Month: January 2023

High Dose PRP, Platelet Rich Plasma, as a Treatment for Bulging Discs in the Spine

Posted on by Will Bozeman

It might be unsurprising, but low back pain is just par-for-the-course for most adults. Defining the region affected and the exact cause of the pain is a different story. Generally, both low back health and low back pain is related to the spine which contains a system of nerves. Any pain we experience in our back will be communicated along the spinal nerves and our central nervous system. However, most of the time, chronic low back pain (back pain that is not a result of recent acute injury) signals a malfunction in the spine.

In the American Journal of Neuroradiology American Journal of Neuroradiology, Dr. Brinjikji gives a brief overview of low back pain by stating that, “[l]ow back pain affects up to two-thirds of adults at some point in their lives. Back pain–related disability has significant economic consequences due to consumption of health care resources and loss of economic productivity. Increased use of MR imaging and CT in the evaluation of patients with back pain consumes a large amount of health care resources. Imaging findings such as disc bulge and disc protrusion/extrusion are often interpreted as causes of back pain, triggering both medical and surgical interventions” (2015). With the prevalence of low back pain being so high in most adults (roughly two-thirds, as stated by Dr. Brinjikji) it would seem that our attention should focus on the health of the spine– namely the health of its discs.

Determining the health of the discs and the various conditions they could be in would only be the first step– however, it is a crucial step. Dr. Brinjikji continues to not only emphasize determining disc health but recognizes that disc bulges may be the highest contributing factor for low back pain: “Disc findings, including disc bulge, disc degeneration, and disc extrusion and protrusions, had significant associations with low back pain . . . One surprising finding from our study was that disc bulge had a strong association with low back pain. Because of the high prevalence in the asymptomatic population, disc bulges are often considered incidental findings and not associated with low back pain. The prevalence of disc bulges in asymptomatic populations ranges from 20% in young adults to >75% in patients older than 70 years of age”. Because some patients with disc bulges are asymptomatic to back pain and disc bulges are overlooked, many go untreated or are unable to find the care they need to treat the pain. Many are left unaware and uneducated on the relation between disc bulges and low back pain.

Dr. Oktay, in a study examining the regression of the spine and pathogenesis of disc bulges determined that, “. . . the exact mechanisms of regression still remain unclear. There are three hypotheses proposed in the literature: dehydration of herniated disc, retraction of herniated disc, and inflammation‑related resorption theories” (2019). Initially, herniated discs are a result of age and degradation, and most people cannot pinpoint a specific instant to attribute to the condition.

In addition to the herniated disc, there are three regressive mechanisms to which Dr. Oktay goes into further detail and explains that,“[t]he first theory includes the gradual dehydration and shrinkage of the herniated nucleus pulposus. The second theory proposes that the herniated disc may retract back into the intervertebral disc space, but this theoretically only occurs if the herniated disc has protruded through the annulus fibrosis without separating from it. The third theory states that the herniated nucleus pulposus, once extruded into the epidural vascular space of the spine, is recognized as a foreign body by the autoimmune system and induces an inflammatory reaction. This inflammatory reaction would lead the bulging disc to neovascularization, enzymatic degradation, and macrophage phagocytosis. In our opinion, the third theory may play a key role in the process of spontaneous regression . . .”. It is, of course, difficult to determine the condition of our back, its spine, or its discs. So, finding treatment solutions after learning how complex the spine can be can feel like an insurmountable task. Patients may feel that their low back pain will never end but they can have hope that Orthagenex has a solution through high dose platelet rich plasma.

Before patients risk surgery to alleviate low back pain, another treatment to consider is High Dose PRP, high dose platelet-rich plasma with Orthagenex. High dose platelet rich plasma treatment for bulging disc pain, while increasing in patient use, is still considered to be an unconventional treatment but quickly becoming mainstream as the processes become standardized and the data of treatment outcomes is more refined. High Dose PRP works to target and heal nerve/tissue damage in the spine, not only caused by disc bulges but other causes of nerve damage as well, but what exactly is high dose platelet-rich plasma and how can it treat bulging disc pain?

In a study of high dose platelet rich plasma conducted by the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, physicians found that, “[p]latelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a platelet concentrate extracted from autologous blood by centrifugation, which is a kind of bioactive substance” (Wang 2022). But, what does all this mean? In our own (autologous) blood, we are able to take platelets in a concentrated form. When blood is taken from us and put in a centrifuge, it is spun around quickly to separate red blood cells from white blood cells as well as concentrate the number of platelets together. These concentrated platelets, once extracted and applied, act as a treatment that can be used to target nerve-damaged areas. These damaged areas include nerves damaged through bulging discs in the spine– regardless of their current pathogenesis. High dose platelet rich plasma even has the potential to heal and regrow damaged tissue around the back joints and is even favored among those patients who have suffered acute injuries. We’ve all witnessed the human body’s incredible capability to heal injuries. A scraped back will bleed, scab, and scar in a number of days and a broken bone will reset itself in a matter of weeks. These healing processes work through the cells in our body activating and targeting the affected areas. With nerve damage, the process of treatment is more complicated. However, the healing capability of our body works in much the same way.

Our body contains the capability to heal nerve damage through the application of high dose platelet rich plasma. Orthagenex now has the ability to apply that in concentration to nerves affected by bulging discs and the application is safe. Wang continues with his evaluation of high dose platelet rich plasma by stating that, “[t]he application of PRP comes from the body, there is no immune rejection reaction . . . it is, therefore, widely used in various clinical fields”. With Orthagenex’s high dose platelet rich plasma, patients don’t need to worry about a foreign or unidentified substance entering or affecting their body with adverse and uncontrollable side-effects. By targeting problematic bulging discs with this concentration, the application of high dose platelet rich plasma to affected areas is an assistance to the body’s natural healing process. According to a 2017 study evaluating the high dose platelet rich plasma treatment process, doctors Sanchez and his associates concluded that the six pieces of evidence that support nerve regeneration include: “1) neuroprotection and prevention of neuronal apoptosis, 2) stimulation of vascular regeneration, 3) promotion of axonal regeneration, 4) regulation of inflammatory response in the microenvironment, 5) alleviation of nerve collateral muscle atrophy, and 6) improvement of human nervous system parameters” (2017). With the benefits of this natural application of healing platelets in mind, patients struggling with disc bulge pain are more and more likely to seek this type of treatment every day they have to live with the condition

High Dose PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma – as a Treatment for Bursitis

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Conditions that chronically affect the joints like osteoarthritis, and acute incidents that damage the joints like injuries are both common and expected by most people at some point in their lifetime. If there is one thing that patients with these experiences don’t need, it’s a painful byproduct of their joint pain. Unfortunately, for many, joint pain and stiffness may not only be a result of acute or chronic conditions, but a condition known as bursitis. In general, bursitis is a condition that manifests in the inflammation of the pads that protect our joints (bursae). While all of our joints contain bursae, it is more common for the bursae to become inflamed when the joint is repeatedly used– most commonly, the knee and elbow joints.

For decades, physicians have known the causes of bursitis and generally its direction for treatment. In 2001, doctors Arromdee and Matteson determined in The Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine that, “[t]he most common causes of bursitis are repetitive microtrauma or macrotrauma . . .”. Microtrauma and Macrotrauma refers to inside and outside injury respectively. Doctors Arromdee and Matteson continue to list the micro/macro traumas to include, “. . . extension of inflammation from the surrounding structures, including adjacent tendons, muscle fascia, skin, and joint synovium; crystalline deposition diseases; and infection” (2001). To elaborate further, the extension of inflammation refers to other sections of the joints becoming inflamed and causing inflammation of the bursae. Crystalline deposition diseases that can contribute to bursitis include gout and other forms of arthritis. However, while some of these contributing factors to bursitis may appear serious, others are seemingly innocuous and even incidental.

Oddly enough, a study conducted in in 2020 by physicians Elizabeth Hesse and Ronald Navarro found that, “[s]ubdeltoid bursitis has been reported as an adverse event after intramuscular vaccination in the deltoid muscle . . . The cohort included 2 943 493 vaccinated persons. Sixteen cases of symptom onset in the risk interval and 51 cases of symptom onset in the control interval were identified. The median age of persons in the risk interval was 57.5 years (range, 24 to 98 years), and 69% were women. The incidence rate ratio was 3.24 (95% CI, 1.85 to 5.68). The attributable risk was 7.78 (CI, 2.19 to 13.38) additional cases of bursitis per 1 million persons vaccinated . . . Although an increased risk for bursitis after vaccination was present, the absolute risk was small” (2020). While the risk for bursitis after vaccination into the deltoid is small, patients can begin to see just how sensitive the bursae is to both micro and macro traumas and even though bursitis can be common, that does not make it less serious or negate the necessity for treatment.

“Bursitis is a common reason for seeking medical help, notably via emergency room visits. The olecranon and prepatellar [elbow and knee joints, respectively] bursae are the most often involved sites, as their superficial location exposes them to injury. About one-third of cases of olecranon and prepatellar bursitis are septic [or infected]. The annual incidence of olecranon and prepatellar bursitis has been estimated at 0.1/1000 population. Septic olecranon and prepatellar bursitis has been reported to account for 0.01% to 0.1% of all hospital admissions. These numbers may underestimate the true incidence of septic bursitis, as only the most severe forms require admission” (2018). As we discussed earlier, bursitis can be relatively common for a number of reasons. With up to 33% of bursitis cases requiring hospitalization, one can begin to see why treatment is not only desired to reduce pain and stiffness but stave off any further micro/macro traumas that could worsen to the incidence of septic bursitis.

