by Nesreen Suwan, M.D. 

 

Have you ever sustained an injury in a car accident or on the job? Have you ever lifted something heavy or overdone it at the gym? Maybe you suffer from arthritis. Whatever the reason, you know that back pain can literally make it difficult to do even simple activities of daily living like getting out of the car or carrying a few bags of groceries, or doing simple household chores.

 

Back pain is one of the most common conditions in the U.S., and Americans spend billions every year looking for back pain relief. Recent studies suggest back pain is one of the most common reasons for missing work, accounting for millions of lost work days each year.

 

Although back pain may result from accidents, it is commonly caused by overuse of the back muscles, in doing household chores or sitting bent over at a desk. This would cause back pain due to torn muscles and ligaments.

Fortunately, for most people, back pain may resolve by itself within short period without treatment. However, some will go on to develop persistent or progressive worsening of back pain that lasts greater Many times x-rays and MRIs are normal, yet some people still continue to experience pain, and further diagnostic testing may be invaluable tool in solving the back pain puzzle.

 

Many patients think that they need surgery. This is not true. Only small number of patients may need surgery. The new era of medical science brought many non invasive simple procedures that would help to bring an end to back pain and suffering.  

 

A. Elborno, MD is the medical director of the Adventist Hinsdale Hospital Pain Center of Excellence. He is Board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain medicine. Call (630) 420-8080or visit

http://controlchicagopain.com

 

 

 

 

 

by Nesreen Suwan, MD

 

It is exciting to see more recognition of fibromyalgia, a debilitating chronic pain condition that may include wide spread pain, fatigue, and tenderness throughout all the tissues of the body.  The issue with fibromyalgia is that it is significantly under diagnosed and underestimated by both patients and clinicians. Fibromyalgia affects up to 4% of Americans. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia and possible coexistent medical conditions could be a real challenge. As it is important not to under-diagnose fibromyalgia.  It is as important not to under diagnose other medical conditions that could be coexist in fibromyalgia sufferers. 

 

In my practice I have seen many overlooked chronic pain conditions that  include nerve damage conditions, pinched nerves in neck or back, and arthritis. I do believe that the first step in any chronic pain management would be correct diagnosis.  It is the key for effective management. Recent advancement in fibromyalgia management may brighten the outlook of the nearly six million suffers. 

 

Nesreen Suwan, MD is Loyola-Trained Neurologist, American Board Certified in Neurology, Electro diagnostic Medicine, and Pain Medicine with additional certification in Headache Medicine. Dr.Suwan has just moved to a new location at 2867 Ogden in Lisle. For more information, call (630) 420 8080  or visit http://controlchicagopain.com