Health

Experts Talk About Chronic Back Pain and What Helps With The Pain

Published

4 years ago

November 9, 2020

It’s normal to have back pain occasionally, especially if you’re over 30 or have a physically challenging job standing or sitting. For many people, it goes away on its own. But if back pain lingers for months without cause, you may be experiencing the first signs of chronic back pain.

WHAT IS CHRONIC BACK PAIN?

“Back pain is considered chronic if it lasts three months or longer. It can come and go, often bringing temporary relief, followed by frustration. Dealing with chronic back pain can be especially trying if you don’t know the cause,” according to Hopkins Medicine.

But chronic back pain is different for everyone, with different symptoms, different tolerance levels, and different reactions to medicine or therapy. Sometimes, the symptoms can be treated with multiple strategies, including using ketamine.

IS CHRONIC PAIN A BIG DEAL?

Yes, and its consequences shouldn’t be minimized or ignored. It not only affects millions of people worldwide and often fuels the need for employers to offer comprehensive medical management services, but the World Health Organization calls it one of humanity’s leading sources of disability. Chronic pain leaves its tire tracks on about 50 million American adults; of those, about 44 percent are men and 56 percent are women.

Chronic pain and its evil twin, chronic back pain, harm all age groups and income levels, resulting in stress for individuals, families, and America. How bad is the economic burden? Some reports say the U.S. loses about $600 million a year due to lost productivity.

SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC BACK PAIN

Lasts more than a few weeks
Is intense and doesn’t improve by resting
Works its way down the legs, particularly if the pain goes below the knee
Causes weakness, tingling or numbness in either or both legs
Is paired with unexplained weight loss
Burning sensations
Discomfort which feels like it’s stinging, squeezing, or shooting
Your back is constantly sore or stiff

Many of these symptoms may respond to store-bought pain relievers, therapy, and new treatments like ketamine infusion.

RISKS OF CHRONIC BACK PAIN

Advancing age results in wear and tear on the spine which results in disc degeneration or spinal stenosis, for example, producing back and neck pain. This is especially true if you’re over 30 compared to someone younger.
Certain spinal disorders may have a genetic component.
Any job with repetitive bending and lifting, or that requires many hours of standing without relief or positioned in a chair that doesn’t offer back support puts you at greater risk.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE CHRONIC BACK PAIN?

If you have chronic back pain, you can expect to undergo many tests which may include:

Blood tests to check for evidence of cancer, inflammation, infection, and/or arthritis
Bone scans to discover and track a bone disorder, fracture, or infection
A Discography
Electrodiagnostic tests
Diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays
Myelograms

WHAT HELPS WITH CHRONIC BACK PAIN?

In some cases, a doctor will first recommend a store-bought pain reliever or an assistive device for a sore limb before suggesting other treatments. In the case of chronic back pain and diagnostic procedures with inconclusive test results, a healthcare provider could also offer:

Ketamine infusion therapy. Ketamine is thought to restore and reset connections between nerves throughout the body.
Analgesics and NSAIDS (aspirin or ibuprofen).
Anticonvulsants.
Antidepressants.
Alternative therapy like acupuncture.
Behavioral therapy.
Physical therapy.
Spinal mobilization and spinal manipulation.
Spinal injections.
Traction.
Chiropractic procedures.
Surgery.
Implanted nerve stimulators.
Rehabilitation programs.

SURGERY MIGHT BE AN OPTION IF …

Back pain is considered chronic when it lasts six months or longer and you don’t know what caused it originally. There are red flags to watch for, which may indicate the need for surgery:

New or increasing bowel/bladder issues
Weak limbs
Walking and equilibrium problems
Signs of faster (brisk) reflexes

CAN CHRONIC BACK PAIN EVER GO AWAY?

Each of us deals with pain differently, including chronic back pain. If a cause for your pain has been diagnosed and can be treated, there’s a chance the symptoms will disappear for good. However, remember the nature of the condition is such that it can strike anywhere, at any time.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’re experiencing back pain that’s become chronic – lasting for several months – and you don’t know what caused it, see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. Chances are high the pain won’t go away on its own, and even if you can function with it, it could result in other problems down the road. Many of the symptoms can be relieved with therapy, pain medication, and newer innovations like ketamine infusion.

About the Author

Dr. Aimee Harris-Newon Psy.D., DABPS, C.HT. is a double board certified integrative and interventional psychologist, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and master success coach. She’s considered an expert in integrative health and believes in a holistic approach-treating the body and the mind. She leads a very successful integrative and functional health and wellness practice, serving clients locally and internationally. She and her multidisciplinary team focus on wellness, preventive care and coaching to help people live healthier, happier and more satisfying lives. What makes her truly unique and exceptional is her broad and deep skill set and her approach to health and wellness.