Luckily, treatment for bursitis not only exists in the form of High Dose PRP, but this specialized treatment is offered by Orthagenex. A 2019 study in the Journal of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, doctors Madhan Jeyaraman and his associates evaluated the efficacy of high dose platelet rich plasma (PRP) as a treatment for bursitis. The physicians explain that their study was, “. . . conducted to review a series of patients prospectively with symptomatic retrocalcaneal [Achilles tendon] bursitis and its associations to determine if PRP injections (1) provide symptomatic relief, (2) improved VAS and AOFAS scores and (3) alleviation of need of surgery” (2019).

Once the three objectives were clear, the physicians continued and made their methods for study clear by explaining that, “[a]fter screening of cases, 128 cases entered into the study and have been treated with an autologous platelet rich plasma injection with due pre and post procedural care. The cases are followed up on day 0, at the end of 1st week, 1st and 6th month for pain and range of movements. The patients are followed up for complications and the data were analyzed statistically”. With a sample size of 128 cases entering the study, Dr. Jeyaraman and his associates were able to gain more accurate statistics and determine whether high dose platelet rich plasma injection had any bearing on Achilles pain levels and mobility.

At the end of this study, the physicians had their results and determined that, “[o]ut of 128 cases, 76 patients (59.37%) improved with 1st dose and a further 38 patients (29.68%) with a 2nd dose of autologous PRP injection with an interval of 3 weeks from the first dose. A total of 89.05% of patients, who got treated with autologous PRP injection, had a good clinical and functional outcome even at the end of 1 year of injections and presented with statistically significant results with a p value <0.001. No adverse reactions and serious complications are noted in the study participants . . . [t]he autologous PRP injection is considered superior in treatment of retrocalcaneal bursitis, which minimise the pain and improve the functional quality of life”. With nearly 90% of patients in this study finding both joint mobility and pain reduction with the use of high dose platelet rich plasma, one can begin to understand how it has become increasingly popular for treating painful conditions like bursitis. But, what exactly is high dose platelet rich plasma and how can Orthagenex help?

Dr. Jeyaraman referred to high dose platelet rich plasma as “autologous” which specifically means the plasma is from the patient’s own body. From a patient’s autologous blood, we are able to take platelets in a concentrated form. When blood is taken from these patients and put in a centrifuge, it is spun around quickly to separate red blood cells from white blood cells as well as concentrate the number of platelets together. These concentrated platelets, once extracted and applied, act as a treatment that can be used to target nerve-damaged areas. These damaged areas include nerves damaged through bursitis– regardless of their current pathogenesis.

High Dose PRP even has the potential to heal and regrow damaged tissue around the bursae and is often favored among those patients who have suffered acute injuries. We’ve all witnessed the human body’s incredible capability to heal injuries. A scraped back will bleed, scab, and scar in a number of days and a broken bone will reset itself in a matter of weeks. These healing processes work through the cells in our body activating and targeting the affected areas. With nerve damage, the process of treatment is more complicated. However, the healing capability of our body works in much the same way. The application of high dose platelet rich plasma to bursitis-affected areas is an assistance to the body’s natural healing process. According to a 2017 study evaluating the high dose platelet rich plasma treatment process, doctors Sanchez and his associates concluded that the six pieces of evidence that support nerve regeneration include: “1) neuroprotection and prevention of neuronal apoptosis, 2) stimulation of vascular regeneration, 3) promotion of axonal regeneration, 4) regulation of inflammatory response in the microenvironment, 5) alleviation of nerve collateral muscle atrophy, and 6) improvement of human nervous system parameters” (2017). With the benefits of this natural application of healing platelets in mind, patients struggling with bursitis are more and more likely to seek this type of treatment every day they have to live with the condition. Orthagenex not only offers patients high dose platelet rich plasma as a treatment for their bursitis, but consultation and educational tools to help them maintain and manage their bursitis with confidence. Sessions with Orthagenex see patients not only going through the treatment process to reduce pain and increase flexibility but ensure patients have the tools they need to manage their conditions on a daily basis.

Knee Osteoarthritis and Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Study of Convenience and Efficacy with High Dose PRP®

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Whether a patient has experienced knee pain from an isolated injury or endured decades of chronic pain, the underlying concern for all patients is whether or not they can find an effective treatment. Once a patient believes they have found a treatment that works for them, the next concern would likely be whether there is any risk involved and whether that risk pays off. Barring medical expenses and recovery time, which both vary wildly for myriad reasons, a patient’s primary concern when it comes to treating knee pain is whether the treatment works and that it works for them.

One difference between patients with chronic and isolated knee pain is that patients with chronic knee pain have likely had years of trial-and-error options in the search for a right treatment. It is equally likely that patients with chronic knee pain have experienced the pathogenesis of their condition, a progression to a level that has deteriorated the function of their knee joints. However, many who suffer from chronic knee pain will likely be unaware of the condition that causes increased pain over time; they will simply chalk up the pain as pain and do whatever they must to get rid of it. For the purpose of this article, let’s focus on the primary cause of chronic knee pain: osteoarthritis (OA).

When patients understand osteoarthritis as a contributing factor to knee pain, they can begin to understand how other risk factors can contribute and combine to aggravate knee pain. But first, what is osteoarthritis? When patients understand the condition they suffer from, and recognize what has worsened the pathogenesis of their osteoarthritis, they might begin to determine what they can do on a personal level to treat the pain. Taking personal steps to mitigate the pain greatly increases a patient’s ability to feel relief and confidence. When patients feel confident in their understanding of their osteoarthritis, treatment is that much easier to understand, and its importance leaves an impact that cannot be shaken by complacency or frustration with the condition itself. Dr. Dragan Primorac highlights the importance of paying attention to osteoarthritis (OA) by stating that, “[i]t is estimated that the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) among adults 60 years of age or older is approximately 10% in men and 13% in women, making knee OA one of the leading causes of disability in elderly population. Today, we know that osteoarthritis is not a disease characterized by loss of cartilage due to mechanical loading only, but a condition that affects all of the tissues in the joint, causing detectable changes in tissue architecture, its metabolism and function” (2020). Along with Dr. Primorac’s assessment that OA is a general loss of cartilage in the knee, we should also qualify that the reduction of this cartilage is not only the cause of pain but the effects of that lost cartilage are what will lead to increasing pain, depending largely on the risk factors.

Other than time and its accompanying decay of the human body, there are several risk factors that often exacerbate the condition of osteoarthritis so it is only appropriate that patients be made aware that other risk factors might be complicating the condition. Over time the internal and external anatomical structure of our body’s breakdown and the risk for osteoarthritis increases as the body ages. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective pads of cartilage are worn down and the bones grind against each other and cause this pain. Unfortunately, everyone is at risk for osteoarthritis. However, patients who have experienced injuries to their knees or other joints are more likely to experience arthritis at an older age and OA is further exacerbated by other risk factors, especially in cases of patients who are obese.

While keeping these risk factors in mind, many patients will recognize that there are some risk factors that can be addressed (variables) and others that cannot (constants). When patients take on the information presented about their condition, it can often be overwhelming and patients hearing they have one or more risk factors will often feel hopeless. What is crucial in the process of treatment is the management of expectations– meaning the acceptance of the constants and confrontation of the variables.

While patients assess which OA risk factors might be constant and/or variable, they should take comfort in knowing that obesity is a largely variable risk factor that they can impact on their own. Dr. Lianzhi Chen and her associates found that, “[o]besity-related osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex, multifactorial condition that can cause significant impact on patients’ quality of life . . . Moderate dynamic mechanical loading is one of the most important mechanical factors for maintaining joint homeostasis. The integrity of articular cartilage is maintained under moderate loading conditions during routine daily activities. However, when receiving abnormal excessive mechanical loading, disruption of cartilage homeostasis and deformation of normal joint morphology occurs, further inducing and accelerating the progression of OA”. While it may seem to be common sense to many that knee pain would increase with the increase of a patient’s weight, many do not consider, as Dr. Chen states, that obesity can accelerate the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Not only does excess weight increase knee pain but it can literally deform the knee joint itself, further complicating the pain and necessitating more drastic treatment intervention.

Necessary knowledge of osteoarthritis and its variable, albeit critical, risk factors necessitate a patient’s intervention. If patients struggle with obesity, it is essential that they take action to mitigate their osteoarthritis, the pain, and the eventual deformation of the knee joint. Avoidance and of intervention in the day-to-day choices could contribute to the furthered pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. However, patients should not assume they will be alone in the treatment of their condition. In fact, while several options for knee pain treatment exist, there are only a few that can promise efficacy, safety, and convenience, and these treatments can all be found with multiple treatment solutions offered by Orthagenex.

