Blog Archive

Arthritis affects more than 90 million adults in the United States. Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, is the most common form, affecting over 30 million Americans.  If you're looking for strategies to cut your risk of developing joint disease, our pain management specialist, Brian Rich, MD, can help....

More than 75 million adults in the United States have back pain, and a compression fracture is the culprit in some of these cases. A compression fracture can cause the bones (vertebrae) that makeup your spine to collapse, resulting in severe pain, nerve compression, and spine instability. If you have...

The struggle with chronic pain can feel like a never-ending cycle. Pain from chronic conditions like arthritis can derail your day and have a negative impact on the way you feel, not to mention your ability to function in day-to-day life.  Pain medications are part of the conventional approach to...

Chronic pain affects an estimated 20% of adults, and nearly half experience pain severe enough to significantly impact daily life. One type of chronic pain is knee pain, which can develop from a range of issues, from sports injuries to age-related wear and tear. When it’s persistent, it can not...

If you’re among the more than 50 million adults in the United States living with joint pain due to arthritis, then you know how much it can affect your daily life. Activities you once enjoyed may now be difficult, and even simple tasks may cause discomfort.  If you’re dealing with...

Back pain is one of the most common types of pain, and it can have a significant impact on daily life, from missed days at work and reduced productivity, to a reduced quality of life.  Conventional treatments sometimes fail to provide adequate relief, leaving you to struggle with daily pain...

If you’re living with chronic pain, the search for effective, long-lasting relief can be exhaustive and, at times, disheartening. However, there is hope. Treatments like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can help you reclaim a life with less pain, and get back to doing things you enjoy. This minimally invasive procedure, championed...

Managing pain that results from orthopedic cancer involves a multi-pronged approach, often combining medical treatments with lifestyle adjustments. For many patients, it's crucial to find ways to manage symptoms at home effectively. At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, we understand that living with orthopedic cancer pain can be debilitating. Our team of specialists is dedicated...

Degenerative disc disease refers to changes in your spinal discs, which act as shock absorbers between the bones of your spine. These changes can cause pain and other symptoms that can disrupt your life. As you age, the risk of degenerative disc disease increases.  If you’re dealing with this condition,...

For many people, pain is an all-too-common part of life. Yet, when discomfort shifts from a transient ache to a constant companion, life can become a daily struggle. Chronic pain not only impedes your everyday activities but can also cloud your mental well-being.  If you’re struggling with chronic pain, it’s...

Headaches are unpredictable, and when they strike they can derail your entire day. Many people living with chronic headaches report disruptions in their ability to work, go to school, attend social functions, and go about their normal daily lives.  While it can feel like there’s no way to control chronic...

Neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves, can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in various parts of the body. Our team at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, led by Dr. Brian K. Rich, offers effective treatment options, such as peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), to manage neuropathy pain.  Dr. Rich's expertise in this...

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 30 million adults in the United States. While it’s most common in older adults, it isn’t an inevitable part of aging, and it can strike younger people too. While you can’t always prevent osteoarthritis, there are steps you can...

Interspinous fusion is a minimally invasive surgery that treats symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis, a condition that occurs when the spinal canal narrows and squeezes the nerves passing through it. This causes back pain and abnormal sensations, including tingling and numbness (radiculopathy). At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, our board-certified interventional pain...

Knee pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages, and it can throw a major wrench in your quality of life. Simple tasks like walking up stairs can cause unbearable pain, and many patients have to adjust their activities.  While surgery is the best option in some...

Sometimes lifestyle habits can be a downright pain in the neck. Perhaps you’ve recently started working from home, and after a few months noticed that your neck hurts. In this scenario, a number of things, but primarily your posture, may contribute to neck pain. At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, our interventional...

Your spinal cord is densely packed with nerves that allow your body and brain to communicate. Nerves enter and exit the spinal cord, branching out into your body's muscles. Many different factors can cause those nerves to become compressed or pinched.  When a nerve in your back is pinched, it...

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses high-energy electromagnetic waves to generate heat in order to disable nerves that carry pain impulses. The procedure is recommended for people who have tried therapeutic injections but received only temporary pain relief. Radiofrequency ablation treats the same symptoms as surgery but has the potential to relieve pain for...

Low back pain is a major cause of life disruption. It’s one of the leading causes of missed work days and disability. Finding the right solution for low back pain requires time, patience, and the assistance of a skilled spine physician. Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion surgery is a cutting-edge technique...

For those with persistent pain, nerve stimulation can be a beneficial option. If you’re considering (or already had) spinal cord stimulator implant surgery, it's wise to understand happens after your stimulator is in place. Pain management specialist, Brian K. Rich, MD, of aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, helps patients of the Southlake, Texas,...

