HERE’S WHY WOMEN ARE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE CHRONIC PAIN

Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy: What It Is, Why It Happens & How to Move ForwardWhat is Peripheral Neuropathy?Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction in the nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord the peripheral nerves.  These nerves carry signals to your muscles and send sensory information such as pain, temperature, or touch from your body to your brain. When they fail, the effects can show up as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness typically in the hands and feet first. In simple terms: if your feet feel like theyre asleep for no clear reason, or you get sharp burning or pins and needles sensations in your extremities, those might be signs of peripheral neuropathy.Why Does It Happen?Several causes can contribute. According to Nura Clinics, peripheral neuropathy can originate from: Diabetes and metabolic disorders (e.g., prolonged elevated blood sugar)  Autoimmune diseases, infections, or trauma to the nerves  Toxins, certain medications, or long-term conditions that affect nerve health  Sometimes unknown causes (idiopathic)  In each of these scenarios, nerves can be damaged via different mechanisms: disruption of the protective myelin sheath (the insulation around the nerve), direct damage to the nerve fibre (axon), or impaired blood flow to the nerve. Recognizing the SymptomsNura Clinics lists common signs of peripheral neuropathy:  Pain often described as burning, stabbing, or shooting sensations. Tingling or numbness a pins and needles feeling, especially in feet or hands. Loss of coordination or reflexes difficulty with balance, decreased reflex responses. Heightened sensitivity to touch even light pressure can feel painful or uncomfortable. Changes in skin, hair or nails the nerve damage can impact the health of these tissues. The pattern often starts in the farthest places from the center (feet and lower legs), then may progress up toward the body sometimes called a "stocking and glove" distribution because of how it spreads. Some cases also involve autonomic nerves (which control things like sweating, digestion, blood pressure) meaning symptoms could include changes in those functions too. How Is It Diagnosed?Getting the right diagnosis is important so that the underlying cause can be addressed. According to Nura Clinics, the diagnostic process often includes:  A detailed medical history and physical exam (examining sensation, reflexes, muscle strength). Electrodiagnostic testing (nerve conduction studies [NCS], electromyography [EMG]) to check how well nerves and muscles are working. Blood tests, imaging (MRI, CT) as needed to look for underlying conditions. If you have symptoms like unexplained tingling, numbness, burning pain, or muscle weakness, its wise to consult a provider who can evaluate for neuropathy and its possible causes. Treatment & Management OptionsThe goal of treatment is three-fold: relieve symptoms, prevent further nerve damage, and address the underlying cause where possible. Nura Clinics highlight a range of possible options. Conservative/non-invasive care: Medication management (for nerve pain, underlying conditions) Physical therapy to preserve muscle strength, coordination, balance Lifestyle changes (e.g., good blood sugar control in diabetes, avoiding toxins, maintaining healthy weight) Interventional procedures:For certain cases, more advanced options may be considered: Peripheral nerve blocks or sympathetic nerve blocks Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) or neuromodulation techniques  Targeted drug delivery, advanced interventional pain procedures in specialized clinics When more serious:If the neuropathy is caused by something like a tumor, severe trauma, or progressive autoimmune condition, more specialized treatment may be necessary. Living with Peripheral Neuropathy: What You Can DoIf youve been diagnosed (or suspect you might have) peripheral neuropathy, here are practical steps to help you live better with it: Stay active: gentle, regular movement helps maintain muscle strength and circulation. Protect numb areas: if you cant feel something, youre more at risk of injury (e.g., foot ulcers in diabetic neuropathy). Manage underlying health issues: e.g., controlling blood sugar in diabetes, getting proper nutrition, avoiding excess alcohol. Balance care: incorporate physical therapy, rest, nerve-health-friendly habits. Monitor changes: if your symptoms worsen (more numbness, weakness, autonomic signs like dizziness, bladder problems), see your provider promptly. Why Early Recognition MattersBecause nerve damage can be progressive, catching neuropathy early or controlling contributing conditions (like diabetes) can improve outcomes. Some nerve damage may be reversible or, at minimum, controllable if caught early. Final ThoughtsPeripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects many people the nerves that link your limbs to your brain can sometimes falter for a variety of reasons. The key takeaways: recognize the symptoms early, seek evaluation from a specialist (particularly if pain or numbness is increasing), and engage in a treatment plan that fits your specific situation.A clinic like Nura provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach: from diagnosing and treating nerve pain to advanced care when needed.  