One of the most effective and safe treatments offered by Orthagenex is the injection of High Dose PRP®, or platelet rich plasma (PRP). High Dose PRP® treatment for knee joint pain, while increasing in use and acclaim, is still considered to be unconventional and unheard of among those who have sought treatment for osteoarthritis in the past. High dose platelet rich plasma works to target and heal nerve/tissue damage, not only caused by osteoarthritis, but other causes of nerve damage as well. However, many patients might feel that a relatively nascent treatment for knee osteoarthritis like High Dose PRP® injections would be less than reputable or tested to a comfortable extent. To alleviate any concerns patients might have in their limited understanding of High Dose PRP®, let’s review what it is and how it helps osteoarthritis knee pain. In an evaluation of High Dose PRP® injections conducted by the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, researchers explain that “[p]latelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a platelet concentrate extracted from autologous blood by centrifugation, which is a kind of bioactive substance” (Wang 2022). From a patient’s own blood (autologous), Orthagenex is capable of injecting high dose platelet rich plasma in a concentrated form. When blood is taken from a patient and put in a centrifuge, it is spun rapidly to separate plasma and platelets from the rest of the blood elements that are not required for effective PRP treatments. These concentrated platelets, once extracted and applied, act as a powerful regenerative growth factor solution that can be used to target repair and restoration of damaged tissues, such as areas damaged by osteoarthritis in the knee. High Dose PRP® has the potential to heal and regrow damaged tissue around the knee joints and is favored among those patients who have suffered injuries or dealt with chronic pain over an extended period of time– even years. The treatment process of High Dose PRP® works through the cells in our damages tissue areas being stimulated by the high levels of growth factors and other beneficial components of PRP, activating and targeting the affected areas. The healing capability of our body works in much the same way but lacks the concentrations of growth factors and other elements to create rapid healing and regeneration, which is what makes PRP so effective at high doses. In fact many studies show that PRP only becomes effective at tissue regeneration over certain concentrations. Our body contains the capability to heal through the injection of High Dose PRP®. Orthagenex has the ability to apply platelet rich plasma in high concentrations required to create effective healing and recovery, and most importantly, the application is safe.

Wang continues with his evaluation of High Dose PRP® injections by clarifying that, “[t]he application of PRP comes from the body, there is no immune rejection reaction . . . it is, therefore, widely used in various clinical fields”. With High Dose PRP®, patients don’t need to worry about a foreign or unidentified substance entering or affecting their body with adverse and uncontrollable side-effects. As long as High Dose PRP® is prepared under proper conditions it is a safe and effective treatment. By contrast, many offices that offer a basic entry level PRP treatment are most likely using an unknown concentration using a regular blood spinning centrifuge that can’t differentiate with precision and can’t concentrate PRP to levels required to see effective regeneration. By targeting knee joints with osteoarthritis using the application of High Dose PRP®, it is an amplification of the body’s natural healing process.

According to a 2017 study evaluating high dose platelet rich plasma healing process in regards to the damaged tissues associated with reporting pain, doctors concluded that the six pieces of evidence that support damaged tissue regeneration include: “1) neuroprotection and prevention of neuronal apoptosis, 2) stimulation of vascular regeneration, 3) promotion of axonal regeneration, 4) regulation of inflammatory response in the microenvironment, 5) alleviation of nerve collateral muscle atrophy, and 6) improvement of human nervous system parameters” (Sanchez 2017). With the benefits of this natural application of healing platelets in mind, patients struggling with chronic knee pain are more likely to seek this type of treatment. As patients continue to learn about their condition, especially in the case of knee osteoarthritis, it can be daunting to consider the countless options for treatment, their efficacy and side effects. With Orthagenex and its state-of-the-art treatment options, the possibility for effective treatment that takes the patient’s comfort level into account is greater than ever. High Dose PRP® injection is just one of the many treatments that patients can count on to treat knee osteoarthritis and make a difference in their daily lives.

High-Dose PRP For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Breakthrough Treatment

Posted on by Will Bozeman

One of the most frustrating and common conditions of hand pain is carpal tunnel syndrome. When patients have a lifestyle, hobby, or occupation that requires them to use their hands, there is a higher likelihood they will experience carpal tunnel syndrome, which can complicate the accomplishment of what would be routine tasks. 

Despite carpal tunnel syndrome being common, most patients do not understand the condition and dismiss it as a cramp. But when the pain is persistent and precludes the use of one’s hands, it is likely to be carpal tunnel syndrome, and it is certainly more serious than a muscle cramp or spasm.

Understanding the true nature of carpal tunnel syndrome is essential for patients to seek proper diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies. In the following sections, we will explore the anatomy and development of carpal tunnel syndrome, its symptoms, risk factors, and conventional treatment approaches.

Additionally, we will discuss a breakthrough treatment option involving high-dose platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and its potential benefits in managing carpal tunnel syndrome.

In this article, we will explore the innovative therapy option of PRP for carpal tunnel, which may provide the relief you have been seeking. We aim to equip you with valuable insights and knowledge to identify and alleviate the painful symptoms of this painful condition.

To begin, let’s delve into the definition of carpal tunnel syndrome and discuss the process of how it can develop.

Defining Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) develops gradually over a long period of time. For example, imagine someone who spends hours each day typing on a keyboard with improper wrist positioning. The repetitive hand and wrist movements, combined with sustained poor hand posture, can cause strain and irritation on the tendons in the wrist.

Over time, this repetitive strain leads to swelling and inflammation within the carpal tunnel, which in turn increases pressure on the median nerve. As the pressure on the nerve persists, it can result in the characteristic uncomfortable symptoms of CTS, including pain, numbness, and tingling.

It is essential to emphasize that carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve condition rather than a muscular complication. While muscle strain can contribute to the development of CTS, the primary cause lies in the compression and irritation of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel. 

For example, during their comprehensive literature review, Dr. Genova and Dix conducted an in-depth analysis of the nature and pathogenesis of CTS and determined that “[c]arpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common medical condition that remains one of the most frequently reported forms of median nerve compression. 

CTS occurs when the median nerve is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist. The syndrome is characterized by pain in the hand, numbness, and tingling in the distribution of the median nerve” (2020). 

The distinction is vital as some individuals mistakenly categorize CTS as a problem related to muscles. Clarifying this point helps patients grasp the true nature of the condition and its impact on the median nerve. By recognizing CTS as a nerve-related syndrome, patients can gain a better understanding of the appropriate treatment approaches and management strategies required to effectively address the underlying nerve compression and alleviate the associated symptoms.

Having established a comprehensive understanding of the development and pathophysiology of CTS, we will now explore the distinctive indicators and symptoms that characterize this condition in the following section.

Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

CTS presents a range of symptoms that can significantly impact an individual’s daily life and activities. The most common signs of CTS include pain, numbness, tingling, and a “pins and needles” sensation in the hand and fingers, particularly in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. 

These symptoms may start gradually and primarily affect the hand’s palm side, but they can progress over time.

As CTS progresses, individuals may experience weakness in the affected hand, making it challenging to perform routine tasks that require fine motor skills, such as buttoning clothes, gripping objects, or holding utensils. 

The loss of grip strength and dexterity can hinder the ability to perform work-related duties or engage in hobbies and recreational activities, causing frustration and limitations in daily functioning.

Moreover, the symptoms of CTS often worsen at night, leading to sleep disturbances and disrupted rest. Many individuals report awakening with a feeling of numbness or pain in their hands or having the need to shake or move their hands to relieve discomfort. The constant disruption of sleep can lead to fatigue, daytime drowsiness, and decreased productivity.

The impact of CTS symptoms extends beyond physical limitations. Chronic pain and discomfort may result in emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. The inability to participate fully in activities that were once enjoyable can contribute to feelings of isolation and reduced quality of life.

It is essential to recognize and address the symptoms of CTS promptly to minimize their impact on daily life. Seeking medical attention, receiving an accurate diagnosis, and exploring appropriate treatment options can help alleviate symptoms, restore hand functionality, and improve overall well-being.

Risk Factors And Causes Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

CTS is influenced by various risk factors that increase the likelihood of the condition developing. Along with understanding CTS as a nerve condition and not a muscular condition, patients should also have a thorough understanding of the risk factors for CTS that could apply to them.

Dr. Genova and Dix continue to review the condition of CTS and explain that the “[r]isk factors for CTS include obesity, monotonous wrist activity, pregnancy, genetic heredity, and rheumatoid inflammation.”

Certain individual factors, including age, sex, hormonal changes, and diabetes mellitus, which can lead to peripheral neuropathy, are associated with increased susceptibility to CTS. Women, in particular, are more prone to developing this condition.

Therefore, individuals who possess these risk factors should be especially vigilant in implementing preventive measures and seeking early intervention to manage and reduce the impact of CTS.

This can include practicing proper ergonomics, maintaining good posture, taking regular breaks, using ergonomic equipment, implementing stretching exercises, and seeking medical advice for early intervention and management. 

Furthermore, obesity is recognized as a significant factor in nerve-damaging conditions, such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. To reduce the risks of developing CTS and other related disorders, individuals can take steps to control their weight.

Extensive research has focused on understanding these risk factors and the specific causes associated with CTS, particularly in relation to repetitive hand movements and work-related activities. Let’s go on to explore these in greater detail.

Work-Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Patients who experience CTS may have developed the condition from work/hobby repetition–including something as innocuous as typing on a keyboard. Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome has significant implications for occupational health and carries an associated economic burden.

Dr. Genova and Dix’s literature review has clearly categorized CTS as a work-related musculoskeletal disorder, highlighting its relevance in today’s world by explaining that “[m]ost western nations indicate a rise in the number of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). 

This is associated with increased strain and repetitive movements by individuals. Europe, in 1998, for instance, reported more than 60% of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders recognized as work-related . . . CTS incidences. 

The prevalence levels may also vary across the different occupations and industries, with industries such as the fish processing industries reporting the occurrence of CTS in their workers estimated at 73%. These views on the occurrence rates of CTS illustrate the weight of the challenge, making it a significant area of concern, which would require effective strategies for management”. It may not surprise patients to learn that CTS is more prevalent in those who engage in activities requiring prolonged and forceful use of the hand and wrist, as well as exposure to hand-arm vibration, such as assembly line work and manual labor. Still, these monotonous and repetitive motions can irritate the hand’s median nerve and pose a significant risk for developing CTS over time.

