the reality of millions of Americans living with pain hurts the conscience, it’s important to remember that there also are many more millions of concerned and caring family members of those living with pain who also are sharing in the challenges of alleviating their loved one’s pain while helping them to live full lives of activity and well-being.

 

SEEKING CARE TO RELIEVE PAIN

Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek out medical care.

In addition to the daily physical discomfort and mental stress people living with chronic pain must contend with, long-term sufferers of chronic pain are at heightened risk to develop further health complications and poor mental health.

 

PAIN REDUCTION WITH RADIOFREQUENCY NERVE ABLATION

Radiofrequency nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure. Also known as radiofrequency rhizotomy, radiofrequency nerve ablation can reduce or eliminate pain in damaged facet joints by disrupting medial branch nerves, which carry the pain signals.

Radiofrequency nerve ablation uses heat generated by radio waves to target specific nerves and temporarily turn off their ability to send pain signals.

Only local anesthetic is required when performing radiofrequency nerve ablation. Florida Spine & Pain Center specialists insert needles through the skin near the patient’s pain-afflicted area to deliver radio waves directly to the targeted nerves.

The procedure can be a solution for several types of chronic pain. Radiofrequency nerve ablation is most commonly an option for patients suffering from pain in the back, neck, and buttocks (sacroiliac joint) and may also help with long-term knee or hip joint pain.

 

REALIZE PAIN RELIEF

Florida Spine & Pain Center’s goal as a practice is to decrease pain and enhance physical performance without surgery, and patients can expect to be treated by Florida Spine & Pain Center’s team of experienced physicians and compassionate staff employing the latest technology to achieve favorable patient experiences and outcomes.

To learn if radiofrequency nerve ablation is the answer to alleviating your pain chronic, call Florida Spine & Pain Center’s office at (954) 447-5206 to schedule your appointment.

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