As the founder and director of Dr. Aimee and Associates, and now The Center for Integrative and Functional Health and Wellness, Dr. Aimee Harris-Newon and her team of experts don’t just treat symptoms, they solve health problems, create better outcomes and change lives. Dr. Aimee Harris-Newon also hosts the popular radio show, Mind Over Matters on AM 820, which airs every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. CST.

For more info visit https://www.thecifhw.com/

Health

Global Clients on Dentzz Dental: Reviews Show Why It’s a Top Choice for Dental Implants

Published

7 days ago

January 29, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo credit: Dentzz Dental

Byline: Nicholas R. Eastman

The dental implant market has witnessed significant growth, with patients increasingly seeking international options for affordable and high-quality care. Among these, Dentzz Dental has garnered attention as a popular destination for dental tourism, attracting clients from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. Patients often cite substantial cost savings, cutting-edge technology, and efficient treatment timelines as factors influencing their decision to travel.

According to market reports, the global dental implant market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 9.8 percent through 2030, fueled by technological advancements and rising demand among patients over 50. For many, procedures that are cost-prohibitive in Western countries have become accessible through clinics like Dentzz, which combine affordability with internationally recognized standards.

Patient Reviews Highlight Cost and Quality Advantages

Patient reviews, mainly from Australia, where over 30,000 Dentzz clients originate, provide valuable insight into the clinic’s appeal. Many highlight savings of approximately 40 percent compared to procedures performed domestically. Treatments such as full-mouth reconstructions, which cost upwards of $80,000 in Australia, are offered at significantly lower rates.

“Cost is a major factor, but patients are also looking for consistency in outcomes and access to advanced technology,” says Shantanu Jaradi, CEO of Dentzz Dental. “We have managed to strike that balance by offering international quality standards at competitive prices.”

Reviews also emphasize the comprehensive consultation process offered at Dentzz, which helps patients make informed decisions. Many mention the clarity and transparency in communication as critical in building trust and confidence, especially for individuals traveling long distances.

Technology and Streamlined Timelines Draw International Clients

Patient feedback reflects that technological advancements play a central role in Dentzz’s offerings. The clinic utilizes equipment from the U.S., U.K., and Germany, including 3D CT scanners and CAD/CAM systems. These tools support precision diagnostics and treatment planning, reducing the risk of complications in complex procedures like dental implants and smile makeovers.

Another factor that resonates with international patients is Dentzz’s ability to complete procedures within 10 to 12 days. Reviews consistently highlight this efficiency, particularly for working professionals who cannot afford extended time away from home. This streamlined approach has become essential in making dental tourism viable for clients globally.

“Our treatment protocols are designed to minimize patient inconvenience without compromising the quality of care,” Jaradi explains. “This has been particularly valuable for patients traveling from abroad.”

Long-Term Care and Patient Satisfaction

A standout feature frequently mentioned in reviews is Dentzz’s long-term care policies, including a 20-year warranty program. This offering, rare in the dental tourism sector, provides peace of mind to patients concerned about potential complications after returning home.

Many international clients praise the clinic’s post-treatment care system, which includes follow-ups and communication channels for addressing concerns remotely. This emphasis on long-term support has contributed to high patient satisfaction rates, reflected in Google reviews and independent health surveys.

Dentzz has been ranked Mumbai’s leading dental provider by the Times of India health surveys for seven consecutive years. Similar accolades have been earned in Delhi, where the clinic has held the top position for three years. These rankings, supported by an annual revenue growth of 30 percent, underline the clinic’s growing prominence in the sector.

Expanding Patient Demographics and Global Reach

Recent data reveals a growing base of patients beyond Dentzz’s traditional Australian clientele. Clients from the U.S., U.K., Africa, and the Middle East now represent a significant share of the clinic’s international patient pool. Many of these individuals are over 50 and seek solutions for complex dental issues such as tooth loss and deteriorating oral health.

Patient reviews suggest that Dentzz’s demographic expansion is linked to its ability to address the specific needs of older patients, offering advanced implantology and full-mouth reconstructions. These treatments are often unaffordable in Western healthcare systems, making Dentzz an attractive alternative.

“Patients are looking for reliability, affordability, and a global standard of care,” Jaradi observes. “This combination has allowed us to cater to a more diverse clientele.”

Reviews as a Guide for Future Service Delivery

Dentzz values patient feedback as a means of refining its operations. Reviews consistently highlight strengths such as advanced technology, efficiency, and long-term care but also point out areas for improvement, such as wait times during peak seasons. The clinic has used this feedback to enhance scheduling and resource allocation.

Dentzz continues to position itself as a key player in the dental tourism industry by adapting to the needs and preferences of its international clients. The focus on maintaining high-quality care while expanding its global reach underscores its relevance in a competitive market.