Relationship Between Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Repetitive Hand Movement

If the hand’s median nerve is continually irritated due to repetitive activities, the pain associated with CTS can intensify over time. 

This prolonged irritation can lead to swelling, inflammation, and increased pressure, which ultimately worsens nerve compression and escalates the severity of pain associated with CTS.

Dr. Tonga and Bahadir explain why increased pain could lead to drastic decisions made by patients in regard to their treatment and go on to specify the importance of first addressing weight management and B12 deficiency before considering surgery. 

The doctors found that throughout their experiences, “CTS severity not only increases patient’s discomfort but also makes them lean toward surgery. Controlling CTS severity may help keep symptoms manageable with conservative means. 

In this regard, as BMI and vitamin B12 deficiency increase the CTS grade, patients with CTS should keep their weights under control and carefully choose their diets to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency” (2022).

Like most doctors, Tonga and Bahadir seek to mitigate the conditions of their patients and intend to keep surgical intervention as a last resort. But, when weight maintenance and B12 supplementation are not enough, patients may be looking for an alternative that works and is safe.

Recognizing the impact of CTS severity on patients’ decision-making, along with the potential influence of factors such as weight and B12 deficiency, as well as the weighty decision surrounding surgical intervention, highlights the importance of exploring accurate diagnostic methods for CTS. Let’s go on to discuss how CTS is diagnosed in the next section.

Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

To ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of CTS, healthcare professionals may utilize a number of diagnostic approaches. The evaluation typically consists of the following:

  • Medical history: The doctor reviews the patient’s symptoms, risk factors, and relevant medical conditions to understand the context and potential causes of CTS.
  • Physical examination: The doctor examines the hands, wrists, and arms, looking for signs of swelling, tenderness, or weakness. They may also check for abnormalities in the range of motion and assess muscle strength.
  • Nerve conduction study: This test measures the speed at which electrical signals travel through the median nerve. Electrodes are placed on specific points along the nerve pathway, and small electrical impulses are applied to evaluate how well the nerve conducts these signals.
  • Electromyogram (EMG): This test assesses the electrical activity of muscles and helps determine if there is nerve damage. Thin, needle-like electrodes are inserted into specific muscles to record their response to nerve stimulation.
  • Ultrasound imaging: In some cases, ultrasound imaging may be used to assess the structures within the wrist and identify any abnormalities. It allows visualization of the median nerve, tendons, and surrounding tissues, helping to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis, as other conditions can exhibit symptoms similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. 

A comprehensive evaluation, incorporating medical history, physical examination, and relevant diagnostic tests, enables healthcare providers to formulate an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the individual’s specific needs. 

Once a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is made, it is crucial to seek and obtain a personalized management plan that takes into account your specific needs and lifestyle preferences.

How Conventional Medicine Approaches Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Conventional medical treatments for CTS aim to relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pressure on the median nerve. The specific treatment options prescribed by healthcare professionals may vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual patient factors. Here are some common examples of conventional treatments for CTS:

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen are often recommended to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with CTS.

Wrist Splints/Braces: Wearing a wrist splint or brace can help stabilize the wrist in a neutral position, relieving pressure on the median nerve and reducing symptoms. Splints are typically worn during activities that aggravate symptoms or at night.

Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the carpal tunnel can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation and swelling around the median nerve. Repeat doses are often required overtime. 

Physical Therapy: Therapeutic exercises and techniques can improve wrist strength, flexibility, and posture, reducing symptoms and preventing further injury. Physical therapists may also employ techniques like ultrasound or laser therapy to promote healing.

Occupational Changes/Ergonomic Modifications: Making modifications to workstations or job tasks, such as using ergonomic keyboards or adjusting desk height, can help reduce strain on the wrists and minimize symptom exacerbation.

Lifestyle Modifications: Simple lifestyle changes like taking regular breaks from repetitive hand activities, practicing proper hand and wrist posture, and avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms can provide relief and prevent CTS progression.

Surgical Intervention

In cases where conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, surgical intervention may be considered. This surgery typically involves releasing the pressure on the median nerve by cutting the transverse carpal ligament, a procedure known as carpal tunnel release. 

However, it is important to note that surgery is typically reserved for severe or persistent cases of CTS that do not respond to more conservative measures. Individuals diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) should seek professional medical advice to determine the most suitable treatment approach based on their specific symptoms and circumstances. 

While conservative treatments such as braces, physical therapy, and ergonomic changes may not always provide sufficient relief, relying on medications and steroid injections may not be preferred due to personal lifestyle choices. 

In the upcoming sections, we will explore the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for CTS and why it is favored as an innovative alternative for those who have not responded to conventional treatments and wish to avoid surgery.

Why Consider High-Dose PRP As A Treatment For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

One treatment that is safe and proven to be effective is high-dose platelet-rich plasma. In a small study examining the efficacy of PRP when applied to CTS, doctors Güven and Özçakar determined that “[p]latelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment has the potential to become a part of the nonsurgical approach in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) as a regenerative method. 

PRP therapies aim to enhance the self-healing ability of [the] human body by exposing the injured tissue to a high concentration of autologous growth factors. Nerve tissues also seem to benefit from the regenerative effects of PRP concentrates” (2019).

The doctors explain their methods for determining PRP efficacy and explain that their purpose is “to investigate the possible beneficial effects of PRP injection in CTS. A total of 40 hands of 30 patients were included (20 hands per group) with mild to moderate idiopathic CTS. 

Patients with mild to moderate CTS were placed into either control or PRP groups. Activity modification and night-only wrist splints were suggested in both groups. 

Additionally, in the PRP group, a single perineural PRP injection into the carpal tunnel was applied under ultrasound guidance. Sensibility tests, Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (BCTQ), and electrophysiological and ultrasonographical findings were measured initially and after four weeks. 

Groups were similar regarding demographics. BCTQ scores and ultrasonographical values were improved in both groups. Delta analyses revealed that the difference in BCTQ scores improved better in the PRP group. Electrophysiological values improved in the PRP group. 

Our study demonstrated that a single, perineural PRP injection into the carpal tunnel provided further improvements in CTS”. 

Study after study has concluded that PRP for carpal tunnel syndrome, if anything, supplements and improves pain management capability compared to other treatment options.

PRP And Nerve Regeneration

With nerve damage, the process of treatment is more complicated. However, the healing capability of our body works in much the same way. The application of high-dose platelet-rich plasma to CTS-affected areas is an assistance to the body’s natural healing process.  

Based on a comprehensive evaluation of studies conducted in 2017, doctors Sanchez and his associates concluded that there were six pieces of evidence supporting the effectiveness of high-dose platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment in promoting nerve regeneration.

 “1) neuroprotection and prevention of neuronal apoptosis, 

  2) stimulation of vascular regeneration, 

  3) promotion of axonal regeneration, 

  4) regulation of inflammatory response in the microenvironment, 

  5) alleviation of nerve collateral muscle atrophy, and 

  6) improvement of human nervous system parameters” (2017).

With the benefits of this natural application of healing platelets in mind, patients struggling with CTS pain and irritation are more and more likely to seek this type of treatment every day they have to live with the condition.

Common Patient Concerns About Platelet-Rich Plasma

We’ve all witnessed the human body’s incredible capability to heal injuries. A scraped back will bleed, scab, and scar in a number of days, and a broken bone will reset itself in a matter of weeks. These healing processes work through the cells in our body, activating and targeting the affected areas. 

High-dose platelet-rich plasma has the potential to heal and regrow damaged tissue around the median nerve and is often favored among those patients who have suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome. 

After hearing the results of these above studies, many might be jumping at the chance to treat their CTS with high-dose platelet-rich plasma, some might be more apprehensive due to their lack of understanding of what high-dose platelet-rich plasma is in the first place.

Let’s address some of the common reservations and basic concerns individuals may have regarding PRP Therapy:

Risks and Safety: Platelet-rich plasma treatment is considered safe since it utilizes the patient’s own blood components, reducing the risk of adverse reactions or complications. As with any medical procedure, there is a small risk of infection or allergic reaction. 

However, these risks can be minimized by choosing a reputable healthcare provider with experience in administering PRP therapy.

Recovery Time: The recovery time following a high-dose PRP treatment for CTS is significantly shorter compared to surgical intervention. However, it can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. 

Side Effects: PRP treatment for CTS is generally well-tolerated, with rare temporary side effects at the injection site, such as pain, swelling, redness, or bruising. These typically resolve within a few days. Serious complications like infection or nerve damage are rare. At Orthagenex, we use specialized imaging to precisely guide PRP therapy, minimizing any potential risks.

By addressing these concerns, patients can make informed decisions about whether high-dose platelet-rich plasma treatment is the right option for their carpal tunnel syndrome. To gain further insight, it is helpful to compare PRP treatment to the more conventionally used cortisone injections.

Comparing PRP Treatment To Cortisone Injections

In a similar, albeit more extensive, study on the efficacy of high dose platelet rich plasma in comparison to corticosteroid injections, doctors Senna, Shaat, and Ali found that “[c]arpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy in the upper extremity. 

Treatments for CTS alternate from conservative strategies to surgical decompression of the median nerve. Few studies have applied platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for treating idiopathic CTS, with acceptable success rates.” (2019). 

