Once-Daily Rheumatoid Arthritis Pill Shows Promise

rheumatoid arthritis baricitinib EULAR 2012 congress

Ed Keystone, MD, of the University of Toronto, presented preliminary findings from a trial of a one-a-day Rheumatoid Arthritis medication, baricitinib.

A new, once-daily Rheumatoid Arthritis pill looks set to revolutionize treatment of the autoimmune joint disease as trial data is released for Baricitinib. Last month the FDA approved a twice-daily drug for RA called tofacitinib and some rheumatologists are singing the praises of this latest move towards the ‘holy grail’ of RA treatment, the one-a-day oral medication. Rheumatoid Arthritis, which can cause symptoms of fatigue, fever, joint swelling, and neck pain, is thought to affect 1.3 million people in the US, with three times more women than men affected. Read more

How an Office Worker Can Handle Neck Pain Related to a Herniated Disc

Herniated discOffice workers generally don’t have to do much heavy lifting, or operate complicated machinery, or climb to perilous heights supported only by a rope and carabiner. Yet, even though a serious  injury is not typically a major concern in an office setting, neck pain experienced while sitting at a desk can be every bit as disruptive as an ankle sprained on a construction job. In fact, neck pain related to a herniated disc or similar spinal condition could be far more serious and difficult to manage over the long term than an acute injury such as a sprain or muscle strain. There are, however, several ways an office worker can mitigate the symptoms related to a herniation of an intervertebral disc in the neck. Read more

Neck Pain Relief Device Recalled – ShoulderFlex Massager Poses Risk of Strangulation.


The FDA recalled a neck pain relief device recently after reports that the neck massager posed a serious risk of death or injury. The ShoulderFlex Massager was recalled by its manufacturer back in August 2011 but the Food and Drug Administration is concerned that many of those who bought the device remain unaware of its potential risks, including the risk of strangulation when using the device for neck pain or back pain whilst lying down. Read more

Stiff Neck Pain Treatment Using Muscle Relaxants

stiff neck muscle relaxers massage

Muscle relaxants may help where massage, heat therapy, and NSAIDs have failed.

Physicians increasingly prescribe muscle relaxants for chronic neck pain, but have they informed you of the potential side-effects of these drugs, or considered all possible causes of your neck pain before handing over a hastily scribbled prescription?

In this post we’ll take a quick look at some of the more commonly prescribed muscle relaxants for neck pain and back pain, discuss their uses, side-effects, and possible interactions, and offer brief guidance on staying safe when using muscle relaxants for chronic pain. Read more

Chronic Neck Pain – Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Using Mindfulness Training

chronic neck pain relief mindfulness training for rheumatoid arthritisCoping with chronic neck pain may be made easier with mindfulness training if we generalize the results of a recent pilot study into the use of the therapy for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The randomized study found that group-therapy using mindfulness techniques helped patients manage daily symptoms of chronic joint pain more effectively and reduced feelings of stress in comparison to the control group. What does ‘mindfulness’ mean though, and how can you incorporate it into your neck painmanagement regime? Read more

Pain Medications Linked to Rare Birth Defects

NSAID birth defectsNSAIDs, including commonly used neck pain medications, have been associated with a small to moderate increase in the risk of a number of birth defects according to new research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The scientists found that prenatal use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications did not cause a major increase in risk but were connected with a small increase in the incidence of oral clefts, neural tube defects, anopthalmia, and a number of other abnormalities. Those taking medications for chronic pain may wish to revise usafe of these drugs prior to conception in order to ameliorate risk. Read more

Physical Therapy for Degenerative Disc Disease in the Neck

Degenerative disc disease physical therapyOne of the most commonly prescribed treatments for degenerative disc disease in the neck is physical therapy. After degenerative disc disease (DDD) has been diagnosed, a physician usually will initiate a course of conservative treatment, which may include pain medication and other methods. The patient also is likely to be referred to a physical therapist, who will provide training to help improve overall health, as well as guidance to manage specific symptoms through exercise, stretching, weight training, and other low-impact physical activity.

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A Bulging Disc in the Neck – The Connection Between Mind & Body


Bulging Disc in the NeckIf you suffer from a bulging disc in the neck, you know all too well that this condition can have both physical and emotional consequences. Because the connection between the mind and the body is very strong, a physical injury or other health condition can often cause anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, depression, irritability, and other forms of psychological distress.

One possible biological theory for this is that physical pain and our emotions share the same neural pathways, so pain signals from a bulging disc can also interfere with the way your brain regulates your emotions, possibly causing you to feel sad or depressed in response.
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Epidural for Neck Pain Safer Using Ultrasound

epdiural neck injections using ultrasound

Epidural neck injections appear safer using ultrasound to avoid nerve or blood vessel injury.

Epidural steroid injections for neck pain are not always a preferred treatment as there are concerns about accidental damage to the complex structures in the cervical spine. Lumbar epidural steroid injections are more common for pain relief however and are also often used to determine the exact site of nerve irritation prior to back surgery. Recent research suggests that ultrasound guidance can reduce the risks associated with epidural steroid injections in the cervical spine and so many neck pain sufferers may now consider this a viable treatment option. Read more

Neck Pain, Depression, and CBT

neck pain depression cbt

Could CBT break the vicious cycle of chronic neck pain and depression?

Neck Pain and depression are often interlinked with some studies showing a four-fold increase in the risk of depression in those with chronic pain. The connection between the two conditions is often extremely complex, involving the immune system, endocrine system, and neurotransmitters, as well as psychosocial factors and other problems that may go unrecognized and, therefore, unaddressed. Many patients feel that their doctor has simply given up on identifying the cause of their pain if they suggest that it has a psychological root but oftentimes this is the case and may provide the answer where countless medications, physical therapies, and even neck surgery have failed to resolve the chronic neck pain. Read more