Living every day in pain can be debilitating. Imagine waking up each morning already exhausted—not because you didn't sleep, but because your pain kept you tossing and turning all night. Your back aches the moment your feet hit the floor. You grip the bathroom sink for support while brushing your teeth, and getting dressed feels like running a marathon. Driving to work takes every ounce of concentration, not just because of traffic but because your joints throb with every turn. Meetings blur as you shift in your seat, trying to find a less painful position. By the time you get home, you're too sore to cook dinner, too drained to enjoy time with family, and overwhelmed by the idea of another night spent battling discomfort.
This is what daily life can feel like if you're living with chronic pain but it doesn't have to stay this way.
The Serious Impact of Living With Chronic Pain
Chronic pain doesn't just hurt your body. It reshapes your life in ways most people never see.
Physical Decline from Chronic Pain
Pain discourages movement, leading to muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and reduced endurance.
Emotional Strain from Chronic Pain
Constant discomfort takes a toll on mental health, often triggering depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal.
Sleep Disruption from Chronic Pain
Pain can make it difficult for you to fall asleep or stay asleep, leaving you fatigued and foggy during the day.
Career Limitations from Chronic Pain
Reduced mobility, frequent doctor visits, and cognitive distraction can affect work performance and job retention.
Strained Relationships from Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can make you less active, irritable, or dependent on others, placing stress on personal and family dynamics.
Meet our Physiatry Experts
Top 5 Most Common Chronic Pain Conditions
1. Chronic Back Pain
Lower back pain can stem from degenerative disc disease, where the discs between vertebrae lose their cushioning, or herniated discs that press on nerves. Strains, poor posture, or conditions like arthritis and spinal stenosis also contribute.
Symptoms of Chronic Back Pain:
Dull or Sharp Pain in Your Lower Back
This can feel like a constant ache or a sudden stabbing pain that worsens with movement.
Stiffness or Reduced Flexibility
You may struggle to bend, twist, or stand upright after sitting or sleeping.
Radiating Pain into the Buttocks or Legs
This often signals nerve involvement, such as sciatica.
Pain That Worsens With Activity or Prolonged Sitting
Common with desk jobs or long commutes, even mild activity may worsen discomfort.
Muscle Spasms
Sudden tightening of muscles may occur, making movement painful or unpredictable.
How a Pain Management Doctor Can Help:
At POA, we begin with diagnostic imaging and a detailed physical assessment to determine the exact cause of lower back pain. Treatment plans are individualized and may include physical therapy to strengthen core muscles, medication management, and targeted injections. For persistent cases, minimally invasive procedures such as radiofrequency ablation can provide long-term relief.
Options may include:
Epidural steroid injections
Facet joint injections
Core stabilization therapy
Radiofrequency nerve ablation
2. Chronic Pain Because of Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA is primarily due to the gradual breakdown of cartilage in joints over time. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include age, obesity, prior joint injuries, and repetitive stress from work or sports.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis (OA):
Joint Pain, Especially After Movement
Pain that worsens with activity and improves after rest.
Swelling and Tenderness
Inflammation causes visible swelling and sensitivity in the joint.
Reduced Range of Motion
Stiff joints limit how far or freely you can move.
Joint Stiffness, Particularly in the Morning
It may take 30 minutes or more before joints "loosen up."
Grating Sensation or Bone Spurs
A grinding feeling can occur as bone rubs against bone due to lost cartilage.
How a Pain Management Doctor Can Help Your Osteoarthritis:
Managing osteoarthritis means improving function and reducing inflammation without excessive reliance on medications. We may use image-guided joint injections, bracing, and regenerative treatments. Pain doctors also help patients adapt with assistive devices and lifestyle modifications.
Common treatments include:
Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid joint injections
Physical and occupational therapy
Anti-inflammatory medications
Assistive supports like canes or orthotics
3. Chronic Neck Pain and Cervical Radiculopathy
Often caused by cervical disc herniation or arthritis that compresses spinal nerves. Poor posture, especially with prolonged screen time, is a growing cause in younger adults.
Symptoms of Chronic Neck Pain and Cervical Radiculopathy:
Localized Neck Pain
This may feel like soreness or burning pain that worsens with movement.
Radiating Pain Down the Arms
Indicates nerve root irritation in the cervical spine.
