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A Primer on Pain

Dr. Andris explores the mysteries of pain and the evolution of treatments over time in this introduction to a subject that is vast and vastly expensive in health care.

Understanding the Different Types of Pain

If you suffer from pain, this article should help you understand the clinical terms for the different types of pain and communicate with your doctor more effectively.

Pleasure and Pain

Pain occurring during sex is given the medical term of DYSPAREUNEA.  The official definition is found in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition published by the American Psychiatric Association and defines dyspareunia as pain that interferes with intercourse.  Disorders in medicine are usually defined by their symptoms or causes and not by activities.  Nevertheless interference with intercourse is usually what motivates women to see a clinician. Pain derives from both physical and psychological factors.  The pain is not sexual, the sex is painful.  Historically in the absence of physical pathology, patients saw a sexologist (sex therapist) for treatment.  Dr. Dubin gives you information on what you should do if you are experiencing this type of pain.

Five Questions to Ask Your Headache Doctor

Dr. Carolyn Bernstein, neurologist, author of The Migraine Brain and founder of The Women’s Headache Center at the Cambridge Health Alliance, gives you the top five questions you need to ask your doctor about your headaches.

Steps You Can Take Now to Reduce a Headache Naturally

Amanda Musker, Pilates Experts, gives you practical ways you can stop a headache through stretching, yoga and Pilates.  Do try this at home and even in the office.

Dr. Vivek Agrawal: Woman More Prone to Shoulder Injuries

It may come as a surprise that women are more likely to injure their shoulders than men - and that means women from childhood through the senior years, says orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vivek Agrawal. Flexibility, hormones, and aging all work together to make women more susceptible to shoulder and other joint problems that, left untreated, can lead to severe pain, surgery, even shoulder replacement.

Holiday Stress: Oh, My Aching Back

Stress levels elevate during the holidays and so does the number of people who experience back pain. Back pain is the second most common medical complaint, reports The New England Medical Journal, and more than 80 million Americans suffer from it. So, it's a good idea, says orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kenneth Light, to learn how to keep stress in check so you can enjoy the holiday season.

Top Features

Taking the Fear Out of Anthesia

Many patients are at a loss as to what questions they should ask their anesthesiologist at the preoperative interview or on the day of surgery. Anxiety can be unimaginable during emergencies or labor; trying to remember your questions can be a challenge. Dr. Joseph Andris helps you simplify the interview process, reduce anxiety and fear, and allow you to concentrate on the issues at hand.

Dr. Andris Gives You Advice Before Surgery

Here are more tips from our expert anesthesiologist to help you navigate the surgery experience.

Back Health 101

Sheila Cluff, fitness and wellness expert, gives you practical advice for caring for your back pain.

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Pain Resources


Compiled by SmartNow Staff

American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA): Their mission is to facilitate peer suport among those suffering from chronic pain, and their families. They also seek to raise awareness about these issues.

American Pain Foundation: Their mission is to improve the quality of life of people with pain by raising public awareness, providing practical information, promoting research, and advocating to remove barriers and increase access to effective pain management. Extensive resource center.

National Foundation for the Treatment of Pain: This nonprofit organization is dedicated to people suffering from intractable pain. They sponsor a National Pain Awareness Campaign and are a resource for medical and legal professionals regarding legitimate treatment of pain.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: This site lists a significant number of organizations dealing with chronic pain.