If youre experiencing persistent tingling, burning, numbness, weakness or coordination problems, dont dismiss it your nervous system is worth the attention. Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

Understanding Joint Pain: What It Is, Why It Happens & How to Address It Joint pain is a common complaint. Whether its your knees after climbing stairs, your shoulder after reaching overhead, or your fingers after a day of typing at its core, joint pain simply means discomfort or dysfunction in one or more of the bodys joints. But the causes, patterns, and implications can vary widely. At Nura Pain Clinics, joint pain is one of many conditions addressed in their arm-and-leg pain program. Because joints bear loads, allow movement, and connect bones and muscles, theyre susceptible to wear, injury, inflammation, and disease. What Are Joints and Why Can They Hurt? A joint is where two or more bones meet. Its more than a simple hinge or pivot: many joints have cartilage, synovial fluid, ligaments, tendons, and surrounding muscles all working together. When any part of this system is compromised the cartilage wears down, fluid becomes inflamed, ligaments stretch, bones shift pain or reduced motion can result. Here are some common reasons joints hurt: Degeneration Over time, cartilage wears thin (as in osteoarthritis), or structures weaken. Inflammation Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis cause the joint lining to swell and become painful. Injury/trauma Sprains, fractures, dislocations, or repetitive overuse can damage a joint. Biomechanical stress Poor posture, muscle weakness, or imbalanced movement patterns can overload a joint. Infection or metabolic conditions Gout (uric acid crystals), Lyme disease, and other conditions may lead to joint pain. Referred pain/nerve involvement Sometimes joint pain stems from nearby nerves, tendons, or cartilage damage rather than the joint itself. Typical Symptoms & Patterns When joint pain occurs, you might notice: Aching or sharp pain when moving or bearing weight on the joint. Swelling, warmth, or redness around the joint. Limited range of motion or stiffness after rest (e.g., morning stiffness). Grinding, clicking, or "giving way" sensation in the joint. Pain that worsens with particular activities, or improves with rest. Pain that moves (for example, knee pain spreading into the thigh or calf) when nerve involvement is present. Because joints vary (knee vs shoulder vs ankle), the pattern of symptoms helps in narrowing down the cause. How Joint Pain Is Diagnosed At a clinic like Nura, the process generally includes: Medical history & physical exam What joint(s) hurt, how long, what triggers or eases it. Examining alignment, muscle strength, swelling, range of motion. Imaging X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be used to visualize cartilage loss, bone spurs, joint fluid, or structural damage. Lab tests Especially if inflammation or systemic disease is suspected (e.g., rheumatoid factor, uric acid). Diagnostic injections or nerve tests In some cases, injecting a numbing agent into a joint or using electromyography helps determine if nerve-related pain is involved. Motion/biomechanics assessment Evaluating how you move and if movement patterns or muscle weaknesses are contributing. Correct diagnosis is key: joint pain might look straightforward but actually stem from tendonitis, bursitis, referred nerve pain, or underlying systemic disease. Treatment: From Conservative to Advanced The good news: many cases of joint pain improve with conservative measures. The advanced clinics, like Nura, offer a full spectrum of care so whether its simple joint care or complex intervention, youre covered. 1. Conservative / Non-invasive care Physical therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the joint, improving movement patterns, increasing flexibility. Lifestyle modifications: Weight management, avoiding joint overload, ergonomic and movement adjustments. Pain relief & anti-inflammatory medication: Over-the-counter or prescription as needed. Joint injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid to ease inflammation or improve lubrication. Bracing, orthotics or assistive devices: To offload stress or stabilize a joint. 