If you have nagging shoulder pain that doesn’t seem to get better, or comes and goes, you may have rotator cuff tendonitis. Your rotator cuff is a complex group of muscles and tendons. These tissues work together to give your shoulder mobility and keep it in its socket. When it’s...

The spinal cord and nerve roots travel through a hollow space called the spinal canal. The nerve roots must have enough room to travel freely. Problems arise when the spinal canal narrows due to a condition called spinal stenosis. This narrowing compresses nerve roots which causes pain and other related...

You may not know about radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a treatment that uses radio-wave heat to target specific nerves. RFA temporarily interrupts the target nerve’s capacity to transmit pain signals, which provides relief from back pain. If you have low back pain, finding an effective treatment to help you feel better...

Along with the ankles and hips, your knees are weight-bearing joints. The knees support movement when you walk, run, jump, and bend your legs. They’re a strong and complex joint susceptible to damage and pain.  Knee pain can make it difficult to walk and can sideline you if you lead...

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), is a new pain management technique that involves delivering radiofrequency to specific nerves with the goal of interrupting pain signals to the brain. The procedure is nonsurgical and can help patients with chronic pain obtain relief.  Here at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, Dr. Brian K. Rich diagnoses and...

Compression fractures happen when a vertebra in the spine collapses. This can lead to ongoing back pain that can be severe enough to interfere with your daily activities. These types of fractures often occur in the middle (thoracic) part of the spine.  If you’re having chronic back pain, it’s wise...

Pinched nerves are not only painful, they can make bending, twisting, turning, and reaching difficult. A pinched nerve is more likely to occur in the lower back, causing chronic back pain and having a major impact on your day-to-day activities. If you’re struggling with low back pain, it’s time to...

Osteoporosis can be a dangerous disease because there are few outward signs of it. Unfortunately, sometimes people only find out they have osteoporosis after breaking a bone in a fall.  Osteoporosis affects an estimated 10 million people in the United States, and certain people are more likely to develop osteoporosis...

Repetitive motion injuries are incredibly common, especially in athletes. In fact, repetitive motion injuries account for half of all athletic-related injuries. But you don’t have to participate in sports for this type of injury to strike, because any activity that involves repeated movements can cause chronic pain. At aCELLerated Interventional...

A compression fracture is a type of break in the bones of your spine. Compression fractures are more common as you age. In fact, osteoporosis is the most common cause of compression fractures. Other causes of compression fractures include injuries to the spine from sports or car accidents. At aCELLerated...

The knee is the largest and most complex joint in the body. As weight-bearing joints, the knees receive years of wear and tear, which can take a major toll. Whether it's a sharp consistent pain or an occasional dull ache, knee pain is a common problem, and the risk of...

Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints among men and women in the United States and worldwide, too. That’s probably partly because so many factors can cause back pain, including lifestyle factors. At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, Brian K. Rich, MD, helps you finally find meaningful relief from...

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is the persistence of pain after an operation on a patient’s spine. This phenomenon is a devastating blow to between 20% and 40% of patients. As such, you must understand the symptoms and treatments of FBSS before undergoing back surgery. Different spinal operations have varying levels of...

The back—made up of nerves, muscles, and bones—supports the weight of the body while allowing flexibility and protection of vital organs and nerves. The back is strong. Yet, it is vulnerable to a variety of medical conditions. In fact, back pain is one of the main medical complaints that doctors...

Do you experience burning sensations in your neck, shoulders, or arms? What about tingling, or numbness in your hands? If so, then you may have spinal stenosis.  What is Spinal Stenosis? Spinal stenosis occurs when the space inside your spine narrows. This narrowing will trap and put uncomfortable pressure against...

What are fragility fractures? Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease that lessens bone density. This degeneration can cause painful bone fractures in many who deal with this disease. Osteoporosis affects 1 in 2 women over 50 and 1 in 3 men over 50. Women past 50 have a 50% chance of having a...

What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, occurring when they lose minerals—such as calcium—quicker than the body can replace them. This causes bones to become less dense and lose strength, which often results in breaks or fractures. Osteoporosis—often referred to as the “silent disease”—causes no pain or...

When Chronic Pain Becomes Too Much? We’ve all experienced pain on some level. Maybe it’s a cooking mishap that caused a 1st-degree burn. Or perhaps it’s much more severe, like major surgery.  This kind of pain is called acute pain. And while all of us know what it’s like to...