In great detail, the doctors continue to explain the process of their study and explain that it was “. . . a randomized controlled trial in a cohort of Egyptian patients [who] suffered from mild to moderate CTS. They were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1: patients received ultrasound-guided PRP injection, and group 2 patients received ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection. 

The outcome measures were assessed via the Visual Analog Scale, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire, electrophysiological findings in sensory and motor functions of the median nerve, and morphological changes of median nerve detected by ultrasound . . . PRP injection was superior to the local steroid injection in the improvement of clinical manifestations . . . this superiority was observed in third-month follow-up suggesting better outcomes in a long-term follow-up”.

In the end, doctors Güven and Özçakar concluded that “Platelet-Rich Plasma could be an effective treatment of mild to moderate idiopathic CTS and superior to corticosteroid in improving pain, function, and distal sensory latency of [the] median nerve.”

Additionally, PRP therapy has a more favorable safety profile. As PRP is derived from a patient’s own blood, there is a reduced risk of adverse reactions or complications associated with foreign substances. Corticosteroid injections, on the other hand, carry potential side effects such as tissue atrophy, skin discoloration, and transient elevation of blood glucose levels.

Furthermore, PRP therapy has the potential for long-term benefits. The study mentioned above indicated that the superiority of PRP over corticosteroid injections was observed in the third-month follow-up, suggesting sustained improvement and better outcomes over a longer period. 

This long-lasting effect could be particularly advantageous for individuals with mild to moderate idiopathic CTS, providing sustained relief from symptoms and potentially reducing the need for the repeat interventions that cortisone injections typically require.

Now that we have gained a comprehensive understanding of CTS and the effectiveness of the treatment options available based on research studies let us shift our focus to how our professionals at Orthagenex have chosen to approach the management of the painful symptoms associated with CTS.

How Orthagenex Approaches Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Orthagenex not only offers patients high-dose platelet-rich plasma as a treatment for CTS but consultation and educational tools to help them maintain and manage their condition with confidence. 

In the simplest explanation, from a patient’s own blood, we can take platelets in a concentrated form. 

When blood is taken from these patients and put in a centrifuge, it is spun around quickly to separate red blood cells from white blood cells as well as concentrate the number of platelets together. 

These concentrated platelets, once extracted and applied, act as a treatment that can be used to target nerve-damaged and nerve-irritated areas. These damaged areas include the median nerve damaged through carpal tunnel syndrome– regardless of its current pathogenesis.

Sessions with Orthagenex see patients not only going through the treatment process to reduce pain and increase flexibility but ensure patients have the tools they need to manage their conditions on a daily basis.

At Orthagenex, we offer personalized consultations and educational tools to empower patients to manage their condition proactively. These sessions aim to provide patients with a deeper understanding of CTS, its triggers, and practical strategies to alleviate symptoms and enhance overall well-being.Through a combination of PRP therapy and ongoing support, Orthagenex strives to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with CTS. By equipping patients with the necessary means and knowledge, they can actively participate in self-care and implement strategies to manage their condition on a daily basis.

Orthagenex’s approach emphasizes a whole-person and patient-centered approach to CTS management, focusing not only on the treatment itself but also on empowering individuals to take control of their health and achieve long-term relief.

Seek A Regenerative Treatment For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

In conclusion, Orthagenex’s high-dose platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome offers a breakthrough regenerative approach to managing this debilitating condition. Research studies have demonstrated the efficacy of PRP in reducing pain, improving functionality, and promoting nerve regeneration.

Unlike traditional treatments, such as cortisone injections or surgery, PRP therapy harnesses the body’s own healing capabilities to target the damaged tissue and enhance the self-healing process. Furthermore, PRP treatment has been shown to have superior long-term outcomes compared to corticosteroid injections.

Orthagenex’s approach to carpal tunnel syndrome combines high-dose PRP therapy with comprehensive patient consultations and educational resources. This whole-person approach empowers patients to actively manage their condition and achieve long-lasting pain relief and improved hand function.

If you are struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome, consider exploring high-dose PRP treatment at Orthagenex. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if PRP therapy is the right choice for you and take the first step towards regaining control over your hand pain and restoring your quality of life.

Treating Shoulder Pain with Neurofunctional Pain Management

Posted on by Will Bozeman

With a sometimes undeciphered origin, patients experience shoulder pain at a level and frequency that quickly becomes unmanageable. While shoulder pain can be a result of several factors, at times the diagnosis of shoulder pain is not what matters to patients, it’s an option to relieve it. There are times when patients experience a level of pain in their shoulders that causes them to only care about the treatment for the pain. However, effective treatment depends on diagnostics and knowing what the problem is. As we have discussed in many articles, there are often many possible options, and sometimes co-morbid causes of pain a patient is feeling. If a patient has not been diagnosed properly it could be that the treatment options being offered won’t be as effective. Knowing the origin of the pain is important otherwise it is possible that the treatment they undergo will not only be less effective but counteractive to their condition. Understanding and educating oneself on the origin of shoulder your pain and the treatment options that will help the most is the most important part of the process.

For decades, physicians have been tracking the prevalence of patients seeking shoulder treatment. As early as 2005, Dr. Caroline Mitchell and her associates found that, “[s]elf reported prevalence of shoulder pain is estimated to be between 16% and 26%; it is the third most common cause of musculoskeletal consultation in primary care, and approximately 1% of adults consult a general practitioner with new shoulder pain annually” (2005). With that in mind, patients can be sure that as they seek treatment, they will likely know someone else who has suffered from or is currently seeking treatment for their shoulder pain.

Patients in search of an origin to their shoulder pain will often be met with several results to scroll through online. Before patients attempt to self-diagnose the condition of their shoulder pain, it is recommended that they seek the opinion of a medical professional. But, for the sake of helping patients understand the most common causes of shoulder pain, we will cover the most general aspects of these conditions so that patients will not only feel more confident in the knowledge they’ve gained but be sure that the treatment they choose for their condition is right for them and their specific condition.

One of the most common causes of shoulder pain, especially for patients who have not suffered a serious injury, is simply that they may have slept on their shoulder at a bad angle. This is typically the case for patients who are overweight and experience the height of their shoulder pain in the morning. If patients can determine whether their shoulder pain is a result of poor positioning during sleep, it is unlikely they will need a medical intervention or extensive treatment. If this is the case, it is recommended that patients attempt to sleep on their back or stomach, attempt to diet and exercise (especially shoulder exercises), and stretch their shoulders before bedtime. Patients who are able to reduce their weight are less likely to experience shoulder pain in the morning because the reduced weight lends itself to relieving pressure on the shoulder joint.

In somewhat of a contrast to uncomfortable sleeping positions that contribute to shoulder pain is the overuse of the shoulder. Dr. Mitchell explains that, “[o]ccupations as diverse as construction work and hairdressing are associated with a higher risk of shoulder disorders. Physical factors such as lifting heavy loads, repetitive movements in awkward positions, and vibrations influence the level of symptoms and disability, and psychosocial factors are also important”. When patients have a typically strenuous occupation that requires them to do heavy lifting, if they have exercised their shoulders in excess, or if they have not properly stretched the shoulder tendons before lifting, it is very possible they will experience shoulder pain.

At times, those who have not experienced shoulder pain may not recognize the seriousness or life-altering conditions of shoulder pain, especially when life calls for the patient to be physically capable. Dr. Deborah L. Greenberg explains the life-altering aspects with the following: “Shoulder problems can significantly affect a patient’s ability to work and other activities of daily life such as driving, dressing, brushing hair, and even eating” (2014). If patients with shoulder pain are incapable of even dressing or eating, can we really expect them to work under strenuous conditions.

Not unlike shoulder pain as a result of poor sleep, shoulder pain as a result of overuse is largely self-correctable and treatable without medical intervention. If patients are experiencing a level of pain that is unbearable when lifting heavy objects at work or the gym, it is recommended that patients stretch and prepare themselves before lifting those objects. If patients ever feel that a load might be too much for their shoulders to handle, it is imperative that they stop what they are doing and ask for assistance. If the pain persists in an occupational setting, medical intervention may be necessary. However, this is not always true, as patients who have strenuous occupations will often and rightly seek occupations that they know their body will be able to handle. In the end, a good rule-of-thumb is to listen to your shoulders. Not listening to your body’s signals will often lead to injury and a stronger need for correction and extensive treatment.

The misuse of shoulders will eventually lead to heavy strain and, typically, a spraining of the shoulder that is the third most common type of shoulder pain. In the case of a shoulder sprain, medical intervention and diagnosis will be necessary. This is not to say that shoulder sprains are always a result of ignorance or persistence on the part of the patient but patients who do experience injury are often refusing to listen to the signals their shoulders are sending. However, the shoulder is complex and if the origin of pain is not clear, that is not at all surprising. As Dr. Greenberg explains, “‘[t]he shoulder’ consists of a complex array of bones, muscles, tendons, and nerves, making the cause of pain seem difficult to decipher. Shoulder pain can be caused by structures within the shoulder or can arise from problems external to the shoulder”. Because of the complex structure and operation of the shoulder, the cause of pain is not always clear.

