Monthly Archives: December 2009

Shingles – For God’s Sake Give a Block Update

The first question I ask a shingles / herpes zoster patient is whether they would mind if what pain they currently had persisted. This is because efficacy of anti-virals could be limited…They are still fighting over whether anti-virals prevents post-herpetic … Continue reading

Posted in Injection, post herpetic neuralgia | Leave a comment

Shoulder Pain Patient Needs Help – Any Suggestions?

Someone wrote: “I came across this while searching the web. I have bilaterial shoulder impingement, tendonosis, tendonitis, etc etc so they say. I have been in pain since 2002. I have had 2 MRI’s that show nothing. The surgeon says … Continue reading

Posted in shoulder | 2 Comments

Checklist of Simple Treatments For Depression – including in Pregnancy

I have compiled a simple list of measure known to help depression that can be given to patients. It was initially compiled with pregnancy in mind but concerning herbals, there  are Pregnancy issues. However here are suggestions from a recent … Continue reading

Posted in Depression | 1 Comment

Severe New Pain With No Right to be There – Zoster Sine Herpete?

Over the years, I have had patients come in with severe one-sided regional pains with no good reason for it to be there. In each case, I have suspected Herpes Zoster prodrome and initiated antivirals with resolution without rash. I … Continue reading

Posted in neuropathic, post herpetic neuralgia | 1 Comment

Does “Success” of Psychological Treatments of Chronic Pain Need to be Taken With a Grain of Salt?

One of the problems defining chronic pain as a psychological condition, is the fact that psychological treatments have somewhat mediocre results. So when I find an article claiming results, I am suspicious. Here is an example:

Posted in Insurer issues, psychology | 1 Comment