Numbness or Tingling in the Hands or Fingers
This is a sign of nerve compression or inflammation.
Muscle Weakness
You may have difficulty gripping objects or experience arm fatigue.
Headaches Originating From the Neck
Tension and nerve irritation can cause referred pain into the skull.
How a Pain Management Doctor Can Help :
Our team focuses on identifying the source of the nerve compression. We use imaging-guided cervical injections, therapeutic exercises, and posture correction strategies. Nerve blocks or ablation may be used for stubborn pain.
Possible interventions include:
Cervical epidural steroid injections
Neuromuscular re-education
Postural therapy
Targeted pain medications
4. Chronic Pain from Sciatica
Sciatica is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve which can often be caused by a herniated disc or bone spur. Spinal stenosis or pelvic trauma may also contribute.
Symptoms of Chronic Pain from Sciatica:
Shooting Pain From the Lower Back Down One Leg
Often described as electric or burning, it can worsen with prolonged sitting.
Burning or Tingling Sensations
Typically felt along the sciatic nerve path.
Weakness in the Leg or Foot
May affect balance, walking, or climbing stairs.
Pain That Worsens When Sitting or Standing for Long Periods
Certain positions increase pressure on the nerve root.
Difficulty Walking
Pain may become sharp or radiate with movement.
How a Pain Management Doctor Can Help:
Treatment focuses on reducing nerve inflammation and preventing flare-ups. POA specialists use targeted injections, movement re-education, and sometimes minimally invasive procedures to decompress the nerve.
Treatment strategies may include:
Lumbar epidural injections
Sciatic nerve blocks
Decompression exercises
Anti-neuropathic medications
5. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
CRPS can develop after surgery, fracture, or sprain. It involves abnormal nerve responses and inflammation that affect the central nervous system's pain regulation.
Symptoms of CRPS:
Severe, Ongoing Pain in One Limb
Pain that is often disproportionate to what would be expected from the initial injury.
Swelling and Skin Color Changes
The limb may appear red, blue, or blotchy.
Sensitivity to Touch (Allodynia)
Even light brushing or temperature changes cause significant pain.
Decreased Mobility or Joint Stiffness
The affected area may become hard to move or hypersensitive.
Temperature or Sweating Irregularities
One limb may feel noticeably warmer or colder.
How a Pain Management Doctor Can Help:
CRPS is complex and requires early, aggressive treatment. Our physicians often use sympathetic nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and desensitization therapy to restore mobility and decrease hypersensitivity.
Interventions may include:
Sympathetic nerve blocks
Spinal cord stimulation
Desensitization therapy
Multidisciplinary rehab
Other Common Chronic Pain Conditions
Fibromyalgia
A widespread chronic pain condition that affects muscles and soft tissues, often accompanied by fatigue, memory issues ("fibro fog"), and sleep disturbances.
Symptoms include:
Constant, dull body aches
Tender points across the body
Extreme fatigue and non-restorative sleep
Heightened sensitivity to pain and temperature
Chronic Headaches and Migraines
Recurring, often debilitating head pain that can last hours to days. Migraines that are frequently accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and aura.
Symptoms can include:
Experiencing throbbing or pulsing pain, typically on one side
Having sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
Feelings of nausea or vomiting
Having visual disturbances or aura (flashes, blind spots)
Pain stemming from wear and tear, inflammation, or stiffness of the shoulder joint or tendons. It can severely limit arm function.
Symptoms include:
Dull or sharp pain in the shoulder or upper arm
Stiffness or "locking" in the joint
Weakness with lifting or overhead movement
Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
Post-Surgical or Post-Traumatic Pain Syndromes
Pain that persists beyond normal healing after surgery or injury, often involving nerve damage or tissue hypersensitivity.
Symptoms include:
Persistent pain at the surgical or injury site
Burning, tingling, or stabbing sensations
Increased pain with touch or movement
Limited function in the affected area
Why See a POA Pain Management Specialist?
Seeing a pain management doctor at POA isn't just about getting medication or another procedure—it's about reclaiming your life. Our physicians take a whole-person approach to your care. That means listening closely, examining thoroughly, and crafting a treatment plan to meet your needs, lifestyle, and goals.
Whether your pain has lasted months or years, our team is equipped with the tools and experience to make a difference. We blend advanced medical technologies with human compassion. Our goal is to help you move better, sleep longer, work easier, and engage in life again—on your terms.