2. Interventional procedures When conservative care isnt enough, a multidisciplinary pain clinic may consider: Targeted joint injections with advanced imaging. Radiofrequency ablation or nerve blocks if adjacent nerve pain contributes. Minimally invasive joint repair or debridement. For certain joints (e.g., sacroiliac), joint fusion or stabilization procedures. For example, Nura recently performed a sacroiliac joint fusion using a novel implant.  Usually the goal: reduce pain, restore function, avoid major surgery. 3. Surgical options When structural joint damage is severe (e.g., advanced osteoarthritis, major injury, joint instability) and other treatments have failed, surgical options may be considered: Joint replacement (e.g., knee, hip). Joint fusion (eliminating movement in a painful joint). Arthroscopic surgery to clean out damaged tissue. These decisions usually come after careful evaluation and when the benefits outweigh risks. Living Better: Recovery & Long-Term Maintenance Successful treatment of joint pain isnt just about relieving symptoms its about returning to meaningful activity and maintaining joint health over time. Key strategies: Stay active: Movement keeps joints lubricated, muscles strong, and circulation optimal. Strengthen supporting muscles: Strong hips, core, shoulders (depending on the joint) reduce joint load. Use proper technique: Whether lifting, bending, reaching form matters. Monitor weight: Extra body weight places more stress on weight-bearing joints like knees, hips, ankles. Incorporate low-impact exercise: Swimming, biking, yoga can help maintain mobility with less wear. Listen to your body: If pain changes in pattern or becomes severe, re-evaluate with a professional. When to Seek Immediate Help While many joint pain cases are manageable, certain signs require prompt medical attention: Sudden joint swelling with redness/warmth (possible infection). Inability to bear weight or use the joint. Joint gives way repeatedly or locks in a position. Signs of systemic disease (fever, unexplained weight loss, multiple joints involved). Numbness or tingling spreading from the joint potential nerve issue. Final Thoughts Joint pain is not something to simply put up with. It might feel like a normal part of aging, but at its root, many cases have treatments and many patients reclaim mobility, activity, and enjoyment. Clinics like Nura Pain Clinics exemplify a modern approach: combining physical therapy, lifestyle support, minimally invasive interventions, and full-service evaluation. This kind of integrated model means joint pain is not just treated its managed in a way that addresses cause, function, and life. If youre managing persistent joint pain, dont wait. Reach out for a full evaluation. With the right team, the right diagnosis, and the right plan, you can be well on your way to better movement, less pain, and more freedom. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

Understanding Herniated Discs: What They Are, Why They Happen & How to Find ReliefImagine your spine as a stack of heavy books. Between each book (or vertebra) sits a soft cushion the intervertebral disc. These discs act like shock absorbers, helping your spine flex, twist, and support your body day in and day out. As described by Nura Clinics, a disc becomes herniated when its squished or pushed out of place, and sometimes it even leaks gel-like material. Nura Pain Clinics+1 When that happens, pain and other symptoms can follow.What is a Herniated Disc?A herniated disc (also called a slipped or ruptured disc) occurs when the soft interior of a spinal disc bulges or leaks through its tougher outer layer. In simple terms: the cushion fails. The result can be pressure on nearby nerves, irritation, inflammation, and the familiar pain many people dread.  This condition may be referred to as disc herniation, disc prolapse, or slipped disc, but regardless of the name, the basic mechanism is similar.Why It HappensThere are a few reasons a herniated disc may occur: Aging and degeneration: Over time, spinal discs lose water content and elasticity, making them more vulnerable to damage.  Repetitive stress or injury: Lifting heavy objects, twisting awkwardly, or performing the same motion repeatedly can push a disc beyond its safe limits.  Sudden trauma: A fall, accident, or sudden jolt can cause a disc to herniate. Genetics & lifestyle factors: Some people have a predisposition to disc problems; smoking, sedentary habits, or poor posture may also contribute. Where It Occurs & What You Might FeelHerniated discs can happen in various parts of the spine, most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) region and the cervical (neck) region. The symptoms vary depending on location: Lower back (lumbar region): One of the most common symptoms is sciatica pain that radiates from the lower back down through the buttocks, thighs, calves, and sometimes into the feet and toes.  