Dr. Greenberg claims to have found the most common cause of shoulder-related injuries and states that, “[t]he rotator cuff provides stabilization to the glenohumeral joint and contributes to mobility and strength of the shoulder. Disease of the rotator cuff is the most common cause of shoulder pain seen in clinical practice”. If disease of the rotator cuff is the most common cause of shoulder pain seen in clinical practice, this means that patients who elect to seek diagnosis and treatment for shoulder pain have likely experienced the pain on a chronic basis. In contrast, patients who experience a sparingly low frequency of pain, say from bad sleep positioning or basic strain, are unlikely to seek treatment from a clinic.

Those who have been diagnosed with disease of the rotator cuff will be curious to know the risk factors associated with their diagnosis and the possible pathogenesis of the disease. Dr. Greenberg continues to explain that, “[t]he prevalence of rotator cuff disease increases with age, obesity, diabetes, and chronic diseases that affect the strength of the shoulder such as stroke”. With the common comorbidities in mind, patients can take the first step in addressing their rotator cuff disease. While there are some risk factors that cannot be changed, patients can take action for others. For example, while patients cannot necessarily reduce their age or stop aging altogether, they can address their weight and assess whether their weight is contributing to the pathogenesis of their rotator cuff disease.

Once patients understand the origin of their shoulder pain, whether it is a result of rotator cuff disease or an isolated irritation of the shoulder, they can start to seek out the most effective treatment options. Neurofunctional Pain Management with Neuragenex is quickly becoming one of the most effective options for shoulder pain as it is a non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical, non-invasive, and non-chiropractic pain treatment program. Neurofunctional Pain Management uses a combination of high pulse electrical stimulation therapy and specialized nutritional hydration therapy to relieve pain and restore health. This category of pain management may quickly become the first step in the journey of chronic pain management due to the safety of the program. There will always be a place for drugs, surgeries, spinal injections, implants, and chiropractic care, however we believe that a genuine effort to relieve pain and restore health using the safe and effective protocols of Neurofunctional Pain Management should be the first option for patients. Given the choice of all the options available, patients and doctors would choose Neurofunctional Pain Management over all these other conventional options mentioned.

Neuragenex has created and pioneered the field of Neurofunctional Pain Management and has created a unique and proprietary treatment protocols that administers multiple aspects of therapy over the course of several weeks to treat chronic pain. Extensive diagnostics help to confirm the condition and to report success in the pain treatment effort and before and after blood work to report on the health restoration effort. The combination of high pulse electrical stimulation with concurrent IV hydration therapy is called Neuralgesia and works by sending high-pulse electrical stimulation to the affected region, depolarizing pain neurons and repairing damages vascular tissues and other tissues. When a patient experiences pain, it is a signal to the brain that something needs to be done, which triggers an inflammation cycle that also causes more pain. This is the pain/inflammation negative feedback loop that occurs with chronic pain conditions. Many medications and treatments are specifically designed to reduce inflammation in order to interrupt this negative feedback loop. However, even if a patient is unable to treat the condition on their own, the pain will continue to signal. As patients go through a course of Neurofunctional Pain Management treatment with Neuragenex, they may experience a very safe and effective version of interrupting this pain/inflammation cycle.

High pulse electrical stimulation interferes with pain signaling, eliminating the pain reporting cycle which in turn reduces the inflammation response. Specialized hydration therapy also reduces inflammation by hydrating the tissues and providing a dilution effect that helps to remove hydrogen ion concentrations in the inflamed tissues. These two therapies combined create a strong pain relief effect that may endure for a long period of time. All this while improving the overall health of patients will help create a longer pain relief effect than with just electrical therapy alone. The combination makes the treatment effective and since the entire process is safe for the vast majority of patients, it is an ideal first step in the process of pain relief. Ideally patients can get out of pain and back into a state of good health and effectively be able to return to functionality, improving quality of life.

Neuragenex intends to magnify quality of life as one of its core treatment models. This is a result of both pain relief and health restoration that improved the mental outlook of the patient’s chronic condition. Improved mental outlook is one of the greatest accomplishments in the process. If a patient can see a path to success their entire life can change for the better. Neuragenex is more than just pain relief, it’s pain relief, with health restoration and magnified quality of life through Neurofunctional Pain Management.

Fibromyalgia Pain Relief With Neurofunctional Pain Management

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Fibromyalgia is another complex and misunderstood condition with many possible variations of symptoms and comorbidities, making it very difficult to treat. The fact remains that many doctors, patients, and the medical community as a whole have a difficult time understanding and working with this condition. It is therefore unsurprising to learn that many physicians can’t help but feel that the condition is fabricated and that it’s all in the mind of the patient.

This suggestion is not entirely untrue, and we will explore why later, but even if fibromyalgia originates in the psyche of a patient, it does not make the pain any less real. As we know in medicine, the mind is the most powerful medical tool we have. In the end, both patients and physicians want a treatment for fibromyalgia that addresses the pain and improves the quality of life for patients.

Understanding The Origins Of Fibromyalgia

Since the first cases of fibromyalgia were found, doctors have been scrambling to understand its origins, not only to determine a proper treatment but also to understand the patient’s experience. Doctors Christine Davis and Marian Gillard claim that “. . . [t]he symptoms of fibromyalgia can be misperceived because they are often visibly undetectable, thereby leaving persons with fibromyalgia exposed to others’ incorrect understanding of their experience and physical capabilities. Persons with fibromyalgia may experience stigma when nobody understands the condition or how it affects their daily occupations” (2022).

Unlike some conditions, such as osteoporosis or peripheral neuropathy, which have been the subject of years of research that has resulted in successful diagnosis and treatment options, fibromyalgia is relatively nascent in comparison. However, for many, fibromyalgia is still painful, and its treatment has not been unlike the treatment of other conditions. In fact, for some patients, treatment can be as simple as vitamin replenishment and supplementation to balance out the system. As we learn more about the gut biome connection with the brain, we may discover that many conditions will require a specialized probiotic treatment.

The Relation Of Vitamin D Deficiency And Fibromyalgia

In a 2022 study examining the role of vitamin D deficiency in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP), Dr. Mauro Lombardo and his associates concluded that, “. . . vitamin D deficiency is frequently observed in FMS and CMP patients, and supplementation with vitamin D can be proposed to reduce musculoskeletal pain and improve the quality of life in vitamin D-deficient subjects with FMS and CMP” (2022).

While patients may be unable to explain the origin of their FMS and doctors may be unclear on how to diagnose the condition, one of the first steps is for doctors to suggest supplementing with vitamin D. This natural treatment for the condition is music to the ears of both patients and doctors, as they will be less likely to look into treatments with more unwanted side effects.

The Psychiatric Cause

Speculation about the psychiatric origin of this disability is not new, and behavioral health elements have been determined by some physicians to be the primary cause of its debilitating pain. Because the condition cannot be diagnosed by conventional clinical diagnostics, Dr. Bernstein concedes that “. . . it is possible that fibromyalgia is more psychiatric than musculoskeletal. . . patients have been encouraged to anchor their lives around their misery. Yet none of these factors makes fibromyalgia any less real”.

Dr. Bernstein’s claim that perhaps patients may be “encouraged” to center their lives around the pain suggests that the conditions of fibromyalgia are driven by psychosomatic factors, with psychosomatic meaning a physical manifestation of symptoms from mental or emotional distress. Physicians Fatmanur Kocak and Emine Eda Kurt have determined that, “ . . . [i]ndividuals with fibromyalgia often have comorbid anxiety, depression, and/or other pain syndromes” (2018).

These determinations suggest that some who suffer from fibromyalgia may wish to seek psychiatric attention. However, this does not change the fact that the patient is still in physical pain that needs to be addressed. The presence of depression and anxiety, which are causes of fibromyalgia, often detracts from physicians’ understanding of a physical manifestation of pain. 

Though it may be difficult to relate a mental or emotional origin to a physical manifestation of pain, physicians should be careful not to dismiss FMS as something made up or simply in the minds of their patients. Listening and working to understand a patient’s experience with fibromyalgia is the first step to making them feel comfortable discussing the condition, and more importantly, it is the first step in finding an effective treatment.

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

For anyone who may still doubt the existence of fibromyalgia at all, it should be understood that the condition is very real. As a matter of clarification, the condition of FMS is recognized and has an entry in the 10th edition of The International Classification of Diseases, which is seen as one of the most reputable sources for the diagnosis of disability. 

For all intents and purposes, fibromyalgia is a legitimate condition and often results in debilitating pain for the affected patient. Those who claim they’ve experienced the pain of fibromyalgia and seek medical attention or treatment are often met with skepticism from their physicians or treatment centers, who have no clinical method of diagnosing the condition or finding the cause. And even though patients may feel foolish for suggesting they have a condition their physician may or may not understand, patients should be made aware of their physicians’ perspective.

The Pressure In Diagnosing The Condition

Dr. Bernstein sums up the experience of doctors when they encounter FMS with the following: “They leave us feeling ignorant because we do not understand them and feeling impotent because we cannot cure them. They hector us for notes certifying their disability without providing the usual signifiers of legitimacy” (2016). Although an understandable frustration mounts between doctor and patient, it is the physician’s responsibility to find an effective treatment that will alleviate the pain and treat the problem their patients are experiencing. The doctors experience pressure and the patients experience frustration.

The diagnosis of the cause is frustrating for physicians, and Bernstein also concedes that, “[w]e have to be open to the possibility [that] physicians can be part of the problem . . . perhaps we find ourselves on a pedestal of wisdom we do not deserve”. Either way, doctors must work with their patients to address the condition and work to understand it so that the stigma may lessen. At the same time, patients need to understand that little is known about what causes fibromyalgia. 