Pain doesn't need to define who you are or what you can do. With the right care, you can get your life back—and it starts with a conversation at POA.
This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.
Living with a Herniated Disc: Understanding the Condition and Treating the Pain
You’re bending over to tie your shoe, or maybe you just lifted a laundry basket off the floor—and suddenly, something shifts. A sharp, electric jolt shoots through your lower back and radiates down your leg. Within days, sitting becomes excruciating. You feel tingling in your foot. Or worse—your leg feels weak, like it might buckle underneath you.
It's not just a sore back. You could be dealing with a herniated disc—a spine condition that can disrupt your daily life, mobility, and comfort. But the good news? It’s treatable, and in many cases, you can fully recover without surgery.
What Is a Herniated Disc (And Is It the Same as a Slipped Disc)?
Your spine is made up of 33 vertebrae, and between most of them are intervertebral discs—soft, cushion-like pads that absorb shock and allow flexibility in your back.
Each disc has two parts:
A soft, gel-like inner core (the nucleus pulposus)
A tough, fibrous outer shell (The annulus fibrosus)
A herniated disc, also known as a ruptured disc or colloquially as a “slipped disc”, occurs when the inner core pushes out through a crack or tear in the outer shell. This herniation can press against nearby nerves, triggering pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness—depending on the location and severity of the compression.
Slipped disc vs. herniated disc: While the term "slipped disc" is commonly used, nothing actually “slips” out of place. The disc material bulges or leaks, which is more accurately described as a herniation.
The Difference Between a Bulging Disc and a Herniated Disc
Herniated Disc
Bulging Disc
What it is
The disc's inner gel-like material breaks through a tear in the tough outer layer. The outer wall is torn or ruptured.
The disc extends outward beyond its normal boundary, usually evenly around the disc's circumference. The outer wall remains intact but stretched out.
Severity
Typically, more severe than a bulging disc. Especially if it compresses nearby nerves.
Often considered less severe than a herniated disc and can often be asymptomatic.
Symptoms
Sharp pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs.
Mild back pain or none at all. Sometimes asymptomatic.
Causes
Trauma, heavy lifting, or progression of a bulging disc.
Degeneration from aging, posture, and repetitive stress.
Treatment
May need physical therapy, injections, or even surgery if conservative care fails.
Often responds to conservative care and lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Symptoms of a herniated disc depend on the location of the herniation and which nerves are affected. In general, the most common areas are the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) spine.
Lumbar Herniated Disc Symptoms:
Sharp or burning low back pain:
This may feel like a stabbing pain that worsens when you move, bend, or sit.
Sciatica:
Pain that radiates from your lower back into your buttocks and down one leg, sometimes reaching the foot.
Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet:
A “pins and needles” sensation along the path of the affected nerve.
Muscle weakness:
You may find it harder to lift your foot (foot drop), stand on your toes, or walk normally.
Pain that worsens with activity:
Especially while sitting, coughing, sneezing, or straining.
Cervical Herniated Disc Symptoms:
Neck pain:
Often persistent and sharp.
Radiating arm pain:
From the neck down into the shoulder, arm, and even into the hand.
Tingling or numbness in the fingers:
Often felt in specific fingers depending on the affected nerve root.
Arm weakness:
Difficulty gripping or lifting objects.
Do Herniated Discs Heal on Their Own?
In many cases, herniated discs heal without surgical intervention. Your body has the ability to reabsorb the protruding disc material and reduce inflammation around the affected nerve.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
The recovery timeline depends on the severity of the herniation and the treatment used. It can take time and varies depending on your health, age, and activity level:
Severity
Differentiator
Recovery Timeframe
Mild-Moderate
Responds to rest, physical therapy, and medication.
4-6 weeks
Persistent
Involves nerve compression or recurrent flare-ups.
8-12+ weeks
Chronic or Severe
Presents with significant neurological symptoms.
Extensive treatment or surgical intervention
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
The most common causes of a herniated disc can include:
Age-related disc degeneration: As we get older, discs lose hydration and elasticity, making them more prone to tearing.
Repetitive stress or motion: Frequent bending, lifting, or twisting can wear down the outer disc layers.
Sudden trauma: Car accidents, sports injuries, or heavy lifting with improper form can cause acute disc rupture.