Don’t Let Degenerative Joint Disease Keep You From Moving If joint pain and stiffness are making daily tasks difficult, you may be suffering from degenerative joint disease. According to the World Health Organization, one of the ten most disabling diseases in developed countries, degenerative joint disease affects more than 27...

Sciatic Pain: What it is and How to Find Relief Caused by irritation, inflammation, pinching, or compression of a nerve in the lower back, sciatic pain radiates from your lower back into the back or side of your legs. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body, running...

Don’t Let Chronic Pain Impact Your Ability to Enjoy Life Everyone experiences occasional aches or pains. It’s often a sign that an injury has occurred. However, if your body is still hurting weeks, months, or even years later, you are dealing with chronic pain. Pain is a significant health care...

When Back Pain Is A Compression Fracture Is it just a strain or is your back pain something more serious? A compression fracture can be caused by something as simple as a fall, a cough, sneezing, or lifting a heavy object. Osteoporosis, a loss of bone mass, is the most...

Stop Suffering From Post Surgical Pain Chronic and persistent post surgical pain is a painful reality for thousands of surgical patients each year, and it’s only increasing. This pain can be debilitating and can adversely affect your quality of life. Post surgical pain is defined as pain lasting more than...

Painful Joints – Stop Knee and Shoulder Pain and Live Pain-Free Stiff or sore, throbbing or grating, joint pain is common in both the shoulders and knees. Shoulder or knee pain may feel like discomfort, pain, or inflammation and mild or severe. Joint pain affects the shoulder or knee joint’s...

Don’t Let Debilitating Back Pain Consume Your Life If you are suffering from debilitating back pain you are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor or miss days at work or school. While chronic back pain is usually age-related, even school-age children...

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: When You Experience Pain After Surgery. Failed back surgery syndrome or FBSS is a general term used to describe patients who didn’t go through successful back surgery. You can’t refer it as a syndrome really but rather a condition. The condition is increasingly becoming a major...

Understanding The Basics Of Peripheral Neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy is a term used to describe a condition that arises from the peripheral nerves. These nerves are responsible for the communication between the spinal cord, the brain, the central nervous system, and other parts of your body. For example, when you touch...

Chronic pain can have a myriad of underlying causes, and one of these broader medical conditions is peripheral neuropathy. Caused by damage to nerves outside of the brain and the spinal cord, which are also known as peripheral nerves, this condition can have a range of mysterious side effects. This can...

Anyone who has been struggling with chronic pain for years knows finding long-term relief can truly be an uphill battle. Often, our new patients come to us fatigued after years of seeing: General practitioners Family doctors Specialists Often, they don’t find a long-term solution without risk of invasive surgery or reliance on prescription...

Chronic pain can be one of the most challenging medical conditions to treat, simply because it can have so many causes, and can be hard to alleviate. This is why people with chronic pain often suffer for years and undergo complicated surgeries or use potentially addictive prescription painkillers without ever finding long-term relief. But there...

Is Kyphoplasty right for you? Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat compression fractures and increase mobility. As a result, it will decrease pain in your back and spine. By stabilizing the fracture, Kyphoplasty restores spinal function quickly which is particularly important for elderly patients. These compression fractures...

If you’ve been dealing with chronic pain, then you are already very familiar with how it can make you suffer. Recurring pain that resists traditional treatments can impact your: Job Finances Ability to enjoy life But in addition to the obvious symptoms, untreated chronic pain can have some more subtle impacts on...

A compression fracture or a break in your vertebrae can be both painful and life-changing. You may have difficulty moving or increased pain whenever you try to tackle your daily tasks, and this medical condition can alter your ability to enjoy your average, everyday life. But the good news is...

Joint pain is a common problem that can have a far-reaching range of root causes, and which can also be severe enough that it interferes with your everyday life. According to a recent study, roughly 1 in 3 adults reported they had joint pain in the last 30 days. And this...

The world has clearly changed in the past few weeks with the COVID-19 pandemic. And people who suffer from chronic pain have an additional set of challenges. So, if you are living with pain and are unsure how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect you specifically, read on to uncover what you need to...

Lower back pain is one of the most common forms of chronic pain in the country and for a good reason. This generalized discomfort in the lower back can be caused by a myriad of underlying medical conditions as well as everyday situations and can easily interfere with your daily...

If you have dealt with chronic pain for a long time, and have made many medical appointments and doctors’ visits to try to find relief, then you are already very familiar with how a routine doctor’s visit traditionally goes. Chances are your general practitioner will: Ask you a few standard questions Conduct an...

Sometimes the duration, frequency, and intensity of chronic pain – as well as the existence of the pain itself – can be linked to a direct cause. You may develop chronic pain: After a failed surgery After an accident or injury Or just from excess and routine pressure on a specific body part...

