By Debra K. Brinker, RN Joint instability is the primary cause of chronic pain and degenerative arthritis in the majority of joints in the body, including the knee and the hip. (See figures 1a and 1b.) In the knee, instability is oftentimes due to ligament, tendon and meniscal injuries and tears. In the hip, damage to the labrum as well …

By Debra K. Brinker, RN Pain radiating into your arms or legs? Why many treatments miss the mark If you have been chronically complaining about pain that radiates down your arms or legs, most likely you have received the traditional recommendations. These can include anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, posture corrections, and maybe even a surgical consultation. If the …

By Debra K. Brinker, RN Overzealous exercising, stemming from New Year’s resolutions can result in injury during this early part of the year. Exercising is  exciting, but going from little or no exercise to a vigorous regimen can set the stage for developing injuries. Addressing injuries and chronic pain the smart way can help you stay active! Preventing chronic sports injuries …

By Debra K. Brinker, RN Many people know someone who suffers from back pain and has accepted it as a part of life. In fact, almost half of us have some sort of spinal pain coming from our neck, mid-back, or lower back. Did you know that back pain is most often the result of spinal instability caused by injured ligaments? …

By Debra K. Brinker, RN Regenerative Medicine treatments provide an excellent option for patients suffering from a variety of symptoms that are due to cervical spine instability. Unfortunately, when cervical instability goes undiagnosed, patients can find themselves seeing numerous specialists and starting different medications that treat the symptoms but fail to fix the true underlying problem. Having a better understanding of …

By Debra K. Brinker, RN The popularity of regenerative, non-surgical treatments for painful hip conditions and osteoarthritis has grown in recent years, and with good reason. People want options that are less invasive, do not require anesthesia or a hospital stay, and that give successful long-term results. Being diagnosed with a labral tear or osteoarthritis no longer has to mean giving …

By Debra K. Brinker, RN Neck pain alone can be complicated, due to the multifaceted issues that stem from cervical instability. Shoulder pain can also be complicated, because the joint is so flexible, making it more prone to injuries. The duo can also be interconnected, particularly in this age where so many people sit at computers for hours each day, …

By Debra K. Brinker, RN The most common causes of chronic knee pain include osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, chondromalacia patella and meniscal injury, all of which can lead to disability and decreased quality of life. Taking action against knee pain does not have to include surgical intervention. This article focuses on which types of treatments are regenerative in nature and which …

By Debra K. Brinker, RN Headaches are a common malady suffered by almost 50 million Americans, causing pain and discomfort in the head, forehead, scalp, or neck. Headaches have different causative factors, and their source requires some investigation. Regenerative and Natural Medicine options are providing non-medication solutions that correct the underlying triggers. Hormones and Diet Low or imbalanced hormones may …

By Debra K. Brinker, RN Pain indicates tissue damage. It is the body’s way to tell the brain that there is a problem that needs addressing. Sometimes these have a well-known cause, such as a sports trauma or whiplash injury. Others are more mysterious and linger long enough to become chronic, lasting months or years, and keeping patients chasing the …