Poor posture and sedentary lifestyle: Slouching and weak core muscles put extra stress on the spine.
Obesity: Extra weight increases pressure on spinal discs.
Smoking: Reduces oxygen supply to spinal tissues and accelerates disc degeneration.
What Should You Do Immediately If You Suspect a Herniated Disc?
If you experience sudden back or neck pain along with radiating symptoms, take the following steps:
Stop any strenuous activity: Avoid lifting, twisting, or bending.
Apply cold packs (for the first 48 hours): Reduces inflammation and pain.
Switch to heat after 2–3 days: Relaxes tight muscles and improves circulation.
Over-the-counter medications: NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) help reduce swelling and pain.
Stay mobile—lightly: Short walks are better than prolonged bed rest, which can weaken muscles and delay healing.
Track your symptoms: Take note of any numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Meet Our Orthopaedic Spine Specialists
Seeing a Doctor for a Herniated Disc
When Should You See an Orthopaedic Specialist?
If you suspect you have a herniated disc, don’t wait. If you have any of the following symptoms you should seek care as soon as possible:
Pain that doesn’t improve after a week of rest and home care
Numbness or tingling that spreads or worsens
Muscle weakness, especially in your legs or arms
Trouble with your balance or coordination
Loss of bladder or bowel control (this is a medical emergency called cauda equina syndrome)
What Kind of Specialist Should You See?
For the best outcomes, consult with an orthopaedic specialist. At POA, these may include:
Orthopaedic Spine Surgeons: Our orthopaedic surgeons who are experts in surgical and nonsurgical care of spinal disorders.
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physicians: Thes physicians focus on conservative and physical rehabilitation approaches.
Pain Management Specialists: If more agressive care is not neede our spesialists may offer injections, nerve blocks, or other targeted treatments.
Every person is unique so every treatment approach and plan is tailored for your specific needs.
How Is a Herniated Disc Diagnosed?
A typical diagnosis can include a review of your medical history such as prior injuries, sumptom patterns, lifestyle, and your work habits. It also involves a physical exam which may include reflex testing, muscle strength, raings of motion, and nerve response.
Imaging may also be ordered to assist in a comprehensive evaulation.
Imaging to evaluate a herniated disc may include:
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Shows disc herniation and nerve impingement in detail
CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Offers detailed bone and disc imaging
X-rays: Useful to rule out fractures or arthritis but won’t show disc herniation directly
EMG (Electromyography): Measures how well nerves and muscles function and detects damage
Treatment For Herniated Disc
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments:
Physical Therapy: Core strengthening, stretching, and posture correction exercises to relieve pressure on the affected nerve.
Medications:
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain and inflammation
Muscle relaxants for spasms
Nerve pain medications (gabapentin or pregabalin)
Activity Modification: Limiting activities that aggravate symptoms while staying gently active.
Epidural Steroid Injections: Reduce inflammation around the nerve root and provide temporary relief.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Options(if conservative care fails):
Microdiscectomy: This is where a small portion of the disc is removed to free the compressed nerve.
Endoscopic Discectomy: Performed through a thin tube using a camera, often with quicker recovery.
Extensive Surgical Options(for severe cases):
Laminectomy: Removes part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on nerves.
Spinal Fusion: Joins two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine when discs are severely damaged.
Why Choose a POA Spine Specialist?
At POA, we specialize in restoring comfort, strength, and movement—without rushing to surgery.
What sets us apart:
✅ Board-certified spine specialists with years of experience in both conservative and advanced surgical care.
✅ Personalized treatment plans: Tailored to your body, lifestyle, and goals.
✅ Commitment to conservative care first: We explore every non-surgical option before recommending surgery.
✅ Multidisciplinary approach: Orthopaedic surgeons, physical therapists, and pain specialists collaborate on your care.
✅ Advanced diagnostics: Immediate access to imaging and nerve studies for fast, accurate diagnosis
Whether you’re newly injured or have struggled with back pain for months, POA’s spine experts can help you get your life back on track.
You Deserve to Feel Better
A herniated disc can feel like a life-altering injury, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right care team and a focused treatment plan, recovery is not only possible—it’s probable. Don’t wait in pain! Schedule with one of our Orthopaedic Spine Specialists today and take your first step toward relief and recovery.
This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.