Chronic pain can impact both sexes differently and in a far-reaching range of ways. Though both men and women can develop a chronic pain condition at any point in their lives, women especially may suffer more and for longer, simply because they don’t seek treatment as often. Also, their pain can mistakenly be attributed to...

Back pain is one of the most common forms in the country. Roughly 80% of Americans experience it at some point in their lives, and often repeatedly. Many times, pain and its associated causes are due to mundane and somewhat harmless scenarios– such as sleeping in an awkward position or...

Back pain is one of the most common forms of chronic pain in the country. And, when it comes to the root cause of this condition, there can be a wide range of reasons. Back pain that doesn’t go away on its own may be attributed to several factors. Common culprits include: Failed...

At ACELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, we’re always keeping an eye towards the future, which entails modern treatment options that go miles beyond prescription medications or invasive and complicated surgeries. And as modern medicine evolves, new and revolutionary treatments become available that can provide our patients with long-term relief without interrupting their busy, everyday...

One of your options for long-term and noninvasive relief may be Radiofrequency Ablation if you have chronic pain in your: Back Neck Joints Pelvic area Though the name sounds complicated, Radiofrequency Ablation is a relatively simple and outpatient procedure that uses a targeted injection to provide months or even years of relief. Also, your consultation with...

When it comes to chronic pain, finding relief, that’s not an opioid, is instrumental for the patient to get their life back on track. Living with chronic pain day after day can put your life on hold. And alleviating the constant discomfort is paramount to being able to function and to get...

A vertebral compression fracture can certainly be a painful and progressive condition, and it can stem from a myriad of causes. People who have osteoporosis, and especially in more severe cases, can develop a vertebral compression fracture from simple and everyday activities, like sneezing or lifting a slightly heavy object....

Back pain is one of the most common types of chronic pain, and this generalized condition can be the result of a far-reaching range of causes. From an old injury or ineffective surgery to years of putting pressure on your back through work or strenuous activity, back pain comes in all...

If your chronic pain has changed your mood, your mindset, and your overall outlook, you are not alone. Research suggests that an estimated 30-50% of chronic pain patients also suffer from depression and anxiety, and for justifiable reasons. Chronic Pain Isn’t Just a Physical Condition Simply put, chronic pain isn’t just a physical...

Many people are surprised to learn that, in the medical arena, there are different types of pain. And when it comes to demobilizing conditions that are both common and which require a doctor’s care, there are two primary types of pain to consider – chronic pain and acute pain. So what...

One of the worst aspects of dealing with chronic pain is your normally active lifestyle and exercise tends to change. You are unable to do the activities you used to enjoy. A lack of mobility causes many chronic pain patients to suffer from: Depression A lack of energy Weight gain Other...

The opioid crisis in American has been well documented. And in recent years, lawmakers, national organizations, and everyday physicians have been taking big steps to roll back the number of opioids prescribed daily. With potent consequences for doctors who over-prescribe, they are becoming less prevalent at the doctor’s office. The nationwide addiction problem is very slowly but steadily starting...

When it comes to the roots of chronic pain, several causes are often misdiagnosed or overlooked until they become a severe and visible problem, such as Vertebral Compression Fractures. These issues can lead to generalized pain. Back issues Old injuries that have resurfaced Failed surgeries They can also be initially hard...

Need a reason to finally see an experienced pain management specialist about addressing your chronic pain? In September, you’ll have the perfect chance because it’s National Pain Awareness Month. This month signals a time when various organizations around the country and the world work together to raise public awareness about this...

When it comes to chronic pain, many patients attest the symptoms can seem especially heightened at night.  There are several reasons why your chronic pain may seem much worse when nighttime rolls around, and it’s time to head to bed. For one thing, during the day, our lives can be brimming...

One of the reasons why chronic pain can be so difficult to treat is it can stem from so many different causes or even a combination of root problems. Chronic pain is a common issue for people who have had: Recent surgeries Injuries in the distant and not-so-distant past Health issues like...

People who suffer from chronic pain know it can be hard to find long-term relief. As a result, many chronic pain sufferers pick up tips and methods along the way often with mixed results.  But when you are trying to manage your pain, there are a few things that will...

Chronic pain is not uncommon. And because it can be linked to so many unobvious or generalized issues, it can be easy for sufferers to simply “grin and bear it.” In fact, while millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain regularly, many people wait weeks, months, or even years before they finally reach out to...