Most of the time, doctors who specialize in the treatment of pain conditions will examine the body for signs of a cause. If a physician can locate and diagnose a condition’s cause, they will know how to treat it. The issue with fibromyalgia is that there are no apparent physical signs for the cause of fibromyalgia. While there is no clinical method of diagnosing the physical cause of fibromyalgia, many have turned to finding a psychiatric cause for fibromyalgia.

Treating Fibromyalgia Pain

Fibromyalgia syndrome was not defined as a standalone condition with its own set of symptoms and causes until the 1970s. However, research on the treatments for this condition did not start to show promising results until the late 1980s. 

To this day, many doctors lack the knowledge of fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria necessary to identify the condition and provide patients with an adequate treatment program. 

As more and more is understood about the symptoms and impact of FMS on a patient’s life, healthcare providers are attempting to offer solutions that aim to address both the physical and mental health effects of this condition.

Some of the treatments that are commonly prescribed for fibromyalgia include the following:

  • Pain-relievers – Pain relievers are one of the most common treatments for fibromyalgia. They include over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen. 
  • Anti-seizure medications – Antiepileptic drugs might be beneficial in reducing fibromyalgia symptoms and pain by interfering with the normal pain signaling between the brain and nerve endings. Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant, may be effective in reducing pain by 30% in half of the patients with fibromyalgia. 
  • Antidepressants – Antidepressants and muscle relaxants can ease nerve pain and physical discomfort deriving from fibromyalgia. These medications also promote better sleep and reduce mood disorders. 
  • Physical and occupational therapy – Physicians and occupational therapists can help you adjust your lifestyle to ease FMS pain and can train you to keep your muscles strong and flexible, which can counteract the pain that comes from fibromyalgia. 
  • Natural remedies – Therapies such as acupuncture, massages, meditation, yoga, exercise, and stress-management techniques might be beneficial in relaxing tense muscles and providing relief from fibromyalgia pain. 

While these lines of treatment might be efficient in the short term, they don’t come without side effects. For example, taking opioids and pain relievers over long periods of time can lead to dependency and addiction. On the other hand, antidepressants can affect all aspects of your life, from increasing fatigue to causing mood changes, digestive problems, and sleep disturbances. 

What’s more, it is important to consider that fibromyalgia is a lifelong condition that can worsen with age. Because of this, it is vital for patients to look for a treatment strategy that is sustainable in the long term and does not involve taking medications on a daily basis. That’s where Neurofunctional Pain Management can help. Let’s look at this approach in more depth below.

Neurofunctional Pain Management

While many treatments exist across the spectrum of painful conditions, not all can claim efficacy and lasting results. What’s worse, many patients go through a litany of side effects from treatment trials that they would rather not experience in addition to their fibromyalgia pain. This is where Neuragenex may be able to provide a treatment that is suitable to cover these concerns and treat the patient. Neuragenex created and pioneered the field of Neurofunctional Pain Management which uses a pain relief approach combined with a health restoration approach to treat pain.

Neurofunctional Pain Management uses a combination of high-pulse electrical stimulation, specialized hydration therapy with nutritional deficiency balancing, and a robust lifestyle counseling training program that can help patients stay out of pain while they continue to maintain better health. Neurofunctional Pain Management is a thorough and extensive treatment program that tackles pain at its source. With a condition like fibromyalgia, the pain can be debilitating, but patients can have confidence in understanding that treatment is more than just a pill, it’s a non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical, non-invasive, and non-chiropractic pain treatment program. This brings a tremendous level of confidence to patients looking for treatment options.

Discover Effective Treatment For Pain Relief

Neuragenex has shaped the Neurofunctional Pain Management treatment model to effectively work for a wide range of pain conditions. Fibromyalgia is one of the many conditions that may be effectively treated by Neuragenex using our non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical, non-invasive, and non-chiropractic approach to pain relief and health restoration. At Neuragenex, our mission is to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify the quality of life without medications, surgeries, or invasive procedures. Our vision is to be the first thought, the first choice, and the first step in the journey of chronic pain relief.

The Next Generation Of Treatment For Endometriosis Pain Management

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Almost half of the women worldwide experience the conditions of endometriosis and a lot of them experience it as soon as early puberty. Even considering that this condition is common, most who experience the pain do not seek medical attention or look for treatment. 

For the most part, this is not due to patients not wanting treatment, but to a lack of treatment options in general. Because of the manner in which this condition develops and the early signs that manifest as endometriosis, women who experience its effects look to common and temporary relief for the pain, rather than seeking more effective and lasting treatment. 

Dr. Machairiotis emphasizes the urgency for effective treatment by explaining that, “. . . pain is one of the main symptoms of endometriosis and it has a deleterious effect on a patient’s personal and social life. To date, the clinical management of pain includes prolonged medication use and, in some cases, surgery, both of which are disruptive events for patients. Hence, there is an urgency for the development of a sufficient non-invasive medical treatment” (2021).

Relief from the pains of chronic endometriosis, although elusive, exists and can significantly improve the lives of women who understand and seek it out.  Knowing and understanding what your body is going through is the first step to seeking effective and lasting treatment– a next-generation treatment that can be found through Neuragenex.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis develops within women and can best be explained as tissue that should remain inside the uterus growing outside the uterus instead. As Dr. Teresa Gruber and Sylvia Mechsner explain, endometriosis (EM) “. . . is defined by endometrial tissue-like lesions that occur outside the uterine cavity. Primarily, the disease is described as ectopic lesions on the peritoneum of the internal genital organs (endometriosis genitalis externa)” (2021).

Specific causes are debated among the medical community, but it is generally assumed that endometriosis is caused by cell differentiation when a female reaches puberty. This cell differentiation causes the lining of the uterus to be developed on the outside.

During each menstrual cycle, the body is designed to break down this tissue and be released but because the tissue has been developed on the outside of the uterus, it has nowhere to go. 

Since it is unable to leave the body, the abnormal endometrial growth builds up, swells, and thickens with each menstrual cycle. This leads to severe complications such as widespread inflammation, cysts, scarring, and adhesions that bind reproductive organs together and prevent them from working properly. Ultimately, women with endometriosis are at greater risk of infertility, difficult bowel movements, pain during sex, and painful periods. 

Although a definitive cure for endometriosis remains elusive, there is a lot that patients can do to relieve their symptoms and restore their reproductive health. Below, we’ll explore what research says and how Neurofunctional Pain Management for endometriosis represents a valid, non-invasive, and non-pharmaceutical alternative to surgery or medication.

What The Research Says About Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a widespread condition that affects millions of women worldwide. And yet, despite how common this disorder is, 90% of people with endometriosis report being disbelieved or dismissed by doctors and loved ones. The existing stigma surrounding this condition – coupled with the fact that its symptoms are not immediately outwardly visible – has delayed the search for a definitive cure. 

Nonetheless, recent research is providing valuable insights into the causes, risk factors, and treatment options for endometriosis. Let’s look at this research in more detail below.

How A Patient’s Diet Is Connected To Endometriosis Pain

Dr. Mary Salliss and her associates summarize the experience of endometriosis as, “. . . a chronic, burdensome condition that is historically understudied” (2021). As far as the pathogenesis (or development) of endometriosis is concerned, the physicians continue to explain that the condition is “. . . influenced by estrogen metabolism and inflammation, which are modulated by several factors including the microbiome and the estrobolome (the collection of genes encoding estrogen-metabolizing enzymes in the gut microbiome). Therefore, there is increasing interest in understanding the role of microbiota in endometriosis etiology.”

To break this down, it should be understood that these doctors are specifically concentrating on the patient’s diet (microbiome) and how it can contribute to the increased/decreased pain (etiology) that patients experience. 

Also, note that chronic inflammation makes an appearance in this chronic pain condition. Chronic systemic inflammation is a common characteristic of pain conditions and chronic pain in general.

The doctors continue to suggest that, “[t]here is evidence that a dysbiotic [imbalanced] gut or genital microbiota is associated with multiple gynecologic conditions, with mounting data supporting an association between the microbiome and endometriosis and infertility. These microbiomes likely play a role in the gut-brain axis [pathway for communication between the gut and brain], which further supports a putative [reported] association with the spectrum of symptoms associated with endometriosis, including infertility . . .” 

In short, these physicians argue that a woman’s ability to maintain a healthy diet will greatly lessen the pain caused by endometriosis.

Why Endometriosis Is Hard To Diagnose

As one might imagine, the body would have an adverse reaction to being unable to release tissue that has broken down and is expected to release. This adverse reaction has even worse side effects when the tissue has grown into other organs surrounding the pelvic area and can cause severe complications and pain if not treated. However, most women who experience this pain do not recognize or differentiate it from the pain that is associated with a more common menstrual cycle. 

In a study conducted by doctors Milica Markovic and associates determined from a sample of Australian women that “diagnosis is not always straightforward, and women and health professionals alike may have difficulties recognizing period pain as a sign of anomaly, considering it instead as an inevitable part of menstruation” (2008). 

Because of the inevitable pain and discomfort associated with menstruation, many thousands of women do not seek diagnosis or treatment for endometriosis, making the condition much more unknown and elusive than other pain conditions.

Endometriosis is typically diagnosed based on the level of pain that a woman experiences during a menstrual cycle. Cramps that are worse than usual or an over-dependence on painkillers may signify that a doctor’s opinion is necessary. 

Women suffering from the effects of endometriosis should look for any signs of pain surrounding or involving the pelvic region, and this includes pain during intercourse, urination, and tension or severe cramping in the abdomen. 