Neck (cervical region): If the herniation occurs in the neck, you might feel pain, tingling or numbness in the shoulders, arms, hands, or fingers.  Numbness, tingling & weakness: A herniated disc may compress or irritate a nerve root, interfering with the signals traveling between your brain and muscles. The result: numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, clumsiness or difficulty with fine motor movements.  Diagnosing a Herniated DiscIt starts with your medical history and a physical exam. The clinician will check your posture, range of motion, reflexes, strength and sensations in your arms or legs. If there are red flags like severe pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, or progressive weakness imaging may be ordered. At Nura Clinics, advanced techniques like MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are used to visualize the spine and confirm the diagnosis.  Getting the right diagnosis is crucial because symptoms like back pain and leg weakness can arise from many conditions including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, facet joint syndrome. Treatment Options: From Conservative to AdvancedThe good news: many people with herniated discs improve without surgery. But conservative doesnt mean ignoring it; it means using appropriate, evidence-based treatments. Here are the treatment pathways:1. Conservative / Non-invasive therapies Physical therapy: A tailored program that strengthens supporting muscles, improves flexibility, corrects posture, and teaches safe movement patterns. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or prescription medications may play a role. Lifestyle changes: Weight management, smoking cessation, ergonomic adjustments, and staying active help a great deal. 2. Interventional proceduresIf conservative treatments arent enough, clinics like Nura offer advanced options under one roof. These may include: Epidural steroid injections: Delivering anti-inflammatory drugs directly around the nerve roots.  Intradiscal therapies: Treatments applied directly to the disc.  Spinal cord stimulation or targeted drug delivery: For more complex or chronic pain issues when other treatments have failed.  3. SurgerySurgery is generally considered when: Theres significant and progressive muscle weakness; Youve lost bladder or bowel control (which may indicate cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency); All other treatments have failed, and symptoms persist in a way that prevents normal life. In such cases, the surgeon may perform discectomy (removal of disc material), laminectomy (removal of part of the vertebra to relieve pressure) or spinal fusion (joining two or more vertebrae). Recovery & What You Can ExpectRecovery depends on the severity of the herniation, your health, the treatments used, and how well you follow your care plan. Many people resume normal activity within weeks to months. Important recovery steps include: Staying active within comfortable limits (bed rest for long periods is rarely helpful) Continuing physical therapy Gradually increasing activity and improving posture Monitoring for any return or worsening of symptoms Prevention and Long-Term ActionsWhile you cant always prevent a disc from herniating, you can reduce your risk and support your spines health: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the spine Use safe lifting techniques bend the knees, keep your back straight, avoid twisting Stay active and strengthen core, abdomen and back muscles Maintain good posture when sitting and standing Quit smoking (smoking compromises disc nutrition and healing) Use ergonomic furniture and supportive chairs if you spend long hours at a desk When to Seek Help ImmediatelyWhile many cases are manageable, some situations demand urgent medical attention: New onset loss of bladder or bowel control Sudden, severe weakness in the legs or arms Loss of sensation in the groin, inner thighs or feet (saddle anesthesia) Sudden, severe pain after trauma If you notice any of these signs, seek emergency care without delay.Final Thoughts Herniated discs are a common and often very treatable source of back or neck pain. With the proper diagnosis, a tailored treatment plan, and a commitment to recovery and prevention, many people go on to live active, fulfilling lives. What matters most is recognizing the symptoms early, working with a specialist team, and choosing the path that fits you. Clinics like Nura provide a comprehensive approach: from physical therapy to injections to advanced interventions, all under one roof.  If youre experiencing persistent pain, numbness, or weakness, dont wait. Get evaluated and start building your path to relief.  Call Nura Clinics at 763-537-6000 or visit the website at www.nuraclinics.com