Understanding Your Fibromyalgia Pain – Why Opioids Often Do Not Work

fibromyalgia neck pain vta brain pain differences

The brain's VTA may play a role in fibromyalgia pain.

Many people with neck pain from fibromyalgia find that opioids are not particularly effective at managing their pain. New research published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism suggests that this may be because brain signals differentiating pleasure and pain are confused in those with the syndrome. What does this mean for treatment of fibromyalgia? Are opioids ever a good idea for those with this type of pain? Read more

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5 Quick Fixes for Neck Pain (to let you get back to enjoying Christmas!)

neck pain at christmas quick fixesChristmas is no time for neck pain. There are presents to wrap and unwrap, trees to trim, parties to go to, not to mention food to make and enjoy.

While there’s no good time to suffer with neck pain, we all know that a sudden twinge in the neck at Christmas can make that long to-do list look even less feasible. Luckily, most neck pain responds well to a few simple solutions, so try out these five quick fixes for neck pain and get back to enjoying the festivities! Read more

How the Spine Narrows Naturally with Age

cervical spinal stenosis ageSome degree of spinal stenosis (narrowing) occurs with age, with all of the structures of the spine changing over time. Whether or not these changes will result in symptoms from pinched nerves, spinal cord compression, or blood vessel occlusion or damage depends on the anatomy of each individual. Read more

The Difference Between Neuropathy and Nociceptive Pain (and why it matters)

neuropathic vs nociceptive pain neckNeck pain can have a variety of causes, some more serious than others, and the way that we describe that pain is important for understanding its likely progression and appropriateness of treatments.

We all recognize that the body is a complicated system where the mind can affect pain perception and pain perception can affect the mind. In some cases mind-over-matter really is key to resolving neck pain as both internal mental factors and external environmental factors within our control can have a significant effect on how pain is felt, if at all. Read more

Neck Lumps and Cysts – Are They Dangerous?

sebaceous cyst lump in neck

This sebaceous cyst would usually require no invasive treatment.

Lumps in the neck can be caused by a wide variety of things, some of which are relatively benign and others which warrant immediate attention and can be highly dangerous. Neck cancer, blood vessel inflammation, lymph node swelling and other problems may all be at the root of neck lumps and pain and so it is extremely important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor to find out the cause. Read more