Unfortunately, many women seek temporary solutions to the debilitating pain that do not ultimately have lasting effects, probably because they are unaware that they may even have endometriosis as a condition. 

Because of the lack of knowledge involving lasting treatment, many women settle with and accept the conditions they have and move forward without ever seeking help. However, there may be options that can help.

Available Conventional Treatments For Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a difficult condition to diagnose and treat and, in most cases, patients only obtain a detailed clinical picture when dealing with unexpected infertility. Additionally, endometriosis can manifest itself with a range of symptoms, which are not always correlated to the amount of endometrial growth present outside of the uterus. 

In simple terms, some patients can deal with severe lesions, excruciating pain, and inflammation arising from minimal endometrial growth; while others with advanced endometriosis have little to no symptoms. 

Depending on the nature of your condition and the extent of it, your healthcare provider may recommend a specific line of treatment to address your symptoms, ease pain, and remove the endometrial implants. Here’s what you need to know about the treatment options traditionally recommended.

Medications

Medications that aim to ease the pain deriving from endometriosis are often the first line of treatment recommended for this condition. It is important to note that most pharmaceutical treatments only aim to address the symptoms of endometriosis, but they don’t slow down the growth of endometrial implants outside the uterus. Additionally, each pharmaceutical treatment comes with significant downsides, including gastrointestinal ulcers, headaches, mood swings, and even addiction.

Here are some of the most common medications prescribed for endometriosis: 

  • NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are affordable and accessible, and can be used to reduce the pain you experience during flare-ups. Although they represent a valid short-term treatment to manage your symptoms, taking NSAIDs chronically can increase your risk of addiction, stroke, heart attack, and stomach ulcers. What’s more, not all patients respond well to these drugs. 
  • Muscle Relaxants: Muscle relaxants are prescribed to relieve the tension and cramping of the pelvis muscles, which can occur due to inflammation and irritation. Without cramps, patients can experience a decrease in pain, better sleep quality, and less discomfort during bowel movements. 
  • Antidepressants: Antidepressants reduce pain by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitters in the spinal cord responsible for modulating pain signals. To see results from a pharmaceutical treatment based on antidepressants, you’ll need to take these medications daily for weeks at a time. However, when doing so, be sure to evaluate the side effects of this class of drugs, which include dizziness, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. 
  • Anticonvulsants: This class of drugs is used to prevent seizures, but it also has an inhibiting effect on the pain signals traveling from overactive nerves to the brain. Anticonvulsants like gabapentin and pregabalin may help in reducing endometriosis pain but, when taken regularly, they lead to nausea, weight gain, drowsiness, and fatigue.
  • Hormone Therapy: Endometrial implants that grow outside of the uterus are hormone-dependent, just like the endometrium inside the uterus is. So, each month, during the menstrual cycle luteal phase, the abnormal endometrial growth thickens and expands, worsening the severity of your endometriosis. Hormone therapy like birth control pills and GnRH drugs suppress the hormones involved with the menstrual cycle to prevent further endometrial growth.
  • Muscle Injections: Botox (Botulinum Toxin) injections into the pelvis muscles can cause these muscles to relax and prevent painful spasms and cramps. This may help you manage pain and limit distress when passing urine or stool.

Non-Surgical Interventions

Alongside medications, your healthcare provider may recommend non-surgical, conservative treatments that can help you manage pain and discomfort. Although these therapies are not equally efficient for every patient, they can help you improve your overall physical health and mental well-being. 

These therapies include 

  • Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Through techniques such as trigger point therapy, pelvic floor exercises (i.e.: Kegel exercise), and deep tissue massage, pelvic floor muscle physical therapy can help you improve the function, strength, and coordination of your pelvic muscles. This can prevent cramps and spasms, and ultimately ease the pain deriving from endometriosis. 
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Initially developed in the 1960s, CBT can be used to address the psychological distress associated with endometriosis. Through CBT, patients can ease the anxiety derived from their fear of pain and ultimately improve their condition.
  • Stress Management: Stress can significantly worsen your endometriosis symptoms. This is because high levels of stress are associated with high inflammation, which worsens the distress and pain you experience from thickening endometrial implants outside of the uterus. Additionally, stress increases fatigue and influences how you experience pain. Stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can help you manage your condition in your daily life.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Some habits such as caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, smoking, and limited physical activity may impact the synthesis of sex hormones. Positive lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, reducing caffeine, and eating a nutritious diet can help you combat pain by decreasing inflammation, boosting blood circulation, and toning your muscles.

Surgery

Given the side effects associated with this treatment option, surgery for endometriosis is only recommended when the condition is recalcitrant, severe, or not responding to other lines of treatment. Your doctor may also propose surgery as a valid alternative if the pain you are experiencing is life-limiting, disabling, or impacting your ability to work and have a social life. 

Known as laparoscopy, surgical interventions for endometriosis aim to remove portions of the endometrial implants that are growing outside of the uterus. This surgery is minimally invasive and may help slow down the progress of endometriosis, but 20% of patients require further treatment to manage their symptoms.

In more severe cases, you may need to undergo a hysterectomy to remove the uterus, cervix, or ovaries to ease pain and regain some of your pelvic function. This surgery is extremely invasive and irreversible, meaning that you’ll be permanently sterile.

Alternative-Medicine Strategies For Managing Endometriosis Pain

Some non-invasive treatment options based on alternative medicine may be used to manage the symptoms of endometriosis without medications or surgery. It is important to note that this approach isn’t always efficient. 

Some of the alternative treatments you may consider trying include: 

  • Gluten-free diets: Studies conducted in 2012 show that following a gluten-free diet for at least 12 months is associated with a significant decrease in endometriosis pain. This is because gluten can influence hormonal activity and increase inflammation. Make sure to consult a specialized dietitian before switching to this nutritional plan. 
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture may relax tense muscles, ease stress, relieve pain, and trigger the release of the body’s natural painkillers, endorphins. According to a 2023 study, acupuncture can be used to shorten pain duration, relieve dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and improve overall quality of life. 
  • TENS: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for endometriosis leverages mild pulses of electrical current that interfere with how pain signals travel to the brain. The pulses also stimulate blood circulation and trigger the production of feel-good hormones like endorphins.
  • Botox: Botox injections may be used to support muscle relaxation and ease the painful spasms and cramps often associated with endometriosis. The muscle-relaxing effects of Botox injections can last up to six months.

Home Remedies For Endometriosis Pain

Some home remedies can be used to ease endometriosis pain during flare-ups that can help you temporarily, especially during menstruation or other critical times of the month. The following home remedies may reduce stress, increase blood flow to the area, relax tense muscles, relieve spasms, and reduce inflammation:

  • Heat compresses
  • Pelvic massages
  • Rest 
  • Supplements with relaxing or anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric and chamomile
  • Light exercise 
  • Taking probiotics and prebiotics to improve gut health

Since some of these remedies may interact with medications or negatively influence your health, make sure to consult an expert before choosing this line of treatment.

Next Generation Neurofunctional Pain Management For Endometriosis

It should be a relief for patients to know that there are not only treatments for endometriosis, but that possible lasting and effective treatments can be found through Neuragenex and the use of Neurofunctional Pain Management treatment protocols. 

The way our brains interpret pain is meant to signal to us that something needs to be done. Pain signals have the purpose of driving us to seek treatment or to stop using or agitating the affected area altogether. 

With Neurofunctional Pain Management we are able to manage the pain signals that trigger the pain while treating the hydration and nutritional deficiencies of the patient, so pain is lessened over time.

Combined Electroanalgesia And Hydration Therapy

Neuragenex uses high pulse electrical stimulation to relieve chronic pain, combined with specialized hydration therapy to apply health restoration efforts to address the nutritional deficiency and restore health so that the pain relief effect will endure as long as possible. The combination of high-pulse electrical stimulation and specialized hydration therapy is called Neurofunctional Pain Management and is a proprietary treatment protocol offered exclusively by Neuragenex.

High pulse stimulation is the initial step in the process because it requires a high pulse frequency to deliver enough power to stimulate pain neurons in the tissues deep in the body that are causing endometriosis. The high pulse stimulation creates a depolarization effect that relieves pain. 

The specialized hydration component is accomplished with nutritional deficiency application to balance the needed vitamins and minerals that are deficient based on blood test results. 

Because there is never a one-size-fits-all solution for most pain conditions, Neuragenex performs thorough diagnostics so that the overall treatment is as effective as possible.

Lifestyle Counseling Education Program

In addition to Neurofunctional Pain Management treatment protocols, Neuragenex offers a robust and extensive lifestyle counseling education program that helps patients engage in a healthier lifestyle and ultimately produce the best possible pain relief duration.

Our goal is to educate patients who experience pain, offer treatment for that pain, and celebrate the results as patients return to living a manageable lifestyle. 

With these therapies combined, our objective is to create lasting therapeutic applications for relieving pain.

Take The First Step Toward Managing Endometriosis Pain

With Neurofunctional Pain Management treatment protocols, Neuragenex is poised to be one of the only treatment options available for such a difficult pain condition as endometriosis. There are few conventional treatment options for endometriosis, so being able to offer a full treatment program specifically for this condition makes Neuragenex a next-generation pain management program.

Our mission is to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify the quality of life without drugs, surgery, or invasive procedures while maintaining a treatment program that is non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical, non-invasive, and non-chiropractic. Our vision is to be the first thought, first choice, and first step in your journey of chronic pain relief.