Chronic pain can have a ripple effect when it comes to relationships. Not only does the person who has chronic pain suffer, but it trickles over to their connections with friends, family, and loved ones. There’s an inherent physical and emotional strain that comes from being in pain continually. And, it’s no...

When you are suffering from chronic pain daily, you are willing to do whatever it takes to feel better again. This is why many chronic pain patients undergo a series of doctors’ visits and different treatments, like pain medications and prescriptions. And yet, the cycle continues indefinitely, looking for a solution....

When folks experience a medical issue like chronic pain, they typically: Make a call to their family physician Make a specialized appointment based on a generalized referral or an online search Follow instructions Along the way, there may be: Drugs prescribed Multiple specialist visits A surgery or two All of which may...

If you’ve been dealing with chronic pain, then you are already very familiar with how it can make you suffer. Recurring pain that resists traditional treatments can impact your: Job Finances Ability to enjoy life But in addition to the obvious symptoms, untreated chronic pain can have some more subtle impacts on...

Millions of Americans suffer from some form of chronic pain daily. So, it’s easy to see why there is so much information floating around about this common problem. However, not all information that’s readily available is accurate. Certain myths about chronic pain can potentially be damaging to your health. These...

Osteoporosis is one of those health issues that go unnoticed until it becomes a health crisis. This bone-weakening disease works silently and is often symptom-free meaning it’s undiagnosed until an incident occurs– like a nasty fall or even a minor bump, in more severe cases. Today, I want to take some time...

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a neuromodulation technique in which electrical current is applied to the peripheral nerves to improve chronic pain. In simpler terms, PNS sends electrical pulses to a specific peripheral nerve that is causing pain. This neurostimulation is an excellent option for patients that cannot have surgery or...

Debilitating pain, post-op issues, and chronic pain can severely alter how you live your life. Unfortunately, it’s a hard concept for many people to understand if they aren’t dealing with pain daily. Chronic pain can be isolating and have lasting consequences that many people aren’t sure how to cope with....

Chronic pain is by no means a rare issue. As many as 8 in 10 American adults can experience chronic pain at some point in their lifetime. Commonly classified as any pain throughout the body that lasts for more than 12 weeks, chronic pain can have all manner of root causes,...

Back pain is one of the most commonly reported conditions when it comes to chronic pain throughout the body. And if prescription drugs and other treatments don’t work, your doctor may turn to back surgery as a seemingly logical next step. But both before and after the procedure, there may be lingering issues that...

Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons for a generalized doctor visit, and it’s easy to see why. Not only can chronic pain take a myriad of forms and impact virtually all areas in the body, but it’s often a problem without a simple solution. Unlike a cut or...

When you are suffering from chronic pain, opioids can seem like a viable option for obtaining some desperately-needed relief. Chronic pain, regardless of where it originates, can cause debilitating effects to your every day. From your ability to work to your ability to enjoy your loved ones and hobbies, it’s...

Many patients ask me what is the most missed, under diagnosed and un-treated condition in my field. My answer without hesitation is Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF). Why? Because of the performance gap in recognition. I spend a great deal of my time reminding providers about osteoporosis screening, treatment and complications....

Leg and back pain is a potentially debilitating condition, especially when it’s the result of a serious spinal injury. What’s more, arm and neck pain can be just as disabling. Whether you’ve suffered a sudden fall that resulted in a herniated disc or were involved in a car accident that...

Chronic pain can affect just about everything you do, from sitting and walking to standing and working. Usually, we manage chronic pain with non-surgical methods such as injections, nerve blocks, or oral medications. When these treatments fail and severe pain becomes a chronic condition, peripheral nerve stimulation implants may be the next...

Spinal cord stimulation is an innovative treatment option for people who suffer from chronic back pain. The minimally invasive surgery offers an alternative for those whose neck or back pain isn’t completely managed from other treatments, like opioids. The treatment reduces side effects, offers 24/7 relief and is safe while...

Chronic back, knee and hip pain can be debilitating for anyone. Depending on the level of pain, it can adversely affect your quality of life. Radiofrequency is a nondrug, nonsurgical alternative technique that has proven to provide safe and long-lasting pain relief. The treatment is a favorable option for alleviating...

Spinal cord stimulation is an alternative treatment for chronic back pain that has not responded to physical therapy, pain medication, and other conventional treatments. Chronic back pain caused by wear and tear, previous injuries, and even underlying medical conditions are usually managed with nonsurgical treatments. The treatments vary from limited...

Millions suffer from chronic pain daily. And because this condition is so widespread and individualized, it can lead to questions and plenty of confusion. As a result, patients tend to take a few missteps along the way to finding an effective treatment. Lost time Lost money Continual suffering So before...